Rally safety

Disclaimer form to sign

This section backgrounds the steps we take to reiterate safety issues, probably restating what you have heard on many other similar events. 
 
You'll have heard this before but here it is.. this event is not a race and if you want the thrill of beating someone else to the finishing post then this isn't for you. Go to Ruapuna for a track day instead.

Your only competitor is yourself and your endurance.

Even the clock isn't your enemy, as you have 48 hours to travel 2,000 kms. That's a baseline average of 67 km/h assuming a total of 30 hours in the saddle and 2x 9-hour breaks/sleeps (over the entire weekend).

If speed and breaking the law is your metier then you will arrive at the finish hours before you have to and receive no advantage in doing so, thus you will wonder why on earth you risked it all. In fact, arrive before 10.00am and there'll be no-one there to process you in. That's assuming you made it licence intact, escaping the inevitable speeding fines and demerit points and you, other people in your way and your bike staying in one piece.

Sorry to preach but you get the drift of what this rally is about.

Here is a downloadable pdf disclaimer form which you will be asked to sign and submit by mail or electronically before you set out for the starting line.

NZTA's road code for motorcyclists

If you're new to motorcycling, or from overseas, here's a link to the New Zealand Transport Agency's road code specifically for motorcyclists.
An experienced distance rider talks...

Andrew Thomson, a founder TT rider, has his own web site devoted to his distance-riding experiences, full of invaluable tips straight from the horse's mouth.

Rally safety advice & tips

The key points about the TT2000 are:
  • you participate at your own risk  
  • it is assumed you have assessed your ability to finish the distance in the time allowed and you have chosen to participate because you believe you can do it
  • the qualifying distance together with the allowable time window have been designed so that you do not have to break the law, you can afford micro rests, have two good nights' sleep and you are not racing anyone else
  • you can just pull out any time you like; you can simply get off the bike and call a halt to your weekend's riding whenever and wherever you wish
  • at all times on the bike you are expected to be responsible for your own well-being 
  • there is no prize for finishing other than your rally badge which you have prepaid for 
  • while the checkpoints sufficient to amass the minimum points qualification are designed to be rideable within the allotted window and the event is on regardless of weather, you exercise personal responsibility for research into weather, road conditions and fuel availability vs capacity for your
  • bike

We have written a rally safety & tip sheet for your information.

Iron Butt Association's 'Archive of Wisdom"

Have a look at the IBA's 29 tips for safe endurance riding.

A veteran TT2000 rider's tips on preparation

Michael Green was entering his 5th TT2000 in 2013. Read his article in Bike Rider Magazine on how he prepares for the event from planning his route, taking micro breaks and preparing himself mentally and physically.