2007 Grand Challenge - Tips

**Kwaka14** · 7th August 2007, 16:02

Don't fuel up at the checkpoints if you can avoid it as there's always an enormous wait for gas - at least paying for it, usually stop late at night when there's just one cashier on so if there's a queue than you'll be waiting around, just check in and stop somewhere else if you can.....

**xgnr** · 7th August 2007, 20:27

Originally Posted by Kwaka12R

Don't fuel up at the checkpoints if you can avoid it as there's always an enormous wait for gas - at least paying for it, usually stop late at night when there's just one cashier on so if there's a queue than you'll be waiting around, just check in and stop somewhere else if you can.....

So does this mean carrying extra fuel might be smart ???

**Pancakes** · 7th August 2007, 21:15

This all looks like a great idea! I used to do adventure racing sorts of things and this is like a weekend one on bikes! Wicked! Might have to start prepping up for next year, good luck to everyone heading down.

**Zapf** · 7th August 2007, 21:39

Originally Posted by DougieNZ

Hey thanks for all the tips guys and gals.

Practice - is it really necessary? The way I see it, why put yourself through the trauma of an overnight ride more than once!

Personally I would say yes. Gives you a chance to test out your bike + gear and also get use to night riding, also riding fitness is not a given. More time on bike = better riding fitness.

**banditrider** · 7th August 2007, 21:56

Originally Posted by Beemer

My husband has done all the Grand Challenges to date and the one thing he found over the past few years that helped was to keep hydrated. He was the type not to bother stopping unless he needed petrol or food, so he wasn't drinking as much as he should. A few years ago he started drinking plenty of water during the ride and found he felt far less exhausted at the end. He also likes to stop for a good meal once it gets dark on the first day, allowing his body to get a decent break off the bike.

Good wet weather gear is essential, and make sure whatever you are wearing is warm enough for the conditions. Take layers that you can add or subtract depending on the weather.

I wouldn't recommend No Doze or anything like that, just plenty of sleep before the event, plenty of water during it, and regular breaks to stretch or have a snack. Andy says even five minutes off the bike, without the helmet, is enough to refresh him for another few hours.

Good luck, it's not an event I'll ever line up for, I doubt I'd be able to do it!

Excellant advice - I'm slowly learning after 5, roll on October for #6!

**shafty** · 16th August 2007, 15:53

Good tips and advice one and all, cheers.

My entry is in, as is a Mate on an FJR. Anyone else from the Bay of Plenty entered?

**DougieNZ** · 16th August 2007, 17:25

Look forward to catching up with you again Shafty..

Going to keep your clothes on this time mate??\

**shafty** · 16th August 2007, 17:33

Originally Posted by DougieNZ

Look forward to catching up with you again Shafty..

Going to keep your clothes on this time mate??\

It's far too early to decide

**DougieNZ** · 16th August 2007, 17:52

Could be a little cold mate, but probably better than Bluff in April...

Once again thanks to everyone for the brilliant advice. I am REALLY looking forward to this ride. I am going to take some shorter trips on dark wrapa roads pre event to ensure my headlights are adjusted as well as they can be.

Thanks Again

**shafty** · 17th August 2007, 14:31

Is anyone else from the Bay of Plenty entered for the 1000 miler?

**banditrider** · 17th August 2007, 21:22

Two mohawk wearing idiots from Palmy chaffing at the bit. Seeya there!

**Jantar** · 17th August 2007, 21:27

I'm glad to see that you are all well prepared for the GC. Of course I realise that you are only using it as a practice ride for the real 1000 miler in December.

**banditrider** · 17th August 2007, 21:36

Originally Posted by Jantar

I'm glad to see that you are all well prepared for the GC. Of course I realise that you are only using it as a practice ride for the real 1000 miler in December.

Probably not this year, but will definitely have to come down for that one at some time.