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Ride reviews of the RNMC SUper Tour, the longest, toughest, road rally ever devised in NZ. These pages are a tribute to the riders who created this little piece of motorcyle history.

While many said it couldn’t be done safely, it was too expensive, no one would do it etc.....

Riders started assembling in Turangi on Tuesday night in readiness for an early start on Wednesday morning. There were some last minute changes to the field and 18 riders started the longest, toughest most comprehensive road rally ever presented in New Zealand, the RUSTY NUTS SUPER TOUR was definitely not for the feint hearted.

The original start was planned for the 1^st day at 8am so that a group photo etc could be obtained and a briefing given but riders wanted to get away early, and knowing that they knew their own strengths best it was decided to let them go and attempt to a photo at the end of those that managed to finish the event.

All entrants were issued with a Super Tour cap and event embossed shirt. Ride patches only go to the finishers of the event.

Riders departed at approx 5am from Turangi to Taupo, Wairoa, Gisborne, Opotiki, around East Cape, Awakeri, Te Teko, Murapara, Taupo, Turangi.

Cam and Mike decide to wait until the original start time of 8am before leaving.

After a great Parklands meal, with some indulging in a good old fashioned emergency beer, it was early to bed. The idea of having single rooms for each person so that they were not disturbed by others was appreciated by all. Already riders were making friends with others who had a similar riding style and small clichés were forming as riders plotted and planned the day two ride, and set leaving times that were to give realistic return times.

Day two route took them through Kuratau Junction, Whakamaru, Tokoroa via back roads to Kihikihi, and then south west to New Plymouth, Opunake, Hawera, Bulls, Levin, Shannon, Tokomaru, Palmerston North, Feilding, Waiouru, Ohakune, Mananui to return to Turangi.

All riders were back by 9pm. All were still buzzing and happy to have knocked day two off

Over meals the groups started making plans and setting time to leave and it was off to bed.

Leaving Turangi they went to Rotorua via HW 30, and then 36 to Greerton, Bethlehem, Waihi, Whitianga, Kuatotuna Coromandel, Thames, Waitakaruru, Kaiaua, Clevedon, Kawakawa Bay, Drury, Ngaruawahia, Otorohanga, Taumaranui, Nat Park, and Raetahi. Ohakune, Waiouru to Turangi

The first problem happened today with Ray L having a leaking clutch slave cylinder at Waihi.

He rang in and explained the problem and then diverted direct to Hamilton where repairs were carried out. He then continued on to the designated route, and carried on, running late. He arrived late with a km shortage that was then agreed to be made up over the next few days,

A couple of late arrivals nearer to 10pm, some of the stops were getting longer as riders had numb backsides to contend with. On events like this every minute not moving makes the day longer. However it is very important to stop and refuel the body as well as the bike. Learning to be economical with the time is the key.

Again with the couple of riders who like the pre 5am starts. Most however have settled into the routine of 5.30 am to 6 am

Parklands provided continental breakfast each day in the room for the next day as there was no staff available at the early hour. This arrangement seemed to suit everyone.

Leaving Turangi to Taupo, Napier, Taradale, Takapau, Upper Hutt, Featherston, Martinborough, Masterton, Alfredton, Pongaroa, Wimbledon, Porangahau, Waipukurau, Napier, Taupo, and Turangi.

This was a physically demanding day with lots of tight winding roads. Those on the bigger slower bikes like the HD’s found this very tiring and it reflected in the later return times.

1^st bike back was approx 6pm and again all were in by 10pm and meals consumed and off to bed.

Day four we also had a feature writer who writes for BRM magazine come along and take some pictures and talk to some of the riders.

Ray L finished his days run and then went out and complete some of the missing km from day 3. It made a real long day for Ray and he didn’t start as early as the others the next day

Leave Turangi to Kuratau, Whakamaru, Rotorua, Pyes Pa, Mt Maunganui, Opotiki, Gisborne, Wairoa, Taupo, Tokoroa, Whakamaru and then to Turangi to finish.

A somewhat easier day but made hard by the fact that the riders where no well outside the comfort zones they had previously ridden in. This was really starting to push the envelope.

After meals, the odd beer here and there, it was the familiar off to bed routine. Less time taken now to work out routes and start times as the groups and partnerships that had formed, were well familiar with each other riding styles, strengths and weaknesses.

This was always going to be the toughest day as it was cross over to the SI day. Most bikes were booked on the Inter Islander, although some opted for the Blue Bridge.

Riders left very early as there was a planned service stop for those who would require it. This was arranged through one of the riders, and some riders had arranged oil and filter changes, tyre changes etc. Then down to the boat for the cross over.

The 90 odd km that the boat covers was included in day six mileage. There was a chance to catch a couple of hours sleep if lucky.

Steve’s HD’s got a torn belt coming into Wellington and had to effect repairs at the bike shop. As is normal (it seems – because it has happened to me as well) HD shops don’t stock such necessary items as drive belts. probably because they don’t usually do high mileages and are often a 2^nd vehicle so they can order parts in when needed. But when you need one on a trip like this you need it NOW.

The shop rang around and found one in Pukerua Bay and dispatched a rider to pick it up. It was fitted and he was able to catch the late boat at midnight, staying in Picton the night and riding down on the morning of day seven to finish day six.

Left Turangi , via National Park, Raetahi, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Tokomaru, Levin, and SH 1 to ferry, Picton SH1 to Christchurch and Timaru and the base for the South Island leg for the rest of the Super Tour.

The base for the South Island leg is the Grosenver (Pronounced Grovener – the S is silent) Hotel in Timaru. It was a pretty late arrival for all riders most arriving around 10 or 11pm. Most riders had a meal on the boat as no one wanted to waste any time getting to Timaru.

Much more straight forward routes and open roads with far less traffic make the SI legs of the Super Tour much less tiring and the SI riders are finally on their home roads where they no longer have to worry about getting lost.

Steve was the last to leave after getting some sleep he left at 12.30pm with a projected finish time of midnight to 2am, unfortunately he struck bad weather and did not finish until 4.30am meaning another late start.

Most riders were away after breakfast which was on from 5am, although there was one or two who had gone just prior to 5am.

Timaru, to Winchester, Geraldine, Arundel, Mayfield, Mt Somers, Mt Hutt, Glentunnel to Arthurs Pass, then Greymouth, Westport, Inangahua Junction, and Reefton. Then via Lewis Pass, Culverden, Waipara, to Amberley, Woodend, Rangiora, Oxford, Waddington, Rakaia George, Mt Hutt, Geraldine, and Winchester to Timaru and finish.

Steve got away around 10am and with better weather made good time arriving back around 10pm.

Easier riding and less traffic makes for much easier going for all riders although today was to see the first “off” John M was unlucky to find some greasy substance (suspected tallow) spilt on the road. Other riders had just caught the edge of it and managed to stay upright but John seemed to find it dead centre and he slid down the road. He was ok apart from being stiff and sore. His BMW did not fare so well and was not able to be ridden. Options were considered such as loan bikes, rental bikes etc, but in the end John decided to pull the plug and he returned to Auckland.

Although he did not finish the Super Tour his 7750km in 8 days was a creditable effort.

Departing from Timaru, via Washdyke, Fairlie, and Lake Tekapo, Twizel, Omarama, to Haast. Then north to Franz Josef, Whataroa, Harihari, Kumara Junction, Jacksons, Arthurs Pass, Waddington, Geraldine, Winchester, Temuka, Timaru for the finish.

One early rider, out pre 5am but most between 5 and 6am. Steve was back on time, and got away with the others. He had ridden most of the SI on his own. He remained cheerful despite not seeing his fellow riders for a couple of days.

However he again made life hard for himself by crossing the crown range and arriving in Queens town while his credit card remained in Wanaka. So back he went back to get it and then back again to pick up the route at QT,

Other items of the day I had arranged with the Timaru Herald to come down and have a word and maybe get a photo with the proviso that the story not be printed until Saturday. The day we were leaving. This was purely a security measure as there are a few low life’s in the Timaru area that would desire some HD’s and Triumphs and the Ducati.

Timaru south to Waimate, Kurow, Omarama, Cromwell, Wanaka, Cadrona Valley, Crown range, Queenstown, Alexandra, Milton, Mosgiel, Ranfurly, Palmerston, Oamaru, to Timaru and finish.

The final day. Steve was out really early with a view to making sure he was not last back.

Steve was finally first rider back and it was some time before the next rider, Barry came home.

He was followed a while later by Clive, and Richard. They were followed Paul, Dave B, Andrew B, Corinne, Andrew C, Murray, Ray L, Dave B, Phil, Ian, Ray N, Cam and Mike.

All riders waited outside in the car park having a quite or ale or two waiting until the next rider came in. Each rider was greeted enthusiastically and as each turned into the car park they were stopped and had photo taken while still on the bike in all their riding gear. There were handshakes and congratulations from all riders to each other.

Over the 10 days each rider became part of a big family, with 17 new and very firm friends.

Meals were ordered, and there was an opportunity for an inside group photo. After a short presentation of the official finishers patch, riders were off to the restaurant to get the final meal together, apart from breakfast tomorrow.

Departed Timaru to Dunedin, and Balcutha, then via Catlins to Owaka, Fortrose, Invercargill, Lumsden, Gore, Tapanui, Raes Junction, Milton, Dunedin, Oamaru, To Timaru

1003km. Total Kms 10,072km.

So came the end of the longest toughest road rally ever in New Zealand, there are 17 riders who hold the Super Tour Patch. Their dedication and endurance is beyond question and those who wear the patch are deserving of admiration and respect, their efforts and dedication made the two years of work putting it all together worthwhile.

The biggest thanks go to Brian Rusty for his efforts and time in designing an incredible 10 day route. Thanks also thanks to Tony and Jim S Rusty for their efforts as checkpoint personal over the run.

The weather was mostly king to the riders, who for the most part had good riding weather, so thanks to the weather gods.

The riders are now part of the New Zealand’s motorcycling history. It is the riders who make history not the bikes. Well done to everyone.

The final act....

A professional photographer was arranged to take a photo of all the bikes and riders outside the Grosenver Hotel at 8am the next morning for the hotel itself. It will be in the pub in due course. I will arrange for all riders to get a copy.

Super Tour 10,000km 10 days, 2010.