Rusty Nuts Grand Challenge 1000 2010

[Nick Taber]

#3460

Many thanks to Peter Z who let me to join him on this years' event.  Peter led the way on his new K1300.  I had a great time but it was certainly challenging, mentally and especially physically.  The first 2/3 was dry but there was plenty of evidence of earlier very wet conditions especially on the Wairoa-Gisborne-Opotiki leg [using the Tiniroto Rd] with numerous slips having been cleared of the bigger stuff but leaving mud still on the road.  Very glad it was dry.We were delayed at two accidents, the first inexplicable and the second caused by the 'unfortunate' running into a rock fall.  On the first leg, through Pemberton and Apiti and north on Route 52, strong winds were the biggest problem - the rider behind me was literally blown off his bike [but still finished].Some phots follow.  Couldn't take many as too busy trying to keep to time.About 70 entered, 10 retired, Peter Z and I were in the last group and were among the last to complete.  We did it in 23hrs 6min.  We heard later that somebody completed in under 17 hours !!!Oh, if you are ever following a K1300 stay well back - it stops very quickly.

[Anonymous]

#14301

Well done, Peter H! You did really well - and have now joined those riders who have experienced one of the famous (amongst bikers) "Rusty" events! Peter had a great smile on the dial as he received his first badge by a smiling Lee (Hurley) Rusty; now having been inducted into one of the 'endurance' riders groups in NZ! Great photos, Peter. Did the one in front of TUI Breweries, Mangatainoka come out ok? The brewery girls had left for home by the time we got there, so no girls in the photo - more's the pity. Conditions this year threw a smattering of challenges, as usual - though kinder than last year's 90% rain experience. Night fell by Route 52 area, (longest placename in the dark), and it was sure exciting rounding corners at night all along the East Coast to Opotiki, never knowing if there was a fresh land-slip: There must have seen 40 -50 mostly-cleared slips in all! we had heavy rain in Taranaki until Hawera and again the last hour, west of Ruapehu, and National Park, Rangipo to Turangi. Peter mentioned several times, during the weekend that we are lucky to live in this country, and so we are - great scenery and mostly great people to mix with here! Peter Z (GT)

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