Grand Challenge excitement builds

[Hitcher]

We got our "tee time" from Rusty Nuts today for the Grand Challenge -- 3:48pm Saturday. Sounds most interesting. Mandatory briefing at 2:30pm

For a newbie, does this mean that small bunches of riders are let go in dribs and drabs?

Also does anybody have any inside information on what this year's route looks like?

Also any useful tips and event tactics (like recommendations for frequency and duration of stops, etc) would also be appreciated.

Roll on October!

[Marknz]

This all sounds very interesting... have I missed something? Is there a link to this Challenge somewhere?

[White trash]

Ever read "The tortise and the hare"?

Forget it. Absolute friggin' bollocks!

My advise, go like the clappers. Everywhere.

[Holy Roller]

This all sounds very interesting... have I missed something? Is there a link to this Challenge somewhere?
http://www.rustynuts.co.nz/default.aspx?PageID=41
Here is the link for the entry form

[Kickaha]

We got our "tee time" from Rusty Nuts today for the Grand Challenge -- 3:48pm Saturday. Sounds most interesting. Mandatory briefing at 2:30pm

For a newbie, does this mean that small bunches of riders are let go in dribs and drabs?

Also does anybody have any inside information on what this year's route looks like?

Also any useful tips and event tactics (like recommendations for frequency and duration of stops, etc) would also be appreciated.

Roll on October!

You go off in small groups normally no more than 5-6 bikes a few minutes apart,most people have mates they're riding with.

The route will be given to you the night before you leave or that morning

If you're like me the only time you stop for a break will be when you stop for gas and staying around the 120km mark meant both times I did it it took around 19.5 hours,but I had a small fuel range so had to stop about 8-9 times all up

Make sure you carry something to clean your visor with as a big chunk of it is night riding

[mccool]

I've never done it but I remember a piece of geeky advice I saw in an English magazine - Don't drink coffee at petrol stations coz you never know how strong or weak it is. Drink caffeineated energy drinks - they have a standard dose of caffeine. Wow.

[Jackrat]

Normaly the bikes are let go at five minite gaps in two's, you can team up with a few mates if you like but two is the standard.
Your bike will be scrutinered and if not up to our standard you don't go.
The standard is that it must be able to pass a WOF after the event.
There is no lee way on this.Your chain is not part of a standard WOF check,with us it is.If you ride a Yamaha check your wheel and steering head bearing,it's their most common fault.
You can do the ride a an average of 90kms and it's not a race anyway.
Drink coffee in preference to sport drinks,the sport drinks dehydrate you badly over that long a period of time.Save the sports drinks for the final leg of the ride.
The ride is fairly eazy this year. :sly:
See you there.

[Marknz]

No wthat's some serious bloody riding. I love some of the stories on the website about some of the folk that have completed it in the past. Maybe next year for me.

[Blackbird]

Take it steady for the first hour to "dial in", you'll soon start passing people. Try relaxation exercises like rolling your wrists when off the throttle, move your neck about and take your feet off the pegs to straighten your legs now and then. Stand up on the pegs to keep the circulation going in your bum and fit a sheepskin if you haven't got one.

Minimise your stops - 10 minutes or so maximum. You feel worse if you take longer.

Last year, I drank plain water and just stuck to dried banana rings, nuts and raisins. I left the one can of V until the last checkpoint. Stay away from sugary stuff and coffee - you'll feel terrible!

I also found that drawing a time distance graph for a 24 schedule is quite useful for checking whether you're on schedule is quite useful for when your brain fogs up in the small hours.

I've attached the report on the last of the 4 rides I did to give you an idea. Our first one was a nightmare in high winds and torrential rain. You can have that too if you want to crap yourself but it does give a newcomer's insight.

Finally, best of luck. The pride in finishing never goes away, no matter how many you do :eek:

Geoff

[Blackbird]

Here's the write-up of our first Grand Challenge 1000 miler. The conditions were terrible and I actually thought that there was a good change of getting seriously hurt. Got through it ok though without too many mental scars and reckon I'm a better rider for it. Doing something that scares you doesn't hurt now and then!

Geoff

[Hitcher]

Excellent feedback, thanks guys.

On another matter, the letter from the RNMC didn't tell us where to go for: the briefing; the scrutineering (and when this is); and the start. I guess we could always roam around Turangi looking for an agglomeration of bikes and bikers...

[matthewt]

Excellent feedback, thanks guys.

On another matter, the letter from the RNMC didn't tell us where to go for: the briefing; the scrutineering (and when this is); and the start. I guess we could always roam around Turangi looking for an agglomeration of bikes and bikers...

Everything is done from the camping grounds at Turangi. If you get there on Friday then get your bike into scrutineering that night to help reduce the rush on Saturday. Also gives you time to get into Taupo if you need anything.

I've attached a map with the yellow line showing where to go as you head into Turangi.

Edit: On the first page of my form it says "Start & Finish is at Turangi Cabins & Holiday Park in Turangi - it is easy to find"

Also the side street to the camping grounds might be the one before I marked, I can't remember. It's easy to see when you are there.

[Hitcher]

Also the side street to the camping grounds might be the one before I marked, I can't remember. It's easy to see when you are there.
Thanks Matthew. The yellow line sort of merges with the yellow of Turangi, but I get the idea! We plan to ride up on Friday so will take you advice and get the scrutineering done that night.

[matthewt]

Thanks Matthew. The yellow line sort of merges with the yellow of Turangi, but I get the idea! We plan to ride up on Friday so will take you advice and get the scrutineering done that night.

Yer I probably should of changed the colour before I snapped it.

Anyway what time on Friday are you leaving ?? I'll looking to head out after lunch.

Have attached a photo of what you'll be doing just after you finish the run.

[Hitcher]

Anyway what time on Friday are you leaving ?? I'll looking to head out after lunch.
At this stage the plan is to head off late morning/lunchtime-ish. We tend to eat in transit, if that makes sense. You're most welcome to ride up with us, should you wish. We'll probably go via Palmerston North/Vinegar Hill.

[trevf]

:banana: Yes Choice-just got my leave approved for the weekend of the grand challenge. This will be my second one. Will see you all there I will be on the gsx750f

[RiderInBlack]

Have been wanting a crack at this for a while now. Have sent my entry form and made sure I have no work that Friday through to and encluding the Monday. So watch out RIB and The Heavy Hamster are on their way:2thumbsup

[RiderInBlack]

Have been wanting a crack at this for a while now. Have sent my entry form and made sure I have no work that Friday through to and encluding the Monday. So watch out RIB and The Heavy Hamster are on their way:2thumbsup Got my starting time:niceone: 4:02pm. Riding number 63. The Heavy Hamster is booked into the bike shop for Mon 4th. Getting new brake pads front and rear, and having them check the bearings. With probably pick up new P.Diab's at Cycletreads on my way down to Turangi for the GC on Friday 15th:whistle: .
Must kill a sheep for the seat. Has anyone tried possium skin on their bike seat (thought it would be as good as if not better than sheep skin)?

[Blackbird]

Never tried possum skin but on the way down, stop at the country pottery shop on SH1 between Putaruru and Tokoroa. They sell sheepskin offcuts and also make custom seat covers. It cost me about $100 for the Blackbird for a custom cover and it's superb. The shop owner was the service manager for Love Yamaha in Hamilton, so he and his wife are very biker-friendly.

Best of luck!

Geoff

[RiderInBlack]

Never tried possum skin but on the way down, stop at the country pottery shop on SH1 between Putaruru and Tokoroa. They sell sheepskin offcuts and also make custom seat covers.......
Best of luck!

GeoffNa, I thought I try running a possium down for the seat cover on me test runs over the next two weekends (Just kidding):msn-wink: . I should have some sheep skin (and or some tanned possum skins) lying around the place some where (Brother might still have a possum skin spare or 2 as well).
I will be giving the bike a good going over myself this weekend. I take the fairrings of and see if I need to do any plastic welding on them (I've got fairly good at this now and have the right plastic rods for it). Have the brake pads and will be doing this myself (I'm very good at this job). While I'm replacing the brake pads and brake fluid, I will also o the clutch fluid (the CBR1000FL has a hydrolic clutch link).
biggest thing I'm worried about is getting conned in to a drunking sesion on the Friday night:drinknsin , on the bases that I will not be starting my ride until Sat 4:02pm. Start this ride with a hang-over:bash: :sick: :puke: would not be a smart move :doh: :stupid: (maybe next year:msn-wink: ).

Thank Geoff for advice and best wishs. Will you be entering this year, if so I'll see you there.
Doug (RIB)

[Blackbird]

Drink anything that helps you to sleep! I normally ride down on the Saturday morning then do the ride. Last year, I stayed at the cabins on the Friday night for the first time. I was a bit cold and didn't sleep that well out of my own bed at home so was stuffed in the morning anyway!

Nope, giving it a miss this year as I've covered less than 1000k's since last Xmas - how sad is that! Opting for a softer weekend riding in Coromandel. I'm on for the Southern Cross though as I haven't done that yet.

Take good care - you'll have a huge sense of pride when you finish, not to mention being stuffed, hurting and maybe waking up with screaming cramp in the middle of the night, hehe.

Geoff

[pete376403]

A mate has a possum skin cover for the seat on his F650. Really really nice. H'es also got a possum skin neck warmer (his brothers partner was a costune maker for LoTR - they used lots of possums making furry bits and she had a fair bit left over).
Anyway the seat cover seems to take bad wether better than a sheepskin - doesn't get all ratty and stinky and end up like something the dog sleeps on.

[RiderInBlack]

I have been running my tyres at 38psi front/42psi rear hot (about 36 front/40 rear cold) for day to day running. With the Grand Challange, I am planning to set an easier pace than my normal and not taking the corners too hard (so that I don't wear myself out trying to throw the Heavy Hamster about). Should I set my tyre pressure harder to take this in to account (for example 40psi front/44psi rear hot or about 38psi front/ 42psi rear cold)? I run P.Diab's and Honda's recommend psi for the CBR1000FL is 36psi front/ 42psi rear cold.

[RiderInBlack]

Another rainy day:sneaky2: There goes my practice ride Sat (today's horses have had to be rebooked for Sat:argh: ). I was palnning to do Whangarei - Taupo and return (around 900Km or 560Miles), which is about half the distance:sweatdrop , on Sat. Well still have Sun:rolleyes: The Heavy Hamster is still in the shop (getting the big looking over). I had put it in on Mon, but they still had not started on it by Wed. They have had a new PC job sheet programme instilled, and it is giving them problems. So much for f*cken labour saving devices:finger:Not getting the bike done is it :Pokey:

[Blackbird]

I don’t know whether the attached chart example would be useful for any of the first-timers, but I used one on my first 1000-miler and it gave me some comfort that I was keeping on schedule. It’s amazing when you’re tired, a bit apprehensive and hurting how even simple maths gets hard and a picture makes it much easier. I didn’t use it on subsequent 1000 milers but it was handy for the first one. :eek:

The attached jpeg shows a 4pm start and two lines which represent schedules of 24 hours and 18 hours. The bottom axis is clock hours. If you look at midnight, you can see that you should have covered a bit over 500 k’s (533) for a 24 hour schedule and just over 700 (711) for an 18 hour schedule. Check it at every gas stop and as long as you keep above the 24 hour line, you’re fine! :niceone:

Best of luck everyone – hope to see you on the Southern Cross.

Geoff

[trevf]

Hi Rider in Black-dont worry about a practise ride. I was going to do one last year but the weather held me back. Just treat it as a series of long rides between checkpoints and enjoy the new friends you will meet. They are all a bloody good bunch of people-see you there-Trevor. :niceone:

[matthewt]

At this stage the plan is to head off late morning/lunchtime-ish. We tend to eat in transit, if that makes sense. You're most welcome to ride up with us, should you wish. We'll probably go via Palmerston North/Vinegar Hill.

Hitcher,

I'm looking at leaving Wgtn around 2pm (need to work that day) so I'll see you up there.

Just got a new rear tire fitted in preparation for the GC. It'll be my first decent ride since Christmas so as you say the excitement is building!

[LB]

Just got a new rear tire fitted in preparation for the GC. It'll be my first decent ride since Christmas so as you say the excitement is building!
.
New GTS duly noted yesterday at the bike park.
.

[Hitcher]

Mrs H and I are yet to set a departure time, but we'd like to be in Turangi late afternoonish so that we can get the scrutineering done that night in readiness for a leisurely Saturday.

[RiderInBlack]

Working on the bike this evening and what do I find:spudwhat: F**ken Fairing broken around the retaining bolts. The Bike shop must have got the Appentince to put them on. Looks like the bolts have been tightened too much:mad: Guess who is doing some plastic welding tomorrow morning:finger:Just as well I am not too bad at it, but it will be time wasted tomorrow that I was using to get down to Turangi. F**K F**K F**K. Well if that is all that goes wrong the GC will be a breeze (NOT).

[Bleck K6]

Working on the bike this evening and what do I find:spudwhat: F**ken Fairing broken around the retaining bolts. The Bike shop must have got the Appentince to put them on. Looks like the bolts have been tightened too much:mad: Guess who is doing some plastic welding tomorrow morning:finger:
what bike shop did you take your bike to?

[RiderInBlack]

Planet Honda. Usually they have been fairly good, but they have been using the apprentence on my bike. I haven't touched the fairings since it come back from the shop last Friday, so it was a bit of a nasty suprise. I had this happen before at Cyclespot with the VFR. Careless App broke a fairing and didn't not tell me. The Duck tape was a bit of a give away. This time it was not obvious and may have broken on my Sunday ride, but I'm fairly sure it is due to the bolts being too tight against the plastic.

[Bleck K6]

Planet Honda. Usually they have been fairly good, but they have been using the apprentence on my bike. I haven't touched the fairings since it come back from the shop last Friday, so it was a bit of a nasty suprise. I had this happen before at Cyclespot with the VFR. Careless App broke a fairing and didn't not tell me. The Duck tape was a bit of a give away. This time it was not obvious and may have broken on my Sunday ride, but I'm fairly sure it is due to the bolts being too tight against the plastic.
My TLR is due for its next service,I'm goin to take it to colemans in aucks to get its service.
Havent heard many good things about the bike shops up here.
Plus I am really happy with colemans service.

[RiderInBlack]

Yep I'm a Grandmaster KB'er now:first: Really awesome experience (even if my arse feels like I got a caneing:moon: ). Will write a full report, when I can get around to it (got some work to do to make up for all the time and money doing the GC cost me). I'm keen to do it again (Thanks to all the Rusty Nutters:rockon:). I just have one query:shifty: I didn't meet Hitcher there (or Mrs H), and am wondering if they made it (if not why not:spudwhat: ).

PS: The Heavy Hamster has earnt it's self a realy name now and will from now on be refurred to as "Roxanne, The Grand Mistress":love2: (she give my butt such a good spanking:msn-wink: ).