Thompsons Track, take 2 [Archive]

Crisis management

1st April 2010, 18:48

Ok, a few of you have murmured about joining the ship of fools for a second attempt at it, how about next weekend (10th or 11th) with a "bring whatever you want" sort of policy.
I've got tyres with tread now so will take the 640 unless I'm by myself, in which case it'll be the 200......

Disclaimer, I've still got to negotiate this (with the high commander) and am planning on lots of good deeds about the house this weekend to get a leave pass for next weekend.

So suggestions, commitments and any other stuff you feel is useful. :blink:

rogerh

1st April 2010, 19:28

I am keen. Will work on a leave pass.

.chris

1st April 2010, 19:35

Yes I am keen, shall be on the 690. Will also have to check with the boss but am definitely interested.
I am guessing it is muddy as hell in there, and my 80% worn Sahara 3's will be less than idea. Might be time for another TKC.

dino3310

1st April 2010, 19:59

shes as dry as she'll ever be at the moment, tkc would be a good idea over the saharas.
to far for me to walk so i'l just wave from a far:wavey:

Crisis management

2nd April 2010, 07:16

Might be time for another TKC.

Try a Michelin T63, cheaper and last longer with the same performance....
Last time it was almost any tyre would do up from the waikato side but the other side is apparently more muddy, good tyres would probably be a good idea!

Be prepared to lower tyre pressures as well, I was skipping & wheelspinning everywhere until I got the rear down to 15PSI.

Sounds good guys, looks like we have a quorum, any preferences for which day?

Iain

.chris

2nd April 2010, 12:20

Try a Michelin T63, cheaper and last longer with the same performance....
Last time it was almost any tyre would do up from the waikato side but the other side is apparently more muddy, good tyres would probably be a good idea!

Be prepared to lower tyre pressures as well, I was skipping & wheelspinning everywhere until I got the rear down to 15PSI.

Sounds good guys, looks like we have a quorum, any preferences for which day?

Iain

Yeah, I think I should maybe look at the more budget tire options now that I am mortgaged.
I am keen for either day, preference would probably be the Saturday tho, would we day trip it? Ride down in the AM, do the track and back in the avo/evening. Pub dinner on the way home...

young1

2nd April 2010, 16:30

Sorry still not talking you Crisis since you sold "my" exhausts with the bike!

Crisis management

2nd April 2010, 17:09

Yeah, I think I should maybe look at the more budget tire options now that I am mortgaged.
I am keen for either day, preference would probably be the Saturday tho, would we day trip it? Ride down in the AM, do the track and back in the avo/evening. Pub dinner on the way home...
Saturday would suit me, I was only planning on a day trip, last time I had half of it done and was out by 1pm so I can't see it taking more than a 2 or 3 hours more to plod through the slower stuff. I was going to suggest 10.00am at te aroha as a meeting point (It took me 2 hours from the city on the back roads to get there).

Sorry still not talking you Crisis since you sold "my" exhausts with the bike!

So I shouldn't mention the pair of Akra's I got offered last week...couldn't think of anyone that would want them so said no? :shit:

Are you going on the King country ride later this month, it's been ages since we met for a drink?

Iain

dino3310

2nd April 2010, 17:28

and was out by 1pm so I can't see it taking more than a 2 or 3 hours more to plod through the slower stuff.
Iain
:lol: :lol: yeah 2-3 or 5-6 some days are good some days are down right nasty :lol:

young1

4th April 2010, 09:35

So I shouldn't mention the pair of Akra's I got offered last week...couldn't think of anyone that would want them so said no? :shit:

Are you going on the King country ride later this month, it's been ages since we met for a drink?

Iain

Bastard!! ha ha

Leanne and I are off overseas for 4 weeks in May on holiday so unfortunately not. But it would have been nice to catch up for a drink Iain.

Mike

MXNUT

6th April 2010, 20:22

Hey Crisis, i could be interested in tagging along for this as its been a few years since i have done thompsons and then it was on the dirt bike.

What day have you decided on ???

Crisis management

7th April 2010, 07:35

What day have you decided on ???

So far I'm thinking of saturday and, hopefully Roger & Chris will actually post up whether they have decided to come and which day would suit them...hint, hint!

Cheers
Iain

rogerh

7th April 2010, 08:35

So far I'm thinking of saturday and, hopefully Roger & Chris will actually post up whether they have decided to come and which day would suit them...hint, hint!

Cheers
Iain

Hint taken! Will be there Saturday. (Could do either at a pinch) I will trailer my bike across, so I can bring no 1 son and his YZ80 as well.

.chris

7th April 2010, 10:30

Hint taken! Will be there Saturday. (Could do either at a pinch) I will trailer my bike across, so I can bring no 1 son and his YZ80 as well.

I am keen for saturday, will be running my half worn Sahara 3 tho, but I am always up for a challenge.
I might not make it as far as you guys, but am not afraid of a bit of a hike to get some photos.

Crisis management

7th April 2010, 11:04

Hint taken! Will be there Saturday.

I am keen for saturday,

Saturday it is, meet at Te Aroha at 10.00am (somewhere in the main street it's only 100m long) and have some fun. Chris, the forecast for the next 3 days is dry so you may well surprise yourself on the Saharas', there is also us to help push.......

rogerh

7th April 2010, 11:09

I am told the track in in a pretty good state at the moment, as they ran a bulldozer through there a few weeks back. Waikato side anyway. Other side can be tough from what I have heard, but never been there. Saharas should be OK i would imagine.

bvaut

7th April 2010, 13:01

Have fun, we tried from the Katikati end last weekend and managed about 1.5km from the car park before calling it a day. We came to a clearing about 60 m long with 5 - 6 bogs holes in it and no easy way around them. The first bog was over the boots and more and the others looked not much better. Didn't see much point busting arse to get over it and then having to get back aross it later. We did meet some mountain bikers who biked over and were on a return trip to Te Arhoa, they said there was plenty more bogs like this which we would have to cross before wer hit the top. So pleased we wissed out then.

rogerh

7th April 2010, 13:26

Maybe I am getting chicken in my old age, but I will not go into a bog I cannot see the bottom of these days. I get bored dragging my bike around, and do not like to punish it more than I need to, so I am good with being a chicken. The 640 is also a pretty serious anchor when stuck (DAMHIK....).

Crisis management

7th April 2010, 14:12

General note......my ride rules are simple:

We stay together and no one gets left by themselves.
Whenever we reach a point of anyone feeling like thats far enough we turn around.

Sounds about what I expected on the Tauranga side so it should be interesting!

.chris

7th April 2010, 14:55

Crisis management

7th April 2010, 15:54

Are we going to there-and-back it, or just a up to the top and back?

Dunno at this stage, seeing as you are on questionable tyres, Roger has his son in tow and we don't know what the "other" side is really like I thought we would wing it.....with Roger trailering there I supppose it is logical to expect to come back out the way we came.
Last time I found the waikato side quite rideable, you won't have a problem and that seems to end at a summit so getting that far is a given, it's just what the other bit is like after that. I would like to attempt the other side and see how we go, like I said before, when we feel it's far enough, we can turn around.

rogerh

7th April 2010, 16:06

Dunno at this stage, seeing as you are on questionable tyres, Roger has his son in tow and we don't know what the "other" side is really like I thought we would wing it.....with Roger trailering there I supppose it is logical to expect to come back out the way we came.
Last time I found the waikato side quite rideable, you won't have a problem and that seems to end at a summit so getting that far is a given, it's just what the other bit is like after that. I would like to attempt the other side and see how we go, like I said before, when we feel it's far enough, we can turn around.

Seems good to me. Son in tow may be able to get further than me on the 640! He did fine in some if the wires stuff last weekend. (I was not on the 640!) I will look after him, and we may turn around at some point on the other side seperate from you two, but I think winging it is good, and we will decide at the time. Lots of side tracks too I am told. Keen to look at anything really.

dino3310

7th April 2010, 16:52

and make note of any deer sign:shifty:

tri boy

7th April 2010, 19:08

Hi Ian.
Sorry about not replying earlier, but the laptop shat itself just before Easter, and I have just got it back.
My Sat/Sundays have got a bit disorganised, so I won't commit yet, but hopefully I can find time to a: Get the mighty 200 prep ed for a killing, and b:get some balls.
Please go ahead with this lunacy with or without me, as I am voyeuristic by nature.

MXNUT

7th April 2010, 21:54

Saturday it is, meet at Te Aroha at 10.00am (somewhere in the main street it's only 100m long) and have some fun.

Right 10.00am Saturday it is then, see you there.

rogerh

8th April 2010, 20:59

Right 10.00am Saturday it is then, see you there.

Mark. You riding across? Or would a lift on the trailer be useful? I have a spare slot. Copied your trailer rig:yes:

MXNUT

9th April 2010, 19:05

Mark. You riding across? Or would a lift on the trailer be useful? I have a spare slot. Copied your trailer rig:yes:

Looks like great weather tommorow so i will ride across thanks Roger.

dino3310

9th April 2010, 23:41

watch out for the 4wheel bunnys and have fun guys

Crisis management

10th April 2010, 18:07

No deer sign Dean... mind you I wasn't quite sure what sort of tagging they did so I may have missed something.

Very briefly:
Drier than a couple of weeks ago, a beautiful day with incredible scenery, we got within 3kms of the Kati Kati end (if the GPS is to be believed) before chickening out (me) at a somewhat deep bog hole.
Marks' bike is now known as the yellow submarine and I had to hose the mud out of my boots when I got home so I could get them off my feet.

I didn't fall over! :gob:

Chris has got some incriminating pics which I'm sure he will post up.

Thanks to Chris, Mark, Roger & Alex for making the day enjoyable. :Punk: I'm off for a beer.

dino3310

10th April 2010, 18:29

nice one mate

rogerh

10th April 2010, 18:31

Yep. An excellent day. I don't regret being a chicken.

We didn't realise quite how stuffed we were until we got home. But I am thinking I will go back while the drought lasts, and explore some of the side tracks. Don't think I would bother trying to get right through as I don't like being too nasty to the machinery, and swimming in mud is not my thing...

Thanks guys

.chris

10th April 2010, 19:40

Was a bloody excellent ride, was not very muddy, and hardly a drop of water anywhere. We are definitely in a drought!
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cIUM2tOIXyAmChK_YTXoag?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8ApB7kvf2I/AAAAAAAAIZs/gFwMYN68RqY/s800/IMG_4299.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/c.p.whitehead/ADVThompsonsTrack?feat=embedwebsite">ADV Thompsons Track</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ec2dLEQNBGvcpF5HO-C8ow?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8Ao4TmMWdI/AAAAAAAAIZQ/I4SYvPcIR54/s800/IMG_4237.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/c.p.whitehead/ADVThompsonsTrack?feat=embedwebsite">ADV Thompsons Track</a></td></tr></table>

More photos with the use of the clicky clicky mouse (http://picasaweb.google.com/c.p.whitehead/ADVThompsonsTrack?feat=embedwebsite)

Box'a'bits

10th April 2010, 19:49

Holy shit! Just had a look at your photo series Chris. Them there ruts are some serious shit..:shit:..Wouldn't want to be there if it wasn't a drought. You could fall in some of those holes & never be seen again! How do people get through when there's water about - raft them?

.chris

10th April 2010, 19:53

What a great sequence.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8Ao8uCWooI/AAAAAAAAIZg/ivuhhw1bLdc/s400/IMG_4296.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8Ao-UepjhI/AAAAAAAAIZk/MBJEMUNy_Xc/s400/IMG_4297.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8ApAN_1wTI/AAAAAAAAIZo/VW0KlNqJMig/s400/IMG_4298.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8ApB7kvf2I/AAAAAAAAIZs/gFwMYN68RqY/s400/IMG_4299.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8AulL-dpbI/AAAAAAAAIbI/57pjELTxCxk/s400/IMG_4300.JPG

Crisis management

10th April 2010, 19:56

What a great sequence.

Thanks for taking the time to photograph Chris, I've just been showing my wife and she is highly impressed!

Must admit it looks wetter than I thought it was, have a look at the off road forum thread on Thompsons there are some pics of the bit we didn't get to.

Padmei

10th April 2010, 20:11

Great pics. Serious stuff - welldone

.chris

10th April 2010, 20:17

Thanks for taking the time to photograph Chris, I've just been showing my wife and she is highly impressed!

No worries, impressing the ladies is what is all about! right?
I am pretty impressed to get through the day without incident on the Sahara's, I was a bit worried I would get seriously stuck on some easy bit, which would just be embarrassing.

Great effort getting through that last bog hole Mark, you made it look pretty easy (not quite easy enough for us to be convinced to go through tho)

Kokopelli

10th April 2010, 20:36

What a great sequence.

Sure is. I bet this was before you guys got to that big drained mud hole. I'd have expect to see some skeleton, or at least some old bike parts down there. A bit like the La Brea tar pits.

dino3310

10th April 2010, 20:42

Holy shit! How do people get through when there's water about - raft them?

machete and go around

.chris

10th April 2010, 20:59

Sure is. I bet this was before you guys got to that big drained mud hole. I'd have expect to see some skeleton, or at least some old bike parts down there. A bit like the La Brea tar pits.

Nope, that was on the way back up to the top, not long after that big mud hole. Mark was the only one who went through it, the rest of us were more sensible/less talented.

I do have a a few more photos, but I do not want to upload them and have Mark ban me from the KCAR. Mark do you want them uploaded?

rogerh

10th April 2010, 21:02

Great effort getting through that last bog hole Mark, you made it look pretty easy (not quite easy enough for us to be convinced to go through tho)

Too true! But I know looking easy does not mean it is. I would have made a pigs arse of it if I had tried. Good riding.

machete and go around

And a spade:blink: At least!

Thanks for taking the time to photograph Chris

Yeah. Good pics. I seem to be fairly consistent in producing crappy pics myself. These are great, and it does make it look wetter than it felt. Or maybe I had my rose tinted specs on.....

MXNUT

11th April 2010, 10:16

I do have a a few more photos, but I do not want to upload them and have Mark ban me from the KCAR. Mark do you want them uploaded?
If i banned them they would only mysteriously surface later on so........... go for your life.

MXNUT

11th April 2010, 10:34

:2thumbsup:2thumbsup Chris , that first photo of Iain that you posted is awesome.
Nice Work.

.chris

11th April 2010, 12:28

If i banned them they would only mysteriously surface later on so........... go for your life.

I feel like I may have hyped the photos a bit more than the deserve, I think people will be expecting you upside down in a bog with your bike on top or something.

Anyway, an amsuing sequence, almost more for rogers antics as much as yours I reckon.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8EWJMbED3I/AAAAAAAAIbo/qpQbpHjli1w/s400/IMG_4242.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8EWLPgPPSI/AAAAAAAAIbs/GnYb5FfwwoI/s400/IMG_4244.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8EWNELYY9I/AAAAAAAAIbw/LrTxAKPkSLI/s400/IMG_4246.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8EWPf1v8jI/AAAAAAAAIb4/JMnQylOpClI/s400/IMG_4247.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8EWRdiNRXI/AAAAAAAAIb8/pFByaJaAy14/s400/IMG_4248.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8EWTcoq-9I/AAAAAAAAIcA/Pc0LHHbycLA/s400/IMG_4250.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8EWVaAHqbI/AAAAAAAAIcE/CoRA5u1pkr4/s400/IMG_4251.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8EWXVY6PQI/AAAAAAAAIcM/MjI0qDfBaKo/s400/IMG_4252.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8EWZRWfNyI/AAAAAAAAIcQ/llJNVUQlyZg/s400/IMG_4253.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8EWbZA77WI/AAAAAAAAIcU/YLpTSfahxIk/s400/IMG_4255.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8EWfORTp6I/AAAAAAAAIcc/E1eiEQhAKyc/s400/IMG_4258.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8EWit1XdTI/AAAAAAAAIco/dZUC77ymxKo/s400/IMG_4260.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8AshMkgOUI/AAAAAAAAIaw/1IJZfUaBbdc/s400/IMG_4261.JPG

rogerh

11th April 2010, 18:14

Anyway, an amsuing sequence, almost more for rogers antics as much as yours I reckon.

Yep. That would be me. Elegant as always.

I actually reckon this is a really good shot. Damn he made that look easy!

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gr4w3OEMfJs/S8Ao5ffYUMI/AAAAAAAAIZU/4_nEDWdY5Q8/s640/IMG_4229.JPG

Now if I had a crack, there could have been some real entertainment....