Help required!

[Sparrow_1982]

Hello everyone, first of all thank you for reading this thread and I apologize now for my illiteracy, but that isn't why i am asking for help.
Anyway to the point of this thread,

I am 32 years old, last year I was diagnosed with a genetic cancer disorder, which i found out that my entire large intestine was covered in cancerous polyps, which as you would know Cancer is bad

So my plan that year (prior to hearing this bad news) was to build up my adventure riding skills so i would someday be confident to complete the Dusty butt adventure ride (2016). Now all that was put on hold when i was diagnosed and my bike riding was effected also, due to the major surgery i underwent (June 2015) which i have now mostly recovered from. (i had my entire large intestine removed).

Now my plan is this, I would like to assemble a team of experienced riders so i can rack their brains in preparing myself for the dusty butt, perhaps some people would be kind enough to meet up with me for rides to build up my experience on adventure riding. i would rank my skills at noobie to novice, i have done some basic offroad riding but lack the skill to stay on the bike on some intermediate/hard sections of tracks

My end goal. I would like a eventually get a team together to do the 2017 dusty butt, (two or more experienced riders plus me) I would like to use this as a platform for a fundraiser and whilst on the way from the north island to the event and at the event, raise money and awareness for a bowel cancer charity (soon to be chosen). I realize this will not be a cheap thing to do, but i am hoping to gain some sponsors to help fund this, so if any of you have experience in this I would love to also chat to you too.

So please, if any of you are interested in anything i have mentioned above, or just curious and want to ask me questions about what i have put up here please don't hesitate to reply.

I would greatly appreciate it if i could get a group of people together for the purpose of getting out there and building up some experience, learning some new skills, and enjoying life on two wheels. The only problem is i need that one or more experienced rider to put their hand up and say hell yeah, i'll give you some tips. lets go!

ok, thats about it from me for now.... now it's your turn, my eyes and ears are open.

[bart]

Good on you for putting it out there Dude. I'd like to help but aren't always available due to shift work. I'll keep an eye on this thread.

Perhaps a trip up Takapari is due. Good pactice and great views.

[Night Falcon]

Awesome Idea. I'm an expert at falling off but am guessing that's what your trying to avoid. There's some great riding tips on this site http://advrider.com/index.php?thread...skills.972472/ Not adventure riding but skills are very transferable.

Will keep an eye on the site. If you are up in the Bay some time (HB) would love to catch up for a ride - I'm still recovering from a small prang so only riding local for now. Good luck

[pete376403]

You asked on FB about costs - the 2015 DB was the first time for me, on my KLR. Cost wise wasnt too bad, you dont need to go all out with the very best tyres and gear. (TKC80s might be good but at the price,so they should be) I used a second hand D606 and it was fine. If it had rained, however it might have been a different story. A GPS is pretty much a necessity but it doesn't have to be too flash. Fuel was about three tanks (KLR has a big tank) Ferry ticket is pretty unavoidable but you can spread the cost by taking three bikes on a trailer or even better in a van. Accomodation will be up to three nights (starts really early on Sat morning)

Actually the biggest cost for me was repairing the damage afterwards but from your profile I see you have a DR which has much less breakable plastic.

[DR Girl]

Hi there Sparrow,
I had kept wondering what had happened to you, and are so very sorry you have been through so much.
So glad you have an Adv Riding goal to look towards.
Heading on from Napier in the pouring rain after an all day ride with us ( when you could have had a bed for the night ) shows you have what it takes to do the 2017 Dusty Butt. You rode way better than any Novice I know.
Happy to help anyway

[pampa]

Hi, I'm also time constrained but glad to help if I can. I did DB it a couple of years ago and it was good fun.

[manakau.KTM]

Sounds like you have a plan. I'm not too far away so Takapiri, Shannon dams or Turakina Valley area are all within easy reach. Have you posted this on ADVRider NZ section?

I'll keep an eye on this thread too as I'm self employed and can sometimes be available mid week.