Long ride: Preparations?

[zeocen]

Tyre pressures on the side wall of the tyre is normally the MAX psi with MAX load. Do a search for your bike on the internet, which has been just been re-released on the NZ market new. There's probably a forum for it with other riders of your model. Regular stops if you're not use to riding say every 100kms or so to start with till you feel more comfortaible riding longer distances and know the bikes quirks better. Get an idea of your bikes fuel range too.

Plus all the advise others have mentioned. I'm sure you will learn a few lessons along the way.

Yeah I did some research a few days ago and found it was 32/28psi so I guess I'll go with that, I must admit I've never checked the psi of my tires before

Thanks for the reassurance and tips all, I do check my bike everyday.. but it's just oil, brakes and lights really and every few weeks I lube the chain. I guess I should be paying the poor thing a little more attention!

It isn't really a *long* ride, but in comparison from what I've been doing it is hehe, I'll probably find even with my designated breaks it'll be over all too soon!

Thanks again for the help!

[Crisis management]

Its really simple, get up, have a pee and go.....

It's only 2 hours tops to Whangamata so just get out there and enjoy!

[crashe]

Ok so you now know to check your tyres......
check the chain..... oh lube it the night before...... and lube it 500kms later.

Get a good nights sleep..... have a decent brekkie...... and dont forget to pee before you leave.

RECHECK your gear is still secure on the bike.
You wont want it moving about or falling off.

Go to the nearest gas station and fill the bike up as you wont want to run out of fuel (yes it has happened)

Have another pee if need be.

Get on your bike and enjoy the ride.....
Ride at YOUR pace...... dont worry about what your dad is doing.
He has offered to ride with you so that means he knows he will be going slower than he would normally ride.

Be alert and if you find you are loosing concentration.....
Signal to pull over at a safe place..... STOP and get off and have a wee walk around.
When you are up to it get back on and ride again.

When you arrive you will feel shattered if this is going to be a long ride for you. Have a good rest.

Do you have a peace of sheepskin to put on your seat, that will soften the ride a bit on your butt.
If it is raining dont put it on.

Have a great ride....... and enjoy your holiday.

[ajturbo]

i would fill up the fuel tank...

[zeocen]

And wouldn't you know it, as it gets closer to the trip I find a fault in my clutch lever... story of my life D:

[Grub]

This time of the year it pays to book early for the ferry and overnight accomodation.

Oh I LOVE your style!!! Manurewa to Whangamata via the Cook Strait ferry ... works for me ... LOL

Brett

[doc]

Ferry? Which way do you go to get to Whangamata from Auckland?

Zeocen, take ear plugs.

Obviously you didn't read the title of the thread. I presumed this was about the long way round.

[Finn]

Obviously you didn't read the title of the thread. I presumed this was about the long way round.

Okay I get it. So which way then? Up through Russell and back down or through that shithole to Picton and back?

[Mom]

Do you have a peace of sheepskin to put on your seat, that will soften the ride a bit on your butt.

Please not the sheepskin thing, it may look cool on ummmmmmmmm small Viagra cruisers ...

Take your time, and enjoy the ride.........stop anytime for a rest......it is about the journey, not the speed you get to your destination..........have fun, what a cool ride!

[Hellraiser]

Can't fault any of the above comments ......

But i personally stay off the main highways (esp the Hauraki Plains) why cause they are boring, your arse gets sore & you start to cramp up. By riding roads that are twisty but not too twisty it means you move around on your bike more therefor you don't get as sore, it also keeps your mind alert.

[crashe]

Please not the sheepskin thing, it may look cool on ummmmmmmmm small Viagra cruisers ...

Thats VIRAGO and the sheepskin is really great you should try it sometime..

[doc]

Okay I get it. So which way then? Up through Russell and back down or through that shithole to Picton and back?

Now thats just being silly. Its a 250 he would need another tank of gas that way.

[beyond]

I always check my tire pressure before a ride out of Auckland or at least once a week. You would be suprised at the difference a few pounds pressure can make on a bike.

Wear the correct gear and just ride normally. If this is your first trip out of town you aint going to sleep anyway, as you're going to be too hyped. Just ride carefully and normally. Whangamata I do on a short round trip in half a day stopping for lunch so it's no biggie. I know for you it seems it will be so I'm not being condescending here.

Fill er up befor you go, make sure your indicators and brake lights are sweet the day before and hey, you'll love it and you'll be right mate.

[Roj]

As you are riding with your dad, presumably a more experienced rider, discuss with him what you want to acheive on the ride, learning etc that comes with a new experience, as everyone has said, do all the checks on the bike, make sure you have the required gear, take your time and DON"T rush, those roads are busy this time of year

[marty]

check the oil. check tyres. make sure the iron is off. that's it. do you do any more when you fill up a tank of gas?

and what fault do you have with the clutch lever? how many things can go wrong with it?

edit: just thought - lube the chain. not too much, but some will help, as it will get a lot hotter on a trip than it will just puttering around aucklnad