2008 Grand Challenge

[RiderInBlack]

I try ta work from the Over-Night 24hr stops back ether way as those are the more critial ones.

[Wiki Drifter]

There are usually five checkpoints. If they were equally spaced (which they never are) that's an average leg length of about 267km.

oookay... looks like I'm going to be hauling a big jerry can. Posted my entry form today, hope its not too late. I've done +700km/day before but nothing close close to 1,600. This is going to be interesting

[banditrider]

oookay... looks like I'm going to be hauling a big jerry can. Posted my entry form today, hope its not too late. I've done +700km/day before but nothing close close to 1,600. This is going to be interesting

It's always interesting. Like someone said above - mental toughness is the order of the day. After all it's only just over twice your previous best...

The secret is take to small bites out of the 1,600km (It's only about 2hrs to checkpoint 2, then it's only 3 hrs to checkpoint 3 etc) and keep ya eye off ya odo.

[RiderInBlack]

Riding the Distance is one thing, but as important is to be used to riding at night and early pre-dawn as well as dealing with the Weather. Lee will have ya out there even in heavy rain (part of the "fun"). You should also be used ta riding fresh metal as ya never know how much Road Works is going ta be out there (plus ya might get stuck down the wrong road done that before lol).

[Zapf]

oookay... looks like I'm going to be hauling a big jerry can. Posted my entry form today, hope its not too late. I've done +700km/day before but nothing close close to 1,600. This is going to be interesting

What do you ride? what is your tank range? Upgrade your head lights... have you got heated grips? Have you got good tires for the wet?

And as RIB said below, you may benfit from some pratice rides in the dark. Say head out for a 5 hour ride in the dark and make sure your gear will do the job.

Riding the Distance is one thing, but as important is to be used to riding at night and early pre-dawn as well as dealing with the Weather. Lee will have ya out there even in heavy rain (part of the "fun"). You should also be used ta riding fresh metal as ya never know how much Road Works is going ta be out there (plus ya might get stuck down the wrong road done that before lol).

Fresh metal....errrrr... (never) :P hate that shit

[puddy]

Riding the Distance is one thing, but as important is to be used to riding at night and early pre-dawn as well as dealing with the Weather. Lee will have ya out there even in heavy rain (part of the "fun"). You should also be used ta riding fresh metal as ya never know how much Road Works is going ta be out there (plus ya might get stuck down the wrong road done that before lol).

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that that was your fault! You saw the Tui Brewery and just had to turn off there! I was only trying to catch up with you to tell you that you were going the wrong way.

[Mystic13]

I've decided to join you lot this year. 35, group 4, 3.09pm, whatever that means.

My plan is simple, start at the beginning, finish at the end, do it within 24 hours and have a lot of fun.

Outside of that, like most first timers I probably have a lot of questions that I'll figure over the next week or two. Time to create a little checklist and work my way down it. I'm planning to camp there Friday and no plan for Sunday.

And then of course, all going well the Southern Cross sounds like fun.

So what are the essential to bring other than the obvious?

[RiderInBlack]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that that was your fault! You saw the Tui Brewery and just had to turn off there! I was only trying to catch up with you to tell you that you were going the wrong way.

LOL, ya didn't sound so sure when Ya caught up, But the metal raod was a bit of a giveaway. Was good riding with ya and hope ta see ya again this year.

[banditrider]

I've decided to join you lot this year. 35, group 4, 3.09pm, whatever that means.

My plan is simple, start at the beginning, finish at the end, do it within 24 hours and have a lot of fun.

Outside of that, like most first timers I probably have a lot of questions that I'll figure over the next week or two. Time to create a little checklist and work my way down it. I'm planning to camp there Friday and no plan for Sunday.

And then of course, all going well the Southern Cross sounds like fun.

So what are the essential to bring other than the obvious?

Goodonya - it's a lot of fun.

I don't take a huge amount of stuff with me (after all it's only 24hrs and ya don't need ya PJ's) just things like the following: map, torch, puncture repair kit, wet weathers, extra warm clothes, drink, snacks, panadol, phone and that's about it. As long as your bikes in good nick then no worries eh?

Oh, and a sense of humour - (especially helpful if the weather turns to custard like last year).

[Hitcher]

And money, to buy petrol, food and beverages.

[puddy]

And duct tape! I can patch up me and my bike with a roll of duct tape! And cable ties!

[RiderInBlack]

And duct tape! I can patch up me and my bike with a roll of duct tape! And cable ties!

Especial after hitting straying animals late at night.
Don't forget ta take ya mobile with ya with the Rusty Number loaded on it and have it charged. If for ANY reason ya have ta pull out of the GC at ANY stage, They need ta know ASAP. 1600km of road is a lot of road ta cover looking for a missing biker who has gone home ta cuddle his partner.

[Taz]

Oh and the GPS makes navigation so much easier. Programmed the entire route in last year.

[puddy]

Especial after hitting straying animals late at night.
Don't forget ta take ya mobile with ya with the Rusty Number loaded on it and have it charged. If for ANY reason ya have ta pull out of the GC at ANY stage, They need ta know ASAP. 1600km of road is a lot of road ta cover looking for a missing biker who has gone home ta cuddle his partner.

I'm pretty sure that the dog in question will stray no more! If I had known that he had done that much damage to my bike I would have run over/through him a few more times, and made a seat cover out of him!

[kasper]

I just worked out that if I completd this challenge I would do about 2700km in 48 hours due to work with most of this on a 4 hour sleep on friday morning.