2008 Grand Challenge

**xgnr** · 8th October 2008, 19:28

Looks like I am riding down by myself from Auckland on the Friday

Plan on heading away soon after midday on Friday.

PM me if you want to tag along.

Cheers

Stu

**RiderInBlack** · 8th October 2008, 19:44

Originally Posted by Zapf

What time Friday?

We are planning to leave Auckland around 4pm Friday.

4pm sounds awesome. Where ya joining up?

**banditrider** · 8th October 2008, 19:50

I'll (with at least 1 of our group of 4) heading up sometime on Friday afternoon. Planning to stop by the camping ground to get scrutineered before parking up at our motel.

**puddy** · 8th October 2008, 19:57

Originally Posted by banditrider

I'll (with at least 1 of our group of 4) heading up sometime on Friday afternoon. Planning to stop by the camping ground to get scrutineered before parking up at our motel.

Motel? Take the blue pill!(is it a nice motel? Spa? vacancies?)

**Lee Rusty** · 8th October 2008, 22:49

Originally Posted by kasper

I just worked out that if I completd this challenge I would do about 2700km in 48 hours due to work with most of this on a 4 hour sleep on friday morning.

Give me a name other than the sign in name used here - I have no entry from anyone called Wiki

Ring me in the evening 09 4165866 or use the email address I PMed you for a quicker reply

Lee

**Gremlin** · 9th October 2008, 02:18

Originally Posted by Zapf

Also, both me and Gremlin have our entry forms in the post.

Yeh, this bugger twisted my arm into doing it (someone tell me why?). Always wanted to, so thought, hell, why not.

The fun began straight away. Less than 3 weeks out from the GC, I trade the zx10 on the new bike, and have been frantically trying to fit all the accessories and gear, run it in and and get it serviced. Looks like its going according to plan, with the service scheduled for Wednesday, with last of the bits going on as well, then we leave Friday afternoon. Parts coming from afar as Slovenia and Austria

Otherwise, its the backup bike, but lets hope not.

Oh, Zapf and I are group 8, 3:21pm

**insomnia01** · 9th October 2008, 10:57

Just out of interest ..... of those that are attending the GC this year & have completed past events, do you have any goals for this years event??

**KoroJ** · 9th October 2008, 11:31

Originally Posted by insomnia01

Just out of interest ..... of those that are attending the GC this year & have completed past events, do you have any goals for this years event??

The goal is to finish within 24 hours.

After the frenetic pace and minimal stops required to do the extension (2100Kms) last year, I think 21 hours sounds like a nice target. Trouble is, once you hit the road and it feels sweet, who wants to average 76kph.

The other unknown which prevents one from setting a target is the devious, dastardly, downright sadistic and peverse nature of the Rustys who revel in setting the most obscure routes through the worst weather conditions one could wish for.

As I said.....24 hours and enjoy the pain!

**Zapf** · 9th October 2008, 12:04

Originally Posted by KoroJ

The goal is to finish within 24 hours.

The other unknown which prevents one from setting a target is the devious, dastardly, downright sadistic and peverse nature of the Rustys who revel in setting the most obscure routes through the worst weather conditions one could wish for.

As I said.....24 hours and enjoy the pain!

yea not knowing the route kind of stops one setting much goals. But to finish in 24 hours is a must. I don't recall having a warm / dry GC yet.

**Zapf** · 9th October 2008, 12:04

BTW is anyone doing pratice rides from Auckland either this Friday / Sat?

**Hitcher** · 9th October 2008, 12:15

Originally Posted by Zapf

yea not knowing the route kind of stops one setting much goals. But to finish in 24 hours is a must. I don't recall having a warm / dry GC yet.

Three years ago was perfect (the Fields Track one). No wind, full moon up at night. God in his heaven. Just magic!

**insomnia01** · 9th October 2008, 12:19

Originally Posted by Zapf

yea not knowing the route kind of stops one setting much goals. But to finish in 24 hours is a must. I don't recall having a warm / dry GC yet.

I'm aware of the route changing every year & not knowing where we are going is part of the reason we are there to begin with, what I was wanting to know is do you set any goals based on your particular performance from the prevoius years event that you wish to better this time around?

Personally I endeavour to better my previous time ( even with the route changing )

**insomnia01** · 9th October 2008, 12:22

Originally Posted by insomnia01

I'm aware of the route changing every year & not knowing where we are going is part of the reason we are there to begin with, what I was wanting to know is do you set any goals based on your particular performance from the prevoius years event that you wish to better this time around?

Personally I endeavour to better my previous time ( even with the route changing )

last years event was a cracker & my time was looking very sub 20's, but looking over coopers beach with a full moon nigh in the sky was awesome!!!