Tt2000 2017

[wpoll]

Finally got to ride some of the checkpoints this weekend.

For Tuamutu I found it easiest approach via Leeston Tuamutu Road rather than Lower Lake Road as this meant only a short stretch of gravel. Also one side of the road from that direction is relatively gravel free. No dogs to report on my visit:-)

Photo of bridge at Halwell Canal was taken from the west side of the bridge. I couldn't work out why it looked different to the photo at first until the penny dropped:-) Wayne - I'm guessing it's not a problem if the photos taken on the wrong (east) side?

As long as the photo is identifiable as the correct location, it'll get the tick. Last year a bunch of riders where on the wrong bank of the Clutha River at the Clutha Ferry CP but we weren't going to take points off them for that small error. Even though the whole point of that CP was to force riders to figure a route that took them down the south bank of the Clutha - I guess it was too subtle!

Most CPs aren't that sneaky - and any view will do.

[whatastoner]

Should have docked them points in this case. Cp was definately west bank.
I'm having a hard time memorizing the cp photos this year. I've installed Shannon's android app which will help if there's mobile coverage. Otherwise a paper backup it is.
Not long now peeps, time for one more night ride.

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[whatastoner]

Just putting it out there. Any one fancy a night ride Saturday? Perhaps CHCH Darfield Inland route to Geraldine and back. Would be good to get one in before TT time.

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[PistonBlown]

Wayne - Halswell one looks very similar from either direction anyway:-)

Whatastoner - I think it's because there's a number of similar looking bridges this time which makes it hard to remember. I had the same issue when I organised a smaller version of the TT for Spyder riders. To get people onto the good roads I ended up with several bridges as checkpoints as they were the only suitable landmarks. Going to be using the GPS this year rather than written notes but have still printed the photo's of each checkpoint just so I can confirm I'm at the right place. Re Sat night - I'm on call this weekend but I'll check tomorrow if anyone is willing to swap, that's if you don't mind being joined by a 3 wheeler:-)

[whatastoner]

Let us know Jos either way.

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[banditrider]

Caught the tail end of the news this morning (better watch tonight) and heard a whisper of some road closures around Chch. Is this due to the fires or something else? Any idea if it will be an issue next week?

[wpoll]

Caught the tail end of the news this morning (better watch tonight) and heard a whisper of some road closures around Chch. Is this due to the fires or something else? Any idea if it will be an issue next week?

We are watching AA Roadwatch daily and haven't seen any show stoppers.

Yet.

[whatastoner]

Summit road is closed due to the fire, shouldn't effect the TT route if it's shut for several weeks. Between the top of Dyers Pass to Gebbies Pass is the affected area.

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[banditrider]

Cool, sounds good. Not super familiar with the area so trusting the GPS (well, maybe not completely) and have got my routes loaded and accommodation booked...keen to not have to make too many drastic changes...

Some points around out there too...

[wpoll]

Cool, sounds good. Not super familiar with the area so trusting the GPS (well, maybe not completely) and have got my routes loaded and accommodation booked...keen to not have to make too many drastic changes...

Some points around out there too...

Note that many GPS maps aren't updated with the (many) road closures around Banks, especially around the Summit Road area. The current fire just adds to the confusion. Getting to Godley Heads is not as straight forward as you might think...

[banditrider]

Note that many GPS maps aren't updated with the (many) road closures around Banks, especially around the Summit Road area. The current fire just adds to the confusion. Getting to Godley Heads is not as straight forward as you might think...

On Adv bike

[wpoll]

On Adv bike

Perfect place for an ADV bike...

[PistonBlown]

This may be of help. Shows a count of the road works/closures in an area and as you zoom in gives you more detail on each one.
http://www.tfc.govt.nz/current-conditions/roadworks/

When I rode around a couple of weeks ago...

The routes from the start point to Godley Head are pretty clear, if you follow your GPS it should get you there without any issues. There is a traffic light/single lane section on the last bit of Evans Pass Road which takes forever to change but otherwise ok - other than cyclists that ignore the lights and come flying down the hill towards you:-)

Sumner Road from Godley Head to Lyttleton is closed. My GPS thinks it's open.

Summit Road is closed in several places. My GPS did seem to know about this one...or thinks it's a stupid route:-)

So to get from Godley Heads to Governors Bay you have to head back towards Christchurch and take the tunnel to Lyttleton, or if you prefer something more interesting Dyers Pass Rd.

If you go via the tunnel then your GPS will probably take you via Bridle Path Road. This is closed just past the junction with Martindales, however if you head down Martindales you can get around the closure either on Station/Rollin or Port Hills Road.

[banditrider]

This may be of help. Shows a count of the road works/closures in an area and as you zoom in gives you more detail on each one.
http://www.tfc.govt.nz/current-conditions/roadworks/

When I rode around a couple of weeks ago...

The routes from the start point to Godley Head are pretty clear, if you follow your GPS it should get you there without any issues. There is a traffic light/single lane section on the last bit of Evans Pass Road which takes forever to change but otherwise ok - other than cyclists that ignore the lights and come flying down the hill towards you:-)

Sumner Road from Godley Head to Lyttleton is closed. My GPS thinks it's open.

Summit Road is closed in several places. My GPS did seem to know about this one...or thinks it's a stupid route:-)

So to get from Godley Heads to Governors Bay you have to head back towards Christchurch and take the tunnel to Lyttleton, or if you prefer something more interesting Dyers Pass Rd.

If you go via the tunnel then your GPS will probably take you via Bridle Path Road. This is closed just past the junction with Martindales, however if you head down Martindales you can get around the closure either on Station/Rollin or Port Hills Road.

Thanks, that's great info. Will have a good look this weekend...

[Gremlin]

If there are any road closures that are lengthy (ie, not a few days), feel free to submit to NZ Open GPS. New maps are usually released weekly.

Just remember to notify when they open as well