cowboyz does the Grand Challenge 09

**Blackbird** · 19th October 2009, 13:30

Originally Posted by ynot slow

The ride round the coast from Hawera-NP is good except at night,mostly tankers on road so being early morning through there would've helped.

You've just dredged up a memory from one of my previous GC's which went round Taranaki! It was at the southern end of the Awakino Gorge heading north when I made an error of judgement in the small hours and cut up a tanker driver. He gave me a huge blast of his horn and the full headlight treatment and I deserved it. It's funny how the mind plays tricks at that time of day though. Next gas stop was at Te Kuiti and I was convinced that he'd catch up whilst we were gassing up and come over and deck me. The pit stop was a rather rapid one just in case!

**gizmo** · 19th October 2009, 14:42

Well done to all those that completed the ride.
Might have to have a go at it again next year. 18 years since last/1st one.
Murphy's law say it will be dry next year. LOL

**dogsnbikes** · 19th October 2009, 14:55

Awesome stuff lance

I see your changing not as many stops as a Ashhurst ride

**banditrider** · 19th October 2009, 15:31

Well, about frigin time!

Seriously, the weather wasn't very nice but it was still fun in a crazy sort of way. Glad you & Meanie both enjoyed it. He didn't tell me he got pinged!

**NZsarge** · 19th October 2009, 15:33

Originally Posted by dogsnbikes

Awesome stuff lance

I see your changing not as many stops as a Ashhurst ride

Not that far off, 18 stops in 1700km, I will give you the the stops were a lot shorter though.
with 230 odd minutes to spare they could have stopped a lot more or could have stopped for longer..

**TerminalAddict** · 19th October 2009, 15:34

sweet dude.

hopefully I can fit it in next year .. mind you . .march 2011 is southern cross init?

**banditrider** · 19th October 2009, 15:39

Originally Posted by TerminalAddict

sweet dude.

hopefully I can fit it in next year .. mind you . .march 2011 is southern cross init?

Hell yes!

**Meanie** · 19th October 2009, 16:25

Originally Posted by TerminalAddict

sweet dude.

hopefully I can fit it in next year .. mind you . .march 2011 is southern cross init?

Yep, wont be missing that

**EJK** · 19th October 2009, 16:35

Nice write up!

C: "Half way"
M: "Half way"
C: "And?"
M: "And what?"

**Maha** · 19th October 2009, 17:02

Take my hat (or helmet) off to you guys for doing that....
Whole different level of bikermanship (is that even a word?) that not everyone would be comfortable doing. The concertration must take a hammering at some point not to mention the stamina.

Top effort.......

**ynot slow** · 19th October 2009, 20:16

Originally Posted by Meanie

Yep, wont be missing that

Depends on demerits eh?Have just dropped last of mine,so two years seems a long way away.
Impressed to all who complete the ride,so many small things can add up to being unable to complete,sounds simple on face of it,average say 80-90km,but have to factor weather,night(and sleepyness),unfamiliar roads needing to keep up speed average,the odd cop and animal,quite an endless list,but friggin great feeling when completed.