2011 TT2000 (26-27 Feb 2011)

[Jantar]

... On last years TT I fluffed around and probably took 5 to 10 minutes at the photo stops. Can't do that on this rally.....

Last year I averaged 5 minutes per photo stop, and I didn't think i was fluffing around at all. I'm planing on gold this year with a 7 hour overnight stop.

[Gremlin]

My stop was probably quicker, as I had my camera in a pouch in front of me. All were photo stops, no receipts. One glove off, take photo, camera away, glove on, and onwards. Rules change this year, needing the shirt, so you have to drape that, etc.

[TOTO]

all signed in and paid on this end as of a week ago. Anyone know if we get the shirts sent out to us or do we collect them on saturday morning as we leave ?

[Gremlin]

Anyone know if we get the shirts sent out to us or do we collect them on saturday morning as we leave ?

We collect on the morning. As part of the entry fee you'll have specified the size of the shirt.

[TOTO]

I hope that the English guy on the italian racing scooter is at the TT again. I had the greatest of time while still being passed by him in the twisties

[Jantar]

Last chance to enter. This email arrived today:

Afternoon TT riders

This is a mass email to all 105 entrants with a reminder that the strict cut-off date for entries is 11:00pm 31/1 being tomorrow night, in case you:

1. have any buddies that are thinking about entering but have not yet done so through the web site
2. have changed your own plans and want to withdraw – a full fee refund is available but ONLY if you withdraw by return email prior to cut-off tomorrow
The reason for the strict cut-off is that on 1 Feb I am ordering shirts and badges for ONLY THOSE who have entered, so I don’t end up with a surplus supply.

No need to reply to this email unless you’re in (2) above.

Further info about confirming timings/formalities at the Dunedin start + how the electronic scrutineering will work on completion, to follow next 2 weeks or so.

A full list of registered riders (except those are wanted their names suppressed) are displayed on the site here http://www.tt2000.org/registrations-list

[Gixxer peter]

Well thats it.
Entries have closed, too late now to change your mind.
After the last few days of riding in the wind , some doubt is creeping in, can it be done (diamond, that is.)
I was buggered just doing a 300km ride today in the wind.
Adrenalin can only carry you so far, my average speed for the last few days was not high enough to complete the ride.
Can it be done?????

[Jantar]

Yes,it can be done. Provided you are prepared to go without sleep.

[Gixxer peter]

It Can??
So who is seriously going to go into this and attack it looking for diamond??

[KoroJ]

It Can??
So who is seriously going to go into this and attack it looking for diamond??

Someone that has done a lot of thorough study and route planning, traded his beloved Katie for something more suited to the task and has embarked on 10,000Km over the month leading up to the event to prepare himself and the bike for the ordeal!!

An absolute nutter!

[TOTO]

Yea, nutter he is. Just got back from riding with him. He has only 4000km left till gets to the desired 10 000km, indicative his rediness to tackle the 3300km in 40hr challenge. When there is a will, there is a way

[Gremlin]

No, it just needs to be at 10k for the service. I picked her up with 4080km on the clock 2 weeks ago, she stands at 6318km now. Bloody work is getting in my way, so I'm going to have to do some evening rides. Pace isn't a problem, just maintaining for up to 40 hours, even maintaining normal concentration is an ask for that length. Don't forget there is also gravel and a lot of pics. Route is set (a snitch under 3200km), only weather will hold me back.

Bike is almost kitted out, some extras still to come and be fitted. Pace will aim to be maintained irrespective of time of day, and I will have 8 forward facing lights.

After its completed, I have a weeks break, probably more riding and then I do the Southern Cross coming north (hence needing service before I go, as it will probably be just over 10k in 17 days).

With you possibly out, I know of one other who's also set (and also changing bike) and we've been chatting a lot on route, equipment etc.

[Gremlin]

Oh... and if you want any proof as to my mental capacity (most think I'm nuts already), here are some numbers:

The bike change cost just under $36,700 (traded old bike as part of number) and included first few accessories, fitting of some existing accessories (GPS, Radar etc) and some spare stuff.

Accessories ordered from USA and Germany seem to have totalled a little under $2100, fitting fees for some not yet factored in (not everything has arrived yet).

The TT2000 (or should I call it the TT3200) alone will need approx 200L of gas, at a very conservative cost of $400. Tyres, due to the bike being new to me, and other subjective items (ie, stuff that varies from one rider to another), I can't trust the performance of tyres getting over 10,000km (dry, wet, ok with gravel etc), so I'll go with Pirelli Scorpion Trails, which will last more than half distance. 2x sets of Pirelli, add $1000 (ish). One set will be pre-ordered and waiting in Chch for fitting during the week off.

On top of all that is the usual side effects of big distance riding, depreciation, servicing bills, consumables etc. For the trip, accomodation as well.

I could calculate all those costs (or I will know the bill afterwards anyway) but I sort of don't want to. You only live once and you can't take your money with you.

[Jantar]

.....

I could calculate all those costs (or I will know the bill afterwards anyway) but I sort of don't want to. You only live once and you can't take your money with you.

For rides like this, I work on $0.40 per km to cover tyres, fuel, servicing, food and accomodation.

Incidentally, last time I rode the gravel section connecting flyers 1 and 3 it had just been relaid and graded with a thick coarse gravel (for the logging trucks). It was a struggle even on the VStrom with scorpion tyres, but still saved 15 minutes on the main route. I'll ride it again closer to the date and see if the gravel has settled down at all.

[Gixxer peter]

With you possibly out, I know of one other who's also set (and also changing bike) and we've been chatting a lot on route, equipment etc.

Im not out, just a lot of doubt creeping in, Johan and i will be going for diamond.
New tires and chain and spockets in ChCh on the way down, no accomodation booked during the night.
New jacket, pants, boots and gloves, HID lights.
GPS programmed, route picked, fuel dumps sorted, i have even given up coffee until the ride so that the caffine has maximum benefit.