How the rally works
OverviewThe TT2000 spans a target riding duration of 48 hours within the riding window of 12.00 noon Friday to 12:00 noon Sunday. Entries close around the end of January each year to allow time for ordering t-shirts, badges etc
The official slogan is 2,000 kms in 48 hours, which has been the traditional goal but as a safety feature there is a buffer of four extra hours allowing you to arrive back at the finish checkpoint from 12.00 - 4.00 pm on Sunday and still be regarded as a finisher, although you won't be classed as finishing the challenge. Riders may use this extra time in emergencies, such as copping a puncture or another unplanned 'curve ball' which would otherwise prevent them from making the 12.00pm finish safely. Here is how the TT2000 works: You report to the start point by 11.30am on Friday, ready to receive the rallymaster's briefing. You photograph your bike’s speedo including your riding card, thus recording your “start” mileage. You will be released before 12pm and you will be handed your rally t-shirt by our staff. You ride away in whichever direction you wish, according to how you have plotted your route in advance. You reach whichever of the checkpoints you have pre-planned (including any of the mystery checkpoints) and take a digital photo of your bike and rally shirt draped over the bike at that checkpoint. As you move around the checkpoints you tick a run sheet telling us which checkpoints you have gone to and will be producing a photo of. On Sunday between the hours of 10.00am - 12.pm (4.00pm to be classed as finishing) you ride into the finish location. You photograph your bike’s speedo and riding card with finishing sticker thus recording your “finish” mileage. You enjoy camaraderie at the finish with other returning riders, have a feed and a drink. After the rally you upload your digital photos to your filebox and complete the checklist of your completed checkpoints and bonuses. A week or two later, following scrutineering of the photos, you will receive your achievement pack containing your rally badge, 2 fridge magnets, 2 bike/top box stickers etc. A results sheet is also emailed to all riders. |
The TT2000 route & checkpointsThe TT2000 is not a single pre-determined "go from A to B" route. It's not that sort of "follow the leader" rally.
Instead you have a smorgasbord of checkpoints around which you plan your OWN route. There are THREE main criteria for doing a successful TT and being ranked as completing the challenge: 1. Ride a minimum 2,000 kms AND 2. Collect a set minimum of points including one award (10 checkpoints) that make up the compulsory checkpoints AND 3. Arrive at the finish checkpoint by 12pm on Sunday (arriving after 12pm but before 4pm will have you classed as a finisher) Each year the number of checkpoints varies, as do the rules for visiting them. Often, you may visit checkpoints in any order you choose - just ensure you visit enough of them as part of your route to gather sufficient distance and points to be classed as a finisher. The checkpointsThe checkpoints are located at landmarks such as bridges, pubs, railway stations, churches, farm gates, signs and icons. For 2023 the checkpoints are based around the theme of transport. They are in towns, cities, out in the boondocks, on main roads and back roads. They are either 'on the way' to somewhere else or up cul de sacs forcing you to re-trace your kms back to the main road OR find a short cut out of there. They are sited predominantly on sealed roads but not always. You do not have to go to all checkpoints - only the ones you decide to visit in order to gain enough points to be a finisher. Each time you reach a checkpoint and take a photo you will earn that checkpoint's points value. If your checkpoints' points equal or exceed the minimum then you have been successful, as long as you ALSO ride 2,000 kms and arrive at the finish by 12pm on Sunday to have completed the challenge, and by 4pm to be classed as a finisher. Most TT riders will plan to complete merely the baseline points and 2,000 kms. Therefore you design your own route to suit your riding preferences & capability. Therein lies the essence, and the core safety feature, of the TT2000... rider responsibility, planning their own weekend according to their own riding stamina and style. |