How the rally works

Overview

The TT2000 spans a target riding duration of 48 hours within the riding window of 12.00 noon Fri 22 Feb 2019 to 12:00 noon Sun 24 Feb. 2019. Entries cost NZ$50.00 per rider (pillions are free) and close on 31 Jan 2019 to allow time for ordering the 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.

Riders only use this overflow in emergencies, such as copping a puncture or another unplanned 'curve ball' which would otherwise prevent them from making the 12.00pm finish.

Here is how the TT2000 works:
 
You report to the start point by 11.30am on Friday 22 Feb ready to receive the rallymaster's briefing.

You photograph your bike’s speedo, thus crystallising your “start” mileage.

At 12.00pm sharp you will be handed your rally 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 all of the compulsory 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 24 Feb. between the hours of 10.00am - 4.00pm you ride into the finish location. 

You photograph your bike’s speedo thus recording your “finish” mileage.

You enjoy camaraderie at the finish with other returning riders, have a free barbecue, soft drinks and download your digital photos to our laptop.

As stated, the finish checkpoint remains open until 4.00pm to receive riders; if you arrive later than this you can send your results sheet and checkpoint photos to the organisers after you return home, in order to have your ride recorded along with the other rider results.

About a week later, following scrutineering of the photos, you will receive your achievement pack containing your rally badge, 2 fridge magnets, 2 bike/top box decals and an emailed results sheet.

The TT2000 route & checkpoints

The 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 a 'finisher':

1. Ride a minimum 2,000 kms AND
2. Collect a set minimum of points AND
3. Arrive at the finish checkpoint by 4pm on Sunday

In 2019 there is the added requirement of visiting all of the compulsory checkpoints.

Each checkpoint has a points value according to its location; the more remote a checkpoint, the more points it's likely to be worth.

The checkpoints


The checkpoints are located at landmarks such as bridges, pubs, railway stations, churches, farm gates, signs and icons.

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 compulsory checkpoints and any other 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 4pm on Sunday.

There is no extra incentive to exceed the minimum points or ride more than 2,000 kms other than brag value if such a thing is important to you.

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.