A Pleasant Scenic Ride - The Southern Cross

[Jantar]

So you've always wanted to know what the East Cape road is like. Or maybe you want to see Mt Egmont in the morning sun. How about lunch at Cape Reinga or Oysters at Bluff.

Now you can do all of these in only a week. The Rusty Nut's 10th Southern Cross Rally is underway in March 2009. http://www.rustynuts.co.nz/default.aspx?PageID=40

We had a great turn out of KBers at the last one http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=48908 So how many for this one?

[banditrider]

Definitely planning to be there again - it gets a bit addictive eh? Great to re-read your write-up too.

[KoroJ]

I'm thinking about it and have done a little provisional planning and itinerary options. I enjoyed the Mini's Return so much I could go more of the same but I'll see how the bod' is holding together after the GC.

[Highlander]

Much as I would love to, I don't see it happening I'm afraid. :bye:

[FJRider]

I've been promising myself a go at this one for a while, a start is my plan...

[Jantar]

Only 11 weeks to go, and looks like a few KBers. Surely we can get a few more along. :ride: :ride: :ride:

[Lee Rusty]

the run is over half full already with more than a few overseas entries this year.
Being the Tenth run it is getting more interest than usual, and it is certain to be full.

[banditrider]

Just booked my Ferry tickets and some accomodation tonight. Can't wait, see ya all at East Cape!

[shafty]

The last one was SO FUN, despite needing 2 bikes to finish it....let me see.........:mobile:

[Lee Rusty]

we have to suffer ya nekid blue arse in the streets of Bluff again

[Jantar]

we have to suffer ya nekid blue arse in the streets of Bluff again

He can only top it by riding nekid at the start. In broad daylight this time. :lol:

[shafty]

I'm sorry but my Publicist is on holiday and I'm not allowed to answer these evil insinuations myself other than to say, that if the Barmaid had kept her end of the bargain, the Boys would've no complaints! lol

[BOGAR]

I'm planning to do it this year. Got nothing book and havent paid but hope to get that all sorted by the end of the week.

Edit:
Well i have sent in the money and have started the planning. Not sure if i should book the ferry yet as i dont know if the event is full up yet or not.
Looking forward to seeing you all there.

[BOGAR]

What do people take as a minimum for securing their bikes when not at a place they know or trust. I was just wondering what to take to the South Island mainly as I will have to stay in backpackers ect down there and am trying to keep the weight down but dont wont to risk losing the bike either. :sweatdrop:crybaby: What are your thoughts please.

[banditrider]

I'm planning to do it this year. Got nothing book and havent paid but hope to get that all sorted by the end of the week.

Edit:
Well i have sent in the money and have started the planning. Not sure if i should book the ferry yet as i dont know if the event is full up yet or not.
Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Might pay to book ya ferry - there will be a bit of competition for spots. Although in the past the Interislander seemed to be able to take quite a few - they strung wires across the decks so that about 4 rows of bikes could be tied down. I've booked both my sailings with Bluebridge.


What do people take as a minimum for securing their bikes when not at a place they know or trust. I was just wondering what to take to the South Island mainly as I will have to stay in backpackers ect down there and am trying to keep the weight down but dont wont to risk losing the bike either. :sweatdrop:crybaby: What are your thoughts please.

I don't take anything nowdays but tend to stay at motorcamps and park the bike right outside the door to my cabin. Sleep with 1 eye open...or bring the bike inside with ya.

[KoroJ]

What do people take as a minimum for securing their bikes when not at a place they know or trust. I was just wondering what to take to the South Island mainly as I will have to stay in backpackers ect down there and am trying to keep the weight down but dont wont to risk losing the bike either. :sweatdrop:crybaby: What are your thoughts please.

Use an ST. 300Kg with a steering lock on and the HISS ignition security means a would-be thief will probably need a hiab and a couple of grand to replace the ignition system. Otherwise, those little disc locks look compact and probably do the trick.

[Jantar]

What do people take as a minimum for securing their bikes when not at a place they know or trust. I was just wondering what to take to the South Island mainly as I will have to stay in backpackers ect down there and am trying to keep the weight down but dont wont to risk losing the bike either. :sweatdrop:crybaby: What are your thoughts please.


I have stayed at backpackers all over the country, and have generally just turned off the ignition and removed the key. In the South Island I have even been known to leave the key in the bike.

I think the main thing is to stay clear of cities, and park the bike out of sight of the road.

[RichardC]

The next Southern Cross tour is coming in March. :woohoo:
The last one was an absolute blast:yes::banana:

All the Information is at rustynuts.co.nz
Who's keen to do it again?
Richard

[TOTO]

never done it

It doesn't say anything on the website about that event ...got an exact link ?

Very keen :)

[Jantar]

Try: http://www.rustynuts.co.nz/default.aspx?PageID=40

[Lee Rusty]

this year the Southern Cross has entries from OZ, USA, UK, Russia, GHana,

and who knows where else buy th etime it closes. Entires have past the one hundred mark now so not long to go and not many more are going to make it.

[banditrider]

Did the East Cape road last weekend and it is in really good nick. Only one nasty section of new seal (marbles actually - hard to spot in the dark too) and the usual bumpy bits. Didn't go out to the lighthouse so not sure what the gravel is like...

[Starky307]

Try: http://www.rustynuts.co.nz/default.aspx?PageID=40

I find very little information on that link but I think from reading your post from a couple of years ago I have worked this out.

Basically you make your own way by motorcycle to the appropriate location as listed on the website:
March 23rd, East Cape
March 24th, Cape Egmont
March 25th, Cape Reinga
March 28th, Bluff.

You must organise everything such as accomodation, ferry crossings and route to take yourself and when you arrive at the metioned location between check in times you sign the "quest" book.

Is this a correct assumption of what the southern cross tour is about?

[Meanie]

Just booked my ferry ticket to get down south on 26th at 1.00 sailing on Bluebridge. Cant wait

[banditrider]

I find very little information on that link but I think from reading your post from a couple of years ago I have worked this out.

Basically you make your own way by motorcycle to the appropriate location as listed on the website:
March 23rd, East Cape
March 24th, Cape Egmont
March 25th, Cape Reinga
March 28th, Bluff.

You must organise everything such as accomodation, ferry crossings and route to take yourself and when you arrive at the metioned location between check in times you sign the "quest" book.

Is this a correct assumption of what the southern cross tour is about?

That's about it alright - great fun!


Just booked my ferry ticket to get down south on 26th at 1.00 sailing on Bluebridge. Cant wait

Just need rubber...

[Meanie]

That's about it alright - great fun!



Just need rubber...

Yep me too

[Lee Rusty]

I find very little information on that link but I think from reading your post from a couple of years ago I have worked this out.

Basically you make your own way by motorcycle to the appropriate location as listed on the website:
March 23rd, East Cape
March 24th, Cape Egmont
March 25th, Cape Reinga
March 28th, Bluff.

You must organise everything such as accomodation, ferry crossings and route to take yourself and when you arrive at the metioned location between check in times you sign the "quest" book.

Is this a correct assumption of what the southern cross tour is about?


Thats about it you have to arrive at each checkpoint between 12 noon and 1pm. The trick is to work out your mileage, your travel times etc to get with in striking distance of the next CP the next day. No point in getting to close you just have to wait, no point in getting there late as cp will be closed and no where to sign in.
You will find if you come on the run that after an couple of hours on day one groups start to form up and travell at the same speed and even help each other with accom as they pass theu their own area . It is a really social ride with like minded people and friendships made on the SCRR generally seem to last for years ,
AT the end there is a big catered lunch and we put on a few kegs, if you stay until about 6pm the SCRR morphs into a RNMC club nite in the clubrooms at the Eagle tavern in Bluff. A great nite is had by all

The reason for making all own bookings is so your costs are kept down or up as your wallet allows. done on the cheap it will cost you about a grand possibly a bit less. Stay away from speeding tickets and keep your costs reasonable

[Highlander]

This is on Next week.

I wont be on this one :no: but you guys all ride safe and tell us all about it when you get back.

Looking forward to the ride reports being posted.

[shafty]

This is on Next week.

I wont be on this one :no: but you guys all ride safe and tell us all about it when you get back.

Looking forward to the ride reports being posted.

Hear hear, have fun Guys!:2thumbsup

[Meanie]

Yep will do, should be awesome
Looking forward to it now although it is still a little touch and go weather or not i can go.:sweatdrop

[BOGAR]

Yep will do, should be awesome
Looking forward to it now although it is still a little touch and go weather or not i can go.:sweatdrop

Whats up with the decision?? Any way any one of us can help? I'm doing it for the first time but will try and help out if you need. I can put you up in Rotorua if that helps. See you there hopefully.

[Meanie]

Whats up with the decision?? Any way any one of us can help? I'm doing it for the first time but will try and help out if you need. I can put you up in Rotorua if that helps. See you there hopefully.

Thanks for the offer, i,m 99.9 percent sure i,m going, just got a few issues at work and slowly sorting through them. Looking a lot more promising than it did this morning.
Look forward to seeing you along the way

[nadroj]

So.... who's doing it? We have a couple of beds for those wanting them in New Plymouth monday night - pm me.

[Jantar]

I'm on my way. Left home in Alexandra shortly after 8:00 this morning, and now in Picton. :ride: :ride: :ride:

[banditrider]

Yep will do, should be awesome
Looking forward to it now although it is still a little touch and go weather or not i can go.:sweatdrop

Say what sucker? You're going!

[KoroJ]

Yep will do, should be awesome
Looking forward to it now although it is still a little touch and go weather or not i can go.:sweatdrop

Aaah.....I thought you meant it might be too fine for you to do the ride??!!


I'm on my way. Left home in Alexandra shortly after 8:00 this morning, and now in Picton. :ride: :ride: :ride:

Damn, nearly 800 Kms already and we have days to wait!! Not fair!


Steve and I are all booked and have our route planned. Leaving Welly on Sunday for a wee pootle to Tokomaru Bay, via Route 52 to help get in the groove.

[Meanie]

Say what sucker? You're going!

Yep all sorted and am definitly going now :2thumbsup
Off to Gisbourne on Sunday
Thanks Nodroj, accomodation sorted already

[Xaria]

Sounds like a lovely month. Don't know about in less than a week.

[banditrider]

Yep all sorted and am definitly going now :2thumbsup


Awesome! Can we go now?

[Meanie]

Awesome! Can we go now?

Fark yes................

[banditrider]

Awesome ride so far. Wet heading up from Gisborne to East Cape but fine after that. 130 bikes entered and have heard of 2 incidents so far - a Beemer went down right in front of Meanie & myself, rider ok but bike not so good. Off to Cape Egmont shortly...

[Okey Dokey]

Thanks for the update, banditrider. I hope you have a good- or should that be many good-rides doing the Southern Cross. Keep us posted!

[shafty]

Yeah, keep 'em coming Mate - and (as if I need to tell you) Have fun!

[Highlander]

a Beemer went down right in front of Meanie & myself, rider ok but bike not so good. ...

Not a good start to his week.

weather looks good.

I'm getting jealous.

[nadroj]

Shot out to the cape to watch the bikers book in & spotted a few KBers. Jantar, KoroJ, Jamo, Nibor + a few others.

[banditrider]

Back in Palmy at the mo'. Catching the ferry this arvo. We right up here: http://banditrider.blogspot.com/2009/03/southern-cross-update.html

Getting sick of watching people crash in front of me...

[insomnia01]

Looking good Mate hope the sth isld leg goes well for you fellas :2thumbsup:2thumbsup

[nadroj]

I followed the Boss Hoss from Cape Egmont into New Plymouth - What a handfull!

[Highlander]

Back in Palmy at the mo'. Catching the ferry this arvo. We right up here: http://banditrider.blogspot.com/2009/03/southern-cross-update.html

Getting sick of watching people crash in front of me...

I know an older gent doring it on a GS BMW. I understand he was going to the East cape on his own and picking his wife up in Tauranga on the way past. So probably not him you picked out of the fence.

I am so envious. I should be doing this too.
I'm sure I'm not the only one looking at the clock and thinking "I would expect to be somewhere near....." :cry:

[shafty]

I know an older gent doring it on a GS BMW. I understand he was going to the East cape on his own and picking his wife up in Tauranga on the way past. So probably not him you picked out of the fence.

I am so envious. I should be doing this too.
I'm sure I'm not the only one looking at the clock and thinking "I would expect to be somewhere near....." :cry:

I'm with you on that one Highlander!

[DougieNZ]

Shot out to the cape to watch the bikers book in & spotted a few KBers. Dougie, + a few others.

Heck and here I was thinking I was at work this week... I wish I was on the ride..

I look forward to seeing the reports...

[banditrider]

All done now - another fantastic Rusty ride!

A breif blog here: http://banditrider.blogspot.com/2009/03/southern-cross-update-2.html

[RiderInBlack]

Any of you dudes coming up the Hidden Highway Thursday Morning? Swear I saw a few of ya going the other way as Trish and I were heading to Whangamomona on "Zena" that day.

[KoroJ]

Awesome Ride. Couple of close calls, a few blasts, lots of pootles and Steve & I came back from Bluff yesterday to catch the 1030pm ferry. 1100Kms up the middle including 72 & 70 made for a nice finish to the week.

I'll blog a report in a few days after I catch-up at work. (curse 31 March).

[Meanie]

Shot out to the cape to watch the bikers book in & spotted a few KBers. Jantar, KoroJ, Jamo, Nibor + a few others.

Didnt see you mate but there were so many of us there, shoulda worn your pink riding gear, would have seen you then


Awesome Ride. Couple of close calls, a few blasts, lots of pootles and Steve & I came back from Bluff yesterday to catch the 1030pm ferry. 1100Kms up the middle including 72 & 70 made for a nice finish to the week.

I'll blog a report in a few days after I catch-up at work. (curse 31 March).

You boys were keen riding back in one day, did think about it myself but decided on a leasurly ride upthe west coast, was well worth it too
What a blardy awesome trip with some great company, cant wait for the next one

[banditrider]

Finally back with 6,492km added to the odo. Fantastic trip with the weather playing ball for 99% of the time - awesome!