500 miles in 12 hours

**STJim** · 16th September 2009, 11:47

please see attached

**STJim** · 4th October 2009, 16:05

I rocked up at Cambridge this morning at 7.00 am Weather was very wet. collective decesion made to postpone for a week until Sunday 11 October

**Gremlin** · 4th October 2009, 16:11

mmm most excellent, I could be in for this then...

**Highlander** · 4th October 2009, 16:14

No way I could have done it today, but I just might be able to swing it next week.

**Zapf** · 4th October 2009, 23:29

Originally Posted by Gremlin

mmm most excellent, I could be in for this then...

might be there too

**STJim** · 5th October 2009, 08:06

Gremlin,Highlander & Zapf
You would all be very welcome. Need to be at Cambridge BP for 6.50 am to leave at 7.00 am

**Gremlin** · 5th October 2009, 16:57

Yeah, about 2 hours scheduled from Auckland to Cambridge

so err... how come we don't get the route before hand to plot into our GPS's?

**insomnia01** · 6th October 2009, 06:25

Originally Posted by Gremlin

Yeah, about 2 hours scheduled from Auckland to Cambridge

so err... how come we don't get the route before hand to plot into our GPS's?

Its run very much like the Grand challenge format... not to sure whether everyone sticks together or sets their own pace

**STJim** · 6th October 2009, 12:32

Originally Posted by insomnia01

Its run very much like the Grand challenge format... not to sure whether everyone sticks together or sets their own pace

This ride has been run for a number of years. The route is kept confidential until the morning.
We usually stick together although fast riders may go on ahead with premission of the runs leader.
The main group tries to run at an average including stops of 75 to 80 kms per hour.
If anyone wants to come down from Auckland and would like to stay over in "the Tron" send me a private message and we will see what we can organise.
Cheers

**Gremlin** · 6th October 2009, 18:19

Originally Posted by insomnia01

Its run very much like the Grand challenge format... not to sure whether everyone sticks together or sets their own pace

You get the GC route either on Friday night (late ish often) or Saturday morning, then start Saturday arvo.

Sounds good, just never done it... the likes of ST etc can kick my arse in fuel range, so I have to stop more often... it was 10 stops on the GC last year

**STJim** · 6th October 2009, 20:57

Originally Posted by Gremlin

You get the GC route either on Friday night (late ish often) or Saturday morning, then start Saturday arvo.

Sounds good, just never done it... the likes of ST etc can kick my arse in fuel range, so I have to stop more often... it was 10 stops on the GC last year

I can give you a clue or two. Think east including parts of SH 5 & SH 2 plus Tiniroto and Opotoki
Of course if the weather is going to be "shit" on that route an alternative may be considered.
Cheers

**Gremlin** · 6th October 2009, 22:00

nah, no point unless the specific route is given... gps don't do "somewhere over there"

Cool, Opotiki, I haven't done any of the east cape past Tauranga/Napier... ah, looks like several roads I have wanted to do

edit: I can do 200 easy, probably 230 before reserve... just in case you're plotting for ST and blackbird

**STJim** · 7th October 2009, 08:23

Originally Posted by Gremlin

nah,

edit: I can do 200 easy, probably 230 before reserve... just in case you're plotting for ST and blackbird

Fuel stops Taupo,Bay view, Wairoa, Gisborne or thereabouts if necessary Opotiki and Rotoura.
Is that enough information for the GPS as well?

**STJim** · 7th October 2009, 08:28

The weather forcast for what I understand is the intended route is looking good. Should be dry roads all the way

**Gremlin** · 7th October 2009, 12:25

Originally Posted by STJim

Fuel stops Taupo,Bay view, Wairoa, Gisborne or thereabouts if necessary Opotiki and Rotoura.
Is that enough information for the GPS as well?

Fantabulous... the GPS thinks we can do the optimal route between those points in 9 hours 40 minutes...

Damn machines, as long as it has a power feed it doesn't give a crap about food or fuel