North Island 1,600 -- 11 & 12 October 2014

**Hitcher** · 3rd September 2014, 14:19

Originally Posted by insomnia01

any thoughts for the future of running a concept similar to the Southern Cross Road Rally ?

for bringing the NI1600 to life by the way

Once we get the NI1600 out of the way we'll have some discussions with the Rusty Nuts (now under new management) about the events they wish to continue with, and how we can jointly coordinate to make those happen.

**insomnia01** · 3rd September 2014, 15:41

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Once we get the NI1600 out of the way we'll have some discussions with the Rusty Nuts (now under new management) about the events they wish to continue with, and how we can jointly coordinate to make those happen.

got any contact details for what's remaining of the Rusty's?? they still owe me for finishing the last SCRR & after various emails from Lee I still haven't seen anything

**banditrider** · 3rd September 2014, 18:33

Originally Posted by insomnia01

got any contact details for what's remaining of the Rusty's?? they still owe me for finishing the last SCRR & after various emails from Lee I still haven't seen anything

Be interested to see if they intend to fix people up after past issues. I'm still awaiting a 10 year mug and badge...

Looking forward to the NI1600 though!

If you're after a mini-Southern X, the Manawatu Ulysses 4 points is on starting the weekend after the NI1600. I'll be doing it over about 4-5 days and with the route I've planned (circumnavigation of the NI) I'll end up with nearly 5,300km in 6 days when the NI1600 is added to it (with just a few days off in between).

**whatastoner** · 3rd September 2014, 21:11

Those guys seem pretty tight. Rusty by name and nature.

**insomnia01** · 4th September 2014, 10:14

Originally Posted by whatastoner

Those guys seem pretty tight. Rusty by name and nature.

the " Tight " bunch that are close to Lee got their SCRR badges from my understanding F*%#K everyone else

**Hitcher** · 4th September 2014, 13:51

While it's irksome not to get things that were promised and included in the price of an event, please note that the Rusty's are gearing up to enter a new era under new management, as it were.

They're not interested in organising events like the North Island 1,600 but several of the former Rustys are helping as part of our support crew.

I understand that they are interested in continuing the more "social" events that the Rustys used to organise, like the Southern Cross and the Icons Tours. I guess they'll raise awareness about those when they're ready to deliver. If they do, then the Distance Riders are happy to support them and help to promote those events, just as we do for other distance rides.

**Hitcher** · 8th September 2014, 09:40

It's just over a month until the North Island 1,600's Official Starter waves the field away. It's not too late to get an entry lodged -- but it will be after Friday 26 September. Don't delay, get that entry form away!

http://bit.ly/1rSBoda

**breakaway** · 12th September 2014, 19:07

How strict is the no pillion rule? Would love to bring the mrs along on the back.

**KoroJ** · 12th September 2014, 20:14

Originally Posted by breakaway

How strict is the no pillion rule? Would love to bring the mrs along on the back.

Feel free to bring her along for the weekend, but that would be a big No to doing the 1600 with a pillion.

**Hitcher** · 18th September 2014, 09:54

Friday 25 September is the deadline for registrations for this year’s North Island 1,600 that will roll out of Turangi from 1:00pm on Saturday 11 October.

If you’ve been mulling over doing another 1,600km event, or deciding whether to do your first, then your Mulling Machine needs to start shifting gears!

The field currently stands at 30 registered riders from all around the country riding a smorgasbord of machines. Some highly seasoned, others lightly sprinkled. Most of these fine folk are known to the Organising Group, and are a great bunch of elite riders.

So why not join them?

Daylight saving will be running. There will be a full moon up at night. The Christmas Rush season will be fast approaching. Spend some quality time with your bike and see some parts of the North Island you may not have even knew existed. Go on, you know you want to…

Register on our website or download a registration form off the same page.

http://www.distanceriders.org.nz/the...land-1600.html

Twist the arms of some of your like-minded mates.

Turangi is calling…

**Hitcher** · 24th September 2014, 12:56

Plugz 4 Lugz will be on site at Turangi from 9:00am on Saturday 11 October.

Here's a chance to get some custom ear plugs made prior to a big ride.

The Plugz team say this an opportunity to fulfill two things at once - get plugged and do the distance. It will also save riders time and miles if they don't have to swing by Plugz base in Rotorua.

More information about Plugz range of plugs, intercoms and such can be found here: http://www.bike2bike.co.nz/plugz__4_lugz.htm

**Hitcher** · 10th October 2014, 20:01

See what all the fuss and excitement in Turangi this evening is all about...

http://www.distanceriders.org.nz/201...land-1600.html

**insomnia01** · 11th October 2014, 06:58

Originally Posted by Hitcher

See what all the fuss and excitement in Turangi this evening is all about...

http://www.distanceriders.org.nz/201...land-1600.html

stop rubbing it in Brett

I'm already kicking myself that I'm unable to do the very first NI1600

even the C1KC is looking like it maybe a miss for me this year BUT I'm sure as hell NOT missing out on the TT2000

all the best for those giving it a go

PS i'll be watching the lappy for updates as per James

**banditrider** · 12th October 2014, 14:28

Had a great run and the weather was perfect (except for a little rain in the Wairarapa). The guys did a great job organising the route book and all the other little things that were needed to pull things off successfully. One of the highlights for me was the run out to Ngawi as I hadn't been out there before and it was in perfect conditions. Also, after a quick top-up in Bulls I got my act together and really enjoyed the last 800km or so.

Thanks guys, I had a ball!

**GrayWolf** · 15th October 2014, 16:29

Firstly, congrats to the organisers of the event.... it was a simply fantastic ride. A couple of 'last minute' purchases helped ( Venture pack rack & 5 ltr petrol can). There was only really one 'hitch' in the whole ride, completely out of the organisers control.. the bloody eftpos/creditcard servo at Martinboro' decided to 'shit itself'. Only having a 220/230 max (out of gas) range that almost did my ride. I'd have run out somewhere near the top of the Taka's. I was fortunate one of the group I was in had a mate in Marty with a 10ltr fuel can. (thank you, Stretch & Bruce). Yup I was one of the teeny weeny tankers! (note to organisers, it hurts ya know, to be frequently reminded on the route notes you only have a teeny weeny one!)

Weather apart from a wee rain splatter in the 'Rapa, was fantastic, not too hot, not too cold (unless 1 degree is cold for you)

I've not traveled this kind of distance in one hit for many years, and I can assure anyone 1000 miles in a day in Europe is a cake walk (UK to Spain) compared. This is a true 'challenge' on NZ roads, to maintain a good average speed.
With extra fuel (can) and more frequent stop than my group mates needed (thank you guys for your patience) the MT was a reasonable mount to achieve it on. Gel seat pad is a 'must'

That big lazy motor is 'effortless' over the distance, performance was adequate but obviously when you are with some heavy duty uber tourers you may need to work sometimes. The bikes a good size for me and has a nice wide seat for a big fat arse! but, the fuel range was a 'killer' in all honesty. Plus the (errrrr they are standard mufflers occifer) 'fruity'? big V-twin sound is a tad noticeable in the still of the night on quiet roads!

At first I thought the amount of checkpoints and required photos was a bit overkill, but on discussion after, it's actually a good idea, it DOES get you off the bike for a quick leg stretch and allows quick communication between your group. The manned checkpoints were just about 'spot on' for the distance/time on the road to see if anyone was in real difficulty, obviously experience of distance riding showed through from the organisers.
Will/Would I do it again? Hell yes, but I would seriously need to have/use a different bike if riding in a similar group in future. The MT-01 made it a 'real challenge' and that was enough of that experience.

Anyone who really fancies themselves as a 'distance rider' (if you consider a 4-500km ride a Sunday jaunt) look for next years event, it's given me the long distance bug again!!