Getting There and The Extension Being the 25th GC (Grand Challenge – 1,000miles in 24 hours), the anniversary event was marked with a 900Km extension on the Friday, to make the event up to a 2,500Km Long Weekend. As soon as the event was promoted I registered my interest and must have got in pretty quick as I was surprised a couple of months ago, when I got my registration pack in the mail, to see that I was #1. Also, as per the 20th GC, a video was being made of this event. Having done this event five times before, I am pretty well prepared, the bike is always ready for a ride, it had its 120,000 Km service on 26/9, which included a new front tyre (Bridgestone 023), then after having rear tyre problems, it received a new rear on 10/10. I had also bought a new ST in October, but with only 3300Km on it, I thought I’d keep the red to do this job before trying to sell it. One change to my GC preparation this year was that I bought a GPS at the beginning of the year, so I tried programming previous routes into it from the old Ride Instructions. I did a couple and it took over 2hours for each route, so I ended up having to take the laptop as well!!....lucky I’ve got an ST with lots of luggage capacity! My other prep consisted of a few rides, starting with a 700Km Butt Burner and building up to include a bit of night riding as well. So, apart from that, it was just a matter of pulling my GC check-list, ensuring I had everything I needed, pack the night before, give Ann a kiss and a hug on Thursday morning and say, “I’m just off for a ride! I’ll be back in 5...... (days)!” The weather forecast for Thursday was dismal, so I arranged to meet Steve at BP Mana at midday to ride straight up SH1, it was an uneventful trip, except for the part where we were too early arriving in Levin and Steve didn’t stop to wait for James (Transalp). (I seem to be making a habit of leaving him behind?) We arrived at 1515, checked into our cabins, got the bikes scrutineered (with no problems), settled in, went to fill the bikes and had a coffee in town, walked down for a feed at the Truck-Stop and later that evening, found out what Friday’s route would be, so went off to plan for that, loading it into the GPS and organising fuel stops. As it turned out, it was a very informal affair in that we could leave whenever we wanted and just had to collect three Electronic Till Receipts along the way. There were 37 starters for the extension and IanF woke me when he started at 0330 in the morning....I figured....‘he must want to get back for lunch?’ Apart from that, I slept reasonably well, arising on Friday at 0600, scrubbed up, had a feed and we rolled out at 0746. Mike (ST) had left a bit earlier, as had James who was kitted out to video other riders on the road with forward and rear facing cameras mounted on the side of his bike, but as it was wet, and Steve and I were in no hurry, I led out at a sedate pace, over the Ponanga Saddle to National Park and down the Parapara’s to our first checkpoint in Whanganui. The weather forecast for Thursday was dismal, so I arranged to meet Steve at BP Mana at midday to ride straight up SH1, it was an uneventful trip, except for the part where we were too early arriving in Levin and Steve didn’t stop to wait for James (Transalp). (I seem to be making a habit of leaving him behind?) We arrived at 1515, checked into our cabins, got the bikes scrutineered (with no problems), settled in, went to fill the bikes and had a coffee in town, walked down for a feed at the Truck-Stop and later that evening, found out what Friday’s route would be, so went off to plan for that, loading it into the GPS and organising fuel stops. As it turned out, it was a very informal affair in that we could leave whenever we wanted and just had to collect three Electronic Till Receipts along the way. There were 37 starters for the extension and IanF woke me when he started at 0330 in the morning....I figured....‘he must want to get back for lunch?’ Apart from that, I slept reasonably well, arising on Friday at 0600, scrubbed up, had a feed and we rolled out at 0746. Mike (ST) had left a bit earlier, as had James who was kitted out to video other riders on the road with forward and rear facing cameras mounted on the side of his bike, but as it was wet, and Steve and I were in no hurry, I led out at a sedate pace, over the Ponanga Saddle to National Park and down the Parapara’s to our first checkpoint in Whanganui. Between James causing a rush of blood to our heads and the temp jumping at least 6° through here, all of a sudden I found myself expiring, so a quick change of plans and we stopped in Mokau for lunch and to strip off the ‘wets’. We arrived there at 1246, doing the 145Km at an average of 95kph. It was rather pleasant having a snack then relaxing in the sun for a bit before moving on at 1322, with Steve in the lead and we now had the Awakino Gorge to look forward to. There was a bit of traffic on the road and as we were preparing to leave, Toto passed through on his Hornet and we had him in our sights. He was getting along pretty well, albeit a little more casual on his passing than us and this was OK as we slipped up the coast, but as soon as we embarked on the gorge, still stuck behind a truck, I was concerned about not maximising the enjoyment of the road, so as soon as Toto & Steve seemed to hesitate on a passing opportunity, I was in like a robbers dog and took it for them. I did have to apologise to Toto later, but ……nah….I’m just an arsehole! Between James causing a rush of blood to our heads and the temp jumping at least 6° through here, all of a sudden I found myself expiring, so a quick change of plans and we stopped in Mokau for lunch and to strip off the ‘wets’. We arrived there at 1246, doing the 145Km at an average of 95kph. It was rather pleasant having a snack then relaxing in the sun for a bit before moving on at 1322, with Steve in the lead and we now had the Awakino Gorge to look forward to. There was a bit of traffic on the road and as we were preparing to leave, Toto passed through on his Hornet and we had him in our sights. He was getting along pretty well, albeit a little more casual on his passing than us and this was OK as we slipped up the coast, but as soon as we embarked on the gorge, still stuck behind a truck, I was concerned about not maximising the enjoyment of the road, so as soon as Toto & Steve seemed to hesitate on a passing opportunity, I was in like a robbers dog and took it for them. I did have to apologise to Toto later, but ……nah….I’m just an arsehole! It was all easy riding…..except for the bit where I was daydreaming, listening to the music and suddenly found myself having to make a decision of, left to Atiamuri, or right to go over the dam. Damn…..I stayed left and hit the piks, taking Steve with me while Mike cruised past thinking, “Bloody idiots!” (James had swapped to film another group from Paeroa). We scooted down ’32 and arrived at Turangi at 1831, doing the last 231Km at an average of 101kph. It was an easy ride and pleasant day in the end. The GPS had me a couple of K’s short of the 900 (I must have been taking short lines through the corners), while my speedo said 910Km and Steves said 933Km….go figure. The Total Avg for the day was 83kph and Moving Avg was 97kph, which was easy enough on our sedate pace. After all, we still had 1600Km to embark on the next day. We checked in, had a good Rusty Feed, chatted, then looked at the GC route. …..Whew! easy Navigation but gnarly!....so I headed off to programme the GPS for the next day, before chilling out, chatting with other riders and discussing fuel options with Steve, finally hitting the sack at about 2230. The GC and Getting Home The decent ride on Friday helped to get a good night’s sleep and I was up by 0600 again, scrub-up, breakfast, then prep the gear and go over the fuel stops again. We were surprised how dead it seemed at the Turangi Cabins as usually, the place is littered with bikes and there are heaps of people about, tinkering and chewing the fat, but this year it was very quiet and it turned out, there were only 67 starters for the main event. We had been pre-warned a month or so out, that the start had been brought forward from 1500 to 1300 due to fuel shortages on the route, so we pretty much expected a foray onto the East Cape and sure enough, that was what we got. The other odd thing was, that usually Saturday drags as we ‘hurry-up and wait’ to start, but this year, with the 2 hours less, the morning seemed to be busy prep’ing and it flew past….all of sudden I seemed to be rushing to kit up, get to the briefing and took my place in the start queue with a minute or so to spare. Steve, Mike and I were last out the gate, getting separated from the others by waiting for some traffic to pass and by the time we got onto SH1 to head for Taupo, the others were gone. The weather had been most pleasant all morning, but no sooner had we gone a few K’s out of Turangi and we hit intermittent showers, some quite heavy and as we came down into Waitahanui, the weather out over the Napier-Taupo Rd looked very bleak, so we pulled over to put the ‘wets’ on. Dumb idea! Not only did we lose a few minutes, but before long, we were back in brilliant sunshine and the temp shot up, causing me to get a little uncomfortable. About this time, we caught up to CameramanJames and of course, with his shenanigans, our pleasant sedate pace became rather brisk with us cranking up through some sweepers for the camera. We had a ball, but I’ll wait until I see the footage before getting excited about it!? We were having a ball anyway….and then I had a wee moment. As I pushed the 023’s through a corner I had one of those uncomfortable squirmy moments which felt like I was rolling on a flat tyre!!?? My first thoughts were that the rear had punctured and I couldn’t believe my run of bad luck was continuing, as that would most likely mean the end to my day. I wiggled the handle bars to twitch the rear to see what it felt like…inconclusive….so I pulled over to look and kick the tyre (as you do) and it was as hard as a rock….well, as hard as thick rubber can be, loaded with 42psi. Hmmm…I carried on, albeit a little wary and my confidence to push the boundaries dashed. (Oh yes…and I did get my picture taken by a parked van, but it was alright because he got my good side….the front!) Luckily CameramanJames found others to prey on and Steve and I got back to our moderate pootle mode, running down SH5 to the coast and turning left for Wairoa on SH2. More sweet roads, but our plan was to ride moderately, with plenty of stops, and hopefully come in fresh…so we exercised restraint. We pulled into Shell Wairoa for Steve to top-up at 1544 (doing the 274Km at an avg of 101kph) and I was approached for an interview from Tess (film crew). I thought afterwards, “That didn’t really come out right!” but we were probably back on the road within 5 minutes and I was cursing because I’d forgotten to take my wets off. Steve led out again (he would lead during the day and I’d do the night with the better lights on the ST), it was more good riding up to our next fuel stop in Gisborne and although I didn’t feel totally comfortable with the rear, it wasn’t causing any real concern, then as we dropped down into Gissy, I thought I should probably pass as I had the GPS set to take us to the servo. I didn’t bother though and sure enough, when we got to the first turn off at Matawhero, Steve carried on while I took the turn. It’s a bit longer but not much 50kph, so I was already filling when he pulled in with some others. (I pulled in at 1649 so we were making quite good time doing the 98Km from Wairoa at 102kph and our total avg so far was 98kph) From here we were on to the first checkpoint at Tokomaru Bay, departing at 1705 after a leisurely 15minute stop. We had split from Mike early in the ride when we stopped before Taupo to put the wets on, then passed him on the Napier-Taupo where he was putting his on, then he passed us when Steve was filling in Wairoa and he left before us from Gissy. At this time we’d picked up another rider though (Manu on a Blackbird), then caught and followed a Beemer rider. He in turn caught then followed a cage that was fanging along just off the pace we were doing, so we were happy tag along. It was more pretty easy riding through to this point and we did the 90Km from Gissy at 94kph. After 5 minutes, Steve and I got away again, a few minutes behind Mike and from here around to Opotiki wasn’t as easy going. I don’t know if it was due to riding off the pace or what, but we both had come to the conclusion that we had ‘lost our mojo’! For me I had lost a bit of confidence with the new 023 rear due to the occasional squirm and Steve just seemed unable to settle into a groove, so we were both happy to putter along....and of course, our mojo took a big hit when the ST and ‘Busa got passed by a big Suzuki Cruiser!! Steve did pop off the road for a breather whilst going around the Cape as there were quite a lot of spots where the road had subsided (one way or the other) leaving some drop-offs or bumps in the region of 3-6”. Steve hit a bump whilst engaging a very tight left hander. As usual, I was right up his date and it was severe enough to bounce him off the seat causing his feet to disengage from the pegs. Not a great look when one is keen to apply pressure to the brakes…and can’t find a foot, or free some fingers to use. Anyway, as I eased around the corner, look of disbelief on my dial, I saw Steve bounce, straighten, (WTF), brakes….back wheel locks (puff of dust and crap from loose shit), thoughts to the effect of, “Oh crap……I hope nothing’s coming…..is he going to ease it around?…..is he going to stop?…..Oh fuck! not again!! That’s a 3’ drop there Steve….and there’s a fence………………bugger he’s gone…..ooooh! nicely popped there Steve……..Holy Shit! He’s parked it......Hell, how are we going to get it back up on the road?....(looks around for somewhere safe to park the bike)…….Ooooh, nice one Steve! (he just rode it back up the bank!!) We exchanged notes, wiped brows and moved on! As we descended down the coast it got dark and that was time for the ST to move to the front and light the way as we continued to press on to Opotiki for fuel and the 2nd checkpoint. We finally arrived at 2059 and had a reasonable stop here, snacking, cleaning visors and so on. We were off the pace though doing the 237Km leg at an avg of 85kph. We were back on the road at 2119, heading back to Gissy over the Waioeka Gorge. I was back in the lead and it wasn’t long before we were on a long straight with a car coming from the other direction… and it had very bright lights. I wasn’t sure that he had his lights on full so gave him the benefit of the doubt and didn’t flash him, but I just focused on the area to his left to try to protect my night vision. As we honed in on him, it appeared he wasn’t moving and then I got a hell of a fright when at the last minute I realised the road swung away to the right of the lights and they were actually floods mounted atop some sort of harvester in a paddock on the left of the road....Talk about getting sucked into the rocks by a siren!! I got over that and we had quite a good ride through the gorge as, after the East Cape road, this one seemed wide and the surface was pretty clean, although it was a very dark night. With the temp dropping back below 16° at night, I seemed to feel more comfortable on the rear tyre although we still kept to our sedate pace and just pootled along. Apart from that I don’t remember a great deal of the section until we approached Gissy and there were red & blue lights flashing in the distance, and as we got close we could see there were several of them with a cop on the road so we pulled up to learn there had been an accident ahead and we had to detour around it. Luckily the cop advised it was a cage and not a bike so we continued, happy in the knowledge it wasn’t a Rusty Rider as we headed to the next fuel top-up for Steve at Wairoa. We finally pulled up to the Shell Wairoa at 2355 having only averaged 86kph to Gissy, but lifted that to 89kph for the 232Km from Opotiki. With Steve gassed and me relieved again (yep….still the Dysentery Dog) we were ready to move onto the next checkpoint in Havelock……more pootling over good roads in the middle of the night and steady as she goes. We got a surprise though as we trundled through what we expected to be a ‘sleepy hollow’ at 0141 on a Sunday morning and it was buzzing with heaps of revellers and bright lights. We’d managed 86kph over this short 137Km leg. We enjoyed a 15minute stop here to loosen up and have a snack, departing at 0155 to head along Middle Rd through Patangata, coming out at Waipawa and stopping for more gas at Waipuk’. Mike and Manu were still a few minutes ahead, but we seemed to be catching them and finally did so as we turned back onto SH2. We tucked in behind for the next few Km and arrived in Waipuk’ at 0236. (57Km at 84kph) The four of us stuck together from here on, departing at 0248 for the next Checkpoint at Eketahuna. We did have to do a wee diversion through Takapau and Ormondville (to note some stupid sign for Red Metal), re-emerging on SH2 at Norsewood and once again, Steve and I were happy to tuck in behind the others. We hit some roadworks just before Woodville and as Manu and I were following along the same rut as Mike, we got led through a decent size pothole, seeing it coming with only enough time to think, ‘Oh shit!’ but not enough to react and avoid. I’d also put my wets back on in Havelock Nth, expecting to ride into bad weather (although they also were keeping me warmer) and we did hit some heavy rain through here, but it was short lived and cleared for the rest of the journey. We were checking into an empty G.A.S. stop at 0412, doing the 128Km at 91kph and it was starting to feel like we were getting on top of the ride with only 360’ish Km and about 4 hours to go. We continued on at 0422, with Mike and Manu still leading but once we got onto the road through Mangamaire and over the Track, I thought it was prudent to take the lead to give the Northerners something to follow, through what I assumed was unfamiliar territory. It was unfamiliar to all of us though because as we climbed and went over the Track itself, we were plunged into a real ‘Pea-Soup’ thick fog with what seemed like little more than 10-20metres visibility. I figured I had some idea of where the road was going and could maintain a reasonable pace, but when I was thinking I was coming into the tight right hander hairpin and it turned out to be a lefthander….well??!! We were soon out of it though, through Ashhurst and onto Feilding to get a top-up for Manu to get his Blackbird to Taihape. We rode into the BP at 0514 and were out again by 0520, with the plan to have another decent stop at the BP Taihape where we would get our last load of fuel for the ride. We were filling by 0615 and had a good relax because after the 900Km on Friday, our butts were starting to feel pretty tight. I had been standing on the pegs to stretch as we went through 50kph zones, but by this stage, in order to stand, I would have to rock back and forth a few times to get enough momentum to get me out of the seat. I was also shuffling up onto the back seat for a change of pressure on the butt, but in order to even do that, I would have to put my left hand onto the back seat to lift myself off the front seat. I had also started to yawn, so the rest was welcome. We got back on the road at 0648 and I felt alert and fresh again, we only had 200Km to go it was light and I had removed all the ‘wets’ (one of the reasons my butt was so sore). Mike led out again as I declared I had done my bit and we meandered through Waiouru, across SH49, then onto the Whangaehu Valley Road to take Fields Track across to Kakatahi on the Parapara road for the last checkpoint. It was quite funny to be riding on the single lane Fields Track and to see a sign, “Road Narrows”!! It is quite beautiful through here though and the road is in pretty good condition at the moment, so by 0743 we had descended and were getting the cards punched for the last time. I had set a target of 20 hours for the ride this time around, and I was feeling pretty good after the easy riding and frequent stops. As we were heading through Wairoa on the way to Gisborne, the GPS had been advising a finishing ETA of 0600, but that had steadily crept out and by the time I hopped back on the bike for the last squirt back to Turangi, the GPS was advising an ETA of 0859. “Damn!” I thought, I can’t go over the 20hours, so a bit of fun was required….and the roar as the ST took of from the CP ……was as squeaky & whiny as ever! I flew past Mike who had left moments before me as I settled into a nice brisk, but sub-fang pace. I was still generally riding within the ‘Allowable Limit’, occasionally edging over it on the way to Raetihi, then I eased back a notch. There had been a few slips through here and apparently one of them had come down as the lead rider was passing. It put him off his bike but he had been able to continue and by the time we came through, it had been cleared, but they had left a very greasy film of mud and gray papas clay on the surface. Care was therefore required and although the bike felt like it wanted to step out, care and a good line kept it on track…and me in the seat. In no time I was scooting past Lake Rotoaira, through Rangipo and back to the camp with Steve in tow (He caught up at National Park) and we checked in at 0854. We had completed the 1616Km in 19:54 with a Total Avg of 81kph and Moving Avg of 92. What had seemed a rather gnarly, tight course on first look at the map, hadn’t actually been that bad after all, although we had tackled it sedately and that obviously had a lot to do with not getting too fatigued. We chatted over our hearty Rusty Finishers Feed, relaxed and chatted more in the sun, wandered down to the loacal Chinese for another feed and generally chilled out and chatted until finally retiring at around 2130, at which time I’d been up for nearly 40hours….and that certainly ensured I got a good 8hours kip. Monday morning I was up again by 0600, packed, fed, fuelled and on the road for home by 0845. Steve was off to Napier, so we rode to the start of the Gentle Annie together, and the rest of the trip back to Wellington was a bit of an inconsequential blur down SH1, getting back to the office by 1216. It was another awesome weekend, organised with the usual Rusty Efficiency. The rides and the feeds were great, and I now have 6 GC’s under my belt. I managed to do just under 3200Km over the five days and the bike is 40Km short of needing its 126,000Km service….that’s not bad since it only had the 120,000Km service on 26/09/11.
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Life is a struggle….and that’s why we divert our attention from the daily grind by taking up sports and hobbies….but sometimes that can be a struggle too! The 24th Grand Challenge (my 5th) was one of those times, but I persevered and finished. I’ve done relatively little riding over the past year, partly due to weather, but mainly just circumstances because weather isn’t really a problem when one has a good bike and gear. Anyway, over the last year I’ve only done 20,000Kms instead of the usual 30,000 so I wasn’t really conditioned for a 24hour ride….but I’ve been riding well, I was as keen as mustard and the wait leading up to the event just seemed to drag on forever. There wasn’t much to do in the way of prep’ because over the years I have acquired all the bits I need, I have the purpose built bike which is kept serviced and always ready for a ride and some of my gear is a little tired but still functioning well, so all I needed was a new Nth Island map to trace the route on for the display in my Board-Room (spelt Biker-Room) at work. The bike came due for its 96K service a month out so I asked the boys at Boyles to do the usual pre-GC super WoF at the same time, then I picked up the usual supply of water, nutbars and bananas the night before I left. Steve had dumped me for the ride up on Friday, to have a date with his wife, but that wasn’t a problem because Hitcher’s partner let him go up with me instead. Waiting…waiting…10am Friday and we were off, suitably attired in ‘wets’ as it was rather gloomy, I picked up Hitcher at his place, then we scooted down the hill for our first fill at Caltex Kaiwhara’ before hitting SH1 with Mr H in the lead. It was quite refreshing to follow someone who was doing it all proper-like…indicate – head-check – change lanes…and so on and I thought to myself, “Mr H, you should be the mentor, not me, ‘cos I’m more a do as I say sorta guy”. We had flagged a cruise via the Wairarapa due to the inclement weather and decided the choice of Parapara’s or SH1 would be made at Sanson, depending on how the conditions looked at that point. By the time we got to Tawa (10Km) the weather was clear, ...by the time we got to Paraparaumu I was getting a little warm, …and when we struck red lights in Levin, I had to leap off the bike whip off the ‘wets’ jacket and change to the summer gloves because I was expiring as the temp rose through 13-14°. I also suggested to Mr H that the Para’s looked the better option and I assumed the lead from there as we nipped up to Campion road, slipped around Ohakea then on-on’d to Whanganui, where we would pause for Mr H to fill his Aprilia Shiver. I signaled him to take the lead just prior to Whanga’s (just in case he had a preference on flavours for the Shiver) and as we were stopped at a set of lights, I noted the occasional puff of smoke coming from his machine. When we stopped around the corner, sure enough, there was an instant drip, dripping of oil on the pavement….dash, bother & blast…so it was on-on to Mr Honda’s shop. It was soon established that the oil was coming from the gearbox bleed valve and whilst we were in the workshop, the eagle-eyed mechanic spotted something shiny in the tyre. It was just a shard of metal that brushed off, but a inch or two further on was a fine piece of wire sticking from the rubber…..so they fixed the bike and we went for lunch on the ST. Unlike Lemony Snickets, this was a series of most fortuitous events, as the bike got fixed before there was a problem, we enjoyed a coffee and exchanged lies whilst sitting in the sun at a roadside Café, then continued on to have a delightful ride up the Para’s and over the Ponangana Saddle, getting to Turangi before 1600hours. We checked-in, got the bikes scrutineered, settled in and chatted, went for the usual feed at the truck-stop and returned after 1900 to check the route and start planning. What a doozy….there was only one section I hadn’t been on (being the inland route from Wairoa to Gisborne over Tiniroto Rd) so I got my bits and pieces and started planning the ride and gas stops….one lot of three stops for me on the ST and another of five, for Steve on the ‘Busa, as he wouldn’t have much time after arriving the next day. Also I wasn’t sure what group he was starting in and therefore if we would be riding together or not. (As it turned out, we were both in Group two, him at No.11 and me at No.12, so it was easy for me to adapt to his fuel schedule). I turned in about midnight and was awake by 0430…bloody marvelous! …so lay there going over the route and check-points in my mind, probably managing a few more naps, but it didn’t seem like it, then arose at 0645 to get ready for breakfast. After that it was hurry-up and wait as one would stand around and chat, go for a lie down to catch a few zzz’s but that wouldn’t work, so go for a stroll around the camp and more chats…and so on, until a freshen-up shower at 1315, the Ulysses Photo at 1400, rider briefing at 1430, then dive into the gear for the Group 2 start at 1503….and we were off…but more at a steady creep than a swoop. This suited me though as the bike’s motor and tyres were cold, so we warmed into the affair as we pootled down SH1, over the Desert Rd, at a sedate 110kph, behind three other riders. Neither Steve nor I carry a radar detector but I knew that it wouldn’t be long before we were ready to get on the pace as riders from later groups passed us, at which time we would leap from our comfort zone and hitch a ride (safety in numbers and all that jazz), so we were soon scooting briskly towards Mangaweka. As we turned onto Ruahine Rd, which had a liberal coating of that awful gray clay-dust, Steve & I were behind half a dozen other riders, who didn’t look that comfortable on the unfamiliar (to them) surroundings, so we were soon past them and free to engage and a ‘spirited-pace’ that was just a notch or two below a ‘good-fang’ (after all…we had all night to go) down to Kimbolton, then around the Apiti loop and into Ashhurst for the Time-Check. Meanie was their to say ‘gidday’, we clocked in (at 2 hours for the first 200Km). I sent Steve on to gas-up in Woodville as I wouldn’t need fuel until Waipuk’ and I took the opportunity to take a couple of pix as more riders arrived. I was tempted to ride over the Saddle road but restrained myself and went through the gorge, waited for Steve, then we continued down to Pahiatua. As we left Woodville, we ended up behind a cop, following another motor cyclist…bloody hell! They were sitting on 100-110 indicated, so took the bull by the horns and passed them both then maintained the allowable limit until the cop turned off at Mangatainoka and just down the road, we slipped off SH2 to embark on Pahiatua-Pongaroa Rd and Route 52 to the first Check Point at Waipukurau. I can’t remember the last time I did this road from West to East, as we would normally come out from Pongaroa, so I inadvertently rattled onto Ngaturi Aohanga Rd but immediately realised the error of my ways, backtracked the 100 or so metres and continued toward Makuri, but my error had given Gremlin the opportunity he needed to slip past us. The road around this area was littered with ‘loose stuff’ so we maintained a good pace whilst taking care by sticking close to the centre and ‘riding the ruts’ on both sides, but bugger me, next thing we knew, the ST and the ‘Busa (big 1300’s) were being passed by a GN250. The bloody ‘Ginny-Man’ had it tapped out and wasn’t slowing for anything as he scurried through the crap and corners, because he knew it took too much to get the pace back on what is probably the most sluggish of all 250cc learner bikes. It was a marvel to behold and I thought to myself, “Damn, we better get back in front of him before Waipuk’ or we’ll never live it down”! Just to make our adventure more exciting, no sooner had Ginny-Man disappeared from sight than we started to get bombarded with vicious wind gusts, but we managed to keep the pace on and those conditions seemed to settle once we had passed Pongoroa. From there the road surface improved as we ducked and dived our way through to Porangahau, after which we enjoyed a veritably wide, smooth surface and we could resume a more spirited chase to pull in Ginny-Man… and I soon had him in my sights. I sat behind him for a bit and enjoyed the show as he seemed to maintain around 115 to 118kph, occasionally tipping 120 if he got some downhill assistance, rarely touching the brakes as he deftly nipped along. I was so impressed, I passed him and signaled for him to slot in behind so he could enjoy a draught and drag behind the ST, although I wasn’t sure if I was helping or hindering him…probably a bit of both!? We were soon gassing up and checking-in at Waipuk’, enjoying a snack and ‘natural break’ as we watched Ginny-Man shoot off and other riders come and go. Before the start, I had hummed and hawed over what to wear earlier in the day and as the temp went through 15°, I had opted to remove the liner from my jacket to start the ride with a T-Shirt and skivvy on. As we arrived at Waipuk’ on dusk, at around 1930, I figured another layer would be in order and the easiest option was to throw on the ‘wets’ jacket and swap to the winter spidi gloves. That done, we were on our way again, up through Napier, Wairoa and on to checkpoint 2 in Gisborne. I led out and we were soon crossing SH30A, but there were road works at Flaxmere, with no signage, so I looked dumbly at 30A thinking, “I’m sure I should turn there??” as I led the others into Flaxmere, but we only did an extra few hundred metres before getting back on track with Steve leading. We were soon through Bay View and onto the sweet riding strip between Napier and Wairoa, except it was now pitch black and the storms over the last week had strewn crap all along the road, so much care was required. We were barely out of Bay View when we hit a bit of fog and it became apparent that Steve wasn’t too comfortable in the front. The ‘Busa light isn’t the greatest compared to the ST’s, but it transpired that he was also having problems with his visor fogging, so I resumed the lead. It was a nice wee jaunt all the same and we were soon through Wairoa and I can’t remember why, but we paused briefly at the turn-off for Frasertown. At this point the Ginny-Man passed us again (we must have passed him when he was fuelling at Bay View), then we passed him as he was checking turn-offs just prior to Tiniroto Rd. Sure enough, our pace wasn’t sharp enough for him so we let him through... again ...and I buttoned off a bit more to let him get away so I wasn’t constantly dipping my lights. All was fine, but we were soon climbing and sure enough, the poor wee Ginny was struggling so we were soon back within 100 metres or so and it was a pain in the arse as I was constantly up and down between high & low beams......and so began ‘The Struggle’! I buttoned off a bit more to see if he’d get away again, but we still held station about 100m astern and I didn’t want to pass him, so in the end I thought, “Bugger it! I need to close-up and ride off his lights”, so with that decision made, I opened up as we descended a slight decline and lined up to follow him into a left hander.....and then it all turned to shite! Ginny-Man was deftly pushing his wee bike to the limits and of all times he picked to overcook a corner, it was right when I lined up on his tail and although I was still a healthy distance behind, I was probably up to about 110 and closing quick when we watched him enter a left hander, brake hard and twitch as he struggled to pull up and keep control. At this point my brain went into overdrive and in the briefest of moments (which seemed an eternity) I remember running options. What the hell has happened? Is the road blocked with a slip and he’s aborted? Did he slip and save it? Has he overcooked? I can’t risk taking the corner ‘cos I don’t know what’s there and he’s too close to my line. (I’m sure he wouldn’t feel too good wearing a 450Kg missile up his date!) Danger! Danger Johnny Boy! Abort! Abort! There’s a small edge and a wide grass verge! Aborrt! I straightened and hit the picks....real hard!...deploying all the stoppage that linked ABS brakes can deliver, but my speed and position in the centre of the road were against me because although I had washed off about half of my speed, I could feel grit under the wheels as I rapidly closed on Ginny-Man and the edge of the road with a proliferation of BHM’s (Biker Hail Marys-“Oh Shit! Oh Shit! Oh Shit”...or words to that effect). At this point my heart and half my other organs were in my throat because I knew I still had way too much pace on and every bikers worst nightmare was upon me....I was going off!! As soon as the rear wheel hit the verge (I was probably angling in at about 30°) it lost all traction slipping out to the right, throwing the bike down onto its left side in a spin, with the rear coming around so the bike hit the grass sideways, still doing about 50-60kph. All I remember is the back starting to go, the bike starting to drop and the next thing I was slammed onto my back on the solid verge (but I can’t remember if I bounced 2 or 3 times) and the bike came to a sudden, dead stop. I lay there for a moment assessing my condition, fearing the worst but feeling OK, then got up and switched off the bike, which also looked OK but I had to wait for the other two before trying to pick it up. Steve had managed to scrub off enough speed to safely stop on the grass and Ginny-Man sat there, stunned at his situation, when he realised that lights were bearing down on him so he booted it and took off like a scolded cat to get out of the way. He then came around and bought some light on the situation while I grabbed Steve’s pack-rack to help him get back on the road. We then picked the ST up and the only damage appeared to be the left mirror cover had popped (as it is designed to do) but the indicator had separated from the cover, so I picked them up and put them in a pannier. The bike started straight away, but it was up to its rims in water and mud, so I put it in gear by hand and we walked it back on to the edge of the road. Meanwhile Mike (another Ulyssian on an ST) rolled up, but we were right now, so we sent him and Ginny-Man on their way...I was charged with adrenalin and the bike seemed fine, so Steve & I continued on. It was a real miracle that neither the bike nor I suffered more than a scratch or bruise and I shudder to think of what could have happened. The wing on the bike did its thing to save the bike from damage and to prevent it crushing my leg...the soft muddy earth acted like a cushion to bring everything to a sudden but damage free stop...but if the bike hadn’t spun out, the front wheel may have buried in the mud and thrown me over or through the screen. I was sore but sound and able to continue. Hallelujah! We were in Gissy before 2330, checked-in, gassed-up, relieved, snacked, I donned an extra skivvy and my ‘wets’ pants (for warmth) and we departed for Karapiro via the Waioeka Gorge and Rotorua, On this leg, I started to wilt as the adrenalin wore off and I found my speed drifting on and off the pace. I was still leading (with the better lights) and I would bring the pace up to get in ‘the zone’ then find my concentration and speed fading off....I struggled! But we finally made it through the gorge, when Clive, the Xena Commander (although I have referred to him as Beemer-Boy in previous sagas, prior to meeting him). Anyway, the XC rolled up and over us, just out of Opotiki, so I slotted in behind him and that made life much easier as he dragged us through Taneatua, Awakeri, over the Rotomas and down to the lake, where he had to pause to change batteries in his GPS or whatever other electronic contraptions he was decked out with. Then we continued round the south end of the lake, through Rotorua and over SH5, where we encountered a bit of rain and rolled into Mobil Karapiro around 0345. This was a pretty good leg for economy because we were expecting Steve would need gas by Tirau, but he made the 355Kms on the tank, which was a bit of a record. I guess it was the easy pace and big downhill off SH5...the leg did get pretty cold though with the temp dipping to 8° but. As was usual on this ride, Steve and I took our time at the stop, seeing XC depart before us, Ginny-Man (and a few others) come and go, but I decided I needed to put the liner in my jacket and make sure I was right before carrying on. I felt great each time we stopped (even for just brief pause on the road), but soon wilted again once under way as the fatigue kicked in again. We got away though and soon rolled over Ginny-Man for the last time on Golf Rd, whistled through Te Kuiti and Pio Pio and got to work on one of my favouritist roads, the Awakino Gorge....but this wasn’t fun. I was still struggling at lead and the road seemed foreign to me as the glow from my lights caused an aura that gave the impression I was constantly riding into a huge cavern. I felt disoriented, struggled with my lines but pushed on and eventually caught and passed XC in the gorge...which was dumb because if I’d had half a brain operating at the time I would have slotted in behind again. (There’s no helping some people). I got confused about the Inglewood turnoff at Waitara, XC passed us again, we got back on track, slipped past him again through traffic, gassed up in Hawera, and finally made the last checkpoint in Patea. These last two legs were amongst the worst in all the GC’s I’ve done and although I just wanted to finish, I finally came to my senses enough to follow XC down to Wanganui and back up the Para’s to the Turangi, so I resisted the urge to put the hammer down. We had expected the weather to turn shitty anytime after Awakino and although the clouds had come in and the wind was getting up, so far we had missed any rain and were running ahead of it, but did have to turn to cross it as we slipped up the Para’s. It was great following XC as he pootled along keeping good lines and requiring minimal brakes, although at the time it seemed like an eternity as we crossed National Park from Raetihi. Through this area the wind did come up more and it was most odd as I would be sitting on the bike, relaxed with my left hand on my knee, when all of a sudden it would blast me around wrenching my left arm into the air and try to pluck the helmet off my head. Steve must thought I having some sort of seizures from behind, but the struggle finally finished when we rolled into the camp grounds at around 1030. I was shattered, slumping on to the tank for a moment before attempting to drag myself off the bike! My lower back ached where it had been slammed into the deck, my left hip and calf were locking up and cramping, my neck and shoulders were sore but I was still in one piece and jubilated to check in and collect the prized year bar and patch for the ride, sit down for a coffee, then recover sufficiently to enjoy the usual Rusty hearty lunch/brunch. We sat around for a bit chatting and I finally got cleaned up, I went for a nap around 1300, got awakened by a phone call from Ann at 1500, then got up for more socialising until retiring for the night at 2200, slept until 0430 then dozed on and off until being awakened by another phone call at 0700, after which I arose to get ready for breakfast, pack, gas up and depart from Turangi around 0930. We encountered gales on the way home and although it wasn’t too bad over the central plateau, it was diabolical through Himitangi and the Foxton straights. They got stronger and stronger as we came down from Hunterville, then for something totally different, …a lens popped from my glassed as we rounded onto SH1 out of Sanson, so I fixed that, then we were in for a treat. Not only were we canted out and shuffling around on the road, but we got treated to a splash of horizontal rain and hail. I could see it being blown across the paddocks as we approached and it looked like a morning mist, floating above the ground...but this was moving...wickedly. It blasted us and both pressed my helmet onto my temple and cheek, while at the same time choking me as it pulled the strap taught on my neck. I was cranking myself out to the right to keep the bike on track and feared each time a truck passed. It was a challenge taking on the long bridge just out of Levin, where I slowed to time for a truck to get off as I entered, at which time I booted it, taking the speed to 140 to get off before more traffic came, or if it did, to lessen the effects on the bike. Fortunately the wind subsided a bit after that. We stopped for a coffee in Otaki and finally finished the weekend with a gentle pootle over the Paekak’ Hill (we didn’t relish following the Mufti Car all the way down Centennial Highway). I did 2,349Kms for the weekend, clocking up 98,929Kms on the bike. Life is a struggle….and that’s why we divert our attention from the daily grind by taking up sports and hobbies….but sometimes that can be a struggle too! Brett and I encountered problems on the way to our event, 75 odd bikers started this year’s Grand Challenge and struggled through the night with 10 failing to finish. I experience the worst with an ‘Off’ but was being looked after with some Devine help and survived to struggle on and complete. We struggled over a wide range of roads, many strewn with storm damage and one poor riders struggle finished when a perfectly timed slid caused a large rock to roll into his bike as he happened to pass that spot. Others struggles finished with mechanical failures and a couple got blown over, causing enough damage to have to withdraw. We struggled through rugged conditions on the way home ....but it’s over now .....and shit I had a great time!
I’m already booked in for next year’s Long Weekend (900Km Friday and 1600Km Saturday) and I can’t wait...but I might struggle through a few more Kms in preparation for next year. Bring it on Lee Rusty and your merry band! It was a long slow wait for this year’s Grand Challenge (my 4th), until the last month which seemed to fly by and all of a sudden we were away again. Last week I had the bike booked for a service, pre-empting the 78,000Km check at 76,500Kms, as well as replacing the Metzler Z6 with a new Avon Storm on the front, a new air cleaner, new left main bulb, front right fork seal and the usual pre-GC super WoF check to ensure no problems when Brian Rusty and his crew did their scrutineering. That lot only cost $800+ so I was happy with the bike but my wallet didn’t have the same healthy feel to it. I had organised a few things along the way, like a new map to record the route, a set of molded audio earplugs for the MP3 and to cut the noise from my crappy Shoei Helmet, a new $20 Blue vinyl waterproof jacket from the warehouse to replace my trusty $13 yellow one that was purchased for one ride….two years ago, (so this one should be good for ten years!) Then, when I was preparing my kit to pack a couple of days before, I found I was missing my torch so, along with the usual supply of nut bars, bananas and water, I purchased a new torch and a bundle of tie-wraps….I figured I had everything, but was surprisingly apprehensive about the ride….maybe that was partly thanks to the weather reports with predicted rain over the entire North Island. Friday came and Steve and I were set to depart from BP Mana at 1000, (we normally prefer to ride up through the Wairarapa but the atrocious weather put paid to that) I kitted up for the worst before I left home, which was lucky because that’s what we got heading to our meeting point. I just got pummelled by rain but Steve discovered a new lake and river had formed at the top of Haywards and the ‘Busa had to do a bit of wading. With that downpour over, the rest of the trip up wasn’t too bad with me leading out to Bulls where we would decide whether to continue travelling up SH1, or go via Wanganui then up the Paraparas. In the end, after Steve commenting on my lean angle and inconsistent tracking on the Himatangi straights, we figured that wet Para’s was probably preferable to a windswept Central Plateau. We embarked on the Paraparas with our usual gay abandon but soon discovered, after a couple of nasty twitches, that the wet surface required care and precision in picking lines that avoided even the slightest hint of a slick patch. This was to prove good practice for the GC ride itself but apart from that, our ride through to Raetihi was uneventful. We paused there to decide if we deserved a coffee but as Steve didn’t need a fill yet, we opted to continue onto the Train Station café at National Park, only to find the Overlander was in, so we ended up going all the way to the Truck Stop in Turangi for a coffee and sandwich. From there we checked into our cabins, had the bikes scrutineered, and chatted as lots of familiar faces and bikes arrived. We went back to the Truck stop for dinner and by the time we got back to the camp at 2000 hrs, the map was up and we got into our route planning and more socialising, finally heading to bed at around midnight. I awoke refreshed at 0630 to find it had poured that night but the weather wasn’t too bad as we had to fill in the long wait until the briefing at 1430 and departures starting at 1500. This is always the worst part of the weekend and I started out after breakfast going over the route and writing up little notes to stick to the dash of the bike. Then I was happy that I had it sussed, so I filled up the bike, then had to go over the route again and be sure so I’d got it, then I’d go and chat to others …and so on and so on!! Finally!! ….1506 and the bright yellow card went up on the fence for Group 3 to depart. I had kitted up after the briefing, taken a couple of photos and now I was on my way with Cowboys (Lance/ZX9) and Meanie (James/Concours), who were both GC virgins, in the same group. Lance bolted, as he is prone to do but James and I started a little more sedately as we headed over SH41 then up the Western side of the lake to Whakamaru, Waipapa Rd and onto Kihikihi. I was going to put my ‘wets’ on before the start but with the temp at 18°, I opted not to don my over-jacket and Rain-Off gloves. Dumb because I’d just passed some Group 2 riders halfway up the western arm and the heavens opened up so I had to stop and waste 5 minutes. That’s not a very big portion of 24 hours, but on a ride like this it is very easy to loose time and very hard to make it up, so one tries to avoid unnecessary stops. Good boyscout XP@ is always prepared...but what for exactly?? (a litre or 5 of gas would have served much better) Back on the road and no sooner had the rain started than it stopped and it would have been nice to take the gear off again….but that wasn’t an option and so the mood for the ride was set. I settled into a 130 kilometre-eating-pace which had me back with Meanie along Waipapa Rd, where I took the lead and dragged a couple of riders up Paterangi Rd and SH39 to Whatawhata, then out to Te Uka (just short of Raglan). I’ve never been on SH23 out to Raglan and I had a blast, as this section of the trip was dry and the road mint. I had a rider in tow who turned out to be XP@ (another James), complete with golf umbrella attached to his bike, (who knows??? ) so after registering at the Time-Check, we continued our fang up Ohautira, Waingaro & Rotowaru roads to Huntly. James had to get gas in Huntly and the big grin was still slowly fading as we passed the Mobil in search of a garage on the main drag…but there weren’t any. James expressed his concern and after realising there weren’t any but I checked my mirrors to see two bikes still there and thought he must be going to continue, to fill in Kopu, but when the Beemer barrelled past me I realised I’d lost James …..and felt really guilty about that!!?? (Dump the Transalp James and get an ST). As it transpired, he didn’t make it back to the Mobil and now I feel really bad! After getting over the grief of losing a mate, I continued solo on my spirited pace along SH’s 2 & 25 to Kopu, then up 25A and down 25 to the first checkpoint at Whangamata, arriving at about 1900hrs. I had expected to have my first fill at Tauranga or maybe even Rotorua, but the pace had my economy at 15.2K/Ltr and at 404Kms into the ride I was on my last bar (reserve) so had to fill, taking on 24.44ltrs, which is getting low on gas for the ST!......I guess I was having a good time! At this point I should have caught Steve, who started in Group 1 but would have needed a fill prior to Whangamata. It turned out, he had taken a wrong turn and did a few extra Kms so I had passed him without knowing. Cowboys arrived while I was there and having filled the bike and snacked, I continued on SH25 to Waihi, then SH2 down to Tauranga but not before stopping before the outskirts of Whangamata because with the black clouds ahead, I thought it might be prudent to put the Rain-Off gloves back on. I ended up catching another rider and following him to Tauranga but lost him as I turned down Moffat Rd as I headed for Pyes Pa Road to take me to Rotorua. I don’t remember the last time I was on this road and with warnings about greasy roadworks I took it rather sedately, getting to Rotorua at about 2100hrs and figured I was making such good time, I could afford to make a quick stop to visit my kids and Moko, but it was a bit brief and I was soon back on SH30 for Whakamaru and next Check-point in Te Kuiti. Even though it was now dark and wet, these roads were familiar and good enough that I felt comfortable to sit around 120 and as I turned from SH1 onto SH30 at Atiamuri, a rider was stopped under a streetlamp on the corner. I paused to check he was OK and fortunately he just needed reassurance that he was on the right road, so although I’m comfortable to ride alone, I was happy to have company as we flitted across through Bennydale and the 2nd checkpoint at Shell Te Kuiti, arriving about 2300hrs with the more sedate pace resulting in 17.8K/Ltr on the economy. Bike filled, card punched and partway through my statutory banana and nutbar, Cowboys & Meanie turned up so I figured I might as well continue with them but as we were ready to leave, Duncan, who had followed me into Te Kuiti, asked if he could join me. I figured that was fine so I waited for him before lighting-out after the others through Eight Mile Junction, and down SH4 through National Park, Raetihi and the Paraparas to the next checkpoint at the Gull in Wanganui. The weather was pretty crappy and Cowboys had to stop to clean his visor, after which I ended up in front to lead down through the Para’s. Duncan had gone ahead and I was trying to catch him whilst also keeping the pace smooth and both sets of headlights in the mirrors so although we would get the odd glimpse of him in the distance, we only caught up once we were in Wanga’s and it was now 0220 on Sunday morning. Even though the weather was worse, I actually found this run down the Para’s better than our ride up the day before and I was still dry warm and feeling fresh. After checking in, I popped back to the Caltex to get some gas as I wasn’t sure if I’d get to new Plymouth or not and I won’t use the ethanol fuel on the ST. At 960Kms done we were over half distance and under half time, on about a 20hour pace With that done, the usual rituals completed, we were back on our way and I opted to bring up the rear. From my perspective, in these conditions, this is actually the worst place to be because you cop all the crap thrown up from the other bikes. Also, when following another bike at night, my preferred option is to sit close behind within the range of my low beam and ride off the lights of the bike in front, however in these conditions one has to sit back because if the bike in front brakes to avoid a slick spot, you’re left with nowhere to go. This means one is riding on low beam and while trying to pick non-slick lines to ride on the road in the gloom, you’re constantly blinded by leading brake lights and an abundance of crap…bottom line…it sucks but someone’s gotta do it…or ride alone! The ride up SH3 to Hawera was OK but the ride on SH45 around Taranaki was the worst leg of the event. Disregarding that I was at the rear, even the hump on the roads through here was often slick reducing ones options for good traction. We also encountered a stiff headwind which was strong enough to bring my economy down to 16.3L/Ltr, even though we only sitting on 110-120 and this also enhanced the roar in my helmet to the extent that it was uncomfortable, even wearing my molded audio-earplugs (it was like riding at 160+ for two hours) so by the time I got to New Plymouth, I hated my Raid II helmet and replaced the earplugs with foam ones which worked much better..(naturally since we were out of the wind from here on). The other problem on this leg was that Taranaki is dairy central and therefore, large dairy tankers with trailers are abundant on the roads and these babies can really kick up the crap. Coming the other way they momentarily blind you and following you need to hang back a bit which means you miss a few passing opportunities, but one has to give the tanker drivers their due because their road etiquette is great, they make room where they can as well flicking their indicators if the road ahead is clear. Well done Fontera! We were at Spotswood Caltex around 0430 and with plenty of time to spare so from here on in we maintained our riding pace but had a more sociable ride with plenty of stops. The ride up the coast, over Mt Messenger and the Awakino gorge was good but not the usual buzz thanks to the inclement weather however, at least by the time we got to the gorge it was getting light enough to see and I no longer had to struggle with riding on low beam, so picking clean lines on the road was a lot easier. We stopped in Piopio because Cowboys needed a natural break but I think he was more desperate for a smoke, then we went on to Kihikihi for him to top-up, only to find the garage still shut so we continued over the Arapuni Dam to Putararu, by which time he was running on fumes (the ST was down to about half). From here we headed up SH’s 28 & 29 to Tauranga where we had our first encounter with the law…or at least Meanie did. We were just descending from our climb over the Kaimais when we were snapped and the cop managed a hasty but safe u-turn to give chase, shooting past myself and Duncan to stop the guilty bastard as we puttered past, stopping at a Caltex station down the road to await the result of the encounter. I couldn’t believe it when I heard they had ticketed him because there were three targets in their sights and it amazes me that they got it right and knew who to ping!!?? This resulted in a more sedate pace over to Mt Maunganui then along to Te Puke and the last checkpoint on SH33 at Gull Paengaroa. After checking in here, I continued on to Te Ngae to top up then waited for the others to come through and resumed my position at the rear of the group. We were soon repeating our scoot down SH30 and had just joined traffic on SH1 at Atiamuri when we got snapped again. This time it was just Duncan and myself that were targeted….so I knew it had to be his fault and being a good bloke, he fell on his sword and pulled over as the rest of us took the turn back onto SH30 and scooted to Whakamaru to wait for him. As it turned out though, he managed to accuse me and got off with a promise to give me a good talking too…which he tried to do…..and I tried to listen!!?? We were finally down to the last 100’ish Kms, heading back down the Western Arm of the lake and back across SH41 to Turangi. The weather was trying to improve but we still encountered a mixture of rain, patches of wet road, wet steamy road and dry road and as I followed Meanie over the last saddle before dropping down to Tokaanu, it was dry and we were enjoying our last wee fang for the ride. We were cranked right over on the right hander at the summit when ¾ of the way through the corner we suddenly found ourselves on a wet road. That resulted in a quick BHM (Biker Hail Mary) and pucker moment as I sucked onto the seat, but fortunately we weren’t pushing it too hard and were able to ease around with no incident. We were finished minutes later and I struggled off the bike but felt great. We were 4 of a kind, 4 of 84 like minded nutters attempting to ride all day and all night for a badge, a patch, a feed and a beer,….and because we could. (This field was down on the 100-120 that have started on my previous rides). I now had 4 GC’s under my belt and felt great, not suffering any of the fatigue I had encountered on my three previous rides, which I put down to doubling the dose of electrolyte in my water and all the stops we had throughout the morning. The weather was the usual crap I have come to expect at this event, but having a bike and gear that kept me dry and warm meant that it wasn’t a problem. 11 riders withdrew for various reasons and it is impressive that close to 80,000 miles (130,000Kms) would have been completed in 24 hours without incident at a time when ACC are vilifying bikers as dangerous Cretans that can’t generally ride to the shop without causing injury.
After our hearty Rusty Feed, the rest of the day was spent trading lies as we wound down, until I hit the wall at about 1430 and headed off for a sleep until 1830. Then it was back to the dining room for leftovers and more lies until heading back to bed at about 2300. Steve and I finished off the weekend with a quiet ride down SH1, getting to work after 1300 having done over 2400Kms over 4 days. It’s a pity more weekends aren’t like this! Another Rusty Ride done and dusted, this time the Southern Cross Road Rally, touted as the longest Rally in the Southern Hemisphere….that is, until they hold the 10,000Kms in 10 days next year. This ride is held every two years and I’ve wanted to do for awhile but haven’t been able to and I put off entering this year due to the cost, but when Ann won $1,000 BP Gift Voucher and I only needed to buy accommodation for 3 of the 8 days….well I had no choice. Preparations were made, gear assembled, route options planned and discussed with my riding buddy, Steve, accommodation and ferry sailings booked, ….waiting…..waiting…..bike cleaned and packed the day before and we were off. DAY 1 – 22/03/09 – Wellington to Tokomaru Bay: The day dawned overcast and cool at 12°, but I was up and away from home before 0900 to meet Steve at his place in Trentham. By the time I got there it was starting to drizzle and he had gone to fill-up, as he obviously had itchy feet waiting, then he required a nice cup of tea to settle himself down. We donned our ‘wets’ and hit the road for Caltex Rimutaka for my fill, finally leaving Wellington at 1005 and due to the rain and late start, we decided to leave out our foray up Route 52, instead opting for SH’s 2 & 50 to Napier. Steve led out and fortunately we took it very slowly over the Rimutakas, because there were a couple of patches where I could actually smell the diesel on the road it was so bad. However, we weren’t far into the Wairarapa before the weather had cleared and we eventually had to stop South of Woodville to get the ‘wets’ off as the sun was out and the temp was steadily climbing. At this point we took a wee diversion through Bluff Road, Hopelands & Jackson’s Rds to emerge again at Oringi. From there it was up SH50 and lunch in Fernhill before stopping for gas at Bay View. My economy gauge was telling me that the ride so far was very tame (at 19.9 k/Ltr) but we were about to embark on some of the best roads the North Island has to offer, as I led out and endeavoured to ride on ‘the pace’, maintaining our favoured touring speed at between 110 & 120. The Napier – Wairoa road, as always, lived up to expectations and we were soon fueling in Gisborne, which would get me all the way round to Opotiki (or Rotorua if I needed to). From Gisborne it was a short hop up to our cabin in Tokomaru Bay, just stopping briefly for a photo op’ in Tologa Bay. We arrived a 1755, just before they closed, settled in, then went down to the pub for dinner where we met up with Malcolm, Max, Mike and a couple of other riders who were also on the Rally. A pleasant meal and evening was had before retiring for the night. 645 Kms for the day at 19.5 K/Ltr Total Kms: 645.0 DAY 2 / Leg 1 – 23/03/09 – Tokomaru Bay - East Cape - ?: Leading up to the trip I had been monitoring my tyres and tried to get a new Storm for the front but they wouldn’t be available until late April. The tyre only had 12K on it and should have lasted the trip, or at least half of it, and as it was a mid-week ride I left it on. Bad Move! We got to Tokomaru Bay and it was down to the marker strips on the left hand side, so I decided I needed to find a new one. I contacted Ann to get me Bike Shop phone numbers for Rotorua, Hawera and New Plymouth, then started ringing around Rotorua……no luck, much stress, but one guy suggested that I might get one in Tauranga and fortunately, Smiths in Durham Street had a Metzler Z6. After discussing it with Steve, we decided he would stick to the planned route from East Cape to Hawera via Rotorua, the Western Side of Lake Taupo and the Paraparas, but I would scoot up to Tauranga, then decide what to do and we would meet up in the morning. Steve topped up at Tokomaru Bay and we headed for the cape in wets and steady drizzle, pootling along to conserve fuel as there was plenty of time. There were heaps of bikes at Te Araroa, so we loitered there for a bit then casually made our way along the gravel out to the Cape, arriving about 1030 in the hope that the Rustys might start us off early, but no such luck, so once again we just chilled out and ‘chewed the fat’ and fortunately the rain had cleared. I had told the chap in Tauranga that I would be there about 1600, so when the briefing/greeting was done and the books opened, I managed to sign in quick and get away in the first 30 odd. I sat in behind another chap and we managed to pass many of these riders along the gravel and once I got to Te Araroa I upped the pace, passing a few more on the wet roads until I was in front with just one or two riders following. I was trying to ride as quickly as possible but at the same time going easy on the tyres, so the guy behind me must have thought I was a bit off my game with the wide lines but I was soon stripping the wets off in Opotoki and gassing up. The sun was now out and the temp climbing to 20° as I made my way around to Tane Atua, then up the coast. I choose not to have a Radar Detector but at times like this, it would have come in handy as I tried to keep the speed under 115kph, and despite lots of major roadworks, I finally got to 153 Durham Street at 1605….whew!!! ….and my front was now buggered. The guys at Smiths – Motorcycle Mad were great and they had me back on my way at 1700, scrubbing in my nice new tyre along SH29. That was done by the time I got to the Kaimai’s and the traffic was keeping a nice pace at around 120kph, but that was when I got my next wake-up call. Riding with my visor up near dusk was inviting the largest bumble bee in the province to take me on and I watched him zoom toward my screen at a closing speed of around 130, then at the last minute, shoot over the top and onto my left temple…..Bastard, he got his just deserts as the last thing that went through his mind was his arsehole…but man did it hurt. He stung me a beauty and my eyes were watering. I made great time through Cambridge and Kihikihi and with the sun getting very low, I decided to make another convenient stop for fuel and food at Te Kuiti. I was surprised when I got to the BP to see about 20+ bikes around the pumps and café because although my diversion didn’t add much in the way of Kms, I had been at the bike shop for about an hour. I filled, then joined Richard & Malcolm for a snack before hitting another of the North Islands special roads, the Awakino Gorge. Richard and Malcolm happened to depart just after me and seemed happy with the pace as they tagged along, enjoying my first ‘pucker’ moment of the tour. I was South of Piopio, exiting a left hander at 120 and as the road dropped away down a ½ Km decline, I noticed that the whole surface from side to side and the full length of the hill was unrolled gravel. With what seemed little more than 10 metres notice, I was still leaning and angling out of the corner, so I stood it up, hit the picks and entered at an angle still doing about 110. As soon as I hit the gravel I let the ST have it’s way, swimming about on it’s big radials, but as more speed washed off, it became easier to manage and, as I was on the right side of the road and there were three riders ahead of me about half way down, I just stayed on that side of the road and eased it down, catching the last of the other group at the bottom. That little moment over, I decided it would be nicer to get ahead of these guys (and guyess) before the gorge so I did that and pressed on. The Awakino gorge is in great condition at the moment and the best part of all this is I would get to do it again the next day….in daylight. Malcolm was stopping the night in Mokau, but Richard stuck with me through to Bell Block at 1005, where I would now stay the night after changing from sister-in-law in Hawera to niece here. 751 Kms for the day at 17.3 K/Ltr Total Kms: 1,396.7 DAY 3 / Leg 2 – 24/03/09 – Bell Block - Cape Egmont - Awanui: I had a great nights sleep, not requiring my MP3 as I couldn’t hear Steve snoring from his pad in Hawera. I got up about 0800, packed, puttered around New Plymouth, filled at Spotswood, then headed out to the Cape with a wee diversion around one of the bays after a recommendation from a chap at the Service Station. Once again it was a matter of killing time until we were released so I took a couple of pix and chatted. Once again, we were away reasonably early, following the Bandits and Meanie out in a group of a dozen bikes. It was slow getting through New Plymouth and about Urenui, Steve finally led us past Andrew to lead me over Mount Messenger and the Gorge…..which was Bloody Marvelous. After that we were passed by a Z14, two ‘Busas & a Blackbird, doing up to 140, so we latched on and let them drag us through to Otorohanga for our first fuel stop and snack. We filled and the forecourt was soon packed with bikes as more arrived. Then it was back on the road at a more sedate pace, catching and following a Beemer boy (on 1XENA) to Huntly, where we caught Malcolm and Mike at the lights and I took the lead by scooting to the front of the queue. From here it was all expressway, and we eased through the traffic, getting to the motorway at 1630, just in time for peak hour, and as the traffic thickened, I found myself riding alone, so while heading over the north Shore, I sat with the traffic until Steve caught up and we were soon in Whangarei (1820hrs) for our next fuel and dinner stop, to await the sun set. We filled and headed down the road for a feed, but it was too dear, so we kept going, looking for an open café and in the end, decided Kawakawa would be the best option. At this point we were caught again by the Busa Group so, once again, we latched on until we reached our feed bag, which turned out to be a ‘mighty’ burger (about 10 cm tall and requiring a flip-top head to eat), followed by a visit to the world-famous-in-Kawakawa Bottle toilets. Back on the road again with Steve leading and we were heading for ‘pucker’ moment number 2. This was similar to the night before, but on this occasion, Steve had his lights on dip and we entered on a straight tack, but once again it was a long, unrolled section of big round rocks and the ST was swimming on it, taking me any which way. ie across to the right side of the road. I managed to get back in my track when Steve started to wander and braked as cars started to rise toward us from the other direction, but there was no way I was touching my brakes so I sailed past, venting a few expletives into my helmet, in thanks to the dickheads that left this mess. I was now leading as we came upon our next ‘sweet’ strip of macadam….the Mangamuka Gorge….Tena Choice!!! I hit my straps and had a blast, catching the 1XENA Beemer Boy about half way through, following 4 cars at a crawl. With plenty of Rimutaka tight-passing experience and the Beemer letting me through, I was soon gone and let out a whoop as I exited the last vestige of this joyous road then slowed to between 80 & 100 for Steve to catch-up. We were soon filling in Kaitaia, then onto our digs, 15 Km up the road at the Top 10 Holday Park in Waipapakauri Beach (the entrance to 90 mile beach). We had advised the owners that we would be late, so they left our key in the door and a note on the reception window. We found our cabin and as we were settling in, the Bandit Boys turned up, but they weren’t so lucky and fortunately, we had a set of bunks spare so they joined us….which allowed Steve and Andrew to harmonise, so the MP3 was back in service. 795 Kms for the day at 17.9 K/Ltr Total Kms: 2,206.0 DAY 4 / Leg 3 – 25/03/09 – Awanui - Cape Reinga - Wellington: This was our big day out and the plan was to try to get to Wellington between 0100 & 0200 the next morning. I arose about 0700, cleaned up and tried to notify the owners about our squatters, but they were shut when we departed at 0815, to meet with Meanie in Houhora. I had checked my tyres and the front was down 5psi to 37, with the back down 2 at 40. The boys advised that Meanie had a compressor so after a pleasant pootle through the Far North countryside in a less than pleasant 8°, we were soon stopped and I felt much better getting the pressures up as the ST eats soft tyres. We decided to stay there for a big breakfast with IanF, who popped an effortless wheelie as he departed on his ST, and by the time we were ready to move on, the temp was up to 18° and rising. The road into the Cape was as dusty as, so I dropped back to preserve my air cleaner and future economy, and we were among the first to arrive, so had another long but pleasant wait as the Rustys weren’t into early releases. I discussed with Steve that I wanted a quick departure to avoid the dust melee that would no doubt ensue and fortunately, we were among the first away. I passed Steve and a couple of others, as well as a few cars and campers and soon had the road to myself. I avoid gravel on the ST but if I have to ride it I do and I was soon flying away from the Cape at 80 - 100 kph and had a blast. Once Steve was with me, we settled into a 120 pace to head for our first fuel stop at Kawakawa. I had another nice fang through the Mangamuk’s, and as Steve led us toward Kawakawa, we came upon a 5 metre long strip of roadworks, right across the road. I decided to get out of Steve’s track and headed across to the right side of the road without slowing, but as I entered the gravel, I noted the exit presented a three inch step and I had time to think…”Bugger”!! I hit it at 120 and it felt like both tyres flattened onto the rims and the jolt was so violent that my right hang mirror cover, flew off, snapping the safety-strap in the process and thumping it to the ground. I had to stop for it and was relieved that the good tyres hadn’t blown, stuck the cover back on and carried onto Kawakawa, (1413hrs) where we fueled, snacked and taped the cover up to ensure it didn’t stray again. After departing, we hooked in with a couple of Beemer boys, who dragged us through to around Warkworth before getting ahead through the traffic. We weren’t too far behind them when we got to the motorway at 1645 and ended up passing them before Spaghetti Junction (where I might note that even I got stopped twice by impenetrable traffic). We were soon out the other side, where I filtered past a cop in a most seemly manner, and down the expressway to Ngaruawahia for our next fuel stop. I had lost Steve again but he pulled in just as I was stopping at the pump and it was 1755. We were going great. From here I led out toward Otorohanga, turning off at Pirongia to go via Te Awamutu, Kihikihi, Whakamaru and down the Western Access (SH32). It was a few Kms longer than via Te Kuiti – Taumaranui – National Park, but we figured it was a different road to try, less traffic, less revenue collectors and therefore quicker…..and this proved to be the case. I had forgotten how delightful Waipapa road is as it winds around the Mangakino Dam and we were able to sit on 140 virtually all the way from Ngaruawahia to Turangi. What a blast! The road also led us away from the sun-strike as it was setting, but with that came a big slump in the temp and we had to pause at Whakamaru for an extra layer, then after Steve leading, we paused at Turangi for him to clear the bugs off his visor. The desert road was a bit of a mess with large square sections about 2 inches deep, removed but we were soon filling in Waiouru (2108hrs) because the pace meant that Steve’s ‘Busa might not make Taihape (I was down to 16.3K/Ltr for this leg). From there it was straight down one and I finally pulled into home at 2352 after an awesome day in the saddle. (1100Kms in 11¾ hours) 1,202 Kms for the day at 18.4 K/Ltr Total Kms: 3,392.9 DAY 5 / Leg 4 – 26/03/09 – Wellington - Picton - Christchurch: I had packed two lots of gear for the trip, with sleeping bag, wets, liners and spare gloves in one pannier and clothing etc in the other. (Camera and travel docs etc in the top-box). When I got home I swapped North Island maps for South, threw in the strops for the ferry. Took the clothing pannier up to the bedroom, threw out the dirty washing and put in the clean gear I had packed in a shopping bag. I was all ready to go. The next morning, rather than clean the bike, I headed over to Boyles to secure the mirror cover. We replaced the tie-wrap, tightened the spring grips and packed out the bottom one as it appeared to be short on reach to secure properly. This done, I headed down for the 1025 ferry to meet Steve and the Beemer boys we had followed the day before (Kevin & Tommo I think). After a pleasant sailing we got to Blenheim for a fill at 1410 and hit the road for Christchurch, following a couple on a Goldwing. About half way along the coast to Kaikoura, we passed them stopping for a coffee in Kaikoura before continuing. The trip up the rest of the coast and over the Hunderlees was rather droll with the reduced speed limits, and we finally got to Christchurch, filling in Hornby at 1802, before grabbing a couple of wines and heading out to my mate’s place at Lincoln for the night, where we had a great meal and relaxing evening. 365 Kms for the day at 18.5 K/Ltr Total Kms: 3,758 DAY 6 & 7 / Leg 4 – 27/03/09 – Christchurch - Catlins – Invercargill - Bluff: Another easyish day, we got away from Christchurch at 0836 with the temp at 11°. The plan was to latch on to the fastest car, but there was too much traffic so we hovered around the 120 mark and made our boring way to Timaru, where we had morning tea. I tried to keep myself amused by calculating our distance over time every 15 minutes and we paused at Palmerston when Steve went on reserve, but we decided to carry on so he slipped in behind me and I reduced the pace to 110 to ease him through. Even at that speed, we caught a bunch of Harley riders on the Kilmogs, and followed them into Dunedin, where Steve commented, “Why would you want to ride with those guys”? I must admit, they were even holding-up the cars. We gassed, then carried on to Balclutha where we stopped for another drink before attacking the Catlins…..Yeah right, that was definitely not to be the case. By this time, it wasn’t raining, but the roads were wet, so we took it easy. The roads also had slick tracks on them so I was opting to ride the hump and about 20 Km in, just before we got to Owaka, I had my major scare for the trip. We were only doing about 110 and caught up to a ute on a long straight, so I decided to pass. As I eased off the hump, for no apparent reason, the bike suddenly started lurching violently from side to side as the back wheel raced from side to side on the slippery seal. The gyroscopic forces from this caused the whole bike to rock from side to side and the front wheel to go into a tank slap. There were 4 or 5 slaps before it settled….then it did it again…..and again ….and again. I was in full ‘pucker’ as I readied to kiss my sorry arse goodbye (each time) and remember thinking, ‘Oh No, this is it”! but miraculously I managed to stay upright. I’m sure that effort used up another two Guardian Angels, not mention my ‘Dear Old Dad’ and a raft of other ancestors and I raised my eyes skyward in thanks. I then stood on the pegs and made a show for Steve of shaking the shit out of each trouser leg and a Km up the road, I had to stop because I was feeling the effects of shock, like somebody just stepped on my grave…or perhaps that was off it! My heart was racing, I had a cold shiver pass over me and felt like crap, but a few moments and I was off again. Steve commented that his bike had twitched and as he looked up, he saw me going to town and thought, “Oh No…he’s a goner”! and he was amazed that I came through it. Shortly after that we hit a squall with 50 knot winds and horizontal rain, so we put the wets on and the Catlins wasn’t my favoured section of the trip. We got to Invercargill by 1725, where Steve headed on to Bluff to stay at the Lodge while I stayed with another mate. That night was another pleasant catch-up and the next day I headed over to Bluff at about 1000, stopping at the eagle where I signed in and collected my badge and T-Shirt before nipping to the end of the road and back, to settle in for the day. We had a few beers, a great feed and whiled away the day, chatting by the fire (it was wintery) and by that evening, there only seemed about 20 – 30 riders left in Bluff. 30 Kms for the day Maybe Total Kms: 3,790’ish DAY 8 – 29/03/09 – Invercargill - Picton - Wellington: The Last Day, another biggy and a goody. We were supposed to travel via the West Coast & Buller Gorge, but the weather forecast was for constant drizzle and rain all the way up the coast so we opted for the middle route. We were up and away from Bluff by 0635, fueled in Invercargill and got away from there at 0700, to head for Gore, Tapanui and on to Cromwell for fuel. My stomach was playing up so I avoided anything but a little water and led out, using the early hours to make a bit of time. It was a Balmy 16° when we left Bluff, but it dipped to 8° as we passed through Tapanui, then the sun rose, bringing a little warmth and a lot of glare. We maintained a good pace to Cromwell where Steve had a snack (while I watched, then went for another dump), then we filled and headed for Tarras, the Lindis Pass, around the Lakes and into Geraldine for Lunch and another fill. The temp had risen to 15° by Cromwell and was 25° by the time we finished lunch (where I manage a pepper Steak Pie). It was 1330 by the time we left Geraldine, so we were making good time, and from there we took the inland scenic route up SH72, but missed the turn to Oxford, so came out through Darfield to Christchurch. From there it was up SH1 to Amberly for another top-up and snack before turning at Waipara and taking more inland scenic stuff via SH 72 to Kaikoura., then on to Picton to see if there was an earlier ferry, (which there wasn’t) and dinner. We had to be in Picton by 2130 for the check-in, so targeted to be there by 2030 to allow for any contingencies, but we actually arrived at 1917, doing the 1130Kms in 12¾ hours, which included 2¼ hours of stops…so I guess we did pretty well, only meeting 3 cops, one by Omarama, one South of Ward and one on the curly strip north of Seddon. We got on the boat, found a comfy seat and slipped into a coma, only to be awakened by the announcement to go to our vehicles and I was home, showered and in bed a little after 0200.
In the 8 days I managed a Total Kms of 5,518, spending $478.65 on gas, $85 on accommodation and probably not much more on tucker, thanks to Andrew shouting breakfast in Houhora in thanks for the bed and Steve shouting dinner in Picton. I managed to shed about 4Kg over the week as well, but did cough $325 to have the Z6 fitted. (I would have been happy to pay $400 in the circumstances but!!) What another awesome Rusty Ride. Travelling the length and breadth of the country certainly makes one aware of the inconsistencies of Road Contractors and Speed Management people as some corners marked at 35kph were taken in excess of 110 while others were taken barely quicker than the rating. Roadworks were marked at 70, 50 & 30 kph and some rated 30 had not the slightest bit of rough or loose stuff, while others had us extending ourselves to maintain control. The Far North and Deep South had lots of Slip-Slidy patches (if wet) and SH1 along the Kaikoura Coast is poor. But all in all, I had a blast on a great bike, with great mates. We pootled and we pushed the boundaries……Bring on the next adventure. I have just completed my third Grand Challenge (GC or 1000miles in 24hours) and this was to be my first ‘normal’ one because my first was the 20th anniversary of the event, so it had a bit more hype with a film crew videotaping the whole affair and my second was the 21st anniversary so that had a 500Km extension added to mark the occasion with 2100Kms. So, hopes of doing ‘Just Another GC’ were put to rest this weekend as I believe, there is no such beast! I registered early in the year putting me at #16 and in the 2nd group to depart at 1503. That done I forgot about it (sort of) while I enjoyed the Mini’s Return and whatever followed, until a few weeks ago when I made arrangements for a new set of Avon Storm tyres and the usual pre-GC check-up for the bike. Then, a week out, I got a new Nth Island map and started to collect the necessary bits and pieces I would need for the ride, including a new Shoei Raid II helmet as my HJC is 3 years old, needed a new visor and the Shoei was reputedly quieter. I picked the new lid up a couple of days before the ride, only wore it once and couldn’t believe the roar when I first tried it. It was very snug and fortunately I also bought some noise reducing earplugs for the MP3, which meant I could still hear my music because my first reaction was….this helmet is crap!! It wasn’t until about 300Km into the trip up to Turangi that I had closed the visor and was fiddling with the vents when I was suddenly plunged into a ‘cone of silence’! It turns out that the roar was coming from the vents atop the helmet, but in order to draw air through the visor vents, you really need the top vents open….poor form Mr Shoei! Anyway, I planned to ride up with Steve again and we thought we would take a scenic route so I was packed and away from home by 0915 on Friday, picked up Steve, fueled at Caltex Rimutaka where we departed at 1000. We had a loose plan for the ride but that was flexible to bypass any inclement weather, so we ended up going to Masterton where we stopped for a cup of tea with my mum before continuing via Mauriceville, Eketahuna, and over the Pahiatua Track to Ashhurst for lunch at the Fusion Café. The Pohangina valley looked very gloomy so after lunch we continued through Colyton, Vinegar Hill, more fuel for Steve in Taihape, then diverted at Waiouru to sample the Whangaehu Valley Road and Fields Track These roads were in great condition, providing a magnificent appetizer, followed by the northern section of the Paraparas, National Park and SH47 as the entrée to the weekend’s big ride. We had ridden up rather sedately, but the pace did pick up as we got closer to our destination and the Te Ponangana Saddle Road was a real blast, leaving us on a bit of a high as we arrived in Turangi to check-in at 1710, having done 515Kms for the day.expect the unexpected. We put the bikes straight through scrutineering, checked into our cabins, then headed off to the truck stop for dinner at 1800 getting back to the camp about 1915 to find the route up and a copy of the ride instructions available. It looked like the ride was planned by tracing the route where a fly had wandered about the page……it was all over the place, but looked reasonably familiar, except for an early section between Piopio and Mangakino, so I headed off to the cabin for my map book, pen and paper to prepare my route notes. I soon made sense of it all, planning for 3 fuel stops at Taupo, Masterton and Rotorua, chatted with some familiar faces from previous rides and finally hit the sack at about 2300 for a good 4 hours sleep……….yes, as usual, the excitement/worry of the occasion, tight sleeping bag and unfamiliar bed all worked to keep me from sleeping, so I lay there, trying to relax, enjoying fitful dozes until 0600. The weather for the weekend predicted rain everywhere, but Saturday dawned with clear skies, as per my previous two GC’s (on which the weather turned to absolute crap), so I got my ‘wets’ ready to put on, had breakfast, then had to kill time until 1500 by chatting, dozing, fueling the bike and buying water and a lotto ($30M Powerball), reviewing my route notes to memorise the turns, and taking a few photos until it was finally time for briefing at 1430. Then it was into the gear, on the bike and ready to leave when the group 2 beige card went up on the fence. The 1st section was across SH41 to Taumaranui, then north on SH4 to Ramaroa Rd where we diverted through Mokauiti and Aria before coming out on SH3 at Piopio. I settled in behind another chap who was sitting at a nice pace but he slowed at the 1st section of tight corners, so I left him to it and continued by myself, catching the tail end of Group 1, just before Mananui, then a group of 7 riders, with Steve at the tail on the northern side of Taumaranui. Having now hooked-up with some familiar riders and my riding buddy, Steve, I settled in at the rear of this group and enjoyed a brisk pace through to Piopio where 3 pulled off (to check their directions), but I had the route fixed in my mind so I passed Steve and rode up Mairoa Rd, onto Oparure Rd, finally latching back on with the other 3 riders on Fullerton Rd before riding into Waitomo, where they paused and we headed on the first Time Check at Te Anga. (219Kms done) We now had to head across the Kawhia Harbour to SH’s 31 & 39, turning off at Tihiroa for the first Check Point at Mobil Te Kawa. I should have studied the map more carefully for this section, because between focusing on ‘Right at 31; Right at 39 and Left at Te Kawa Rd’, as well as following the earlier 3 riders, who led us out of the Time Check, we soon found ourselves confused, at Taharoa, and had to retrace back to Te Waitere Rd, which was about 30Km and 20-30 minutes added. Once again, I took the lead with Steve right behind me over some great roads, until I hit a particularly curly section on SH31 and the ST just let rip. What a blast, but by the time I came to my senses and checked the mirrors, there was no Steve in sight (which was most odd) but I continued onto the check point and he pulled in shortly after. It turned out that his fuel light had come on and when he filled, he had to put 19.6Ltrs in his 20Ltr tank…that was close! (It was now 1845 with only 331Kms done and the ST was still a ¼ full but I topped-up too as the economy was down at 15.8k/Ltr – I had obviously been having a bit of fun!). The next leg took us 346Kms down to Taupo, around Napier, onto SH50 to Tikokino, across to Waipawa and Check Point 2 at Waipukurau. We followed a couple of Beemers out of Te Kawa, along Wharepuhunga Rd, left on Lethbridge Rd, then took the lead when they almost overshot Seafund Rd. Along Waipapa Rd, we had to detour on 7Kms of gravel, eventually making it down to Mangakino and SH30. By this time it was getting on for dusk and Steve had still had his lights off so I determined that if he didn’t put them on before the turnoff at Whakamaru, I’d better remind him, but as we approached the intersection, he flashed me with his hazards to stop and informed me his main beam had gone and just his tail lights and fullbeam were going….Bloody marvelous with 11 hours of night riding ahead of us!! There was no one around at Whakamaru so I told him to stick close and we’d check it out in Taupo. That was interesting, or at least, it must have been for Steve, but I dropped the speed a bit and we made to the Mobil in Taupo OK, then while the owner was trying to track down a bike dealer, we found the connection to the back of the light had come off. With that fixed. Another half hour lost, a top-up for Steve and we were off again and heading over the Napier-Taupo Road. By this time it was pitch black with intermittent drizzle and wet roads, for some reason, I was still in the lead and we were passed but latched onto another ST rider who was sitting at a more interesting pace. That was until we caught up to a couple of other riders that slowed the group down as we entered the windy bits, so once again, Steve and I pushed on alone, taking the turn-off at Glengarry Rd, to bypass Napier. Along here we came across Max who was struggling to get his V-Strom back onto the road (with a little superficial damage), assisted him and continued on via Puketitiri Rd, but as we ended up catching and following another rider, we missed the Puketapu turn and ended in Taradale. We took the opportunity here to don our wets before heading for SH50 with Steve in the lead, but when he inadvertently turned early at Omahu onto the Taihape Rd, I ended up back in front for the quick scoot down SH50, across Tikokino Rd to Waipawa, pulling into Checkpoint 2 at Mobil Waipukurau at 2330, having covered another 360Km for this leg but at a slightly more sedate pace as the economy was now up to 16K/Ltr. After the usual activities of refuel, snack, slug of water, empty bladder and review the notes for the next section, we were off again, heading for Porongahau, Wimbledon, Pongaroa, Alfredton and the next check point in Masterton. Steve led out and as this section was well known to us as being tight and potentially treacherous, with the wet road our pace was down to very sedate. The first bit through to Porongahau is rolling country, but from there it tightens up and after we had passed the longest place name, about 10Km out of Porangahau, Steve had a wee lapse, losing his line on a corner. It was wet and off-camber so he opted to abort, straightening, breaking and squeezing it round, just making it through when his front just edged off the seal and it was all over. The bike slipped out from underneath him, sliding 5 or 6 metres into the wire fence while Steve slid headfirst alongside it, ending up on a bed of pine needles......venting his annoyance with himself. He rolled over and it was difficult to tell if he was hurt or just really pissed off and a little stunned, but it was soon evident that Steve and his bike were going no further so being out of range for cell coverage, we waited for the next bike to come along to head back and call for an ambulance. An hour later, Steve was being attended to by professionals, the local fireman and a mate were extracting the bike and I was back on the road at what I assumed was the very back of the field......I did forget to ask where they were taking him but! I was a bit stunned to see a better rider go down in front of me and thought, maybe it was because he had spent to long behind me and picked-up my bad habits, but I soon got back into a rhythm and caught a couple of stragglers. I slotted in front of them to see if they'd lift their pace if they had someone to follow, but they wanted none of that so I continued on, passing a few more as the weather worsened. I soon worked my way into the middle of a group of about 8 riders when we entered Pongaroa and I needed to put my wet jacket back on, so I stopped under a street lamp to do so. The group paused then carried on but I soon caught them again and it was quite funny as each of the two or three at the front appeared to be trying to pass off the lead, so I nipped to the front then kept the pace down for them to slot in behind. I soon noted at least four lights in tow and upped the pace a bit to the point where I still needed only minimal breaking and made for the turn-off at Alfredton. Of all the times I have been over this road, I realised that this was the first time I had ever travelled it from North to South and soon tried to lead them all astray by mistaking the Tinui/Castlepoint road for the Masterton turn. Fortunately they didn't follow and I was back in the rear of at least 10 bikes as I pulled in behind another group returning from the same mistake. The pace was now on and we were soon checking in at Shell Chapel St. I was a little concerned on the time at this point as we were only 842Km into the ride and past halfway on time. There were too many bikes here to fill-up so I just had a snack and a natural break and departed with the Bandit Riders for Palmerston North. We left Masterton at 0330 and it was an easy ride up SH2 for Pahiatua, (I was surprised at the number of bikes heading down SH2 for Masterton) then over the 'track, fueling on Rangitikei St. (It was now 0440 and the economy was up to 16.4k/Ltr) We then headed out via Newbury to Vinegar Hill and SH1 to Taupo and SH5 to Caltex Te Ngae in Rotorua for Checkpoint 4. The Bandits and their two mates stopped again in Taihape but by this time, I was getting very weary and just wanted to finish so continued over the Desert Rd alone. I called into the Camp, to update Lee Rusty on the way, and had an uneventful ride to Rotorua, arriving at 0830, had my last fill for the day then called in on my daughter and grand-daughter for a few minutes before heading out on the next leg of the journey. This leg took us out of Rotorua on SH30 to Atiamuri, through Whakamaru, Mangakino and Bennydale for Shell Te Kuiti. These roads are OK to open it up a bit, which helped to zone in and focus to alleviate the fatigue that was setting in. At this point, being alone after my mate had gone down, the whole ride seemed pretty dumb. Riding alone, pushing oneself to the limits of endurance isn't really fun, but I was too pigheaded to give up because I had a bar and patch to collect......and only 340Km to go!? (about what you might do on a Sunday ride!!??) I was soon in Te Kuiti, check-in, snack, relief and gone...just two stages and 183Km to go) It was back through town, down SH3 to Eight Mile Junction, then across SH4 to Taumaranui and the G.A.S. At National Park for the last Check Point. I felt I had to keep the pace within the allowable limit (or just a tad over) through here and the fatigue was getting worse. I had to start singing, so thank God I had the MP3 and good earplugs in, and I would also vary the visor and vents to keep changing the wind and noise in the helmet, pulling into National Park about 1145, stayed on the bike to get the card punched, then headed for the finish in Turangi, via Rangipo and SH1. I finally arrived at 1220. 1677Kms racked up for the ride, which was a little over the planned 1609Km. The economy was now up to 16.8K/Ltr for the whole run so it had recovered OK after the big fang on the first leg when it was as low as 14K/ltr. I was absolutely shattered!!.....had the usual Rusty Feed, chatted for a bit then fell into a coma between 1400 & 1600, arising to have a shower and freshen-up. The rest of the day was spent checking in with Ann, then Steve who was on his way home from Hastings, reliving parts of the ride with some of the crew and finally getting to bed at about 2300. I was up at 0615, packed, checked the weather forecast, had breakfast, fueled up and headed for home by 0830. I decided to do the Paraparas again on another 'economy run' so I was a model citizen as I travelled. By the time I got to Raetihi, I was up to 19.3K/Ltr and just on the 100kph average speed so the challenge was now to keep both up. It was a great day, with little traffic so I rode the 'pace' and did quite well, getting to Wanganui on 19.1 and only losing 18 minutes off the 100kph target (or down to about 90kph) I got home at 1230, on 19.8K/Ltr with 52,522Kms on the bike in 21 months.
I had a another great Rusty-Run weekend, experiencing some new roads and revisiting some old favourites, met up with some new faces and chewed the fat with the regulars. Apparently the stats were 104 entrants, 103 starters (40 1st Timers) and 75 finishers. Most of the 28 retirees were due to falling too far behind the time and apparently the previous record was about 15. My problem with fatigue was shared by others on the run, so although I felt like crap, at least I wasn't alone. This was to be 'Just another GC', a walk in the park, so to speak. Yeah right! I should have known to expect the unexpected. When this run was advertised in Feb/March 07, I, like many, thought it would be a good way to kill a few K’s, however, I did nothing at the time and although my intentions to participate fluctuated, my interest in the event never faltered and I keenly kept an eye on any info about it…..That is until Malcolm (Jantar), posted on KiwiBiker that he needed to sell his entry due to health problems. Well, being a ‘Good Samaritan’ and all, I now had all the justification I needed and promptly set about organizing sailings, accommodation and the OK from Lee to transfer the entry to myself. Once I had made the decision, I was impatient to go, so it was probably good that I delayed for so long. I soon organized a set of handlebar strops and tiedowns for the ferry sailings, planned and printed my route options to and from the event and printed off the route for the four legs. I keep the ST current on all its’ servicings so it was good to go but as the 36,000Km service would come due half-way through, I pre-empted that along with a new Avon Storm for the rear. The Storm on the front only had 2,000Km on it but the Pilot Road on the rear had 8,000 and although it looked like it would be OK, for the sake of a bit of ‘peace of mind’, I decided to replace but keep it, to go back on at a later date. By Saturday 15 March, I was all set and rearing to go!! DAY 1 - 16/03/08 - Picton to Motueka: I had booked on the 0825 Interislander and arrived by 0720 to board. It was a dreary day and only 14˚, but that changed and by the time we were out in the Strait the cloud had cleared but the wind was up. It wasn’t too rough and I spent the time going over my route notes again, watching a bit of league on TV, wandering about impatiently and finally settled down to chat with Lloyd Rusty and his wife. We arrived late in Picton as we had to wait outside Mabel Island for the Bluebridge to dock and I was finally let off the leash at about 1200 and promptly set-off for Nelson along Queen Charlotte Drive. It was now 19˚, beautifully sunny and the ride was generally sheltered from the wind except for the odd gust. That road is a bit tight and I had to contend with a few big Campers (or maggots – as they are white and crawl everywhere) but I made good time and when I arrived in Havelock about 35 minutes later the temp was up to 23˚. From there it was over the hill to Nelson and the road had a few spots of new seal but as always, was a great ride. I had planned a few visits to friends in Nelson, but ended up heading straight for Woodstock/Dovedale to visit a cousy, arriving at 1400 and departing about 1620 for Motueka where I was to spend the first night with my son, Lance. The Woodstock Hiway and Motueka Valley Roads were good rides and I filled in Mot’ ready for a quick getaway in the morning. 207.7 Kms for the day Total Kms: 207.7 DAY 2 – 17/03/08 – Motueka to Christchurch: I was up early and on the road by 0830. It was another great day but the temp varied a bit between 11˚ & 14˚ before finally settling at a very comfortable 20˚ once I was in Canterbury. My wee moment for the day occurred quite early as I made my way back along the Mot’ Valley Hiway with my screen and visor up and was splatted by a bug between my helmet and right temple. Next thing I new there was a sharp burning sensation and when I tried to dislodge it, I only managed to dislodge my glasses, nearly losing them, and then had fun doing a one handed emergency stop as I tried to retain my spec’s. I soon had the helmet off and managed to discharge the rest of the venom into my face as I removed the sting, which was all that was left of whatever little beasty it was that had caused all this discomfort. (This was to get a bit puffy the next morning and was visible in my peripheral vision, which was quite funny because riding with the visor up it would jiggle and shake in the wind). Back on the road and I was soon enjoying the thrills and scenery of the Lewis Pass, except for when I had to stop for the odd lights or lollipop at roadworks and the comfy 20˚ wasn’t so comfy when you’re in Corduras and not moving. I arrived in St Albans (426Km done) to visit an old school mate at 1255 and chewed-the-fat with him until after 1700, when I headed for an ex-Air Force mate near Lincoln, where I would stay the night. I filled up on the way and all in all had another magnificent day on the road and with good friends. 439 Kms for the day at 17.4 K/Ltr Total Kms: 646.7 DAY 3 – 18/03/08 –Christchurch to Invercargill: I was up early again and ready to depart by 0755 and after dressing for another 20+˚ day, this day dawned with fog and was only 13˚. I had arranged the night before to meet-up with Jym (Highlander) in Geraldine between 0900 & 0930 and after going through Lincoln and heading for SH1 the temp bottomed at 10˚….not very comfortable but about 5Km south of Burnham, I rode out of the fog and things started to improve. This section of road is one of the most boring straight bits in the country, so I made it interesting by drafting cars to conserve fuel (as well as to help keep the speed down to avoid tickets). I was ambling along at around 110Kph until I latched onto a Ford Focus that was in a bit of a hurry, cruising at 120 but his speeds in the passing lanes got up a bit more until I turned off onto SH79, arriving in Geraldine at 0915 with the economy at 18.5K/Ltr. I soon spotted Jym and his CB750, we introduced ourselves, I enjoyed a natural break after the early ‘cold-squeeze’ and we were soon on the road for Fairlie, Lake Tekapo and Twizel. Some years ago, I actually lived in Blenheim and Christchurch for a total of 12 years, but the roads from here on in were totally new to me as I never got around to traveling much in those days. What a dumbarse!….These roads were great and I guess I should have stopped for a few more photos but we only stopped as Lake Twizel and the top of the Crown Range, looking down on Queenstown for Photo Op’s. We filled at Wanaka and Jym left me at Lumsden to head for Gore as I continued straight for Invercargill. I spent most of the day rubber-necking at the scenery as we pootled along, generally within the allowable limit and only occasionally letting the speed gather up a bit. This leg of the trip was extremely economical as we seemed to spend most of our time going downwind &/or downhill and the temp just kept rising as we headed south, the bike gauge peaking at 32˚ around Winton, although talking to Brett (Hitcher) and Jane later, they reported 38˚ on an electronic display in Winton shortly after I had passed through. Once again, we were treated to some magnificent riding roads, the highlights being the Lindis Pass and the Crown Range (except for having to stop for road works coming down the Devils Steps and in about 25˚, it was worse than the day before. Apart from the odd road works, the only other negative was, I found in places, the roads were sealed with a mottled chip and it was difficult to discern whether it was wet or dry and if there was any ‘loose bits’ on it. But no worries, I had a great time! I arrived at the Top Ten Holiday Park at about 1650 and it was still 27˚. I checked in, cleaned up, briefly chatted wit the Hitchers and Bandit Riders, then headed off to visit another ex-Air Force mate that I hadn’t seen for 15years before attending the Rusty Club Night at the Eagle Tavern in Bluff. I never arrived there until about 2100 and soon met with several other Grand Challenge riders. I enjoyed a beer and a chat, bought my club night badge and a run T-shirt, then went back to Invercargill, filled up for the morning and settled in for a hot night of nervous anticipation, sleeping with just a sheet and the windows and door to my studio unit open. 744.1 Kms for the day at 19.1 K/Ltr Total Kms: 1390.8 DAY 4 / Leg 1 – 19/03/08 – Invercargill to Greymouth: After a crap nights sleep I was finally able to get ready for the big day and left the camp with the Hitchers, only to witness Mrs H nearly get taken out by a cage. There was only about 10cm in it when she pulled out from the curb, as the car came out of nowhere from behind me (on what was a clear, straight road moments earlier) but we managed to get to the Invercargill Cemetery safely just before 0800 to sign in and get briefed. My strategy for the week was to hook-up with a different group each day and for this leg I decided to ride with Andrew and Mark (Bandit Rider & Blue Bandito) who had departed before I was ready. It was 14˚ when I got away at 0810 and soon reeled them in along with three other riders, tacking on the back of the group. We were soon caught by another group of 16 or so and our wee convoy turned off at Mataura to wind through Clinton, Balclutha and Milton before stopping to collect our first pennant at the Octogon in Dunedin at 1020, by which time the day had started to warm-up with the temp now at 19˚and the first 226Kms under our belts. After signing in and taking a couple of photos, the three of us headed back to Mosgiel, then on to Middlemarch for our first fuel stop. Andrew led through this rolling section at a crisp pace and by the time we had completed the 308Kms to Middlemarch, it was 1120, we were cutting through a strong westerly crosswind and it was getting hot at 25˚. We carried on with Mark leading, and Andrew and I both trying to shelter in his draft, but that would have left me in the middle of the oncoming lane so I had to settle in behind. The temp started hovering over 30˚ by the time we went through Ranfurly and the Bandits' both got a little excited as we passed the Chatto Creek Tavern, then carried on through Alexandra, past the Clyde Dam and rode along the banks of Lake Dunstan to our second pennant at Cromwell. We got there just before 1320 when the temp peaked at 32˚, we had a quick snack then headed for our second fuel stop in Wanaka, which was also a brief lunch stop. Continuing on with Mark in the lead, we slipped past Lake Hawea which was really beautiful, (the hills really do look painted on) then stopped for a photo op' by Lake Wanaka. I led out from here and had a moment past the top of Lake Wanaka as I cruised round a left sweeper which had the mottled seal and the bike started to drift sideways on ice grit. It was totally invisible and the bandits only warning of it was by observing it spray off my rear. With the heartrate up and the temp dropping, we motored on to Haast where we had to stop to don our wets before crossing to the West Coast and finishing the day on wet roads in drizzle. The Bandits stopped in Fox for gas but I figured I'd go close to getting to Greymouth on the tank, so continued on alone over a mixture of curly and rolling roads that completed a long but satisfying day. I decided if I went on the last bar before Hokitika, I would fill there but if it came on after that, I would continue to Greymouth and as it turned out, the last bar started to flash as I entered the hoki' town limits, so I filled there before finishing the last 40 Kms at a sedate pace. Checked into the Top Ten Holiday Park and settled in for a good night's sleep. 1020.1 Kms for the day at 17.3 K/Ltr Total Kms: 2410.9 DAY 5 / Leg 2 – 20/03/08 – Greymouth to Wellington: Another early grey morning and down to the train station just after 0730 to chat prior to setting out for the day. It was at this time I heard the quote of the week when IanF asked the Bandits and myself, “Which is the more scenic route?” Classic, as I wondered when Ian ever had time to look at any scenery!! (He's led in about 4 of the last 5 GC's). Anyway, today I decided to ride with the Brett on his FJR and Jane on her Hornet and we departed with Jym just before 0800, heading for Stillwater and Lake Brunner. Brett led out and would stretch a small lead from Jane, which she would close-up on the straights then open up on the next curvy section, so I passed her to ride at the more consistent and economic pace. We made brief stops as Brett took out a Pukeko and decided to check his radiator was clear of feathers, then we paused to don our wets around Kaimata. I slowed to check on Jane and Jym, when it turned out he stopped for a photo op' by Temple Basin, then had a blast climbing to Arthurs Pass and catch Hitcher before stopping there to remove our wets again as we could see the clear skies ahead, over Canterbury. Brett led out again as we headed down, until I passed him and two cars near the bottom. The front one was quite slow and the second was following, right up his chuff and I found the pace frustrating. We stopped again in Springfield to remove more gear as the 17'ish˚ started getting over 20˚. I led out again, leading the group into the Christchurch Square via Russley road, Memorial Ave and down Colombo St. We had to rush through there after getting our pennant and taking a quick pic as there's no parking on the square, so we were soon back on SH1 for fuel and lunch at Amberly. We got there before 1220, it was 24˚ and we had completed 356Kms for the day, enjoyed a great lunch and continued on at 1325. We were encountering more traffic now which spread us out a little and when I got to the Hunderlees, I decided to blow the cobwebs out. I hadn't ridden over this road for over 20 years went a little crazy, enjoying the shit out of it, but was a little perplexed to find the coast had an 80Kph restriction on it. Based on the fact that the traffic had been travelling at up to 120Kph, I figured that it would be OK to pootle along at the limit +20, then waited for Brett and Jane just before Kaikoura, where we were to stop for a coffee break. We were very relaxed when we continued on for the ferry and were soon to witness a wee moment for Brett as he shuffled out to pass a car as Cam came up and started to pass Brett, who hadn't seen him coming. That was as close as you want to get but no problem except for the heart rate and it was on-on through more heavy Easter traffic through Ward, Seddon and Blenheim (where we came to a standstill), finally arriving in Picton at 1740. boarded the Blue Bridge with the Bandits and headed for a good nights sleep in my own bed, arriving home at 2245 659.6 Kms for the day at 17.9 K/Ltr Total Kms: 3070.5 DAY 6 / Leg 3 – 21/03/08 – Wellington to Wanganui: This was a cruisy day to allow everyone to get to Wanganui over a wide range of ferry sailings and I took advantage of the break to do my washing, charge the MP3 which cut-out just before Koromiko the day before (50'ish hours of play/road time), and clean-up the bike which had a very liberal coating of bugs and road crap. After doing all that, I filled up at Caltex Kaiwhara' and got on the road at 1225. Traffic was quite heavy and I lost about 20 minutes filtering through it to Levin, where it thinned out and I was able to sit at a comfortable pace, arriving in Wanganui at 1445, the temp up from 17˚ to 27˚ and after filling up, I spent the rest of the day with whanau. Most pleasant and relaxing 196.9 Kms for the day at 18.2 K/Ltr Total Kms: 3267.4 DAY 7 / Leg 4 – 22/03/08 – Wanganui to Kaitaia: This was to be a mixed bag day, spending much of it on SH1 and my strategy for this day was to head out early for a clear run through the Parapara's, then pootle along until I could latch on the back of a new group to ride out the day. I was up before 0600 to get ready and meet by the Victoria Ave Bridge for departure at 0700.We signed in and received our pennants and I was second on the road, heading down Taupo Quay and across the Dublin St Bridge then out of town. I was pootling along here, letting the tyres warm and slowly building up the pace until I hit the windies North of Upuk' and let the ST have her head. What a blast! ¾ of the way up, my econonomy had dipped to 13.5K/Ltr and I managed to get to Raetihi in 45 minutes then followed Simon into National Park for our next pennant at 0805, only to find my water bottle had leaked and everything in my top box was saturated, including camera, maps and papers....bugger! From here I eased back within the allowable limits and dawdled on through Taumaranui, pausing in Te Kuiti for a natural break, (thanks to the 11˚ cold squeeze experienced through the Central Plateau) before continuing on via Otorohanga and SH31 to Ngaruawahia, then up SH1 for fuel and the next pennant at Pokeno. I arrived there at 1055 with the temp climbing through 20˚ then hopped on the Motorway for the last pennant at Fort Street. I wasn't hurrying but still no groups passed, so I headed on through Orewa, Whangarei and the finish, striking huge traffic jams heading into Orewa and Warkworth. I can't believe that people are happy to sit for hours in queues like that, but I didn't lose too much time, finishing off the ride with another blast when I got to the Mangamuka Gorge, which must be the last remaining fantastic ride on SH1. It was great to dispell the very bad first impression of this road I received in the atrocious conditions on the GC in October and I finally pulled into Kaitaia and Collards tavern at 1520, temp still at 25˚. After receiving my badge and T-shirt I went back into town to check-in, only to find I wasn’t booked in…!!??@#*&. They had booked me from 21-23/03 in error and when I didn’t turn up the day before, my room was let and there were no vacancies…..I was steaming…..nearly 800Kms and no shower for Johnny, but fortunately a phone call across the road got me a ‘just cancelled’, last vacant room at the Northerner….whew!! I got cleaned-up and laid out all my papers etc to dry before getting the courtesy van back to Collards for a few beers, a great feed and good company, finally hitting the sack between 2300 and midnight to sleep like a baby…..But that’s not all!….I still had to get home. 792.3 Kms for the day at 17.2 K/Ltr Total Kms: 4059.7 DAY 8 – 23/03/08 – Kaitaia to Rotorua: As had become par for the course on this ride, I awoke early, cleaned and packed and was on the road again by 0540 in a very cool 13˚, filling-up at the local Mobil station, before my return attack on the Mangamuka Gorge, but this time in the dark. It was a great start to the day but I had barely gone 50Km before the cold squeeze required I stop for relief and to grab a skivvy and heavier gloves. That was enough to get me through to Whangarei where I needed another natural break and took the opportunity to warm up with a Mrs Macs mince and cheese pie and hot chocolate before swapping back to the light gloves, but with liners on as well. After this, the sun came up and took the chill off the day…..except where the road dipped into the gullies and my screen, visor and glasses would all fog-up until rising back out to the warmer air. No problems though and with no traffic I made good time through to Bombay for a fill-up, before heading down SH27 to Tirau and Rotorua, arriving at 1140 in a nice 24˚, to spend the rest of the day with my other son Frank, my daughter and mokopuna. Then stay the night with Nanny Ann in a motel as she was there for a national tennis event. Life is great! 578.9 Kms for the day at 17.2 K/Ltr Total Kms: 4638.6
Thanks to a big tank capable of 400+Kms at uneconomic speeds and a hard arse to endure 22½ hours in the saddle at those speeds…I completed the RNGC 1000 mile ride plus 500km extension. That’s 2100Kms to mark the 21st anniversary of the event. After last year's GC I was elated to finish in 21 hours and keen to make it an annual pilgrimage. I found I was even more motivated after starring in and viewing the DVD of last year's event and when Lee advised of the extension to mark the 21st Anniversary, I thought that would be cool to achieve. I had a quick chat to my riding buddy, Steve and we decided to apply for the extension and pay our $40 donation (on the basis that we probably wouldn't make it but if the weather gods were good and the route planner was kind, at least we would be able to attempt it, and if not, it was only the equivalent to a tank of gas lost) In preparation this year, I had a couple of longish solo rides a month or two out, but had to limit my riding to keep my tyres to between 6 & 7,000Kms and in good condition for the event. During the week before I took the bike in for it's pre-GC check-up, a new Air cleaner and rear brake pads, gave the corduras a silicon spray and after studying the weather for the week, bought some pvc gear from the Warehouse and Rain-Off Gloves to ensure I remained cosy. Steve had a bad ‘Off’ a month out and would not be coming so it was just Adrian (ST1300) and I who rode up together, departing Johnsonville at 1030 hrs Friday, travelling up via the Wairarapa, Gorge (a last minute adjustment after wind and rain put me off the Track & Saddle), lunch in Ashhurst, then on through Vinegar Hill and SH1. I wore my new 'wets' which seemed to do the trick as the fine weather in the Wairarapa only lasted until Masterton and from there on it was a mixed bag of rain and more rain. On arrival, we went straight through scrutineering with no problem, settled in and waited for 1900hrs when the route would be posted. I traced it out on my map then went back to my cabin to study and prepare for the ride. It appeared to be fairly straight forward, up to Kaitaia and back, but I hadn't been on most of the roads and those that I had driven on, was 30 years ago!! Saturday was spent killing time before the ride. Breakfast, final preparations of gear and bike, wander around chatting until I could finally gear-up, get in on the Ulysses photo, get briefed, win a raffle prize and depart with the other green card holders in the second group at 1503 hrs. (Adrian was in the third group but not eligible for the extension so I went ahead and if he caught-up we would ride together). At this point I was entered for the extension but was doubtful I would make it, so would ride out, get as far as I could before the weather hit and then see what eventuated. The first leg was from Turangi, out to Kuratau Junction, up the western arm of the lake and turning off on Old Taupo Road (just prior to Tokoroa) to the first 'Time Check' at Puketurua. I started off at about 120kph to ease into the ride, passed a few other riders, was caught by BanditRider & Blue Bandito in their Green mohawks, then about 10 or 15 Km up the western arm, we were passed by the leaders of the 3rd group as they fizzed along. About three or four minutes later, that was repeated and again and again until I latched onto a couple of other riders who were sitting at a slightly quicker pace than i had been on, and as we turned onto Old Taupo Road, Adrian caught us. We left the time check and followed a few riders along Pearson and Arapuni Roads into Putararu when the group got separated in traffic and we latched onto another couple as we turned onto Whites Rd and were sitting were sitting at 140'ish through SH's 28 & 29. It was a bit fast so we let them go when we finally got onto Old Te Aroha Road. That was quite a nice ride and we joined another group of 5 or 6 after they passed us and dragged us through Te Aroha to the first checkpoint at Paeroa. By this time there must have been about 30 riders in front of us and most of the other riders stopped here for fuel, but we just had our tickets clipped and hit the road at a sedate 110 – 120kph. That is until passed by a couple of quick riders and I threw caution to the wind. We slipped in behind them but Adrian got separated through traffic as we raced along SH2 for the Bombays, but I managed to stay with them until the heavens opened at dusk and we stopped in Orewa, them for Wet gear and me for fuel. That was good as I was able to thank them for the lift. I had worn my PVC's from the start, which was a good call in anticipation for the predicted weather, so I quickly fuelled, had the usual natural break, scoffed a banana and nut bar, swigged on the electrolytes and headed off for the next stop at Dargaville. Back on the road, I eased back into the ride as a torrential downpour kept the speed down through Waiwera, to the turn off at Brynderwyn and it was all new roads from here. It was quite pleasant as the rain eased and I got the speed up to around 140 until about 5 Km's out of Dargaville when two more riders passed me, so naturally I tagged on, followed them into Dargaville, got clipped and left as they were gassing up....and now the fun begins. The third leg took us to Kaitaia, via the Waipoua forest and Kaikohe. My first incident was about 20 km out of Dargaville when I was getting along at a brisk pace and noticed the distinctive odour of cowpoos. Within moments, as I was flying through a big right hand sweeper, I saw what appeared to be a 5 metre wide river of shit flowing across the road....but in truth it was probably only about 1 metre. Anyway, I had about enough time to say 1½ of the three Biker Hail Marys (BHM's) (Oh Shit, Oh shit, Oh Shit...or words to that effect), no time to react with any changes to throttle or brake and the front and rear had both let go. I would estimate a half metre adjustment to my lateral position before both tyres grabbed again and it all happened so quick I didn't even have time to pucker, and the sweat was already there from wearing PVC's in the balmy 14-17º. I skipped the rest of the BHM's and quickly gave thanks to my guardian angel, dad and other host of ancestors for looking after me when I was literally 'up shit creek without a paddle'!! That was the first of several such moments when the back twitched out on slick 'seal, wet paint, or other unidentified foreign objects that littered the road. I tried to avoid the slick patches but on one occasion, as I was travelling straight, I rode over a strip and suddenly the revs shot up as the back wheel started to spin and track to the left.....Hmm....more BHM's and thanks given. I was soon enjoying the delights of the Waipoua forest!! Whoever said that was a great ride needs a frontal labotomy! It was wet, pitch black, and foliage blown off in the gale force winds littered a road that was as tight as a tangled kite string. I was down to a crawl and cursing myself for being a nana and expecting Cam and his mate to scream past me at any moment, but that didn't happen so I guess it got most of us. 20+ Kms I kept thinking, take it easy and just minimise the losses, which I did, was soon out of the woods, through a few more windy (you may read that with a long or short vowel) sections and I pulled into Kaitaia for checkpoint 3, and a much needed pit stop. Just as I switched off, Cam and his mate arrived and just as I was about to get ready to leave, Adrian pulled-in. I was really surprised to see him as I had been riding reasonably quickly, we had a quick chat and I headed on with the expectation that I would soon be caught-up......unfortunately that was to be a big....Yeah Right! The next stage took us down through Kerikeri and Whangarei, across to Helensville and down to the service centre at Bombay. This stage was another mixed bag with the first part from Kaitaia to Wellsford being quite quick as in places the road had partially dried, but I was attacked by the odd vicious squall and on one occasion, I was hit by a gust of wind so strong that my PVC jacket burst open, taking out one of the domes that didn't want to let go. I paused in Wellsford to do it up and continued on through more windy roads finally coming out through Helenville and Kumeu, where I expected to get onto the motorway. I don't know what happened but the next thing I knew I appeared to be riding alongside what I assumed to be the western motorway under (re)construction, then was looking at signs directing me to Albany and Greenithe....Bugger!! Missed a turn somewhere so zipped through to Albany and got onto SH1 there. I don't know how much time I lost but as I got to about Manukau, I caught-up to Adrian and as we pulled into Bombay Cam and his buddy were just finishing their coffees. We had a few minutes here for another break and at this stage, we were looking like finishing at about 0800hrs.....he said as he reached for another Tui!!! Adrian and I were finally back together and ready to attack highway 22 from Pukekohe to Ngaruwahia, nip through Otorahonga, on to Te Kuiti, out to Eight mile junction and over to Ohura. This proved to be the worst stage of the event and we came to understand why it was NOT designated 'State' highway.....it was a bloody goat track. Narrow, tight and more slick spots and downed foliage than you could shake a stick at. I led the way and would try to pick lines sticking to the centre mounds that appeared to have a bit of grip but invariably, I managed to get out of shape on a few paint lines and slick spots and aborted corners on several occasions. It's a bit hard to look 'through' the corner, which tends to drag the bike through a good clean line, when all you’re worried about is all the crap you have to avoid on the way through. That gets even worse when there is no line through because the lichen covered mound in the centre of the road is hemmed by lovely slick wheel ruts which in turn are nicely trimmed by wet, very slippery painted lines. Oh well...there was only 88 Kms of it!! We finally got out to Ngaruwahia and Adrian pulled over under a light. I wondered what he was up to as I continued down to the turnoff, having a quick check of the ride instructions as I waited there. It turned out, he realised he hadn't paid for his fuel in Bombay and called in to make arrangements for it too be covered. We were now back on nice, albeit wet roads through Otorahonga to Te Kuiti where we decided to fill-up again. I knew I would make it to Turangi, but this would leave me half a tank to start the Extension and Adrian’s bike didn't seem to be running quite as economically so it meant there would be no worries for him about fuel over the last few Kms. We were now on the run in to the finish, but the Rustys hadn't finished with us. We still had the Ohura loop, and just like last year, it was wet. I adopted my best nana pace again because I don't like slip sliding away, and we endured another 80 odd Kms of bad lines, aborts and uncomfortable riding on roads that weren't built for ST's. That is, until a bit after the final check point at Ohura and I realised we had lost about an hour on the Waingaro and Ohura Roads. It was time to start taking a few risks and put the pressure on. Fortunately there wasn't any traffic and corners were cut safely, although as we neared Taumaranui, we did encounter a large milk tanker who was flying and if he had met us earlier, I would have been toast.....(more thanks to dad and friends) We were finally out through Taumaranui, on to SH41 and a brisk pace through to the finish, although I did manage to overcook a corner, retaining just enough control and road to avoid an oncoming car....more BHM's, puckering and thanks. We arrived at 0907 18hrs 04 for me and 18 flat for Adrian, had time for a quick photo before checking in and out, being warned of severe wind and cold, donning my helmet again and charging off to Foxton and back on SH1. It was soon apparent that this easy little jaunt would prove to be as challenging as the rest of the ride. I had to ride through an onslaught of wind and rain but mostly the wickedest cross winds I have ever experienced. Within 10 Km from the start my PVC jacket was again ripped open as I transitioned from a sheltered bluff, through a cutting and all the way across the exposed top, I had to run a gauntlet of highsided B-Trains which were whipping-up all the crap in creation from off the road and presenting it to me as a solid wall which had to be punched through. Now, with me on the ST, a moderate fuel load and a bit of luggage, you have a 400Kg missile that carries a fair bit of momentum. The problem here was, I would be riding with the bike cranked over at about 15-20° to maintain a straight tack and each of these behemoths set up a shelter belt, like the bluffs, that would cause the bike to lurch to the right. Not a problem, except, as you were correcting, you would hit the wall of filthy (with spray, dirt & turmoil) air stirred up by the truck, which would cause another wee shuffle for control. By this time I would have shifted from the left side of my lane to the centre and heading for the convoy of up to 10 cars in tow as I struggled to correct …and then I get hit by the crosswind again and have to avoid being blown off the road. I had to maintain a position on the road which would tradeoff between getting sucked into the oncoming vehicles and being spat off other side!! I found that by upping the speed and my momentum, these violent spasms were more controllable as unpleasant shimmies. (This improved my time somewhat as well) All was fine until around Hunterville somewhere and I encountered a pleasant chap coming the other way, in a white car with pretty blue and yellow patches and a lovely array of the most stunning lights. . I guess I was doing about 135 kph and went through the appropriate sequence of auto-reactions….Three quick BHM’s, the flight or fright response, another quick BHM, then hit the anchors and pulled over. I did my best to look very bedraggled and declined the offer to have seat in his car as I was pretty wet, then explained that, ‘I felt I had to maintain a safe speed to avoid being blown off the road. I was trying to keep the speed down but it had been a battle and I was a victim of the weather’. He had a look at my licence, must have thought that there must have been an element of truth in what this crazy-old-man-who-was-stupid-enough-to-be-on-a-bike-in-these-conditions, was saying…..and he let me go. Well….the following halleluiahs were a site to behold as I slowly set off again, ensuring the bike twitched appropriately at each new gust over the next Km or so…..but now it got hard. I filled up in Sanson, was soon on the Foxton straights, sitting with the traffic at about 110kph and was starting to encounter fatigue along with the steadier but nonetheless stronger and twitchy winds. I came up on two Canter sized trucks and the back one must have been well loaded, but the front one looked a bit light as the top left corner of the truck kept swinging into view. I moved across to the right and I’m sure the right wheels were on the verge of lifting so I quickly passed and left them to their troubles, arrived at Foxton Mobil where it was beautifully sunny and calm, had my card punched, heard there was one more nutter behind me, then hit the road back. I was now upwind of the oncoming traffic and didn’t have to worry about getting sucked into them…I was being blown into them. On two occasions I was forced across the centre line and on a third, I was unable to gain control until I was right across the road and skipping along the solid white line. At times the bike actually felt like it wanted to lift and skip sideways across the road, so more BHM’s were said and thanks and praises offered up that nothing was coming the other way. I couldn’t cock my knee out on the upwind side to maintain balance and heading, due to an arthritic hip and the ST tank is as wide as I can spread-em. I therefore had to resort to throwing my whole body off to the left which would slowly cause the bike to ease back on track. Fatigue was now becoming a big problem made worse by the straight roads and lack of pace but I eventually made it back to Turangi at 1330, in one piece, 22½ hours elapsed and 2100Kms done. I had real difficulty getting off the bike and was totally shattered, but in that strange GC way, totally elated at achieving the distance within the allotted time. I staggered in to receive my GC bar, Extension badge, certificate and patches, a hearty Rusty Roast and sat around listening to other tales of epic battles won and lost over the preceding night. I was pretty stiff across my shoulders and lower back from the stresses of riding the cross winds and trundled off for a hot pool before returning for a two hour nap. I was up again about 1830hrs, watched a bit of TV, then relaxed in the hall chatting with Adrian and Shafty and a few others that came and went, eventually hitting the sack at about midnight and slipping into a well earned coma for 6½ hours. It was still raining when I got up, showered, packed then headed over to hand in my cabin key and have breakfast. I bid my farewells and after hearing there could be snow on the desert road, I left and travelled at my usual nana pace through National Park and down the Paraparas. I really enjoyed the ride home. There was some wind and scattered showers, but it was relaxing to putter along at 110kph and just cruise…..that is until I was entering Wanganui East and encountered another gentleman in one of ‘those’ cars as I was approaching the 50Km zone. I stopped and he asked me what the speed limit was so I pointed to the signs about 100 metres up the road and said I was just starting to slow for it. He then informed me that I had been in an 80Kph zone for about 3kms and asked to see my licence, to which I exclaimed, ‘Bloody hell, I’ve been dawdling along, you should see my economy gauge (which was on about 18.2 k/ltr at the time). He asked where I‘d come from and was heading for, suggested I must be a bit drowsy to have missed the sign and should stop and have a rest…then let me go. I thanked the gods, and promptly took his advice, heading for a coffee with Whanau. I finally got home, through another couple of torrential downpours, at about 1400hrs, economy for the trip home at 19.6k/Ltr (a big difference to the 16 I was getting on the GC run), 2,824Kms done for the weekend and 22,277Kms on the bike. I believe there were 111 starters this year, 2 ‘Offed’ and 3 pulled out due to weather and 4 completed the GC plus extension (3 were ST’s I think). I’m sure to be a starter again next year, but I look forward to doing my third GC at a sedate pace…. I think 21 hours sounds like a nice target, leaving time for photo opportunities and relaxed stops for fuel, food and the camaraderie that is shared by bikers on a ride. Once again the event was smoothly run by the Rusty Crew….sadistic bastards that they are…. It’s the wry smile and glint in their eye as they tell you about the route and impending weather that does it. But I love it and a big thanks to Lee and all the Rustys. Only 5,000 Kms left ‘til Christmas now…..then I can start counting down for next year’s GC…and maybe a Mini’s Return. This was my first Grand Challenge and since registering early (#51) I had looked forward to the ride but there was always a bit of trepidation in the back of my mind. Would I hack it, would the bike break down or have a puncture, would my 13 litre tank get me between fuel stops? At least I had a mate, Steve K, from the Wellington Ulysses Club who had done it before, was as keen as mustard to go again and we arranged to ride up together on the Friday. That was an adventure in itself. We left the Caltex Rimutuka about 2pm on a day where the isobars ran west/east over the North Island and looked like a slim line Venetian blind over the map. We had decided to take the scenic/fun route over the Rimutuka’s (only a couple of puffs there), up through the Pahiatua Track where at times I thought the bike and I were both about to be lifted and deposited in the next paddock along with Dorothy and Toto, through Ashhurst – Colyton and all the way round to come out at Mangaweka. Then straight up to Turangi via a coffee in Taihape. We arrived at the motor camp, went straight through scrutineering, then went in to check the map and pick-up instructions and that’s when the enormity of the task ahead hit me. I had only travelled on a few of the sections and fuel stops was always going to be a problem with my 240’ish Km range, so it was off to my cabin for some planning, then down to the local greasy shop for a feed and bed by 10:30. I awoke early the next morning (5am), as you do when you’re excited /worried, on a strange bed and in a tight sleeping bag. Tried to lie in for a while but eventually gave-up at 6:30 and went about the day ahead. (Now even more worried when I knew I could be on the road up to 3pm the next day). The Rusty’s put on a good feed for breakfast, we idled about chatting, had a photo of the Ulybods, parked up in Turangi to display the bikes for the locals, enjoy more chatting, and I eventually got sent off at 3:12pm with the other light green cardholders. I got into a good pace early and had decided to put a splash in the tank at Taumaranui to ensure I got to Awakino which would have been right on my limit. I was surprised that so many others had the same idea, and then on to the 1st time check at Ohura. After that I ended up behind a couple of chaps who took the wrong turn just past Aria and we ended up coming out on SH3 at Piopio instead of further south, but I didn’t mind that as I could top-up again and knew I could comfortably get to New Plymouth from there. I had a blast going through the Awakino gorge and Mt Messenger, then caught up with another rider leaving New Plymouth and rode with him to the first check point at Hawera. This was a hive of activity as there were a lot of riders here, (probably 20+) filling-up the bikes and themselves, chewing the fat over a coffee and preparing for the next leg. The congregation of riders got more depleted at each checkpoint from here on in as the field became more and more spread out. I had a good run through to Wanganui where I topped-up on gas (again) before continuing to the next checkpoint at Hunterville, via Fordel. I have always thought my bike had a very good light with a reasonably wide beam and long range penetration….yeah right!! That was until I got onto the Fordel road with no cats eyes or markers and it felt like someone had tilted the whole light assembly down. I knew back in the days when I did all my touring on an XL250 that I relied heavily on the marker posts as a guide to whether the road was going left or right, I didn’t realise how much I still do that and I was down to a crawl. That combined with the fact that there were no other bikes passing me was cause for concern that I was even on the right road, but fortunately the instructions were quite specific. At last I got to Hunterville, another top-up, another nut bar and another slug of electrolyte laden water. When I departed Hunterville I figured I should go close to getting to Waipuk’ if I took it easy. I left behind two young fellows on identical bikes, one number apart on their rego’s and helmets adorned with green Mohawks. After we got past Vinegar Hill, I lagged slightly as they were going a bit faster than I should have been for the economy I wanted to get…but what the hey, in the end I decided to kept up with them and we caught up with Gordon Sherwood around Cheltenham or thereabouts. I had just met Gordon for the first time that morning and recognised his name as he had posted a poll on the Ulysses sight about eating pain for breakfast. At this point I didn’t recognise it was him but the four of us rattled on through to Ashhurst where I followed Gordon round the corner with three others who were there, deciding which way to go. It didn’t feel right but I sat in and went along for the ride….what a dumbass. The weather had been intermittent from New Plymouth but not bad enough to affect the ride. From the Ashhurst Saddle onwards it wasn’t great as the five of us crawled past the big turbines and stopped briefly in Woodville. I decided to go on to Dannevirke for my next top-up since my speed and the detour would mean I was unlikely to make it to Waipuk’. I headed off by myself and the others pulled into the gas station shortly after me. It was at this point I actually realised that it was Gordon that I had been riding with and we hooked-up for the rest of the ride. This was very much to my advantage because his XVZ12 had much better lights for the trip around Weber, Wimbledon & Porongahau than my Intruder, especially given the deteriorating weather as now we had wind as well as rain to contend with. I found the pace very comfortable and we finally arrived at Waipukurau at around 3am, Halfway through on time and distance. Another feeding of man & beast and we on the road again, heading for the next fuel stop at Taupo via Napier. This was pretty uneventful as we kept to a steady pace and arrived in Taupo about 5am. I was very thankful that I had fitted a spitfire screen to my bike though, as we had to punch into a fierce headwind on this leg and it was much easier than the last time I had been on this road. From there on to Te Kuiti, via Benneydale, and the next checkpoint. By this time there were only a half a dozen bikes there and we weren’t encountering many others on the road at all. The weather was dismal but at least the wind had subsided and with Gordon coming into his ‘home turf’ it was an easy ‘follow the leader’ ride for me. Next off to Otorahonga, Kihikihi, then across to Putaruru before heading over the Mamaku Plateau where we were into the low clouds and although the visibility was less than 50mtrs, we were getting along at a good pace thanks to Gordon’s local knowledge. Once we had passed through Ngongotaha the roads were drying up and we made good time through Te Ngae and onto the last checkpoint at Awakeri. This last stretch was particularly exhilarating because once Gordon was in his own ‘backyard’ he took off like a dog chasing a scolded cat….and I happened to be on the other end of his leash, getting dragged along. We got checked in and headed for home via Murupara and waved to the film crew as we headed into Taupo. Passed quite a few bikes already heading home/North as we got nearer to Turangi, and finally finished about midday, 21 hours on the road and 31 hours since I had awoken on Saturday morning. It felt great to finish and I actually felt surprisingly alert. I put that down to the fact that I had avoided caffeine and sugar, only consuming a couple of multivitamins, a bag of bananas, a box of nut bars and about 5 bottles of water which had a good dose of electrolyte added. It wasn’t till we had finally stopped that I actually saw what a state my bike was in. The screen, light, mirrors and front forks caked with bugs, no shine from any of the chrome except the handlebars and dirty streaks over most of the paintwork. As usual though, it had performed admirably, purring all the way through. We got our speedos checked, received the badges and certificates, enjoyed a hearty lunch put on by the Mrs Rustys and discussed the event. I headed off to my cabin for a kip at about 2pm and awoke, fresh as a daisy about 4:30pm…bugger! Everyone else was asleep except for the Rustys who were still going about the business of running the event. I went off for a hot pool, getting back about 5:30. Still bored I searched out a TV only to find there was only one channel available and in the end decided, since there was nothing to do, I might as well head home….it’s only 3.5 hours to Wellington. I packed up, gassed up and departed at 7pm. Weather looked a bit grey but she’ll be right. There was a bit of rain heading up the desert road but that cleared once I was in the lee of Ruapehu. However, the road ahead was looking more ominous and once I passed through Waiouru I was in it. It was raining so hard I was treated to a brilliant starburst every time I passed a car going the other way, (there were no other bikers foolish enough to be out in this) and it got to the point that whenever a car passed I was totally blinded over the last couple of seconds and would have to get the speed down to less than 60 K’s to avoid trouble. I tried following the odd vehicle but they would invariably turn-off, be travelling too slow, or be a huge truck kicking up more crap than you could shake a stick at. By the time I got to Marton the wind was strong enough to keep the rain horizontal and my starbursts were now complimented with laser arrows of light as the rain whipped past my helmet but by Bulls it all cleared up and the rest of the trip was OK so I was home by 10:40, my own bed, a cuddle and an awesome night’s sleep after a wonderful adventure. My special thanks to Steve and Gordon for putting up with me, The Rusty’s for their great organising and not to mention the makers of Spool Jackets, Tecknic Pants, Sidi Boots & Spidi Gloves....they all kept me dry and comfy. |
Old Blog?
These blogs were posted on the KiwiBiker forum but I decided it was time for a change. Archives
January 2017
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