Important rider preparation information!
It is important that all DB1K riders read this page in full. This is a requirement of participating in the ride as per the disclaimer of liability waiver.
What to expect from the 2012 DB1K
The DB1K event consists of a 1000 km sealed, gravel road and off road route. It will take you on a journey through remote sections of the South Island offering absolutely spectacular scenery, however it is important to keep in mind this is no dawdle in the park, nor even a typical trail or road ride. Riders must endure a 1000 km route that is physically and mentally draining and will require between 10 and 15 hours of riding a day depending on your riding skill. The DB1K is not intended for the faint hearted!
Route navigation
Riders must navigate the route using either a GPS or roll chart. Both the GPS files and roll chart file are available on the Downloads Page. It is important to be competent using one of these forms of navigation or travel in a group with someone who is. It is advised that groups should have at least two riders with navigation information in case one gets momentarily lost
DB1K Route terrain (excluding the challenge sections)
A large portion of the route is made up of sealed roads, gravel roads and good off-road tracks that are more scenic than challenging, However there are sections that require a reasonable level of rider skill. Some of the terrain encountered will include steep inclines and declines, rough terrain, rutted sections, slippery/muddy terrain and stream and river crossings. Excluding the challenge sections, the route is suitable for riders with a medium level of off-road skills.
DB1K challenge section terrain
The challenge sections offer the competent off-road rider some seriously challenging and fun terrain to sink their teeth into. These challenge sections should only be tackled by riders with good off-road riding skills. The terrain encountered will include terrain that will challenge your bike control skills over extended rough, steep, rutted, deep bogs and multiple stream/river crossings. These sections will also challenge your fortitude as you navigate tracks sidling past very high steep slopes and bluffs.
By way of example, a video showing one of the challenge sections from the 2011 DB1K can be found here.Remote High Country Environment
Much of the route is at sub-alpine to alpine altitudes. While this ride is being run in the middle of summer, rain, wind and cold temperatures should be expected. All riders must therefore be prepared for high altitude severe weather conditions and carry appropriate warm and waterproof personal equipment for these conditions. This is especially important as on many parts of the route should a motorbike break down, the distance to shelter could require many hours of travelling on foot.
General hazards
General hazards along the DB1K route include but are not limited to: road vehicles, farm vehicles, dogs, stock (sheep and cattle mainly), other wildlife (e.g. wallabies), gates, poor condition cattle stops, road washouts, sharp bends, and blind crests. In general, approach hazards which reduce your sight distance with caution. Riders doing the challenge sections naturally have a significant increase of hazards to be cautious of.
Road rules apply
A very large proportion of the route is on public roads, including gravel roads and public access unformed legal roads (paper roads). Therefore there could be other people travelling these roads so riders must obey the road rules at all times. All bikes must have a current registration and warrant of fitness.
Protective gear
It is highly advised to wear as much protective gear as possible. DB1K riders must comply with the road rules and wear suitable clothing, including gloves and an approved helmet. Riders should ideally wear protective gear appropriate for the ride including, but not limited to: gloves, riding jacket with armour or armour suit, riding pants with hip armour/padding, knee guards or knee brace, protective riding boots.
Fuel stops
Some sections of the DB1K route cover long distances between fuel stops. It is important to check the fuel stop chart to ensure your bike can cover the required distance on one tank of gas, or if necessary you will need to carry additional gas in a New Zealand Standards compliant fuel container.
Tools
It is essential that at least one rider within your group carries a comprehensive toolkit and that a rider in your group knows how to carry out basic maintenance on your bike. Be aware that most bikes require tools that are specific to that model. A good example is axle nut sizes as these are often large and of uncommon sizes. Having a set of tools to perform a basic roadside repair can be the difference between getting back on the road in 15 minutes or ruining your whole day. As punctures are common on the challenge sections but possible anywhere, it is recommended to carry spare tubes. There is no bike recovery service provided for this ride.
First aid kit and emergency locator beacons
It is strongly advised that at least one rider within your group carries a first aid kit and somebody knows basic first aid. If a rider in your group has an emergency locator beacon (personal locator beacon), ensure all riders in your group know where it is stored and how and when to activate it.
Fire extinguisher
Some of the sections of the DB1K pass through forestry blocks, and much through grassland areas so it is a requirement of entry that all bikes have a spark arrestor fitted and carry a fire extinguisher. Small lightweight extinguishers can be purchased for as little as $20 from places like Bunnings, The Warehouse, Mitre 10, etc. Here is a link to information on the Tandra fire extinguisher.
Rider Etiquette
Keep to the track: the route traverses private farmland and unfenced unformed legal roads (paper roads) through farmland that farmers have kindly allowed us to ride. Please respect these farmers by keeping to the track and not intentionally ripping the surface.
If you want to pass another rider: please toot your horn to let them know you want to pass, then wait for them to wave you through. The rider may wave you through using their hand or leg or may give you a nod.
If you are travelling slower than others: keep an eye and ear out for other riders, if someone toots wanting to pass, keep left and either wave them through or give them a nod.
Passing stock: please try to pass stock with as little disturbance as possible. Unnecessary noise may upset stock and cause them to injure themselves or break through fences.
Gates: please leave all gates as you find them. One of the best group riding systems for opening and shutting gates is for the lead rider to open the gate, allow all riders from the group to go through, then shut the gate and take up the last position in the group. The rider who now leads the group opens the next gate and repeats the pattern. This way gate opening duties are shared throughout the group, and there is absolutely no confusion regarding whether a gate should be shut or not.
Rubbish: please dispose of all rubbish responsibly. It is best to carry your rubbish to your next fuel stop.
