Tt 2000 2015

[STJim]

The details for next years TT 2000 are now up on the web site. The link is below.


http://www.tt2000.org/

Looks interesting. I have my route worked out for a Northern circuit. I have located both of the bonus check points.

[1billyboy]

Had a look. Know both the north extra checkpoints. Been past 1 of the south extra checkpoints.

[veldthui]

The details for next years TT 2000 are now up on the web site. The link is below.


http://www.tt2000.org/

Looks interesting. I have my route worked out for a Northern circuit. I have located both of the bonus check points.

Me too. Took about an hour all up to find them. Second one was a bit harder than first. Harder to get the kms this year than the points.
Like the earlier start time as opens up the first day better.

[STJim]

Me too. Took about an hour all up to find them. Second one was a bit harder than first. Harder to get the kms this year than the points.
Like the earlier start time as opens up the first day better.

Getting the Kms was a little difficult. I am fairly pleased with my route on paper at least.

[insomnia01]

thinking of giving this a go for the first time, any hints as to where the bonus checkpoints are? :innocent: what sort of ride time do you work on? is it common to treat it like a 24hr event? need to be on the ferry saturday I assume........

[insomnia01]

all good located them both

[f2dz]

Thinking about trying this for the first time also. Many people dumb enough to do this on a supersport? (such as myself..)

[Gremlin]

Thinking about trying this for the first time also. Many people dumb enough to do this on a supersport? (such as myself..)
I remember one year, chap on a 600 I think, passes me down the straights. Further along, he's filling with gas so I pass. Then he passes me down the straights. Was quite hilarious. He also had bugger all good gear, consisting of leather jacket and shirt etc, that musta been hella cold.

As a certain someone on a GN250 proved in the Grand Challenges, the rider plays a bigger part than the bike (although it can make it easier or harder). If you're good to do long distance day rides already, then you should be Ok. However, if you're used to doing 200km and calling it a day, then you're in for a surprise.

The trick is not to race out the blocks. Trying to ride fast uses more of your energy and more gas. You tire faster. Keep a consistent economical pace, but limit stops as much as possible and when you do stop, limit them. Some prefer more frequent small stops (say every 100-200km), others less frequent longer stops (last time I was really pushing the numbers, I did 500km in 5.5 hours and 0.5 hour stop for eating/drinking/re-fueling, rinse and repeat). Do what works for you. The photo stops are also an excellent way to bleed time. If you manage to lose one minute per photo then you're on GP style. Factor in the loss of speed as you slow down (plus speeding up), time taken to get camera out etc. Some riders then have a quick chat, maybe a snack and drink... ta-da, you're now losing in excess of 10min.

[veldthui]

thinking of giving this a go for the first time, any hints as to where the bonus checkpoints are? :innocent: what sort of ride time do you work on? is it common to treat it like a 24hr event? need to be on the ferry saturday I assume........

I just work on about 12 hrs per day but it varies. The next one I intend to be in Taihape around 10pm for a stop for a sleep. Next day starts at 6am and ends up at the ferry to get the 11pm boarding on the bluebridge for a sleep in the cabin and the Sunday morning crossing. Sunday is just the quick run down to Christchurch picking up all the points on the way to finish.

[insomnia01]

got a basic map sorted to collect the required points & have located both mystery checkpoints :msn-wink: just need to check the km's & ferry crossing then I Might register :weird: could be a goer :wings: may linger in the south for awhile after it I suppose :niceone:

[insomnia01]

what are you guys using to plan your route? I was looking at Motowhere .com but I cant get it to draw correctly, google maps I have been using also

[Gremlin]

what are you guys using to plan your route? I was looking at Motowhere .com but I cant get it to draw correctly, google maps I have been using also
Garmin Mapsource is primary, because it's sent to my GPS which I then run on during the ride... Google Maps for streetview, pinning the points to the correct spot, streetview.

[KoroJ]

Garmin Mapsource is primary, because it's sent to my GPS which I then run on during the ride... Google Maps for streetview, pinning the points to the correct spot, streetview.

Same.


what are you guys using to plan your route? I was looking at Motowhere .com but I cant get it to draw correctly, google maps I have been using also

I certainly recommend a GPS for this ride because of the number of CP's. It's one thing to do a GC or C1KC with only 5 or 6 CP's but when you're looking at 30-50, let the machine do the remembering....and let it tell you to turn left in 1Km.....350mtrs.

[f2dz]

I remember one year, chap on a 600 I think, passes me down the straights. Further along, he's filling with gas so I pass. Then he passes me down the straights. Was quite hilarious. He also had bugger all good gear, consisting of leather jacket and shirt etc, that musta been hella cold.

As a certain someone on a GN250 proved in the Grand Challenges, the rider plays a bigger part than the bike (although it can make it easier or harder). If you're good to do long distance day rides already, then you should be Ok. However, if you're used to doing 200km and calling it a day, then you're in for a surprise.

The trick is not to race out the blocks. Trying to ride fast uses more of your energy and more gas. You tire faster. Keep a consistent economical pace, but limit stops as much as possible and when you do stop, limit them. Some prefer more frequent small stops (say every 100-200km), others less frequent longer stops (last time I was really pushing the numbers, I did 500km in 5.5 hours and 0.5 hour stop for eating/drinking/re-fueling, rinse and repeat). Do what works for you. The photo stops are also an excellent way to bleed time. If you manage to lose one minute per photo then you're on GP style. Factor in the loss of speed as you slow down (plus speeding up), time taken to get camera out etc. Some riders then have a quick chat, maybe a snack and drink... ta-da, you're now losing in excess of 10min.

Thanks for the tips Gremlin, really good stuff, appreciated. I'll be giving this more thought over the next couple months..

[caspernz]

The trick is not to race out the blocks. Trying to ride fast uses more of your energy and more gas. You tire faster. Keep a consistent economical pace, but limit stops as much as possible and when you do stop, limit them.

Very good and valid advice. I don't do many endurance type of events nowadays, but yes it's a bit like driving trucks long distance on a tight timetable. You don't have to speed, just start off well organised and minimise both the duration and number of stops. When trucking (and I've been at it for over 25 years) it's always amazed me how many cars or even bikes will overtake me numerous times when I've just been cruising along, keeping the doors shut and the wheels turning at a steady pace...

Kinda tempted to do the TT2000, but given it's much like my job I've only looked at the TT2000 and thought I'd prefer the sketched itinerary of a two week outing on the bike without fixed destination or time/location checks. Good luck to all participants though :2thumbsup

[insomnia01]

I just work on about 12 hrs per day but it varies. The next one I intend to be in Taihape around 10pm for a stop for a sleep. Next day starts at 6am and ends up at the ferry to get the 11pm boarding on the bluebridge for a sleep in the cabin and the Sunday morning crossing. Sunday is just the quick run down to Christchurch picking up all the points on the way to finish.

booked on the bluebridge sailing for Sunday morning depart 0230 arrive picton 0600 have a cabin also, need to fine tune map/sort km's & register

[STJim]

booked on the bluebridge sailing for Sunday morning depart 0230 arrive picton 0600 have a cabin also, need to fine tune map/sort km's & register

For anyone semi local I am happy to help. My route is as follows:
Day One
1 Wanganui to Makakaho then back to Wanganui,
2 up the Whanganui River Road then to Ohakune and up to Turoa,
3 To the To of the Bruce then to Ngakonui just beyond Taumarunui,
4 Finish for night at Turangi, approx. 520 kms.
Day Two
1 Hawkes bay via Napier Taupo Road,
2 Clean up lots of check points in the bay going as far south as Ormondville including part of Route 52,
3 Back across the Napier Taihape Road and into Mangaone Junction,
4 South to Hutt Valley and Wellington and collecting the 5,000 pointers,
5 To the ferry, on Blue Bridge with a cabin and able to board at 11 pm. Approx 1,126 kms for day
Day Three
1 Picton to Christchurch via Inland route approx. 407 kms.
Total kms should be 2,053.

[insomnia01]

For anyone semi local I am happy to help. My route is as follows:
Day One
1 Wanganui to Makakaho then back to Wanganui,
2 up the Whanganui River Road then to Ohakune and up to Turoa,
3 To the To of the Bruce then to Ngakonui just beyond Taumarunui,
4 Finish for night at Turangi, approx. 520 kms.
Day Two
1 Hawkes bay via Napier Taupo Road,
2 Clean up lots of check points in the bay going as far south as Ormondville including part of Route 52,
3 Back across the Napier Taihape Road and into Mangaone Junction,
4 South to Hutt Valley and Wellington and collecting the 5,000 pointers,
5 To the ferry, on Blue Bridge with a cabin and able to board at 11 pm. Approx 1,126 kms for day
Day Three
1 Picton to Christchurch via Inland route approx. 407 kms.
Total kms should be 2,053.

Day 1 is similar to mine & may end up at Turangi also bit would prefer to get to Taihape
Day 2 is mostly km's collecting as I should have collected a fair chunk of points on day 1 before heading for the ferry
Day 3 Picton to christchurch via the coast nothing special

[STJim]

Day 1 is similar to mine & may end up at Turangi also bit would prefer to get to Taihape
Day 2 is mostly km's collecting as I should have collected a fair chunk of points on day 1 before heading for the ferry
Day 3 Picton to christchurch via the coast nothing special

My route has a potential for 75,000 points if I bother to collect them all

[veldthui]

what are you guys using to plan your route? I was looking at Motowhere .com but I cant get it to draw correctly, google maps I have been using also

Use Basecamp as it is better suited to my Zumo390LM than Mapsource.

[insomnia01]

My route has a potential for 75,000 points if I bother to collect them all


I'm only going for the basic's on my first one Jim :shutup: but things could change on the day who knows :whistle:



Use Basecamp as it is better suited to my Zumo390LM than Mapsource.


Old school here I'm afraid :crazy: maps & Uncle Google plus heaps of notes.......

[insomnia01]

My route has a potential for 75,000 points if I bother to collect them all

reviewing my checkpoint value today my loop has the potential for 81,000 points but I have a 5000 check point I may drop on the day if my day turns for the worst :facepalm: getting the required km's is proving a challange :sweatdrop but so far they had up

[insomnia01]

Garmin Mapsource is primary, because it's sent to my GPS which I then run on during the ride... Google Maps for streetview, pinning the points to the correct spot, streetview.



what type of GPS unit would you recommend? looked at a review for a Garmin 660 has everything from what I see, any others to consider? I would rather have something that works well rather than a cheap & nasty unit..... ALSO what headphone's are you using with this? would like to ran Ipod through gps unit as well

[Gremlin]

what type of GPS unit would you recommend? looked at a review for a Garmin 660 has everything from what I see, any others to consider? I would rather have something that works well rather than a cheap & nasty unit..... ALSO what headphone's are you using with this? would like to ran Ipod through gps unit as well
I use the Garmin Zumos, which are motorcycle specific, but cost more than the regular units. Put 100k on a 550, which is still working, but couldn't ignore a great price on a 660 which I currently use. Garmins are my pick as I can use the NZ open source maps which are much better than Garmin ones. Only Garmin compatible.

The Zumo is capable of multiple bluetooth connections, can hold music, plenty of capacity for routes, waypoints and even adventure riding tracks. For long distance rides like this, I use cords as batteries won't last, so I have a Baehr comms unit which everything is cabled into and a single cord to the helmet (which is all wired up with Baehr speakers, mic etc) for multiple inputs. Solid, reliable and waterproof. For shorter stuff, I have another helmet with a Sena SMH10R setup and it's bluetooth between GPS and Helmet.

I split the ride into days, or Grand Challenge stuff was legs, as the GPS didn't seem to like anything over 24 hours riding time.

[STJim]

I use a Tom Tom Rider unit which is about half the price of a Garmin, however on the ST I have adaptor unit that I can plug the charger into.
Also I have to log my way points in manually. I don't bother with have the unit bluetoothed to any headset.

[insomnia01]

I have a Baehr comms unit which everything is cabled into and a single cord to the helmet (which is all wired up with Baehr speakers, mic etc) for multiple inputs. Solid, reliable and waterproof. For shorter stuff, I have another helmet with a Sena SMH10R setup and it's bluetooth between GPS and Helmet.

how good are these units? Do you get wind/road noise? Is the volume clear on either Ipod or gps feedback? I'm keen on the Baehr unit but how much noise ( wind or whatever ) gets through?

[Gremlin]

how good are these units? Do you get wind/road noise? Is the volume clear on either Ipod or gps feedback? I'm keen on the Baehr unit but how much noise ( wind or whatever ) gets through?
Uh... how good is both units? Or any particular?

Baehr is a bit more old school now, German, high quality, but expensive. Entire setup would probably cost in excess of $3k. Control box (inputs and outputs) alone costs around $1000, depending on how many inputs you want to feed into it. I've seen the odd unit pop up on TradeMe 2nd hand though, for a few hundy. Because it's all wired, sound quality is good, only dependent on interference from the bike. I do have some interference, haven't got around to trying to filter out, but that was basically the only noise. Volume control isn't too easy, you've got the dials on the box (usually under your seat), but you can also control volume via the input source (ie, the GPS should have sound levels). There may be newer features now tho, as my setup was done in 2008. It also has a semi auto noise adjustment, basically, if the ambient noise in the helmet increased, it increased the volume (or if you started singing to the song with a single rider, it also increased the volume - if a pillion was plugged in it cut the sound and you could talk to each other, but never used Baehr with a pillion as it needed a helmet wired up) but it was 2 to 3 steps, not constantly variable. I had CB radio, radar and GPS as inputs. You have a general input (radar, as one way sound), then CB radio as priority, and GPS in high priority, so it basically selected the active source you heard on priority, but you could softly hear the others (bit back to front re radar, but the only way the full functionality was gained). So, as you've probably figured out, it's complex, but it works well when you know what you're doing. For a proper fit out, you'd probably want to contact Challenger Motors, Tony Jericivich (probably screwed that spelling) http://www.challengermotors.co.nz/ down Napier way. He's the main man when it comes to audio fit out, as he's done stuff like ambo bikes etc and also advises others overseas.

Ultimately, I've used the Baehr for several years, had the CB radio for bike to bike, but didn't lure many mates into it. Made sense though. I pulled the CB radio out of the bike a month ago, because I'd used it 3 times in 3+ years. I use the Sena bluetooth setup more often now simply because most others are using it, and being involved in IAM, it's by far the most popular setup (over Scala etc as well). You certainly pick up wind noise, bike noise from the other mic (s) but then that would probably be the same for Baehr from the point of view of receiving sound. Sound control more limited (if you are talking to one or more others, you lose GPS sound because the Sena headset only has so many channels), volume control is easy as it's right there on the helmet. Wireless has it's advantages as I can get off or shut the bike down and continue talking, whereas the Baehr is only live when the ignition is (albeit, I chose that to avoid battery drain). Bluetooth range is more limited than radio frequency and limited to 4 in party talk.

[KoroJ]

what type of GPS unit would you recommend?..... ALSO what headphone's are you using with this? would like to ran Ipod through gps unit as well

I've had a 660 for a few years and just plug straight into it. I run it from a cigarette socket under the seat, and run the headphone jack to come out from the seat by my left leg. I have an extension lead and just run a pair of $20 Dick Smith earphones via molded ear-plugs (by Kiwi Plugs in Waikanae). I used to just use the earbuds but they work loose, couldn't hear much over 110kph and the long rides were starting to result in tinitus. The molded audio plugs mean I can have the volume set at a good at-rest volume and can hear ok well past 110kph......if I ever went that fast!!?? I have a few hundred songs loaded in the unit.

I also bought an Asus EeePC 10" Notebook which is easy to carry on the bike to programme it. The new tablets operate on windows so they will be OK and that means I can programme a GC route and have it downloaded and checked within 30mins. Way better and easier that trying to programme straight into the unit.

Definitely use the NZ Open Source mapping as the Garmin maps are crap once you get off the main highways.

[insomnia01]

I've had a 660 for a few years and just plug straight into it. I run it from a cigarette socket under the seat, and run the headphone jack to come out from the seat by my left leg. I have an extension lead and just run a pair of $20 Dick Smith earphones via molded ear-plugs (by Kiwi Plugs in Waikanae). I used to just use the earbuds but they work loose, couldn't hear much over 110kph and the long rides were starting to result in tinitus. The molded audio plugs mean I can have the volume set at a good at-rest volume and can hear ok well past 110kph......if I ever went that fast!!?? I have a few hundred songs loaded in the unit.

Dave did my ear plugs as well awesome kit :msn-wink: but need some new earbuds so off to DS I reckon.....I'll start looking into a GPS unit I think but tell me, if your listening to music via the GPS does it dim the volume or cuts off all together when either a phone call/message or directional change comes up?

[veldthui]

what type of GPS unit would you recommend? looked at a review for a Garmin 660 has everything from what I see, any others to consider? I would rather have something that works well rather than a cheap & nasty unit..... ALSO what headphone's are you using with this? would like to ran Ipod through gps unit as well

I use the Garmin 390LM. Used to use a 745T but the rain finally killed it. The unit is wired to a quick release so is easy to take away with you. Does not have any music playing but that's what the iPhone is for. I use a Sena 20S for the headset which has very nice sound with the stock speakers but the FM radio is useless. The Garmin is excellent and water proof so can stand the rain and I also use the NZ Open maps.

[KoroJ]

Dave did my ear plugs as well awesome kit :msn-wink: but need some new earbuds so off to DS I reckon.....I'll start looking into a GPS unit I think but tell me, if your listening to music via the GPS does it dim the volume or cuts off all together when either a phone call/message or directional change comes up?

Nav Instructions stop the music to override, so you don't miss any of you favourite song and you can set the volume levels independently for each as well. (There's volume settings for Nav, Media & Master) I don't use or connect to my phone and to do that you would probably need Gremlin's hi tech Baer jobby....although, now I think about it, there are a couple of spare leads that come from the GPS unit. One of them might be a phone i/p?

Dave used to mould the plugs with tubes coming through, but now he moulds the earphones straight into the ear plugs, so you would need the earphones before he does that. He just used the cheapy $20 ones and I was happy with them so I bought a spare set to carry in case they fail, and same with the extension lead. That gets a bit of a hammering so I carry a spare.

[Gremlin]

Dave did my ear plugs as well awesome kit :msn-wink: but need some new earbuds so off to DS I reckon.....I'll start looking into a GPS unit I think but tell me, if your listening to music via the GPS does it dim the volume or cuts off all together when either a phone call/message or directional change comes up?
This is where the Zumo ability is handy. It has the capability to manage phone, navigation and music in one hit, plus you can control from the touchscreen. Stop/Start/Pause music, or let it run, and it automatically pauses music for nav or calls. You need to connect phone to GPS (bluetooth available, just be aware of phone battery life, struggling for signal in country plus bluetooth active can mean a short life). Also, I've had no success in it nicely syncing my phone book with the GPS, so it randomly loves one contact starting with B amongst 600+ contacts, and insists this very rare caller is every caller coming through... uh? :weird:

The 660 changed the cradle setup. Previously, with 550, you had a cradle and loom, so you could potentially have 2 looms and move the cradle between bikes. There were complaints of failure, so Garmin changed the 660 to integrate the loom and cradle, ie, more expensive if you want to switch the GPS between bikes. The advantage however, is that the audio plugs would be much closer to the seat as you can run them wherever you like. Personally, with KoroJ's setup, I don't think it would last for me. Cord of the plugs isn't coiled, just a straight cable. If you need the flexibility to stand, step off bike etc, it needs slack. Too much slack when you're sitting and it's dangling down the side of the bike... He doesn't seem to break it tho? (I know I would :rolleyes:)

Wireless has battery life issues, or you have to cable in a power feed for it (which defeats wireless) but no hassles with the cable. Baehr are coiled cables for the helmets, so they can stretch and retract. Possible earbugs available that have that? Oh, and I use normal custom moulded plugs, with the helmet speakers turned up. Just don't make the mistake of not using ear plugs for a quick trip and still have the radar detector at full chat :thud:

[insomnia01]

i'll be looking at using it for GPS function & music only not concerned with answering phone or messages can do that once stopped

[insomnia01]

registed & paid :2thumbsup

[whatastoner]

good luck with all that. I'm staying in the South for this one. Always good to carry a paper backup if the gps shits itself, and a booklet of checkpoints in the same order as your route. I use an old Garmin Map60csx hardwired, and a head full of white noise.

[wpoll]

In the guts of planning my 2015 TT2000 ride and trying to find info. on the fuel options in Manapouri. I know there's a 24/7 Allied fuel stop there but not sure if it take regular EFT/POS cards or only Allied/Mobil fuel cards. Anyone know? I'm going to be there out-of-hours....

Might have to resort to last century's technology and call them. :mobile:

[STJim]

In the guts of planning my 2015 TT2000 ride and trying to find info. on the fuel options in Manapouri. I know there's a 24/7 Allied fuel stop there but not sure if it take regular EFT/POS cards or only Allied/Mobil fuel cards. Anyone know? I'm going to be there out-of-hours....

Might have to resort to last century's technology and call them. :mobile:

There is fuel in Te Anau which isn't very far from Manapouri.

[wpoll]

There is fuel in Te Anau which isn't very far from Manapouri.

I had already considered Te Anau but it adds time I'm not sure I can afford. Might just have to be - the extra kms will help, even if the time doesn't!. I guess that's why Mike made the checkpoint in Manapouri and not Te Anau. Thanks. :niceone:

[Gremlin]

I had already considered Te Anau but it adds time I'm not sure I can afford. Might just have to be - the extra kms will help, even if the time doesn't!. I guess that's why Mike made the checkpoint in Manapouri and not Te Anau. Thanks. :niceone:
Mike is evil like that :D

[wpoll]

I had already considered Te Anau but it adds time I'm not sure I can afford. Might just have to be - the extra kms will help, even if the time doesn't!. I guess that's why Mike made the checkpoint in Manapouri and not Te Anau. Thanks. :niceone:

Spoke to the nice lady at Allied Petroleum and she assures me that there is a 24/7 pump that accepts EFT/POS cards at Manpouri.

I think I'll leave the waypoint for the fuel stop in Te Anau in the GPS (a Garmin 60Csx), just in case

Only about 60 more sleeps! :eek:

[wpoll]

Hey Folks, I finally got around to posting my blog of my 2014 TT ride. A bit overdue! If you want remind yourselves of last years event, in prep for this years one, have a read....

http://f650.com/forum/showthread.php?31806-2014-TT2000-event

[insomnia01]

:wait: route revised to allow for a more free flowing ride, managing to get kms was the main reason for this but happier now with new plan, also have a couple of backup routes if required :sweatdrop motel booked/confirmed in Taihape for a easy start on day 2, cabin on Bluebridge booked/confirmed for Saturday night, sail Sunday 0230 day 3 tidy up km/points heading to CHC :eek5:

[STJim]

:wait: route revised to allow for a more free flowing ride, managing to get kms was the main reason for this but happier now with new plan, also have a couple of backup routes if required :sweatdrop motel booked/confirmed in Taihape for a easy start on day 2, cabin on Bluebridge booked/confirmed for Saturday night, sail Sunday 0230 day 3 tidy up km/points heading to CHC :eek5:

Looking Good I will see you at the start and on the Bluebridge.

[insomnia01]

Looking Good I will see you at the start and on the Bluebridge.

And the finish Jim:2thumbsup but most likely not in between due to revised route :msn-wink:

[biggo]

My route in final planning stages .. 2100 kms around 76000 points . Big Day on Sat around 14 hours might avoid Wanaka though because of iron man. Looking forward to it even having a mate from UK coming over to take part with me :niceone:

[insomnia01]

My route in final planning stages .. 2100 kms around 76000 points . Big Day on Sat around 14 hours might avoid Wanaka though because of iron man. Looking forward to it even having a mate from UK coming over to take part with me :niceone:

look forward to meeting you Paul :niceone: Dave told me you was entered in this event :psst: I'll be doing it on a different bike than the Honda that failed on me in Nov :weep: see you at the finish for a catch up :2thumbsup

[veldthui]

:wait: route revised to allow for a more free flowing ride, managing to get kms was the main reason for this but happier now with new plan, also have a couple of backup routes if required :sweatdrop motel booked/confirmed in Taihape for a easy start on day 2, cabin on Bluebridge booked/confirmed for Saturday night, sail Sunday 0230 day 3 tidy up km/points heading to CHC :eek5:

My route has been planned for ages. Bit tight on the k's but will be in Wellington quite early so can do some sight seeing to make some extra up before I get onto the BlueBridge for my sleep in the cabin. My only issue is Sunday as soon as I check in I will have to turn around and get back in time for the 6:30pm ferry and then a 3 hour ride back up to the naki. Hoping to get home about 1am for a quick snooze and then start a 12hr shift at 5am. Hoping I can get the Monday off work but have to be prepared if I can't.

[whatastoner]

You better call ahead from Waikari to have some sausages ready.

[insomnia01]

My route has been planned for ages. Bit tight on the k's but will be in Wellington quite early so can do some sight seeing to make some extra up before I get onto the BlueBridge for my sleep in the cabin. My only issue is Sunday as soon as I check in I will have to turn around and get back in time for the 6:30pm ferry and then a 3 hour ride back up to the naki. Hoping to get home about 1am for a quick snooze and then start a 12hr shift at 5am. Hoping I can get the Monday off work but have to be prepared if I can't.

long weekend for you bud

[KoroJ]

................ might avoid Wanaka though because of iron man. ........................... :niceone:

Shit!! I hadn't factored that into the equation. That could swallow some time as a quick look on their website has the bike leg going out by Treble Cone and we were going to be going back through town for fuel and lunch at the luxury Red Star burgers.

*Sigh*......back to the drawing board. At least it's only a couple of thousand points.......There's no way I'm dropping the fang up the Devil's staircase though so I guess this means we might have to still grab Cardrona and do those sweet curleys twice?!

[whatastoner]

Ironman in Wanaka? Didn't know about that. looking at our schedule, should be passing through around midnight, whew!
Major roadworks for 2.5km south of Rakaia township for next 3 months with temporary lights. For Pendarves, turn off SH1 at Chertsey and return around back of Rakaia.

[wpoll]

(Iron Man - Wanaka) Shit!! I hadn't factored that into the equation. That could swallow some time as a quick look on their website has the bike leg going out by Treble Cone and we were going to be going back through town for fuel and lunch at the luxury Red Star burgers.

*Sigh*......back to the drawing board. At least it's only a couple of thousand points.......There's no way I'm dropping the fang up the Devil's staircase though so I guess this means we might have to still grab Cardrona and do those sweet curleys twice?!

The main events are on SUNDAY - if you are heading through Wanaka on Saturday, you'll miss the worst of it. :niceone:

http://www.challenge-wanaka.com/event-guide/timetable/

[KoroJ]

The main events are on SUNDAY - if you are heading through Wanaka on Saturday, you'll miss the worst of it. :niceone:

http://www.challenge-wanaka.com/event-guide/timetable/

Thanks.....but I've already tweeked our ride to go to Cardrona, then turn back and go via Cromwell. It's about the same km's and we lose the 1,000pts for Treble Cone but we're around the 80,000 point mark so that's not really an issue.

My planning and tweeking is almost complete.

[whatastoner]

Hi everyone. Due to a mix up at the printers today, I now have 5 extra South Island roadbooks. Full colour water resistant A5 portrait. They're unbound so can be collated to match your route. $20 including postage nationwide. If anyones interested, send me a text 021 509 1001 or email srk_5@yahoo.com
Shame to waste them.
Hope all the other preps are going to plan.

Mark

[whatastoner]

should have proof read before posting. It's 027 509 1001.

[insomnia01]

route finalised :niceone: points sitting on 71000 with some extras available on route time permitting but not fussed, fairly smooth running loop from what I see, km's tight so will bang in a few extra before boarding Bluebridge midnight Saturday for a big :sleep: inland route Sunday picking up a few stray points including mystery checkpoint :shutup: now its :wait::wait::wait: time........

[Rhubarb]

Planning a route to get the 50,000 points was relatively easy time. Planning the 2,000km within the 48 hours was not quite so easy.

We will get all of our points on Friday afternoon and Saturday. Sunday will be lots of riding to clock up kilometres, ride some new roads and maybe pick up some more points if needed.

Come on sunshine ..... do your thing :)

[biggo]

look forward to meeting you Paul :niceone: Dave told me you was entered in this event :psst: I'll be doing it on a different bike than the Honda that failed on me in Nov :weep: see you at the finish for a catch up :2thumbsup

Hi.

Look forward to catching up at finish. Heading down south island Monday before so time to get my new tyres bedded in :)
Cheers Phil :niceone:

[STJim]

Only 3 sleeps before I leave on Thursday afternoon to travel down for the north Island start. I am taking the bike in for a warrant of fitness this morning.

[whatastoner]

Have a great ride Jim. Leave yourself enough time to swing by the South Island mystery CP.

[insomnia01]

Only 3 sleeps before I leave on Thursday afternoon to travel down for the north Island start. I am taking the bike in for a warrant of fitness this morning.

Ahead of you JIm! New tyres & service done cant wait to get on the road....

[Gremlin]

Ahead of you JIm! New tyres & service done cant wait to get on the road....
Bastards... rub it in... <_<

[KoroJ]

Bastards... rub it in... <_<

??.....Aren't you coming Gremmy?

Since when did you pass up the opportunity to do 4500-5000km over an extended weekend?....Not to mention all those months of planning and playing with routes, searching for Mystery CP's, minimising fuel stops, booking accommodation and ferries, then riding through the day and into the night.

Shucks...we'll really, really miss you!!:bleh::bleh::msn-wink:

[Gremlin]

??.....Aren't you coming Gremmy?

Shucks...we'll really, really miss you!!:bleh::bleh::msn-wink:
<_< uh-huh

Nah, decided that a, since my mate that helps get us into adventures had no leave, touring the SI for a week would be boring with only my own personalities, and b, going down just for the TT was an expensive trip. Paeroa is this weekend, so I'm flag marshalling for that and the BMW also needs the final drive rebuilt (booked in next week) due to some play developing. So all in all, some down time is good, as I've got 3 cycle/run events to support in March...

[STJim]

Have a great ride Jim. Leave yourself enough time to swing by the South Island mystery CP.

I've got that one worked out. I trust you will have a great ride too :banana:

[STJim]

Ahead of you JIm! New tyres & service done cant wait to get on the road....

We sailed through the warrant no problem but with the caveat that "the rear brake pads look worn. I dropped the ST off at Honda Hamilton last night and decided that I really should haver it serviced as well.

Managed to score at 125 cc beast called the Grom to ride home and back into work this morning. It is a very cool little "city bike"

[insomnia01]

We sailed through the warrant no problem but with the caveat that "the rear brake pads look worn. I dropped the ST off at Honda Hamilton last night and decided that I really should haver it serviced as well.

Managed to score at 125 cc beast called the Grom to ride home and back into work this morning. It is a very cool little "city bike"

See you in Whanganui Jim :2thumbsup

[veldthui]

We sailed through the warrant no problem but with the caveat that "the rear brake pads look worn. I dropped the ST off at Honda Hamilton last night and decided that I really should haver it serviced as well.

Managed to score at 125 cc beast called the Grom to ride home and back into work this morning. It is a very cool little "city bike"

Yep cool little bike. Tried one out while getting my new Z8's on ready for the ride. Buzzed around town on it for about 20 minutes. Feels like you can throw it over your shoulder if you need to.