Our 2017 efforts were successful, the bike prep, fundraising, and ride all went very well. It was a lot of fun. I seriously enjoyed what Jon and I achieved, so much so that we decided we’d do something similar in 2018.
In August 2017, there was the NI1600 (North Island 1600), which I had wanted to do, but it clashed with a trip to Rarotonga; the weather ended up being horrid too, so I wasn’t honestly bothered that I had to miss it. The next major event on the NZ Long Distance calendar is the TT2000, a 2000km in 48 hours event. It’s across both islands with start and finish options in both Ashhurst (North Island, near Palmerston North), and Christchurch (South Island). This is somewhat different from many other events in that it’s a rally, with points to collect from pre-specified checkpoints. All other aspects of route planning are placed upon us, we have two whole days to complete the 2000kms required to be considered a finisher.
There are no prizes etc; it’s all for bragging rights. It’s held over the weekend, starting on Friday 23rd February.
As with all best made plans, work can get in the way. Unfortunately Jon has an existing work commitment on that day, so if I were to do this and not be alone, I needed to find another willing person to ride with.
Thankfully, Nigel expressed a degree of interest in last year’s ride, so I’ve asked him and he’s willing (if not entirely keen).
In planning this, we’ve considered several ride options and routes – we’re keen to attempt to combine the TT2000, with a couple of potential Iron Butt Association based riding certificates; another Saddle Sore (1600km), and perhaps a Bun Burner (the next level up from a SS – 1500 miles in 36 hrs ~2,414km).
So while the TT allows 48 hours to complete 2000km, we would be aiming to insert a longer ride, in a shorter time within the TT2000.
Our primary aim would be to finish the TT2000, with a secondary aim to complete a SS1600K within it, and possibly the BB1500. As with all LD ride planning the sensible thing to do is to plan it well, with properly established exit options and evaluation points etc; So, that’s what we’re currently doing.
Along side of this, one of the best motivational elements of last years ride was the $2000+ which we were able to help to fundraise for Aran Animal Rescue, which we hope to be able to repeat this next year. We set of goal of $1 per km across our 1600km last year, and we’re continuing with $1 per km this year, but across the planned 2,414km. Our goal is therefore set at $2,414 for Aran this year.
We were lucky enough last year to have a good number of followers watching our progress along the route using rider tracking and the Raah.co website – which we’ll be doing again this year. Our sponsorship page (paid directly through to Aran) is here: https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/bun-burner-for-aran-animal-rescue – At the time of writing this I’ve yet to get my first sponsor, so if you’re feeling supportive, please feel free to jump in there and become my #1 donor for 2018! 🙂
I’ll use this blog for updates on our riding efforts this year, you can subscribe to my wordpress blog (if you have a wordpress.com account), or keep an eye out on facebook, they will be cross-posted through my FB profile too.
Thanks for reading and taking an interest, send me a comment or questions. 🙂
Chris.