2014 TT2000 tips wanted [Archive]

biggo

26th July 2013, 07:02

nallac

26th July 2013, 09:21

The likes of these rides have always interested me.
I will have to give it a go one day...

banditrider

26th July 2013, 18:51

Just registered for next years TT2000 http://www.tt2000.org/index.html .

Never done this before so look forward to getting glued to my google maps for any spare time i get :rolleyes:

You can start in North or South island this year so I think Palmy start makes sense to me.

Any tips on getting through an event like this from the hardened endurance rider welcomed :clap:

The FJ will love it! Just plan your route carefully, in terms of timings I budget on 80km/h average speed (usually beat this but it's good to have time up ya sleeve). I can usually do 1,000km in 12.5hrs easily with a decent lunch break and all stops included. More stops = longer ride (funny that). Drink plenty, cruise at an easy pace for you.

Looking forward to it and definitely starting at Palmy.

DrunkenMistake

26th July 2013, 19:59

All going to plan im hoping to do this one

Gremlin

26th July 2013, 20:09

What sort of riding do you typically do? If it's 2-300km a day, then do some longer stuff, so you know what you're getting into. KoroJ on here organises the Capital 1000km Cruise (C1KC) from Wellington (main start) along with a few other places in the lower north island. You cover 1000km in a single day, cruising around the lower part of the island. I'd recommend doing that as a good taster, and you should be more familiar with the roads.

The bike should happily do it, make sure you have good rubber so you won't wear the tyre out mid trip, and give it a good service. You, make sure you keep hydrated and eating good food. Coffee and energy drinks are to be avoided. Stay warm and dry, so your body doesn't expend energy trying to keep you warm.

On average, it's 1000km a day, but you can bite off a chunk on Friday evening as well. In 2013 it was a cruisy one for me, close on to 200km on Friday, 1200km ish on Saturday and then a Sunday pootle of 600km, finishing mid afternoon. :scooter:

Half the fun of the event is absorbed in mapping programs refining a chosen route (or 5).

biggo

26th July 2013, 20:31

What sort of riding do you typically do? If it's 2-300km a day, then do some longer stuff, so you know what you're getting into. (or 5).

Often do 4-500km rides without too much problem. Can ride non stop between fuel stops enjoy just keeping a steady pace, past riding like a hero

KoroJ on here organises the Capital 1000km Cruise (C1KC) from Wellington (main start) along with a few other places in the lower north island. You cover 1000km in a single day, cruising around the lower part of the island. I'd recommend doing that as a good taster, and you should be more familiar with the roads. (or 5).

Sounds like a great idea I will put my name down for that one too.

The bike should happily do it, make sure you have good rubber so you won't wear the tyre out mid trip, and give it a good service. You, make sure you keep hydrated and eating good food. Coffee and energy drinks are to be avoided. Stay warm and dry, so your body doesn't expend energy trying to keep you warm. (or 5).

Bike should be ok did 8500kms over 3 weeks with a friend from UK this summer no problems. New Rubber will be fitted 4500kms in the south Island certainly took the edges off my tyres ;)

On average, it's 1000km a day, but you can bite off a chunk on Friday evening as well. In 2013 it was a cruisy one for me, close on to 200km on Friday, 1200km ish on Saturday and then a Sunday pootle of 600km, finishing mid afternoon. :scooter:

Half the fun of the event is absorbed in mapping programs refining a chosen route (or 5).

Jantar

26th July 2013, 20:33

I like the look of some of those North Island check points, so I may decide to start at Palmy North as well. I'll need to check on the ferry crossing crossing times though as there is no way I would spend all day saturday in the North island and miss those west coast points.

banditrider

26th July 2013, 20:46

Half the fun of the event is absorbed in mapping programs refining a chosen route (or 5).

You're not wrong - I think I had 8 routes worked out this year. Ended up taking 2 with me so we could choose which day to do the East Coast or West coast depending on weather. Weather ended up being a non issue - superb!

Ender EnZed

26th July 2013, 22:39

I think they should have gone for a mystery checkpoint (http://www.tt2000.org/mystery-checkpoint.html) that took more than 4 minutes on Google to identify.

Do they have those every year?

Jantar

26th July 2013, 22:42

I think they should have gone for a mystery checkpoint (http://www.tt2000.org/mystery-checkpoint.html) that took more than 4 minutes on Google to identify.

Do they have those every year?

Damn. And here I was thinking I'd be the only rider to know where it was.

Gremlin

26th July 2013, 22:55

I think they should have gone for a mystery checkpoint (http://www.tt2000.org/mystery-checkpoint.html) that took more than 4 minutes on Google to identify.

Damn. And here I was thinking I'd be the only rider to know where it was.
Throw a dog a bone :crybaby:

First year they have had a mystery checkpoint.

Rhubarb

30th July 2013, 09:05

I've completed the TT2000 for the last 3 years.

The 2014 route options and 45,000 points is quite a big ask.
Mt White (5,000pts) has 40km of gravel and 2 or 3 fords.
Bulwer (3,000pts) 73km of gravel

By my calculations .........

* 30+ hours on the bike
* Approximately 40 checkpoint stops

This is assuming I stay in the South Island and avoid long gravel roads.

There's lots of Google Map and GPS time to be spent between now and February 2014 :)

Jantar

30th July 2013, 14:42

I've been considering taking the DR this time instead of the GSX for around 25 hrs riding. Might have to make the seat a bit more comfy though.

NiggleC

3rd August 2013, 23:08

Email rec'd from Mike 8.05pm 2nd August - points requirement reduced to 35000. As I'll be heading up north in December I'll be sticking to the South Island.

yod

3rd August 2013, 23:17

The FJ will love it! Just plan your route carefully, in terms of timings I budget on 80km/h average speed (usually beat this but it's good to have time up ya sleeve). I can usually do 1,000km in 12.5hrs easily with a decent lunch break and all stops included. More stops = longer ride (funny that). Drink plenty, cruise at an easy pace for you.

Looking forward to it and definitely starting at Palmy.

you can start in palmy???

:shifty::shifty::shifty:

banditrider

4th August 2013, 09:13

you can start in palmy???

:shifty::shifty::shifty:

Why yes I can...

biggo

4th August 2013, 10:19

Spent a good few hours on google maps and Tyre (http://www.tyretotravel.com/) working out various options.

The reduction in point to 35000 seems much more achievable for someone like myself who has not attempted an event like this before.

Had a ride out to find some of the north island checkpoints to get a feel of how well the gps would hone into them. Good fun abut 400kms and getting my head around the idea.

Spot Points here (https://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=778251fd80888de2a)

Starting in Palmy but not sure if I should head to south island Friday or Saturday . Would like to spend more time down south so I make aim to head down for early Sat ferry.

:niceone:

nzspokes

4th August 2013, 10:23

Do you guys run drinking systems?

I dehydrate fast on long rides.

banditrider

4th August 2013, 10:36

Do you guys run drinking systems?

I dehydrate fast on long rides.

I've got a camelbak but so far never used it. I'm the same and reckon drinking is more important than eating on a decent ride. The TT is pretty cruisy so you've got plenty of time to stop for a drink (gotta stop for those pics anyway). Otherwise the bike and I have a drink every 350km.

Biggest thing is not to stress and just enjoy the ride.

nzspokes

4th August 2013, 19:13

I've got a camelbak but so far never used it. I'm the same and reckon drinking is more important than eating on a decent ride. The TT is pretty cruisy so you've got plenty of time to stop for a drink (gotta stop for those pics anyway). Otherwise the bike and I have a drink every 350km.

Biggest thing is not to stress and just enjoy the ride.

Im not thinking on the TT but for my long rides. I dehydrate fast. I have ended up in hospital more than once because of it. I use a camel back for offroad and its great but hate having stuff on my back on the road bike.

Jantar

4th August 2013, 19:45

.Starting in Palmy but not sure if I should head to south island Friday or Saturday . Would like to spend more time down south so I make aim to head down for early Sat ferry.

:niceone:

I'm also considering a Palmy start. Some of those NI checkpoints are places I haven't visited before. I also want to get the mystery checkpoint in SI, so Like you I would look at an early saturday crossing back to the south island. Maybe the 2:25 am interislander or 8:00 am Bluebridge. I note the early morning Bluebridge doesn't operate on Saturdays.

Gremlin

4th August 2013, 19:45

Im not thinking on the TT but for my long rides. I dehydrate fast. I have ended up in hospital more than once because of it. I use a camel back for offroad and its great but hate having stuff on my back on the road bike.
You should also hydrate the day before, in prep for the following day. Can't remember the specifics, but did it during my cycling days.

If you have no need for the toilet, then you are definitely not drinking enough. Each person is different and will require hydration in varying levels. I have a hydrabak, but also find I can carry bottles and drink at stops. I don't dehydrate very quickly on a long road ride, but will need more during adventure riding.

NiggleC

4th August 2013, 20:01

Do you guys run drinking systems?

I dehydrate fast on long rides.

I used a camel back on the 2012 ride and didn't bother with it on the 2013 version. If you dehydrate fast then just stop every 100km's, open you bag, have a swig of water and get underway again. As long as you are organised and repeat the same movements every drink stop you'll be underway in about 1 minute.

nzspokes

4th August 2013, 20:07

You should also hydrate the day before, in prep for the following day. Can't remember the specifics, but did it during my cycling days.

If you have no need for the toilet, then you are definitely not drinking enough. Each person is different and will require hydration in varying levels. I have a hydrabak, but also find I can carry bottles and drink at stops. I don't dehydrate very quickly on a long road ride, but will need more during adventure riding.

Yes I do the pre-hydrate thing. But I can go from ok to bad in half an hour. I may just get a tank bag and do the short stops. Chuck a hose on the bottle so I dont need to take me helmet off.

Then again I could just use a throttle lock and do it on the move. Also ex-cyclist.

Rhubarb

4th August 2013, 21:42

Then again I could just use a throttle lock and do it on the move. Also ex-cyclist.

A pump bottle fits neatly in between the handle bars and screen, and I have a flip front helmet.

Replenish and ride (not on the open road, only in the lower speed area's around the towns).

I buy a product for the guys at work called Squincher. It rehydrates, replaces electrolytes and is sugar free.

The Boulevard has a small tank with a V-twin thirst so I'm stopping every 200km anyway.

caspernz

4th August 2013, 21:57

But I can go from ok to bad in half an hour.

That statement there is the worrying one...and yet you wanna contemplate an endurance race...sorry...ride?

Many moons ago I employed the tankbag and a sucky hose thingeemajig. I suppose this was before the old camelback became an acceptable accessory for non-sporting applications :lol:

Nowadays I just stop every couple of hours to fuel the bike and the body :banana:

nzspokes

4th August 2013, 22:18

That statement there is the worrying one...and yet you wanna contemplate an endurance race...sorry...ride?

Many moons ago I employed the tankbag and a sucky hose thingeemajig. I suppose this was before the old camelback became an acceptable accessory for non-sporting applications :lol:

Nowadays I just stop every couple of hours to fuel the bike and the body :banana:

Sorry, I dont want to do the TT. It was a general question to those that do the long rides.

These days I have a better understanding of whats going on and I drink a lot more.

STJim

15th September 2013, 13:55

I have only just noticed this thread. I am registered. I am starting at Bunnythorpe on the Friday evening. I am heading straight out to collect the north Island 500 pointer. Looking to end up in Masterton on Friday night at about 10 pm having done about 270 kms.
I am going to spend most of Saturday in the North Island clocking up another 700 kms. and catching the 6.30 pm Interislander on Saturday evening. I will stay over in Blenheim planning to be on the road at about 4.30 am. heading straight down to Westport collecting any points I pass on the way. I will then head north for the point points fest including the mystery check point. I will then come back to Christchurch over the Lewis Pass including a swing around through Darfeild. I am aiming to finish at about 5.30 pm. on the Sunday.
Just a word of caution it might be wise to book your ferry crossing sooner rather than later. I left my ferry booking until early this month. When I first looked there were no places available on the 6.30 sailing on the Saturday. I checked again later to find that extra places had been allocated and I managed to get my booking in place.

banditrider

22nd September 2013, 20:41

A quick recce today: http://banditrider.blogspot.co.nz/2013/09/recce-in-wairarapa.html

biggo

8th February 2014, 21:10

Only 2 weeks to go now :msn-wink:

Done a few practice runs around the North Island checkpoints to get my head around a routine at checkpoints. All good a couple of 600 km runs over the last few weeks.

Have decided to do my whole rally in South Island now due to uncertainty with Ferry's . Got my routes locked in accommodation booked fuel stops planned so should be good to go.

Lets hope the weather gods are kind to us now :niceone:

Gremlin

8th February 2014, 23:50

I hope it's a great run for all riders. Skipping this one for several reasons, let's hope it's business as usual 2015 :rolleyes:

banditrider

9th February 2014, 07:08

Have decided to do my whole rally in South Island now due to uncertainty with Ferry's . Got my routes locked in accommodation booked fuel stops planned so should be good to go.

Lets hope the weather gods are kind to us now :niceone:

Likewise, all South Island for me too. Everything booked for me too. Just got to put new front pads in the bike, give her a bath, load up and I'm on my way.

Jantar

9th February 2014, 12:31

I'll be missing this again (2nd year in a row). But 2 trips to Hamilton this year, and a month off work for each of them, eats into the time available for recreational motorcycling. I hope all riders have a great time.

FJRider

9th February 2014, 15:28

Sorry, I dont want to do the TT. It was a general question to those that do the long rides.

These days I have a better understanding of whats going on and I drink a lot more.

A drink bottle securely stashed with a length of small dia hose that can reach your mouth. A short 90 degree bend to fit into your mouth either through the visor space or up from the bottom. It can be done left handed.

If you are drinking plenty ... you'll probably need a pee stop anyway ...

FJRider

9th February 2014, 15:36

Often do 4-500km rides without too much problem. Can ride non stop between fuel stops enjoy just keeping a steady pace, past riding like a hero

Think about the time you did your last 500 km day ride ... then imagine doing it at least Four (minimum distance to get the badge) consecutive times ...

For the first timers ... the last 500 is hard ...

nzspokes

9th February 2014, 15:43

A drink bottle securely stashed with a length of small dia hose that can reach your mouth. A short 90 degree bend to fit into your mouth either through the visor space or up from the bottom. It can be done left handed.

If you are drinking plenty ... you'll probably need a pee stop anyway ...

Have started using Hammer Nutrition hydration products. Mainly endurlite tablets which seem to have resolved most of the problem.

Pro tip, you dont need to stop to pee.........:confused:

FJRider

9th February 2014, 15:49

Have started using Hammer Nutrition hydration products. Mainly endurlite tablets which seem to have resolved most of the problem.

Pro tip, you dont need to stop to pee.........:confused:

Pro tip (2) ... no kinks ...

And a 5 minute stop between fills can take care of many issues that need done.

biggo

9th February 2014, 16:00

Think about the time you did your last 500 km day ride ... then imagine doing it at least Four (minimum distance to get the badge) consecutive times ...

For the first timers ... the last 500 is hard ...

Did the Wellington C1KC a few months back as a trial for this. I personally found that at about 650 kms I was really feeling it, but then got a sort of second breath. I did 1250kms that day and felt much better than I thought I might. Looking forward to it now 250 kms Friday Night. just over 1000km Saturday and about 850 Km Sunday . At least the roads should be quiet . Just been out for a ride and the roads around here are manic ( Kapiti Coast )

FJRider

9th February 2014, 16:09

Did the Wellington C1KC a few months back as a trial for this. I personally found that at about 650 kms I was really feeling it, but then got a sort of second breath. I did 1250kms that day and felt much better than I thought I might. Looking forward to it now 250 kms Friday Night. just over 1000km Saturday and about 850 Km Sunday . At least the roads should be quiet . Just been out for a ride and the roads around here are manic ( Kapiti Coast )

I've done six Chatto Creek 1000 Mile Challenge's (1635 km's with 24 hours allowed to complete it) ...

But when you complete the TT2000 ... you will be aware there is nowhere in the north island you can't reach in a day ride ... easily ...

Jantar

9th February 2014, 17:25

I've done six Chatto Creek 1000 Mile Challenge's (1635 km's with 24 hours allowed to complete it) ...

But when you complete the TT2000 ... you will be aware there is nowhere in the north island you can't reach in a day ride ... easily ...
And that is from the South Island. :lol:

Gremlin

9th February 2014, 18:33

A drink bottle securely stashed with a length of small dia hose that can reach your mouth. A short 90 degree bend to fit into your mouth either through the visor space or up from the bottom. It can be done left handed.
Hydrabak and Flip front helmet. Lift the jaw when cruising through towns or filling up, and you're able to have a quick drink. Towns are also a good time to stretch the legs, stand on the pegs etc.

STJim

10th February 2014, 12:03

My route is carefully planned. 270 kms on Friday night. 793 on Saturday before catching the ferry at 5 pm. the a cruse down to Blenheim. 926 kms on Sunday. I intend to be on the Road at 4 am both Saturday and Sunday mornings.
I'll look forward to swapping stories at the finish on Sunday evening.:wari:

banditrider

10th February 2014, 17:41

264, 991 and 784km - all in the South Island. Looking forward to visiting the Grand Canyon, never been there before - people say it's impressive...

Shadowjack

11th February 2014, 08:01

Well, if it's anything like the Niagara Falls...

insomnia01

11th February 2014, 11:56

Looking forward to visiting the Grand Canyon, never been there before - people say it's impressive...

never been there myself but now I know where it is :woohoo: i'll check it out when I'm down there in March.... looks impressive on Google maps streetview :yes:

banditrider

11th February 2014, 16:36

never been there myself but now I know where it is :woohoo: i'll check it out when I'm down there in March.... looks impressive on Google maps streetview :yes:

True. Will let you know...

whatastoner

15th February 2014, 17:50

Gremlin, Jantar, you will be sadly missed this year. Next time eh?
Gavin, Jeff and myself, BMW and two Africa Twins, are starting Nth Island and risking the ferry timetables.
741 Friday. 787 Saturday, and 774 Sunday. These are approximate distances. Will find out the true distance. Don't forget to take a photo of your odometer at the start.

Hopefully see many of you out there, but that doesn't always happen, depending on ones route.

wpoll

17th February 2014, 19:41

Two days until its time to make my way North. Heading up the Rainbow on Thursday as a warm up for the TT. Planning to do 270, 1150 and 900 but I think the weather has other ideas... :weep:

biggo

20th February 2014, 05:00

Two days until its time to make my way North. Heading up the Rainbow on Thursday as a warm up for the TT. Planning to do 270, 1150 and 900 but I think the weather has other ideas... :weep:

Heading south on the ferry today :banana: Looks like the weather men have changed their minds since earlier in the week after I re proofed my waterproof gear :weird: Anyway my first TT 2000 so I think I am well prepared Im sure I will have forgotten something but never mind just going to have a good time. See you all in Christchurch Sunday :bleh:

banditrider

20th February 2014, 09:33

Heading south on the ferry today :banana: Looks like the weather men have changed their minds since earlier in the week after I re proofed my waterproof gear :weird: Anyway my first TT 2000 so I think I am well prepared Im sure I will have forgotten something but never mind just going to have a good time. See you all in Christchurch Sunday :bleh:

Seeya down there. I'm coming across tomorrow. Hoping for cooler weather...

STJim

20th February 2014, 19:09

Heading from Hamilton to Bunnythorp tomorrow. Leaving the Tron at about 10.30 am if I can get away by then.

STJim

25th February 2014, 16:32

I arrived back home in the very earl hours of this morning (1.am approx.) This was the hardest tt2000 of the three that I have done. I will try and complete "a blog" in the next week or so.
I am looking forward to reading everyone else's writes ups as well.

biggo

25th February 2014, 20:41

Got home last night after a fantastic weekend on the TT2000 :clap::clap:

After months of planning and playing with differant route options all worked out well. Did my KMs and points required with a bit to spare. Got slightly off track a couple of times . Meet some really great people and was able to put some faces to the names on KB .
Had a real blast bring on next years :eek:

Will do a write up at the weekend should have caught up on my sleep by then :yawn::yawn:

banditrider

27th February 2014, 12:57

No write-up yet but I did some Google Maps of my routes: http://banditrider.blogspot.co.nz/2014/02/home-again.html

KoroJ

27th February 2014, 19:47

Here's my saga.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/3311-2014-TT2000-%E2%80%93-The-Best-Laid-Plans!-%28Part-1%29

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/3312-2014-TT2000-%96-The-Best-Laid-Plans!-%28Part-2%29

Frustrating at times but bloody good fun all the same!

I guess I'll have to wait until October for the 'North Island 1600' for the next decent ride?

STJim

3rd March 2014, 09:55

I have completed my blog Friday night and Saturday. See link below.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/3339-TT-2000-First-2-Days

banditrider

4th March 2014, 20:25

Here's mine: http://banditrider.weebly.com/2014-tt2000.html

Gremlin

4th March 2014, 21:44

Enjoying the reading guys :yes:

STJim

8th March 2014, 13:01

The link to the continuation of my blog is below

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/3382-TT-2000-Continued

biggo

10th March 2014, 17:52

My blog write up

http://biggsbiking.blogspot.co.nz/2014/03/tt2000-2014.html

veldthui

12th March 2014, 00:52

I didn't quite make it this year but was on track. Did the bit down the east coast of the NI and got to Wellington at about 12:30am after an extremely windy ride over the ranges. Then a quick trip up to get the Kapiti photo and was in the hotel back in Wellington by 2am. Caught the 9am ferry over (was supposed to be 2:30am but hey). Cross the top of the South collecting points along the way and then down to end up in Westport about 9pm as it was raining. No fuel open so decided to go to my motel. Quick trip back into town to see if anything was open for a feed but nothing.
Then did the stupid thing and as I pulled out from a shop I somehow managed to drop the bike. Must have been pulling out too slowely and crash it went with a loud ping as the clutch lever went flying over the road.
After getting an assist to haul it back up, surveyed the damage. Scratched mirror, front fairing, pannier cracked and scratched. The main was the broken clutch lever which left me able to get 1 finger on it to use it. Tried it out in the morning and was not practicalble to carry on. As it was my finger was raw by the time I got back to picton even though I did not use the clutch that often.

Was on track as well and it was a toughy one.

STJim

12th March 2014, 08:22