Who else is doing the Grand Challenge this year?

**Blackbird** · 11th March 2010, 14:56

Originally Posted by Lurch

I kinda wonder if I would actually enjoy the experience.

In some respects, I wonder why I do it too. The trigger was reading a story in the mid-90's by a motorcycling journo who did it. He was hallucinating with pain (forget what sort of bike) and ended up kipping by the roadside and missing the deadline. I thought something like that could be quite a good physical and mental challenge, mentioned it to 2 or 3 mates and by then, it was too late to back out without losing face. Boiling it down, I guess it's stepping outside your comfort zone, just like bungee jumping, white water kayaking or even changing jobs etc - it's stimulating.

**insomnia01** · 11th March 2010, 14:57

2008 there was a few guys that pulled out in the early morning cause they figured they weren't going to finish within the 24hrs so rang Lee then buggered off home, one guy decided he to wasn't going to make the 24hrs,but carried on anyway, come sunrise he had a second wind gave the bandit some juice & got to Turangi with 10minutes to spare...

**Lurch** · 11th March 2010, 15:04

Originally Posted by Blackbird

In some respects, I wonder why I do it too.

You might still be wondering when it's 4am and your riding the STriple this time instead of the Blackbird

**Blackbird** · 11th March 2010, 15:06

That's exactly why I'm doing it, f*ckwit that I am. Being born English probably contributes too

**KoroJ** · 11th March 2010, 16:38

Originally Posted by shafty

Would LOVE to do it again - especially after being on a 40 km long island for 2 years, so 2011 here I come - unless I'm doing Route 66 ten.....

You could do 40 lengths...or 10 times round the outside, round the outside!

Originally Posted by cowboyz

you dont need to go quick no.. .

He said as he disappeared into the sunset!!

Originally Posted by Lurch

I kinda wonder if I would actually enjoy the experience. I have no problem with riding long hours, even pre-dawn to post-dusk with only the necesary stops but the idea of riding through the period that I'd normally be sleeping kinda puts me off, more so due to the fact it's in winter when lack of concetration is dangerous enough at the best of times. I know it's meant to be a challenge, but I somehow fail to see the point in this one.

I think I'd rather book in for a couple of days riding down south to be quite honest.

You do not like it so you say!
Try it, try it and you may!
Try it and you may I say......

**Hitcher** · 11th March 2010, 17:25

Originally Posted by Blackbird

At 62, I'm 7 years older since the last time I did it and on a naked bike too - that's the challenge for me this year!

I completed last year's on the Shiver, no worries! And the weather was pretty crap too for the most part.

**Blackbird** · 11th March 2010, 18:07

Originally Posted by Hitcher

I completed last year's on the Shiver, no worries! And the weather was pretty crap too for the most part.

Thanks Brett..... so there's just the age to fret about then

Just out of curiosity, how did you find the naked Shiver compared with the faired FJR in terms of fatigue? Although I've only done a 700 km day since having the Striple, I think on balance that the riding position makes it marginally more comfortable for long hauls than the Blackbird; principally because of reduced load on the wrists. Mind you, I haven't ridden a decent distance in really crap weather yet.

**cowboyz** · 12th March 2010, 00:15

Originally Posted by KoroJ

He said as he disappeared into the sunset!!

ok.. I said 'need' to.. doesnt take away the 'want to'

I admit to maybe excedding the speed limit a couple of times..

Funny thing is.. Meanie is much more responible and it didnt take him long to catch up.

**Pumba** · 4th July 2010, 20:29

Just to dredge up a thread.

Just got my confirmation the other day Group 5, a 3:12pm depature.

Be gentle on me, I am a GC virgin

that will be lookiing for more advise in the near future

**cowboyz** · 4th July 2010, 20:44

well. The only advise I can give you is to take your time ,, (you actually have plenty of it!). If you wanna stop... then stop. Its amazing how much 5 mins on the side of the road can refresh you.

I did it in just under 21 hours last year and I stopped 18 times. Just keep a good pace rather than going nuts on it and wearing yourself out.

Oh.. and nap on sat arvo!

**Gremlin** · 5th July 2010, 01:28

Get up late on saturday... on the ride, keep yourself warm, fed, watered. Go to the toilet at each fuel stop (much better than getting all geared up then needing to stop 5 min down the road).

Enjoy!