Overall a great ride. For thsoe that weren't there:
- Harder than last year - technically and weather-wise (not, as my dear beloved wife pointed out because I am a year older) – lots more bendy bits – absolutely great to ride, and last year there was really only the Rimutakas and Parapara’s. This year : 1 Rimutakas, 2 back roads to Porangahau, 3 Napier to Wairoa, 4 Wairoa to Napier, and 5 Ashurst to Ohingaiti. The first two in the wet and wind. The southerly storm went through overnight before and there were leaves and branches all over the roads, combined with wet made for a few minor moments. The other 3 were magic. Wind was with us all the time – tail wind going north, head/side wind going south. Hard yakker.
- Only 2 real moments for me – 1. a pot hole in my line going round sharp left, straighten up, hello campervan . . .; 2. going into corner in too high a gear, ran wide – hello cyclist this time – not sure if he was more surprised or me, cos mate behind me also went wide!
- Fuel – yet to do the figures but filled 4 times at about $25 each. Used MUCH more going south . . .
- Rev counter spent more time above 5000 than belowOften in 6th gear . . . more
- Front tyre – got a Pirelli Angel fitted the week before. Previous Michelin PR2 was borderline. Hmmm, not impressed. Even after it was well and truly scrubbed in it feels light and loose on anything other than smooth tarmac.
- Style of bike? Thought a lot about this on the trip. There was everything there from a 1600cc Triumph twin, the usual Bandits, beemers, VT1000, KTM900, 1400 Kwakkas, ST1000s, etc, and my mates on a Buell and the ‘Busa – no “real” sports bikes eg Gixxers etc. Only one couple 2 up. So, where am I going with this? My hands are sore this morning from the clutch and the brake. OK, part riding style but as we all know - and find out - we all get to the gas station about the same time . . . What would I get instead? Dunno. A ‘Busa is attractive . Beemer? Don’t think so but could be tempted if the big rally thing starts to get a grip on me . . . it is fun. In the meantime the Hornet is more than adequate.
- Body wise - Had my hydration pack with me and sipped every time went through a town. Keeps the energy up no doubt about it. Ate good snacks instead of pies (ok, I had one at Wairoa). Also got the clothes right – thermals, comfy top (no neck chafing), balaclava and good ear plugs, good socks, heated hand grips. No uncomfy bits – enough detailI thought I was pretty used to riding commuting 100ks every day, but apparently not enuf
- navigation - well, ‘Busa boy was leading and took us on the wrong road 4 times! (Yep, that was us heading off to Waipuk for one of them . . . ) Anyway all part of it. ‘Busa boy also had the radar detector so he led; essential piece of equipment but only “needed” once.
Parrot and Jigger - great end point, nice beers, bar staff
- Overall trip time 12h 50mins. Exactly 1 hour longer than last year. Stopped time – prob about 1 hour in total cos we had to take pics to prove we went to the locations on route, which was also more than last year.
- Lessons learned:
1. SELECT THE RIGHT GEAR FOR ENTERING A CORNER EVERY TIME!
2. SELECT THE RIGHT GEAR FOR ENTERING A CORNER EVERY TIME!
I’ll be there again next year! And need to find other ones to do, too. The TT (2k in 2 days) sounds interesting in the South Is – I reckon I could have got back on and done another 1000k today.
Also the Southern Cross Road Rally – March 2011 . . . deserves serious consideration.
Thanks again John!
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Originally Posted by crash99
Total stats were 2465km in about 48 hours, home to home. I'll put up the usual blog later with more details. Thanks to John for organising and the bed. 
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