Long ride: Preparations?

[zeocen]

Well the family has decided Whangamata for christmas this year, and I have decided to go there on 2 wheels!

This'll be the longest journey for me so far, what do I need to know for preparation? I haven't checked the side of my tires for psi but I assume that's where they would be and I remember being told to check that, oil, petrol, good nights sleep.. is there anything I'm missing or am I making a big deal out of nothing?

I'm not going to be alone, I'll have my old man coaching behind/infront me along the way (I feel sorry for his patience and his zzr, I'm sure there's only so much a 1100cc bike can take 80-100kmph before it gets bored!) so I won't be completely alone.. I just want to be as prepared as I can be, it will be a kind of a milestone for me, so I'm wanting to do everything right in preparation/riding/safety.

I may have already answered my own questions, so sorry if I just made this thread redundant :dodge:

Thanks!

[Gremlin]

You should be checking the pressures of your tyres regularly. I check at intervals of at most, 2 weeks, and I would check them before every major country ride.

You need to know the cold pressures, and check when cold.

For you, being a first time, you might want regular stops, to stretch your legs, re-focus etc, you may get tired quickly.

Whangamata is bypass on a day ride for most... so I guess its not really that far :) Enjoy, there are some really nice roads.

[The Big J]

How new are you? I would just check all your clothing works and you can cover up all skin effectively (eg bandanna on neck, wearing proper boots). Sort your attitude out that morning so you are focused, don't get on the piss the night before.
Get a good breakfast, a good coffee and have a pee before you leave. Don't forget to have a pee. Make sure you keep fluids up also. Have fun and pay attention to what your bike is telling you about your corners, your lines should improve with your confidence.

[Lucy]

Probably plan a couple of stops. When I went to Whangarei the first stop I made was when I basically was so sore I had to, and my eyes were a bit wobbly when I first took the helmet off! Coming home was a lot easier.

Car drivers are always recommended to have a break every two hours, but modern cars are so comfy it's not really necessary (IMO) but on a bike I think it's a good rule of thumb, or maybe even every hour depending on how comfy you are. In two hours you will probably be there though I guess, so I'd plan a coffee break or two just for a stretch.

Have fun
Merry Christmas!

[NighthawkNZ]

Well the family has decided Whangamata for christmas this year, and I have decided to go there on 2 wheels!

This'll be the longest journey for me so far, what do I need to know for preparation? I haven't checked the side of my tires for psi but I assume that's where they would be and I remember being told to check that, oil, petrol, good nights sleep.. is there anything I'm missing or am I making a big deal out of nothing?

I'm not going to be alone, I'll have my old man coaching behind/infront me along the way (I feel sorry for his patience and his zzr, I'm sure there's only so much a 1100cc bike can take 80-100kmph before it gets bored!) so I won't be completely alone.. I just want to be as prepared as I can be, it will be a kind of a milestone for me, so I'm wanting to do everything right in preparation/riding/safety.

I may have already answered my own questions, so sorry if I just made this thread redundant :dodge: check and tighten and loose fittings and or nuts
Thanks!

You should regulary check your tyre pressure... also check oil and give bike a general good looking over... basically general maintanence (a good time to look for these is when you give your baby a bath)

[gijoe1313]

Don't forget to turn off the taps, put out the cat, get a neighbour to collect mail - but yeah, make sure you pack some basic supplies (duct tape or duck quack quack), tools, first aid kit and your essentials ($20 tucked away somewhere), cellphone and possibly a spare key for your ride!

You'll have a blast riding there, and soon you will be a convert to the long riding tours - also make sure you find out where the squiggles on the road map is, they make for interesting rides!

Enjoy and ride safely! :niceone:

[bluninja]

Don't you do a quick inspect of the bike before every ride? Check the brakes work before you ride off? not aimed at the originator, but a question for others.

I was taught a check of brakes, lights (including brake light) before any journey. Takes less than 10 seconds, and has become a bit of a ritual. I also do a quick walk around the bike for obvious problems before I get on.

Apart from that ...what they said above...

Check the bike is mechanically sound. Tyres (pressure and condition), fluids, chain (tensioned correctly and lubed).

Plan any breaks and take them. It's ok if you feel fatigued, or not right stopping early. don't think 'I feel great' and skip a break; fatigue can suddenly catch up on you. With experience of your own riding limits you can adjust your ride breaks over time.

Have a ball.

[Ralph]

Don't forget to check your chain either and adjust if required, Tyre pressures like you say. Hope you like it and maybe do a few more long rides.
It's not to important on this ride but if get into longer rides I recommend staying away from coffee or energy drinks as the buzz soon wears off and they just dehydrate you. Fluids are important to keep up,
You've got a good bike and your not riding alone so get out there and have some fun.

Merry Xmas.

[Ralph]

Don't you do a quick inspect of the bike before every ride? Check the brakes work before you ride off? not aimed at the originator, but a question for others.

I was taught a check of brakes, lights (including brake light) before any journey. Takes less than 10 seconds, and has become a bit of a ritual. I also do a quick walk around the bike for obvious problems before I get on.

Apart from that ...what they said above...

Check the bike is mechanically sound. Tyres (pressure and condition), fluids, chain (tensioned correctly and lubed).

Plan any breaks and take them. It's ok if you feel fatigued, or not right stopping early. don't think 'I feel great' and skip a break; fatigue can suddenly catch up on you. With experience of your own riding limits you can adjust your ride breaks over time.

Have a ball.

I would think a lot us do those little checks each time before we ride, I do and check tyres pressures and any leaks before every ride, even short ones.
Like you say a bit of a ritual.

[doc]

This time of the year it pays to book early for the ferry and overnight accomodation.

[Big Chim]

Keep well fed and hydrated. i've riden without eating and drinking all day and spent time where i have kept those levels up, you really do notice the difference when you rie but also at the end of the day. you dont feel so drawn out and taxed.

If your not used to travelling those distances then pass your self. If you think your going to have trouble focussing for that period of time it doesent hurt to take brakes.

Most importantly, enjoy the ride.

[yungatart]

Check your bike the night before, lights, indicators, oil, chain etc.
Lots of rest the night before.
Ride your own ride, don't be tempted to push yourself too hard, because your old man might be bored...

Relax and stay focused, if you feel your concentration slipping , pull over for a break.
Last, but not least, enjoy

[Bonez]

Tyre pressures on the side wall of the tyre is normally the MAX psi with MAX load. Do a search for your bike on the internet, which has been just been re-released on the NZ market new. There's probably a forum for it with other riders of your model. Regular stops if you're not use to riding say every 100kms or so to start with till you feel more comfortaible riding longer distances and know the bikes quirks better. Get an idea of your bikes fuel range too.

Plus all the advise others have mentioned. I'm sure you will learn a few lessons along the way.

[Finn]

This time of the year it pays to book early for the ferry and overnight accomodation.

Ferry? Which way do you go to get to Whangamata from Auckland?

Zeocen, take ear plugs.

[merv]

Tyre pressure will be in your owner's manual if you got one, or look on the net as others have said. (My VFR is 36 psi front, 42psi rear so as you can see bikes run high pressures compared to cars on average.) Checking your chain was mentioned, but don't forget to lube it either. If you haven't got any yet go buy some spray on chain lube from the bike shop. Lube your chain about every 1000km so a return trip to Whangamata won't need you relubing it at Whangamata unless you do a whole lot of riding while you are there.

[zeocen]

Tyre pressures on the side wall of the tyre is normally the MAX psi with MAX load. Do a search for your bike on the internet, which has been just been re-released on the NZ market new. There's probably a forum for it with other riders of your model. Regular stops if you're not use to riding say every 100kms or so to start with till you feel more comfortaible riding longer distances and know the bikes quirks better. Get an idea of your bikes fuel range too.

Plus all the advise others have mentioned. I'm sure you will learn a few lessons along the way.

Yeah I did some research a few days ago and found it was 32/28psi so I guess I'll go with that, I must admit I've never checked the psi of my tires before :o

Thanks for the reassurance and tips all, I do check my bike everyday.. but it's just oil, brakes and lights really and every few weeks I lube the chain. I guess I should be paying the poor thing a little more attention!

It isn't really a *long* ride, but in comparison from what I've been doing it is hehe, I'll probably find even with my designated breaks it'll be over all too soon!

Thanks again for the help!

[Crisis management]

Its really simple, get up, have a pee and go.....

It's only 2 hours tops to Whangamata so just get out there and enjoy! :scooter:

[crashe]

Ok so you now know to check your tyres......
check the chain..... oh lube it the night before...... and lube it 500kms later.

Get a good nights sleep..... have a decent brekkie...... and dont forget to pee before you leave.

RECHECK your gear is still secure on the bike.
You wont want it moving about or falling off.

Go to the nearest gas station and fill the bike up as you wont want to run out of fuel (yes it has happened)

Have another pee if need be.

Get on your bike and enjoy the ride.....
Ride at YOUR pace...... dont worry about what your dad is doing.
He has offered to ride with you so that means he knows he will be going slower than he would normally ride.

Be alert and if you find you are loosing concentration.....
Signal to pull over at a safe place..... STOP and get off and have a wee walk around.
When you are up to it get back on and ride again.

When you arrive you will feel shattered if this is going to be a long ride for you. Have a good rest.

Do you have a peace of sheepskin to put on your seat, that will soften the ride a bit on your butt.
If it is raining dont put it on.

Have a great ride....... and enjoy your holiday.

[ajturbo]

i would fill up the fuel tank...:sunny:

[zeocen]

And wouldn't you know it, as it gets closer to the trip I find a fault in my clutch lever... story of my life D:

[Grub]

This time of the year it pays to book early for the ferry and overnight accomodation.

Oh I LOVE your style!!! Manurewa to Whangamata via the Cook Strait ferry ... works for me ... LOL

Brett

[doc]

Ferry? Which way do you go to get to Whangamata from Auckland?

Zeocen, take ear plugs.
Obviously you didn't read the title of the thread. I presumed this was about the long way round.

[Finn]

Obviously you didn't read the title of the thread. I presumed this was about the long way round.

Okay I get it. So which way then? Up through Russell and back down or through that shithole to Picton and back?

[Mom]

Do you have a peace of sheepskin to put on your seat, that will soften the ride a bit on your butt.


Please not the sheepskin thing, it may look cool on ummmmmmmmm small Viagra cruisers ...:dodge:

Take your time, and enjoy the ride.........stop anytime for a rest......it is about the journey, not the speed you get to your destination..........have fun, what a cool ride!

[Hellraiser]

Can't fault any of the above comments ......

But i personally stay off the main highways (esp the Hauraki Plains) why cause they are boring, your arse gets sore & you start to cramp up. By riding roads that are twisty but not too twisty it means you move around on your bike more therefor you don't get as sore, it also keeps your mind alert.

[crashe]

Please not the sheepskin thing, it may look cool on ummmmmmmmm small Viagra cruisers ...:dodge:

Thats VIRAGO :love: and the sheepskin is really great you should try it sometime..

[doc]

Okay I get it. So which way then? Up through Russell and back down or through that shithole to Picton and back?
Now thats just being silly. Its a 250 he would need another tank of gas that way.

[beyond]

I always check my tire pressure before a ride out of Auckland or at least once a week. You would be suprised at the difference a few pounds pressure can make on a bike.

Wear the correct gear and just ride normally. If this is your first trip out of town you aint going to sleep anyway, as you're going to be too hyped. Just ride carefully and normally. Whangamata I do on a short round trip in half a day stopping for lunch so it's no biggie. I know for you it seems it will be so I'm not being condescending here.

Fill er up befor you go, make sure your indicators and brake lights are sweet the day before and hey, you'll love it and you'll be right mate. :)

[Roj]

:scooter: As you are riding with your dad, presumably a more experienced rider, discuss with him what you want to acheive on the ride, learning etc that comes with a new experience, as everyone has said, do all the checks on the bike, make sure you have the required gear, take your time and DON"T rush, those roads are busy this time of year:scooter:

[marty]

check the oil. check tyres. make sure the iron is off. that's it. do you do any more when you fill up a tank of gas?

and what fault do you have with the clutch lever? how many things can go wrong with it?

edit: just thought - lube the chain. not too much, but some will help, as it will get a lot hotter on a trip than it will just puttering around aucklnad

[zeocen]

:scooter: As you are riding with your dad, presumably a more experienced rider, discuss with him what you want to acheive on the ride, learning etc that comes with a new experience, as everyone has said, do all the checks on the bike, make sure you have the required gear, take your time and DON"T rush, those roads are busy this time of year:scooter:

Yeah, he's discussed the route we're gonna take for less traffic and better roads.. he's stressing that we'll be taking multiple breaks even though I don't think I'll need *that* many ;P But he's the one with 30 years riding and only one off under his belt, so I'll take his advice.

Gonna go test the tire pressure and adjust it accordingly tomorrow night then it's off the next day! Exciting for me, probably just another walk in the park for many people here :yes:

[Squeak the Rat]

Thre best preparation for a long ride is: H

[Hitcher]

Please not the sheepskin thing, it may look cool on ummmmmmmmm small Viagra cruisers

The comment of a saddle virgin. A sheepskin adds about 500km extra comfort to a decent day's ride or a series of long day rides.

[TLDV8]

Check your bike the night before, lights, indicators, oil, chain etc.
Lots of rest the night before.
Ride your own ride, don't be tempted to push yourself too hard, because your old man might be bored...

Relax and stay focused, if you feel your concentration slipping , pull over for a break.
Last, but not least, enjoy


:niceone:

*

There is also the option of gassing it up and packing it the night before so it is warm it up and go the next morning with no distractions or what if's.
It might help keep your mild on the ride and not...Did i check the doo da etc.

One thing i have started doing after reading it on KB is to lube the chain after a ride instead of before heading out when it is cold.

[zeocen]

Everything is dandy from this end, and unbelievably when I look out my window I see absolutely no wind, or clouds. What a stunner of a day, I hope it keeps up, I'll be leaving in about an hour.

What a perfect day for it, especially since the rest of this week has been shocking weather and wind!

Thanks for all the tips and help guys, I shall put it to good use and try not to fly off a cliff. Cya on the road!

[slinky]

prolly a bit late now - and i haven't read all the thread so don't know if its been said.
But Ear Plugs are a good option, keep out wind noise,
i don't use them but im gona start, cus everytime i get off the bike, i feel a little deaf!

[carver]

i say dont concentrate too hard on the trip..it tires you out.
travel at a relaxed pace, and you wont wind up exhausted.

[Blairos]

Have a safe trip!

I am off to Whangarei & back on Monday, then Wellington via Palmy North on Wednesday, so a few K's to be done between now and New Years...
:ride:

[chanceyy]

just take it easy out on the road guys ..

remember no rush just get to your destination in one piece

[NinjaNanna]

Hey there,

I will be riding my bike down to Whiritoa on Saturday (That's the next beach down from Whangamata) I'm also planning on riding the Coro loop probably on Tuesday/Wednesday (tbd), give me a call on 0211 904 281 if you and your Dad would be interested in joining me. BTW I ride slow by biker standards, like to push through the corners but stay under 120 on the straights. Personally I can't see the sense in going any faster, fines and loss of points just aren't worth the trade off and the funs in the twisties anyway.

Cheers

NN

[The Big J]

Any speed in Coromandel for next 2 weeks would be risky wouldn't it? With the blue mist pretty thick?

[zeocen]

Well I just got home from a 5 day holiday, what a great ride both ways!

The wind was very timid on the ride to whangamata so it was a good ease into the motorway and then stopping at bombay to fill up and do tire pressure (turns out they were pretty much bang on!), then off we went.. my dad decided to take the road to Miranda as a sort of detour, great scenery!

Until now I never really *got* twisties, mainly because I scared myself shitless on Twilight Road but when I went past the first set of twisties after the Kopu bridge and into Whanga's windy roads, I get it. I've never had so much fun on my bike, so much so that during the days I was there I would put out to Onemana/anywhere and back just to go through them again.

I secretly had a little ride on my old mans ZZR1100, in some quiet streets doing 40 - 60/70kmph, and even at those speeds, boy I tell you.. I can't wait to get my full license after experiencing something with power (albeit a little too much power, I think no more than a 650 for me! hehe).

On the way back this morning was great too, got caught behind a truck in the twisties but I didn't mind much, I was in a cruisey mood. Then back along the straights after Kopu and onto the motorway, never got above 120, never tried. I was happy at 100 in the slow lane for now, I think my ol' gpx thanked me for it too. I saw a big group of bikers going the opposite way just before the motorway, tipped my head to all of them.. I was a bit hesitant to take my hand off for a wave.

Now I'm back with a helmet full of insects and a big, big grin.. sorry for the long post - I just thought I'd let everyone know that the help and advice given didn't go to waste, because I had a bloody blast.
:scooter: :scooter: :done:

[Mom]

Glad you have had a good time, really there is nothing that beats being out there riding

[bluninja]

Glad to hear you had a blast.

[zeocen]

Hey there,

I will be riding my bike down to Whiritoa on Saturday (That's the next beach down from Whangamata) I'm also planning on riding the Coro loop probably on Tuesday/Wednesday (tbd), give me a call on 0211 904 281 if you and your Dad would be interested in joining me. BTW I ride slow by biker standards, like to push through the corners but stay under 120 on the straights. Personally I can't see the sense in going any faster, fines and loss of points just aren't worth the trade off and the funs in the twisties anyway.

Cheers

NN

Ahh sorry man! I didn't see this post, sorry about that

[Lucy]

Glad you had a good time, and welcome to the 'i love twisties' club! Next 250 ride I'll have to follow you and see if I can keep up.

[zeocen]

Ha! I may like them but I'm certainly not their best friend just yet, still going around some at a nana pace but I'll get there eventually :) Would have loved to have your gn250 seat though, got pretty numb down below

[gijoe1313]

W00t! I'm glad you stayed safe and really got to know a little more about your bike (and your own reactions!) It's a blast ain't it? I'm still grinning from my little blat last week (around 600km!) and I feel like I did when I first "got" what twisties and pootling around meant for us bikers!

Now, don't forget, lube your chain - do a visual inspection of your ride and give it a top to toe, clean and polish (it'll love you for it!) and most importantly...start planning the next ride out! :woohoo: :niceone:

[zeocen]

Yeah I did an inspection, I'm not sure if my bike has 2 bulbs or what but the lowbeam has died, I can only ride on hi-beam now.. so I somehow have to figure out how to fix that, and fast :(

[samwp]

Yeah I did an inspection, I'm not sure if my bike has 2 bulbs or what but the lowbeam has died, I can only ride on hi-beam now.. so I somehow have to figure out how to fix that, and fast :(

Chances are its a two filament in the one bulb deal, find out how it comes out and you're set.

1. Turn up at the local SuperRepcoCheapBikeshop

2. Rip out bulb

3. Slam light on counter

4. Remove glass from hand

5. Ask staff member for new bulb that fits (H4?) and has the same Wattage


it's also a good chance to get a brighter one :D

glad to hear you're enjoying twisties and your trip went ok.

and with tyre pressures my Dad tells me to check them when I fill the tank, I always forget but it seems like good advice to pass on.



See you on the road

Sam

[ZeroIndex]

it's not a difficult ride.. it's a fun one.. I've done it in moderate rain at night with a tinted visor, i've also done it in the wet (light drizzle) during the day fully tapped out on my old Kinetic GF170, and that's from Hamilton.

[heyjoe]

Didn't find this thread until later but enjoyed reading of your thoughts pre and post ride. We were all beginners once. Some with more starting confidence than others but all beginners once. Every day you ride you will build your bank of memories and lessons learnt. Hopefully you will learn something new each time that you can use to improve your experience and confidence. Take your time and don't let anyone push you out of your comfort zone but let yourself grow out of it. That includes yourself.

I am please that you enjoyed the trip and wish you well for a safe riding future.