Rusty Nuts: 2013 Southern Cross Road Rally

[insomnia01]

:yes: Who's going, 1st time for me :whistle::whistle: what advice can seasoned riders of this event give a newbie :corn:
I have booked my ferry & North isld accomodation ( Waihou Bay Motor lodge fully booked for the 12/3) sorting Sth isld Acc as I write, Looking at touring the Sth isld for a week after the event before meeting my ferry in Picton then spending a few days making my way home to the Waikato

[insomnia01]

if the abbreviation dont mean anything to you I was meaning the "Southern Cross Road Rally " organised by the Rustys

[Gremlin]

Sorry, meant to reply (I can change the title if you want, as well).

Ultimately, route choice is yours between the points, so you can do as little as you like, or as much. Mostly, there is only really one or two routes, and trying to make it fun usually results in a lot of extra kilometres. Just make sure you're at each checkpoint around midday, don't want to be late...

Otherwise, much like other events, keep drinking and eating, look after yourself and have fun... It's been on my to-do list 3 times now, first the bike was in the shop, second the BMW went field riding right before the SCRR doing the TT, this time I'm coming off the TT and don't really have the time to do 4 ferry crossings in the space of about a month... route kinda runs the wrong way for me, so I'll get there in the end.

[insomnia01]

I think the title has got most, so if you dont mind, :2thumbsup:2thumbsup Been on my "To Do " list ever since my first GC but never managed it.... loop suits me this time around + good time of year for me to take time off work which is booked :2thumbsup:2thumbsup Ferry is booked as well as accomadation for Nth isld, still working on Sth, any places you could recommend to stay down there that is cheap ? Loop for both islands is sorted & very managable, cant wait :wait:

[Gremlin]

Where are you looking for accommodation? I often stay in Picton at Tombstone Backpackers, but not the cheapest for a single (unless you bunk). Free brekkie of cereal, home baked scones etc.

Otherwise, I think so far my Christchurch guesses are more of a list of where not to stay ;)

I normally look for accommodation via www.bbh.co.nz as I'm not a flash hotel kind of person.

[FJRider]

:yes: Who's going, 1st time for me :whistle::whistle: what advice can seasoned riders of this event give a newbie :corn:
I have booked my ferry & North isld accomodation ( Waihou Bay Motor lodge fully booked for the 12/3) sorting Sth isld Acc as I write, Looking at touring the Sth isld for a week after the event before meeting my ferry in Picton then spending a few days making my way home to the Waikato

Stop when you need gas, food or sleep. When you stop get both food and gas. Sleep is optional.

Refuel the bike and yourself at the same time.

[Kickaha]

I did this on my Darmah back in the mid nineties, engine was rebuilt and put back in two days before I left, with all the side trips I knocked up a bit over 5000km that week it was an awesome ride

Don't think I can do it this time around but I might have to plan for the next one

[FJRider]

Otherwise, I think so far my Christchurch guesses are more of a list of where not to stay ;)



If he avoids Christchurch ... he'll be fine ...

[insomnia01]

the ferry transition was my only real concern but think I've got it sussed (tiedowns etc, etc ) for someone's first time on a ferry with bike got me a Top10 membership to get cheap cabins & national coverage....

[FJRider]

the ferry transition was my only real concern but think I've got it sussed (tiedowns etc, etc ) for someone's first time on a ferry with bike got me a Top10 membership to get cheap cabins & national coverage....

Don't forget your Passport ... ;)

[Highlander]

There are a few threads / Ride reports around from previous years, they tend to give a good overview of what to expect.
I rode most of it in Shafty's shadow in 2007 and through things largely beond my control have not done a second one.
Would love to do the 2013 but don't think I will get approval from the treasurer.

We left Tauranga on Sunday afternoon and when I got back sunday evening a week later had covered just short of 5500km what a fantastic week - wet and cold but loved it.

[Jantar]

...Would love to do the 2013 but don't think I will get approval from the treasurer.
.....

Sir Jym, Tell M that the treasurer gives her approval. If she really thinks you can't afford it then I know of a suitable job down south along similar lines to what you are currently doing that pays a bit more than it used to. (Colin W is retiring).

As I'll be in the north Island at Uni the week before then I guess I'd better do again.

[Jantar]

....I have booked my ferry & North isld accomodation ( Waihou Bay Motor lodge fully booked for the 12/3) sorting Sth isld Acc as I write, ....

I haven't fully planned this ride yet, but I'll be looking at somewhere around Otorohonga or Te Kuiti for the first night, maybe as far as Awakino. Opotoki or Te kaha for the second night. Kapiti Coast for the third night and first crossing in the morning. Kaikoura for the 4th night. Home for the fifth night, then an easy 2 - 3 hour ride to Bluff on the last morning.

[Gremlin]

the ferry transition was my only real concern but think I've got it sussed (tiedowns etc, etc ) for someone's first time on a ferry with bike got me a Top10 membership to get cheap cabins & national coverage....
Ferry booking codes should be available, otherwise see if the dates for the TT event are useful for your dates. Makes the ferry cheaper, but Interislander has got harsher and it's only a small discount when it used to be around 50%...

[insomnia01]

I haven't fully planned this ride yet, but I'll be looking at somewhere around Otorohonga or Te Kuiti for the first night, maybe as far as Awakino. Opotoki or Te kaha for the second night. Kapiti Coast for the third night and first crossing in the morning. Kaikoura for the 4th night. Home for the fifth night, then an easy 2 - 3 hour ride to Bluff on the last morning.

Ahipara Sun night for Cp1 Monday then Bellblock for Cp2 Tuesday, Waihau Bay for Cp3 Wednesday stay Wgtn for the night 8.25am ferry Thrusday stay Franz Josef for the night, a cruzy Friday ride to TeAnau then pop down to Bluff Saturday midday


Ferry booking codes should be available, otherwise see if the dates for the TT event are useful for your dates. Makes the ferry cheaper, but Interislander has got harsher and it's only a small discount when it used to be around 50%...

Got ticket all sussed thanks Alan :niceone: taking the Kaitaki down returning the following thursday on the Aratere do a week touring back as I have never been down south before :weep: should be good :2thumbsup

[Gremlin]

...do a week touring back as I have never been down south before :weep: should be good :2thumbsup
Enjoy matey... I head down every year now for the TT2000, but end up never spending enough time down there (usually a week)... I figure it's a good excuse to keep going back the following year :sweatdrop

[Hitcher]

Thanks for the reminder. Mrs H and I will fill out a couple of forms for the Southern Cross and for Grand Challenge XXVI.

[insomnia01]

Not long to go now my comrades :2thumbsup

[Jantar]

Looks like I'll have to miss this one now. Due to short staff at work I can't get the time off I need. However I'll still ride down to Bluff fot the saturday night.

[FJRider]

Looks like I'll have to miss this one now. Due to short staff at work I can't get the time off I need. However I'll still ride down to Bluff fot the saturday night.

What did the shorties do THIS time ... ???

[Jantar]

What did the shorties do THIS time ... ???
One transferred to Wellington, and the other one is retiring.

[FJRider]

One transferred to Wellington, and the other one is retiring.

Tell the boss to hire TALL staff. They're much more reliable ... :msn-wink:

[insomnia01]

I'll still ride down to Bluff for the saturday night.

Would be great to meet you Janter but can you answer for me a couple of Q's please....Does the after function carry on for long ? is it a meal/drink certificate presentation & a chin wag then bugger off or what ? Need to head off to a place called "Paradise" ( Alexander for short I think ) meeting up with a chap on a FJ :2thumbsup

[Jantar]

Would be great to meet you Janter but can you answer for me a couple of Q's please....Does the after function carry on for long ? is it a meal/drink certificate presentation & a chin wag then bugger off or what ? Need to head off to a place called "Paradise" ( Alexander for short I think ) meeting up with a chap on a FJ :2thumbsup

The badges are given as you complete the challenge between midday and 1:00 pm. Afetr that everyone goes to the eagle for a :drinkup:. The meal is early evening, and most people by this stage have had a few too many :apint: to ride anyway.

The trip from Bluff to Alexandra is only around 150 minutes. It would be Paradise except for a guy who rides an FJ who lives there. :innocent:

[insomnia01]

Cool !!! I'll hang around for awhile then carry on my merry way

[DEVVIL]

All booked and looking forward to it.
Eat fuel wee, Eat fuel wee got it.
Like a GC but with "some" sleep
Might look at the TT next year.

[banditrider]

Have fun guys, can't make it this year due to work. At least I got to the TT...

[insomnia01]

:headbang::headbang:Accomodation all booked, ferry booking confirmed :wait: picking up scooter tomorrow has had service, new tyres, fresh oil in front forks amongst other things :sweatdrop even managed to pick up a Gopro for the trip :clap::clap: route planned & sorted this will be awesome :headbang:

[FJRider]

The trip from Bluff to Alexandra is only around 150 minutes. It would be Paradise except for a guy who rides an FJ who lives there. :innocent:

Bloody out-of-towners ... :rolleyes:

It is a rat race ... but the rats here are slow runners ... :lol:

[shafty]

Correct me if I'm wrong but .....doesn't a Friday finish admit you to a rather exclusive group?

The Eagle night was a real highlight for me - book in and drag the FruJu Rider down......

All sorts of things can happen after a few coldies :clap:

[insomnia01]

Have I missed something Pete ? Friday is doable as I have a thursday am ferry but notes say Saturday :whistle:

[shafty]

Hi Mate

You've got me thinking now! Couldn't find a reference on Rustys site (quick look only) but page 5 reinforces my recall http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/49349-Southern-Cross-Report-from-Shafty

May be a " word of mouth thing"

A ride report is compulsory btw

Good luck

Pete

[kawaman]

I last did it in 2007 and it was a Friday finish for all. Think they changed it to Saturday after that.

[dogsnbikes]

First time for Dodgy & I but looking forward to it Can't Wait ......

[insomnia01]

I think all the heat & flack they have got over the past year or 2 has made them push it out to Saturday I dont know but its a cruise leaving East cape L/H on Wed & making Bluff by Sat... should be a blast :banana::banana::banana:

[MaxB]

By now most of you will be sorting your ride for run up to the Cape. Wish I was going.

Not all bad though, just spent my SCRR budget on a ZZR250 learner for the young fella.

Hope you guys have a blast and all come back safe n sound.

[insomnia01]

weather looks good for the first three check points with possible showers in the east cape region & south island, will be a blast

[FJRider]

weather looks good for the first three check points with possible showers in the east cape region & south island, will be a blast

Rain predicted around the East cape on Tuesday. The rest of the time ... pretty much clear.

However ... Rain is now being predicted on the lower south island west coast on Friday. Centered around Haast from the early daylight hours ... rain slowly moving north (and weakening) to about Fox/Franz by lunchtime. But rain still heavy over the Haast pass all day.

And you might need your wet gear mid day Saturday. It doesn't look like you'll bring it north to Paradise though.

[insomnia01]

that will give me a chance to try out my new rain suit, haven't had much call for it up these ways :sweatdrop