TT2000 2016 Mystery Checkpoint

**PistonBlown** · 10th October 2015, 20:16

Originally Posted by Racing Dave

The R1200GS Adventure's tank is rated at 33 litres, but with 5 seconds work (reach inside the tank cap's neck and hook out the rubber 'thing') it holds 38 litres. There's no need to have a 5 litre air gap above the fuel - better to have another 100km riding.

Providing I keep an eye on the speed (the GSA is not renowned for its aerodynamic smoothness, and becomes a thirsty beast above 120 km/h) then I expect to get to 700km without any fear of running dry. Mine will still cover 60km after the fuel count-down has reached zero.

So at that rate I'll probably have filled up three times and be about half way through another tank before you're looking for a petrol pump.

**HotFJ** · 12th October 2015, 15:06

Rubber "thingy" in teh fuel filler... -must have a look at my beast.

I have so much capacity I'd consider carrying add'l fuel for someone else. RT's are suckers for being capable of being loaded up like an elephant.
So are PC800's, for that matter. (Plan B if the RT fails me -unlikely)

So guys. Who bothers with a GPS unit? I've been loaned a Garmin 30x, but it seems a daunting thing to load the waypoints into.
Methinx I best I speak to Mr. Google...

**Gremlin** · 12th October 2015, 15:31

Originally Posted by Racing Dave

The R1200GS Adventure's tank is rated at 33 litres, but with 5 seconds work (reach inside the tank cap's neck and hook out the rubber 'thing') it holds 38 litres. There's no need to have a 5 litre air gap above the fuel - better to have another 100km riding.

Providing I keep an eye on the speed (the GSA is not renowned for its aerodynamic smoothness, and becomes a thirsty beast above 120 km/h) then I expect to get to 700km without any fear of running dry. Mine will still cover 60km after the fuel count-down has reached zero.

Depends on year. I know the 06 has the rubber thingy, but direct side to side comparison with mates 06 and my 10, it's different, with no thingy. However, I'm definitely still able to get more than 33L in, more like 36-38L. Best range was 750km with 1L or so to go, but typically, especially with spirited pace, I budget 600km. Tyre selection also makes a difference. Something like PR4 can be 0.5L/100km better than knobblies... even worse if you've aired them down for off road... and don't go back up for road.

**PistonBlown** · 12th October 2015, 16:29

Originally Posted by HotFJ

So guys. Who bothers with a GPS unit? I've been loaned a Garmin 30x, but it seems a daunting thing to load the waypoints into.
Methinx I best I speak to Mr. Google...

I've not bothered with GPS as I prefer using route notes as, for me, it adds to the fun. Exception to that is at night when I have to resort to a GPS app on my phone.

On the TT2000 site under checkpoints you can download files for a Garmin device in both the formats supported - you can then upload them into your device using the appropriate software (BaseCamp is the current one used by Garmin).

If you don't currently have the Garmin device you've mentioned you can still use the BaseCamp software to plan your route. Basecamp is available as a free download from the Garmin site. You can then download and use the free NZ maps available here:
http://nzopengps.org

I've got that setup but must admit still prefer to plan my own route and use Google Maps to check times and km's between points. I also use Google street view to check out what's on the signs at junctions and use that in my notes rather than road names etc. I like to use roads I've not travelled before or ones I enjoy, as a result sometimes my route isn't the most sensible from one checkpoint to another.

On my phone I just use an app called CoPilot. This works fine from one point to another but I did find a problem where if you put in a multi-point journey it fails to tell you when you've reached the first point just continuing to give you directions straight to the second. After the second it works fine but that meant I went right past one checkpoint in the dark last year without realising. Thought it was a one off at the time but found it was a bug when I tested it afterwards. Possibly been fixed now as I did report it, not tested it recently.

**HotFJ** · 15th October 2015, 12:01

I confess I'm a bit old-school myself also when it comes to route planning. So I'll do as you do with paper printouts & my friend google, however I will also use the opportunity to learn to drive the eTREX.

Appreciated your heads up on the software. Managed to get the waypoints onto the 2 OEM version maps that are in the GPS . In fact, one of the maps is superior to the NZOpenGPS one. But I now have all 3 in the unit, & each shows different positive aspects.

Like you, I can tend to get caught up with the process, & forget to be aware & stay in the "present". But that's whole point of the ride. Be in the moment. One day, you'll run out of them.

It's important to enjoy this, not to just make it a task to knock off.

Ta for all your advice!

**Gremlin** · 15th October 2015, 12:09

Originally Posted by HotFJ

In fact, one of the maps is superior to the NZOpenGPS one.

If you spot roads that need updating/improving, then by all means let the mappers know. That's the beauty of open source.

**HotFJ** · 15th October 2015, 15:16

I understand that.
It's not that it's incorrect -it's just not as clear to read, either in Basecamp on my PC, or on the eTrex.
That said, I have not yet played around with display options. I'm using the defaults still.

**wpoll** · 19th October 2015, 08:10

+1 to all the good advice offered in this thread.

And here's some more...

Plan the ride then ride the plan.

Making navigational decisions and adding up points while on the road takes up valuable mental resources and physical time you may need for riding so try get all the routing decisions and points tallied BEFORE you hit the road. Then having made those decisions, stick to them - and the contingencies/alternatives you've planned. The TT2000 is not an event you can just "wing it on the day".

There's a good reason for posting the checkpoints and routes on the TT web site months before the event and it's not just to keep the event organisers busy!

See you all on the day...

**NiggleC** · 10th January 2016, 16:36

This will be my 4th TT. And i must remember to enter come to think of it. I'm one of those who selects a route that gets me just enough points and k's to be to be a finisher and that suits me fine. I have found that a plastic bag (it may be raining and the t shirt will be wet) and a couple of clothes pegs to hang it from the point on your bike of your choosing if its windy are handy things to take. And while we are talking fuel tanks I'll be leaving the bike with the 43litre tank at home. Its a bit slow and getting on like its owner.

**PistonBlown** · 10th January 2016, 23:12

Originally Posted by NiggleC

This will be my 4th TT. And i must remember to enter come to think of it. I'm one of those who selects a route that gets me just enough points and k's to be to be a finisher and that suits me fine. I have found that a plastic bag (it may be raining and the t shirt will be wet) and a couple of clothes pegs to hang it from the point on your bike of your choosing if its windy are handy things to take. And while we are talking fuel tanks I'll be leaving the bike with the 43litre tank at home. Its a bit slow and getting on like its owner.

43 litres! I'm guessing that's the R80G/S and it's got a HPN tank - double jealous now as that's one of the bikes me and a mate lusted over while on the school bus reading Motorcycle International magazine back in the 80's:-)

**whatastoner** · 18th January 2016, 16:27

Just out of interest, is anyone planning on taking in Checkpoints Niagara Falls and Fortrose this year?
From Clutha Ferry down and back to Raes Junction is around 3.5 hours and 258km. Subtract the distance backtracking from Clutha Ferry up to Raes, maybe 30km, and that's a long way for 4000 points. Buggers up my overnight stop too. This year my two riding buddies are unable to attend, so it's a solo effort. Mind you, it's never really the case, there's always someone just ahead or behind. Last year it was Johan on the Gold Wing. Klondyke in the middle of the night, there he is, Fairlie in the pissing rain, you bet.

**speedwrench** · 19th January 2016, 22:01

I'm trying to locate these mystery locations for this 2016 tt2000. Its my first TT, And i have never been down south so i wouldn't know where to begin looking. Could someone please help... even just a few pointers would go a long way. Thanks

**PistonBlown** · 19th January 2016, 22:25

Originally Posted by speedwrench

I'm trying to locate these mystery locations for this 2016 tt2000. Its my first TT, And i have never been down south so i wouldn't know where to begin looking. Could someone please help... even just a few pointers would go a long way. Thanks

Hi,

I'll message you some hints that will help you find them but still give you a bit of challenge so you have a sense of achievement when you do.

As your a newbie on KB it will not let you reply to my messages so just post to this thread if you're still stuck.

Thanks,

Jos

**Racing Dave** · 20th January 2016, 01:33

Originally Posted by speedwrench

I'm trying to locate these mystery locations for this 2016 tt2000. Its my first TT, And i have never been down south so i wouldn't know where to begin looking. Could someone please help... even just a few pointers would go a long way. Thanks

Begin looking using the clues in the photos, and a big dose of Street View.

Here's a couple of hints for two of them.

**wallydog** · 24th January 2016, 21:02

The Mystery 1 location, the church, is not in Canterbury, or Otago or on the West Coast. It is however only 2.26km from the coast but believe me it was a bugger to find. Good luck.