North Island 1,600 -- 11 & 12 October 2014

[Hitcher]

North Island 1,600 - 11 & 12 October 2014

Are you a rider who enjoys riding long distances? Do you love riding through the night? Would you like to see some of the North Island's more obscure sealed by-ways? Enjoy the company of others afflicted by the same disease?

The you should open your calendars and mark 11 & 12 October 2014.

The North Island 1,600 is on its way!

It's not a race. It's an endurance ride, intended to capture the spirit of previous similar North Island events. Yet it's also all new, and will have it's own personality and way of getting things done.

There's more information about this event on the website www.distanceriders.org.nz

Sign up for the newsletter on the website so you get regular updates.

We'll need a capable non-riding team for this event to make sure everything runs smoothly, so volunteers for those roles will be highly valued.

There's a lot of work going on getting this organised.

[Hitcher]

Arrangements for this year's North Island 1,600 event are well underway.

NZ Distance Riders' March newsletter sets out the details. http://bit.ly/1nXTcOp

Download a registration form off the website and make sure you're at Turangi on Saturday 11 October ready to roll. You know you want to! http://bit.ly/1ijO1a6

[cafe]

Fantastic ! Well done guys, hope it all comes together. Nothing compares with a Grandy !

Already in Calendar, see you there !

[nonie]

I'm there:yes:

[Hitcher]

It's getting closer to 11-12 October. If you're keen to join up with some elite riders on a distance event, then you'll need to register!

http://bit.ly/1kFpJoy

[roy.nz]

Sounds fantastic. I am in.

[Wiki Drifter]

Sweet....will register once I get my leave confirmed.

Will there be 5 checkpoints like the GC?

[Hitcher]

Will there be 5 checkpoints like the GC?

7:00pm on Friday 10 October will reveal all. Remember that the North Island 1,600 isn't a Grand Challenge. It will develop its own "traditions".

[MarkH]

Hmmm, this event is something that I'll consider!

[Hitcher]

Hmmm, this event is something that I'll consider!

What's to consider? Fill out an online form or download one from www.distanceriders.org.nz and make it happen!

[Zapf]

I'll be there!

[Hitcher]

The Distance Riders' latest newsletter is just out! Read a copy at this link.

http://bit.ly/1tFzR5H

Spread the word and get your riding mates excited. Get yourself excited too -- aroused enough to complete and send in an Entry Form!

[Ulsterkiwi]

disappointed I cannot take part as I am on my restricted, riding through the night clearly presents a problem .....duhhhh......:wacko:

[Graelin]

I used to love riding through the night in NZ.

I will be riding around Australia 26July to 26 August 14,500 kilometres Black Dog Around Australia Ride raising awareness of depression and suicide prevention.

[Hitcher]

Check out our latest newsletter. http://bit.ly/1pP5byd

Remember that we're not only looking for lots of keen riders for October, but also a bunch of keen volunteers prepared to work behind the scenes to make sure this is an outstanding event!

[shafty]

Great to see this event/organisation happening and I'd be either entering or volunteering, if I wasn't still in the US til November

All the best with this

[Hitcher]

NZ Distance Riders latest newsletter is out!

Time to get entered people! Or to volunteer for our Support Crew!

http://bit.ly/1rD9sGN

[awa355]

Have applied to get the time off work. Cant get leave okayed untill August. Will help out as a support person if the leave is granted.

[Hitcher]

Will help out as a support person if the leave is granted.

Send Distance Riders an email or use the feedback form on the Contact Us page at www.distanceriders.org.nz if you'd like more details about the support crew roles we're looking for.

[GrayWolf]

NZ Distance Riders latest newsletter is out!

Time to get entered people! Or to volunteer for our Support Crew!

http://bit.ly/1rD9sGN

I'm waiting to see if they csn get some local garages open along the route... I cant achieve the long leg spoken of, and will not carry petrol in soft panniers (my only option)

[Hitcher]

I'm waiting to see if they csn get some local garages open along the route... I cant achieve the long leg spoken of, and will not carry petrol in soft panniers (my only option)

Read the newsletter. The gas gap has been closed from 240km to 165km. We're now expecting your entry...

[GrayWolf]

Read the newsletter. The gas gap has been closed from 240km to 165km. We're now expecting your entry...

Settle pettle... "We're now expecting your entry.." :bleh:

I hadnt read the newsletter at that time...... and my entry will be forthcoming!

[whatastoner]

I'll be coming up for this one. Looking forward to some new roads and maybe a familiar face or two.

[Hitcher]

I'll be coming up for this one. Looking forward to some new roads and maybe a familiar face or two.

There will be new roads. You'll have to take your chances with those familiar faces.

[whatastoner]

Anything north of Bunnythorpe will be new to me.

[whatastoner]

Out of interest. How many riders have signed up for the event?

[Hitcher]

Out of interest. How many riders have signed up for the event?

Currently about 30, with a bunch more loitering with intent.

[KoroJ]

Currently about 30, with a bunch more loitering with intent.

With only 3 1/2 weeks to the entry cut-off, you loiterers need to get off your butts and commit. Come on guys....and guyesses?!

[whatastoner]

Thanks. 30+ is a good sized entry for a first year event. The last time the Chatto Creek 1000 ran, I think there were five of us.

[insomnia01]

any thoughts for the future of running a concept similar to the Southern Cross Road Rally ? :2thumbsup for bringing the NI1600 to life by the way ;)

[Hitcher]

any thoughts for the future of running a concept similar to the Southern Cross Road Rally ? :2thumbsup for bringing the NI1600 to life by the way ;)

Once we get the NI1600 out of the way we'll have some discussions with the Rusty Nuts (now under new management) about the events they wish to continue with, and how we can jointly coordinate to make those happen.

[insomnia01]

Once we get the NI1600 out of the way we'll have some discussions with the Rusty Nuts (now under new management) about the events they wish to continue with, and how we can jointly coordinate to make those happen.

got any contact details for what's remaining of the Rusty's?? they still owe me for finishing the last SCRR & after various emails from Lee I still haven't seen anything :angry2:

[banditrider]

got any contact details for what's remaining of the Rusty's?? they still owe me for finishing the last SCRR & after various emails from Lee I still haven't seen anything :angry2:

Be interested to see if they intend to fix people up after past issues. I'm still awaiting a 10 year mug and badge...

Looking forward to the NI1600 though! :scooter:

If you're after a mini-Southern X, the Manawatu Ulysses 4 points is on starting the weekend after the NI1600. I'll be doing it over about 4-5 days and with the route I've planned (circumnavigation of the NI) I'll end up with nearly 5,300km in 6 days when the NI1600 is added to it (with just a few days off in between).

[whatastoner]

Those guys seem pretty tight. Rusty by name and nature.

[insomnia01]

Those guys seem pretty tight. Rusty by name and nature.

the " Tight " bunch that are close to Lee got their SCRR badges from my understanding F*%#K everyone else

[Hitcher]

While it's irksome not to get things that were promised and included in the price of an event, please note that the Rusty's are gearing up to enter a new era under new management, as it were.

They're not interested in organising events like the North Island 1,600 but several of the former Rustys are helping as part of our support crew.

I understand that they are interested in continuing the more "social" events that the Rustys used to organise, like the Southern Cross and the Icons Tours. I guess they'll raise awareness about those when they're ready to deliver. If they do, then the Distance Riders are happy to support them and help to promote those events, just as we do for other distance rides.

[Hitcher]

It's just over a month until the North Island 1,600's Official Starter waves the field away. It's not too late to get an entry lodged -- but it will be after Friday 26 September. Don't delay, get that entry form away!

http://bit.ly/1rSBoda

[breakaway]

How strict is the no pillion rule? Would love to bring the mrs along on the back.

[KoroJ]

How strict is the no pillion rule? Would love to bring the mrs along on the back.

Feel free to bring her along for the weekend, but that would be a big No to doing the 1600 with a pillion.

[Hitcher]

Friday 25 September is the deadline for registrations for this year’s North Island 1,600 that will roll out of Turangi from 1:00pm on Saturday 11 October.

If you’ve been mulling over doing another 1,600km event, or deciding whether to do your first, then your Mulling Machine needs to start shifting gears!

The field currently stands at 30 registered riders from all around the country riding a smorgasbord of machines. Some highly seasoned, others lightly sprinkled. Most of these fine folk are known to the Organising Group, and are a great bunch of elite riders.

So why not join them?

Daylight saving will be running. There will be a full moon up at night. The Christmas Rush season will be fast approaching. Spend some quality time with your bike and see some parts of the North Island you may not have even knew existed. Go on, you know you want to…

Register on our website or download a registration form off the same page.

http://www.distanceriders.org.nz/the-north-island-1600.html

Twist the arms of some of your like-minded mates.

Turangi is calling…

[Hitcher]

Plugz 4 Lugz will be on site at Turangi from 9:00am on Saturday 11 October.

Here's a chance to get some custom ear plugs made prior to a big ride.

The Plugz team say this an opportunity to fulfill two things at once - get plugged and do the distance. It will also save riders time and miles if they don't have to swing by Plugz base in Rotorua.

More information about Plugz range of plugs, intercoms and such can be found here: http://www.bike2bike.co.nz/plugz__4_lugz.htm

[Hitcher]

See what all the fuss and excitement in Turangi this evening is all about...

http://www.distanceriders.org.nz/2014-north-island-1600.html

[insomnia01]

See what all the fuss and excitement in Turangi this evening is all about...

http://www.distanceriders.org.nz/2014-north-island-1600.html

stop rubbing it in Brett :angry: I'm already kicking myself that I'm unable to do the very first NI1600 :argh: even the C1KC is looking like it maybe a miss for me this year BUT I'm sure as hell NOT missing out on the TT2000 :nono: all the best for those giving it a go :niceone: PS i'll be watching the lappy for updates as per James

[banditrider]

Had a great run and the weather was perfect (except for a little rain in the Wairarapa). The guys did a great job organising the route book and all the other little things that were needed to pull things off successfully. One of the highlights for me was the run out to Ngawi as I hadn't been out there before and it was in perfect conditions. Also, after a quick top-up in Bulls I got my act together and really enjoyed the last 800km or so.

Thanks guys, I had a ball!

[GrayWolf]

Firstly, congrats to the organisers of the event.... it was a simply fantastic ride. A couple of 'last minute' purchases helped ( Venture pack rack & 5 ltr petrol can). There was only really one 'hitch' in the whole ride, completely out of the organisers control.. the bloody eftpos/creditcard servo at Martinboro' decided to 'shit itself'. Only having a 220/230 max (out of gas) range that almost did my ride. I'd have run out somewhere near the top of the Taka's. I was fortunate one of the group I was in had a mate in Marty with a 10ltr fuel can. (thank you, Stretch & Bruce). Yup I was one of the teeny weeny tankers! (note to organisers, it hurts ya know, to be frequently reminded on the route notes you only have a teeny weeny one!) :bleh:
Weather apart from a wee rain splatter in the 'Rapa, was fantastic, not too hot, not too cold (unless 1 degree is cold for you) :baby: I've not traveled this kind of distance in one hit for many years, and I can assure anyone 1000 miles in a day in Europe is a cake walk (UK to Spain) compared. This is a true 'challenge' on NZ roads, to maintain a good average speed.
With extra fuel (can) and more frequent stop than my group mates needed (thank you guys for your patience) the MT was a reasonable mount to achieve it on. Gel seat pad is a 'must' :msn-wink: That big lazy motor is 'effortless' over the distance, performance was adequate but obviously when you are with some heavy duty uber tourers you may need to work sometimes. The bikes a good size for me and has a nice wide seat for a big fat arse! but, the fuel range was a 'killer' in all honesty. Plus the (errrrr they are standard mufflers occifer) 'fruity'? big V-twin sound is a tad noticeable in the still of the night on quiet roads! :devil2:
At first I thought the amount of checkpoints and required photos was a bit overkill, but on discussion after, it's actually a good idea, it DOES get you off the bike for a quick leg stretch and allows quick communication between your group. The manned checkpoints were just about 'spot on' for the distance/time on the road to see if anyone was in real difficulty, obviously experience of distance riding showed through from the organisers.
Will/Would I do it again? Hell yes, but I would seriously need to have/use a different bike if riding in a similar group in future. The MT-01 made it a 'real challenge' and that was enough of that experience. :rolleyes:
Anyone who really fancies themselves as a 'distance rider' (if you consider a 4-500km ride a Sunday jaunt) look for next years event, it's given me the long distance bug again!! :lol:

[banditrider]

Firstly, congrats to the organisers of the event.... it was a simply fantastic ride. A couple of 'last minute' purchases helped ( Venture pack rack & 5 ltr petrol can). There was only really one 'hitch' in the whole ride, completely out of the organisers control.. the bloody eftpos/creditcard servo at Martinboro' decided to 'shit itself'. Only having a 220/230 max (out of gas) range that almost did my ride. I'd have run out somewhere near the top of the Taka's. I was fortunate one of the group I was in had a mate in Marty with a 10ltr fuel can. (thank you, Stretch & Bruce). Yup I was one of the teeny weeny tankers! (note to organisers, it hurts ya know, to be frequently reminded on the route notes you only have a teeny weeny one!) :bleh:
Weather apart from a wee rain splatter in the 'Rapa, was fantastic, not too hot, not too cold (unless 1 degree is cold for you) :baby: I've not traveled this kind of distance in one hit for many years, and I can assure anyone 1000 miles in a day in Europe is a cake walk (UK to Spain) compared. This is a true 'challenge' on NZ roads, to maintain a good average speed.
With extra fuel (can) and more frequent stop than my group mates needed (thank you guys for your patience) the MT was a reasonable mount to achieve it on. Gel seat pad is a 'must' :msn-wink: That big lazy motor is 'effortless' over the distance, performance was adequate but obviously when you are with some heavy duty uber tourers you may need to work sometimes. The bikes a good size for me and has a nice wide seat for a big fat arse! but, the fuel range was a 'killer' in all honesty. Plus the (errrrr they are standard mufflers occifer) 'fruity'? big V-twin sound is a tad noticeable in the still of the night on quiet roads! :devil2:
At first I thought the amount of checkpoints and required photos was a bit overkill, but on discussion after, it's actually a good idea, it DOES get you off the bike for a quick leg stretch and allows quick communication between your group. The manned checkpoints were just about 'spot on' for the distance/time on the road to see if anyone was in real difficulty, obviously experience of distance riding showed through from the organisers.
Will/Would I do it again? Hell yes, but I would seriously need to have/use a different bike if riding in a similar group in future. The MT-01 made it a 'real challenge' and that was enough of that experience. :rolleyes:
Anyone who really fancies themselves as a 'distance rider' (if you consider a 4-500km ride a Sunday jaunt) look for next years event, it's given me the long distance bug again!! :lol:

Good onya - a small tank definitely makes thing a bit more interesting. BTW: I thought she sounded fantastic!

[banditrider]

Here's the linky to my write-up: http://banditrider.weebly.com/2014-ni1600.html

[Gremlin]

I have no idea what you buggers are complaining about? Can't everyone do 600km on a tank? :dodge:

[Wiki Drifter]

There was only really one 'hitch' in the whole ride, completely out of the organisers control.. the bloody eftpos/creditcard servo at Martinboro' decided to 'shit itself'. Only having a 220/230 max (out of gas) range that almost did my ride. I'd have run out somewhere near the top of the Taka's. I was fortunate one of the group I was in had a mate in Marty with a 10ltr fuel can.

That Martinborough BP threw a spanner in the works for me also. Filled up at Ngawi using my 5 liter can with a sense of dread and was completely out of fuel just before the Brown Owl. Luckily I had enough momentum to roll into the station with a dead engine. :eek5: Then I ran out fuel the second time a few hundred meters from Z Turangi, but that was due to my miscalculation. :pinch:

Big thanks to the organisers, it was a fantastic ride. :banana:

[insomnia01]

Here's the linky to my write-up: http://banditrider.weebly.com/2014-ni1600.html

great write up Andrew ;) seriously liking/considering getting a Connie for future touring :shutup:

[banditrider]

great write up Andrew ;) seriously liking/considering getting a Connie for future touring :shutup:

Thanks! Everyone needs a Connie!

[MarkH]

I have no idea what you buggers are complaining about? Can't everyone do 600km on a tank? :dodge:

Hell no!
I have to take it easy to get a measly 500kms!

[Gremlin]

I have to take it easy to get a measly 500kms!
Oh, if we're taking it easy, I've done 750km (with a little left)... 600km is what I can get most of the time, even getting a shifty on :yes:

[GrayWolf]

Oh, if we're taking it easy, I've done 750km (with a little left)... 600km is what I can get most of the time, even getting a shifty on :yes:

Sometimes, you can REALLY go off people!!! :whistle::bleh:

[Shadowrider]

[QUOTE=GrayWolf;1130780982]Firstly, congrats to the organisers of the event.... it was a simply fantastic ride. A couple of 'last minute' purchases helped ( Venture pack rack & 5 ltr petrol can). There was only really one 'hitch' in the whole ride, completely out of the organisers control.. the bloody eftpos/creditcard servo at Martinboro' decided to 'shit itself'. Only having a 220/230 max (out of gas) range that almost did my ride. I'd have run out somewhere near the top of the Taka's.

I was also a 'teeny-tanker' to some degree, as it was me & riding buddy who KoroJ tooted at in Hastings for missing Highway 50 turn-off as we shot into Omahu Caltex for gas. BUT the HUGE lifesaver for me was a 'punter' coming out of Ngawi Community Centre who chatted with us for a few mins & I jokingly said to him, "You wouldn't have 5lts of gas in your shed?", thinking he was a local. As it turned out he was part of an inter-club fishing comp, but was more than willing to help me out. Absolute lifesaver whoever he was. I paid a small premium for it but well worth it. Goes to show it still helps to carry bit of cash too eh!
Well done team, look forward to catching up with everyone next year.

[Zapf]

That Martinborough BP threw a spanner in the works for me also. Filled up at Ngawi using my 5 liter can with a sense of dread and was completely out of fuel just before the Brown Owl. Luckily I had enough momentum to roll into the station with a dead engine. :eek5: Then I ran out fuel the second time a few hundred meters from Z Turangi, but that was due to my miscalculation. :pinch:

Big thanks to the organisers, it was a fantastic ride. :banana:

Well done Wiki, its your first 1600 finish :) make sure you come back for more.

[awa355]

I have sent in an online entry for this years 1000k cruise. I also sent a 2nd email via the website asking about the timeframe over which the 1k cruise is run. I received a bbc copy to my gmail acc, so not sure if my sent email went to the distance riders website or just back to my acc. Can one of the ringleaders confirm the time allowed to do the 1000k cruise? Thank you.

[insomnia01]

I have sent in an online entry for this years 1000k cruise. I also sent a 2nd email via the website asking about the timeframe over which the 1k cruise is run. I received a bbc copy to my gmail acc, so not sure if my sent email went to the distance riders website or just back to my acc. Can one of the ringleaders confirm the time allowed to do the 1000k cruise? Thank you.

most will complete the C1KC in @ 12-13hrs although some have taken slightly longer to complete the loop, generally speaking if you stick to the speed limit & keep an eye on your breaks, re-fuelling times etc anywhere from 12-14hrs is the norm..........

[awa355]

most will complete the C1KC in @ 12-13hrs although some have taken slightly longer to complete the loop, generally speaking if you stick to the speed limit & keep an eye on your breaks, re-fuelling times etc anywhere from 12-14hrs is the norm..........

Thanks, I wasn't sure whether we had a set time or not. What has been the start time on previous runs?.

[Gremlin]

Thanks, I wasn't sure whether we had a set time or not. What has been the start time on previous runs?.
Start time on previous runs was 0630-0700 from memory?

[KoroJ]

I have sent in an online entry for this years 1000k cruise. I also sent a 2nd email via the website asking about the timeframe over which the 1k cruise is run. .........


most will complete the C1KC in @ 12-13hrs although some have taken slightly longer to complete the loop, generally speaking if you stick to the speed limit & keep an eye on your breaks, re-fuelling times etc anywhere from 12-14hrs is the norm..........


Start time on previous runs was 0630-0700 from memory?

Yep, yep, yep, yep, yep.

Hitcher receives the correspondence and he is away at the moment so might be a delay on the response from the website approach.

11-15hrs is probably the window, but majority are in within 14hrs. Numbers will determine how the Northern start is run but they would normally get away at 0630. We try to keep the 1KC routes fairly flowy and some riders stop for big feeds, but a steady pace with minimal stops should achieve 13hours without too much stress.

[insomnia01]

I would be happy enough just to finish the run this year :wait: the Honda has unfinished business with the C1KC so the Kawasaki can stay in the garage for this one :crybaby:

[awa355]

A link to some daily ride reports from this year's Iron Butt ride. I have only read 'Day -1' so far but should be a good read. Read the -1, -2, -3 day reports first. These lead up to the start of the ride. The -3 day report gives a good overview of what the rally entails.

http://www.ironbuttrally.com/IBR/2015.cfm

[FJRider]

What's to consider? Fill out an online form or download one from www.distanceriders.org.nz and make it happen!

Consider this ...

1600 km's ... actually 1635 km's (1000 miles) is a long way. Some have never done that distance before (especially in a 24 hour period) ... and may crash due to their own inabilities. Some may crash due a known (or unknown) medical condition.

It's THEIR life ... (not your's) ... on the line.

[RAYDEO]

sounds like a load of fun, however am I right in understanding a full license is required. ie no restricted license riders aloud?

[Gremlin]

sounds like a load of fun, however am I right in understanding a full license is required. ie no restricted license riders aloud?
Well you need to ride overnight, so restricted riders having a curfew of 10pm...

[RAYDEO]

good point, damn, should have gone for my full...:argh:

[Hitcher]

Consider this ...

1600 km's ... actually 1635 km's (1000 miles) is a long way. Some have never done that distance before (especially in a 24 hour period) ... and may crash due to their own inabilities. Some may crash due a known (or unknown) medical condition.

It's THEIR life ... (not your's) ... on the line.

1. 1,000 miles is 1,609.34km.
2. NZ Distance Riders highly recommended that riders condition themselves and their machines before riding these sorts of distances in a set time period. A section of www.distanceriders.org.nz is devoted to this important matter.
3. Distance riders are a certain breed of people. That breed of people is attracted to participating in these sorts of events. Riders partial to one-piece leathers and either sports bikes or scooters generally prefer to stay at home and watch the Kardashians.
4. Crashing due to known or unknown medical conditions can happen anywhere at any time. Distance riding is unlikely to exacerbate any such propensity. And my life has been on the line in circumstances such as you describe. However riders will make their own assessments of their riding abilities and the risks inherent in riding at least 1,609.34km in a 24-hour period.

[banditrider]

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