South Island 2006?

[James Deuce]

I guess I am a bit odd about this as my bikes are all elderly and I plan for minor stoppages!

Paul N

Metamucil will fix that.

[Paul in NZ]

Metamucil will fix that.

Actually your posts fix that banana boy... they give me the sh***

Heh heh!

You want a coffee tomorrow?

Paul N

[Skunk]

1. Have a daily ‘official’ route map. On it will be marked the start point, lunch stop and finish point along with phone numbers etc etc. You can ride by your self, in groups or join the official group which will have a point person and a tail end sweeper. Pass or fall behind neither of these people. There will be measures in place to prevent people getting lost. That way, any people with flat tyres or incidents will not be abandoned and can be assisted. Should we choose to use a chase vehicle it will be the sweeper.

2. Publish a list of every ones cellphone numbers or we set up a txt group (ie one txt goes to the group). If you are in trouble txt to let people know your status.

3. Assign a riding buddy. You look out for each other?

These three together. OK the third for those that wish to help a 'partner' with them (first timers type?) :cool2:

[Posh Tourer :P]

Yes the old freedom ride idea all very true but please remember that we are talking about an open invite ride and it looks like we will attract a wide variety of riders of all skills levels. From R1’s to 250’s

So I see several ways of handling this.

1. Have a daily ‘official’ route map. On it will be marked the start point, lunch stop and finish point along with phone numbers etc etc. You can ride by your self, in groups or join the official group which will have a point person and a tail end sweeper. Pass or fall behind neither of these people. There will be measures in place to prevent people getting lost. That way, any people with flat tyres or incidents will not be abandoned and can be assisted. Should we choose to use a chase vehicle it will be the sweeper.

2. Publish a list of every ones cellphone numbers or we set up a txt group (ie one txt goes to the group). If you are in trouble txt to let people know your status.

3. Assign a riding buddy. You look out for each other?

4. Have a check list of everyone. No one leaves the lunch spot until the last person arrives.

5. Break into sub groups, fast, super fast, outrageous and Moto Guzzis. Each group assigns a leader for the day. Their job is to make sure everyone in their group makes it!!

I don’t want to play the old ‘Wheres Bill?’ game in bum buggery nowheres ville and ruin a trip because we have no way of helping people with a minor mechanical issue or (god forbid) an accident. (it happens). Worst of all I don't want to ride back to Wellington looking for some poor lost soul that decided to shag some nubile romanian back packer they just met and could not be arsed calling in!

Nor do I want to be the ‘Road Kaptain’ BUT I do want to make sure the group has shared resources like first aid kits, tools, puncture repair kits, jumper cables, tow ropes etc etc. Sorry. I used to be a Boy Scout.

I guess I am a bit odd about this as my bikes are all elderly and I plan for minor stoppages!

Paul N

Do it like the guy who ran Motorcycle Tours (that I used to work for) did. Explain a destination the previous night, and perhaps suggest two alternative routes. Then, let people organise themselves into sub-groups. Ensure everyone has a cell-phone (collectively at least) and contact numbers. People can stop for lunch or whatever when they want, have a set time for dinner the next night, after which a search is sent if people aren't there.

Also suggest a few highlights of the next day each evening, and let people decide. This was normally 15-20 bikes on two week tours the length of the country.

[James Deuce]

Actually your posts fix that banana boy... they give me the sh***

Heh heh!

You want a coffee tomorrow?

Paul N

Yes'm bwana!

[Paul in NZ]

Do it like the guy who ran Motorcycle Tours (that I used to work for) did. Explain a destination the previous night, and perhaps suggest two alternative routes. Then, let people organise themselves into sub-groups. Ensure everyone has a cell-phone (collectively at least) and contact numbers. People can stop for lunch or whatever when they want, have a set time for dinner the next night, after which a search is sent if people aren't there.

Also suggest a few highlights of the next day each evening, and let people decide. This was normally 15-20 bikes on two week tours the length of the country.

Hmm! before of after the 24 pints of Speights I consume every evening on a trip?

Sounds a plan sam!

[Biff]

Count me in, and you're all welcome to stay at least for one night at Dangerous's pad. I'll make you all a cup of tea when you get here.

[Posh Tourer :P]

Hmm! before of after the 24 pints of Speights I consume every evening on a trip?

Sounds a plan sam!

During. You increase the eloquence, but do it before you decrease the clarity.....

[TonyB]

Do it like the guy who ran Motorcycle Tours (that I used to work for) did. Explain a destination the previous night, and perhaps suggest two alternative routes. Then, let people organise themselves into sub-groups. Ensure everyone has a cell-phone (collectively at least) and contact numbers. People can stop for lunch or whatever when they want, have a set time for dinner the next night, after which a search is sent if people aren't there.

Also suggest a few highlights of the next day each evening, and let people decide. This was normally 15-20 bikes on two week tours the length of the country.

Sounds logical.
Three things to remember:
1. You don't want to be on the West Cost when it's raining
2. It usually only rains on one side of the main divide
3. If you must get wet, do it on the east coast. It never rains as heavily, and the roads aren’t as enjoyable. So it’s better to sacrifice the east cost to crap weather.
Sooooo, it helps to be able to alter the plan to suit the conditions. Should be possible to get around and have mostly dry days- but if you get it wrong, it’s possible to have rain nearly the whole way.

[Skunk]

Count me in, and you're all welcome to stay at least for one night at Dangerous's pad. I'll make you all a cup of tea when you get here.

Cheers, thanks for that offer.

[duckman]

This is looking interesting ... I'd certainly be keen. I plan to do the SI in March 2006 anyway. (bloody wedding doesn't allow for this years ride)

I think it will be damn difficult to organise tho'. I'm guessing that the numbers will drop off as you get closer to the event. Any more than ... 15 riders would be a PITA to manage.

I guess the best approach would be ... a map ...destinations for each day and cell phones. Theres not much more you could do.

The accomodation would be tricky ... do you book or just turn up ??

I will watch this thread carefully ......

[dangerous]

My little exchange in the insurance thread opened my eyes a little to the perils of public forums. I dunno how I was dim enough to even post on that quagmire and dimmer still to respond! (sigh)

But I did! (kicking myself) Vicki rightly points out I tend to be full of enthusiasm for projects and causes and that while my endless enthusiasm is the fuel that I run by, it does cause short circuits in my judgment and discretion modules.

Now what worries me about this trip is this. It’s a bloody good idea but as most of you know that a long tour is also a good way to loose friends. It is tiring and can be a little stressful. Opening this up to all and sundry? Is this REALLY such a good idea?? Do we need the grief of just one malcontent? (that’s a bit harsh but a simple disagreement over how far to ride in one day can turn ugly)
I’m going to have a good think about this and propose a cooling off period.

If anyone has a suggestion on how to manage this, please let me know!

Paul N

Paul....... dim you are not, Vicky is so right, your judgment is just fine,
I think that just maybe you underestimate yourself, "Opening this up to all and sundry" IS a really good idea....... I am sure no one here is expecting you to sort the whole bloody trip out by your self.... the fact that you came up with the idea is enough for me, but If I know you.... and I have a rather good idea that I kinda do (as far as syber mates go I have knowen you well before KB..... wild guzzi rings a bell even tho some of your wit went above a few of them yanks) you will want to put more into this and no matter what happens, any bad out come with thin this trip will not be and never be held against you.

[NC]

Sure!

[dangerous]

Count me in, and you're all welcome to stay at least for one night at Dangerous's pad. I'll make you all a cup of tea when you get here.

ummmm........ kinda makes it sound like you live here too a dodgy post really, if kickaha were to see it he'd have a field day so i'll put a stop to it now............... and ummmm...... yeah you are learning fast and fitting in well round here

[dangerous]

Cant be shaged quoting any more as there is a lot great ideas and good posts... and some space..... umm shell we say wasting aswell aye NC :spudwave: But... what the hell was I going to say..... ohh yeah,
If the mass of riders were to just do there own thing in small groups (like the mates you do a Sunday arvo ride with) then the rest should not be relieing on any one else, another words a basic rout/plan posted then we do our own thing but meeting at certian points every 2nd day or so. No pressure on anyone that way and it would be kinda cool being parked up in the shade and seeing a KBer or 2 unexpectedly blasting by.