FAQ: Frequently-asked questions
Q: Is there an actual TT2000 official route like some of your earlier years?
A: Sort of. The exact route is left completely up to riders to decide for themselves, but each compulsory checkpoint must be visited, along with any optional Flyers or Mysteries that the rider chooses to visit. All checkpoints (compulsory and optional) can be visited any in order.
Q: Do I have to get to all the checkpoints and if not, what is the purpose of so many checkpoints?
A: No, you do not have to get to all the checkpoints and we believe that's unattainable anyway given their geographic spread. You only have to ride to all the compulsory PLUS any optional Flyers or Mysteries that you calculate will give you your minimum points. The number of checkpoints is to give riders options and allow them to create a ride that suits their bike and their abilities.
Q: I want to ride JUST the minimum 2,000 kms. Which checkpoints do I have to go to?
A: All the compulsory checkpoints plus and others that you like. As long as you visit all the compulsory checkpoints, ride your 2,000 kms AND rack up the minimum points along the way AND get to the finish sometime by 4pm on Sunday then you have achieved the TT2000 and you get the badge!
Q: I just want to ride 2,000 kms and not mess about with checkpoints. Can I?
A: No, not on this rally. If that's all you want to do you don't need to enter the TT, just go out one weekend and have a long ride. To earn the TT2000 rally badge you need both minimums - 2,000 kms AND the minimum points. There are other rallies in New Zealand that cater for those who just want to ride from A to B.
Q: Why have the points and what relevance are they?
A: The points are to make the rally more interesting than merely a weekend's outing. By theming it with checkpoints it entices you up roads you've never ridden before, adds a novelty value in finding things like bridges and gates and puts your name on a results list for brag value. There are no trophies, simply a ranking on a sheet. For most riders the personal accomplishment of a damn fine weekend's ride is motivation enough.
Q: Can I simply ride 2,000 kms from my home town, back to my home town, and not bother with any
checkpoints?
A: No, the purpose of the TT is to promote advance planning, stretch riders to achieve personal goals that they would otherwise simply mull over at home and think about one day doing, provide an event with sufficient safety parameters and to intersect with other like-minded riders both on the road and at the finish. If you want to do a solo effort then no need to join the TT... just go out and ride 2,000 kms anytime you feel like it.
Q: What happens if I fail to complete the 2,000 kms distance or fail to arrive at the finish by 4pm on Sunday?
A: You are classified as a DNF in the results and miss out on the rally badge, fridge magnet & barbecue BUT you get to keep the t-shirt. Every year a few riders pull out, finding the distance too onerous. At least they gave it a crack.
Q: Some checkpoints are vistas. What if I'm there at night & can't capture the view?
A: As long as you can photograph your bike/shirt in front of something that proves you were in that location, that's fine. A building or carpark sign will be suitable provided our scrutineers marking your photos can be assured you were actually at or around the checkpoint. Thus a locational name in the photo is essential and the best proof is a road or street sign which will come out with a flash.
A: Sort of. The exact route is left completely up to riders to decide for themselves, but each compulsory checkpoint must be visited, along with any optional Flyers or Mysteries that the rider chooses to visit. All checkpoints (compulsory and optional) can be visited any in order.
Q: Do I have to get to all the checkpoints and if not, what is the purpose of so many checkpoints?
A: No, you do not have to get to all the checkpoints and we believe that's unattainable anyway given their geographic spread. You only have to ride to all the compulsory PLUS any optional Flyers or Mysteries that you calculate will give you your minimum points. The number of checkpoints is to give riders options and allow them to create a ride that suits their bike and their abilities.
Q: I want to ride JUST the minimum 2,000 kms. Which checkpoints do I have to go to?
A: All the compulsory checkpoints plus and others that you like. As long as you visit all the compulsory checkpoints, ride your 2,000 kms AND rack up the minimum points along the way AND get to the finish sometime by 4pm on Sunday then you have achieved the TT2000 and you get the badge!
Q: I just want to ride 2,000 kms and not mess about with checkpoints. Can I?
A: No, not on this rally. If that's all you want to do you don't need to enter the TT, just go out one weekend and have a long ride. To earn the TT2000 rally badge you need both minimums - 2,000 kms AND the minimum points. There are other rallies in New Zealand that cater for those who just want to ride from A to B.
Q: Why have the points and what relevance are they?
A: The points are to make the rally more interesting than merely a weekend's outing. By theming it with checkpoints it entices you up roads you've never ridden before, adds a novelty value in finding things like bridges and gates and puts your name on a results list for brag value. There are no trophies, simply a ranking on a sheet. For most riders the personal accomplishment of a damn fine weekend's ride is motivation enough.
Q: Can I simply ride 2,000 kms from my home town, back to my home town, and not bother with any
checkpoints?
A: No, the purpose of the TT is to promote advance planning, stretch riders to achieve personal goals that they would otherwise simply mull over at home and think about one day doing, provide an event with sufficient safety parameters and to intersect with other like-minded riders both on the road and at the finish. If you want to do a solo effort then no need to join the TT... just go out and ride 2,000 kms anytime you feel like it.
Q: What happens if I fail to complete the 2,000 kms distance or fail to arrive at the finish by 4pm on Sunday?
A: You are classified as a DNF in the results and miss out on the rally badge, fridge magnet & barbecue BUT you get to keep the t-shirt. Every year a few riders pull out, finding the distance too onerous. At least they gave it a crack.
Q: Some checkpoints are vistas. What if I'm there at night & can't capture the view?
A: As long as you can photograph your bike/shirt in front of something that proves you were in that location, that's fine. A building or carpark sign will be suitable provided our scrutineers marking your photos can be assured you were actually at or around the checkpoint. Thus a locational name in the photo is essential and the best proof is a road or street sign which will come out with a flash.
