DB1k 2011 route planning

[cooneyr]

Seems its time to start thinking about the route for the DB1k 2011. We have two choices:
run a modified Northern Course
or run a modified Southern Course

So far there as been a bit of talk about the northern course and it probably is time to head north again so lets hear your suggestions for modifying the northern course at this stage. I'd like to see the section south of Murchison dropped or put another way I'd like to retain Altimarlock Climb, Molesworth, Rainbow, Porika and Breaburn. Any other sections are fair game for alteration.

Lets hear your thoughts.

Cheers R

[cooneyr]

A bunch of recent posts from the 2010 run thread to get things started.


......Just a thought...... how about the track from Elaine bay to Penzance, if we could get access, it's Undergrounds back yard so he may have some idea there, still a lot of seal but it's not in and out the same way


If you're referring to the pylon track then you can't have ridden it lately. I was there in January, and it's seriously difficult. Very rocky, rutty, and steep. OK on a 250, but near impossible for the average chap on a bigger bike.....


I've had the Africa Twin through there from the elaine end and spent half an hour picking it up and wrestling it out of one crossing .
Had to turn back twice from the Penzance end and even dropped the 400 on one successful attempt.
Not the place to go after a shower of rain .
I'm not sure what it is about that track (thought it was just my riding) as it doesnt seem to have anything more difficult than alot of other tracks and trails we ride .
Its just tricky for some reason.
I thought it would have been dry enough for you Chris , but I'd kind of overlooked the smooth tyre / large bundle of luggage factor :slap: at least you made the ferry on time .


This Official DB1K 2010 thread was started June 24th last year so the Official DB1K 2011 thread must be imminent....

Its here! :yes:


For the northern route a bypass thru Picton, Waikawa, top of the hill then it's a cool deviation along the 'shortcut road' along the ridges which comes out in the OPua forest then down along the Port Underwood rd thru to Rarangi & Blenheim to the Molesworth.
The sealed bits are fun no matter what you're riding & if you want dust the Rarangi end of the port underwood road has ample.


Interesting.........
I've only been through on 4 wheels and didn't think there was anything tooooo difficult about it,
Sounds like it needs some attention, including the tracks going up from Okiwi bay


Annnnd has the loop track thingy at the Rarangi end...

Need to have a look at that one some time...


Be great,----if we could do the Clarence river
(A) @ the top (lake tennison end) & go over st James station etc.after all we,as tax payers have paid over $40,000,000 for it.:shit:
(B) the bottom (Clarence reserve) Still :gob: not happy the open day was canned in March,course of the crappy weather etc.:sick:--Oh! well---had fun anyway.:yes:
ALANE

[Padmei]

There is a loop thru the Hira forest that is big bike capable that could be incorporated at the start to add up some Kms. It would be a similar to what we rode last weekend with a few challenge sections for 9x0 adv riders. The only prob is that due to the twisty nature of the roads it wouldn't be fast (well fast & safe).

In fact it may be a bad idea as it took quite a while to get everyone up the maungatapu last time so early in the day. Maybe some longer faster stretches may be better or the days willl be too long.

Ohoh what about a there & back trip to Kenepuru sound & across to crail bay? The seal part is spectacularly cool to ride & the gravel even better. Has been very dusty tho the last few times thru there. ABout an hour 1/2 ish? each way back to linkwater but the scenery is superb.

[CrazyFrog]

If we are looking at a top of the south route again next year, I'd agree with Ryan about dropping the section south of Maruia Saddle down to Palmers Rd, maybe substitute it with Doughboy Rd (with permission) back to Murchison.
We could include Matiri Valley Rd just north of Murchison, miss the return trip thru Mangles Valley to the Braeburn again (as this would be on the route heading south). Gap it to Glenhope/Sherry River Rd where the Frogmiester knows of some good open forestry sections, easy riding, just need to be careful with the navigation.
There is the option of Whangapeka road to Rolling Junction or further on to the road end, a there-and-back section similar to Palmers Rd, but great riding nonetheless. Nearly all gravel until you get back to Tui and Tapawera for fuel....oh hang on, they are closed at night. Might have to rethink the fuel planning and distances.
We could also look at Mt Patriarch in the Marlborough area or Lake Chalice at least on the climb up there, as an option for the Mangatapu section if its still closed next summer. It's a handy route close to the Onumalutu loop we did last time.
Leaving Nelson, the Hira/Sharlands forestry area could be fun but prolly no go being a restricted access area, gates are only unlocked 8am on weekends.
Personally, I wouldn't bother with the Elaine Bay to Penznace off road part, way too much tar seal for a very weather dependant slippery clay track- yes, track not a gravel road, and often has trees down, not big bike friendly really. Nice light chook chasers like mine would love it.
Waikawa Bay to Rarangi gets the nod though, but once again, bit of a tar seal section to Picton.
Forget about the Clarence, it's way off the intended route, miles of sealed road to get there, DOC is way too restrictive with access in there, and it can be lethal on big bikes if it's wet, a mate nearly put his new Tenere down the bank after sliding on greasy clay back in April.
We need to remind ourselves, this is a 1000km day, so slow riding technical tracks are prolly not the best option for reaching the 1 day milestone.
I love maps...... route planning comes a close second.:yes:

[XF650]

I vote for option two, before the DB heads north again.
Eg: similar route but in reverse?

[cooneyr]

Noride - you mentioned a loop track thingame near Rarangi. What did you mean by this?

I'm pondering ideas at the moment. Going to look at maps more tonight but I have an idea brewing for the Northern Route. Need more input from the NN guys.

[NordieBoy]

It's called the something Loop Track...
Northern end (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=41%C2%B0+22.590'S+174%C2%B0+3.889'E&sll=-41.384666,174.042492&sspn=0.049908,0.1054&ie=UTF8&ll=-41.377002,174.063606&spn=0.024957,0.0527&t=h&z=15) of the track.

Possibly something to do with Mt Robertson? (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=mt+robertson&sll=-41.348528,174.022322&sspn=0.012484,0.02635&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Mt+Robertson&ll=-41.357484,174.028845&spn=0.049929,0.1054&t=h&z=14)

[Padmei]

It's called the something Loop Track...
Northern end (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=41%C2%B0+22.590'S+174%C2%B0+3.889'E&sll=-41.384666,174.042492&sspn=0.049908,0.1054&ie=UTF8&ll=-41.377002,174.063606&spn=0.024957,0.0527&t=h&z=15) of the track.

Possibly something to do with Mt Robertson? (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=mt+robertson&sll=-41.348528,174.022322&sspn=0.012484,0.02635&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Mt+Robertson&ll=-41.357484,174.028845&spn=0.049929,0.1054&t=h&z=14)


Will make enquiries...

[Underground]

The French Pass / Bulwer area may be worth a visit .
From Rai Valley back to Rai Valley (if you visit both FP and Bulwer) is about 175km with 100km being gravel .
I'm not sure if this gives a good enough gravel to seal ratio but its worth considering , I can even open a gate or two for a bit of a challenge loop .
Oh and dont get hung up on 'in out' routes , they are all public roads so we arent going to crash into each other, are we ? A road is a completely different ride in the opposite direction , I ride in and out of here all the time and never get sick of it .
Personally , I'm in the ' I dont care where so long as I'm there ' group .

[JATZ]

.Personally , I'm in the ' I dont care where so long as I'm there ' group .

Same here :D
and I like Maruia saddle and Palmer rd

[NordieBoy]

Same here :D
and I like Maruia saddle and Palmer rd

Even if the gate is locked :(

[Padmei]

Same here :D
and I like Maruia saddle

One of my all time great spots.

[cooneyr]

KML of very rough outline of a route idea here (http://www.advroutes.org.nz/db1k11/DB1k%2011%20Route%20V2.kml). 950km with as the crow flies though most if the wiggly bits. Still need to check if there is over 50% gravel but the more the better so any gravel bits generally along the line that are worth adding in let me know.

Need to check out a number of sections of the track though

forest tracks between Brightwater, Spooners, Kikiwa,
see if we can get down the northern side of Wairau (will need private property access and to get across Goulter River),
waikawa to rarangi (including loop that Nordie just posted about)
pretty much all of the route from Glenhope to Upper Moutere


Looking to go back along the new Ruby Bay bypass (need to modify the file) since it should just be opened by then.

Comments welcome. Feel free to go exploring NN guys :yes:

Cheers R

[topo]

I like the concept route Ryan, i was talking with the mother inlaw who lives opp the section on the nothern side of the wairau, she gave me a name to chase up so i'll get into that later this week.

you deffinately need to include a loop up the wairoa gorge behind wakefield and the tracks from st arnurd back to tap (see crazyfrog's 7 sumits ride thread for the route).

i reccon keep the track as technical as possible, might stop people on 1200gs's thinking they can do it in under 16hrs! oh and compulsary eftpos receipts at each/every fuel stop to proove full route was done (no skipping hanmer) - SORRY I KEEP FORGETTING IT'S NOT A RACE.

[cooneyr]

Yo Frogmeister you got the GPS file/s for the 7 Summits ride. Could you email me a copy please.



Route Information
The route will be ridden as a “follow the leader” ride for the first 200km to St Arnaud, due to the “Bugger, I’ve taken the wrong turn” nature of some of the forestry roads. GPS route file can be emailed if anyone wants one.

The stage through Stanley Brook is being revised slightly following my Pre Run recon ride last week, so differs slightly from the GPS route file. I haven’t been able to figure out how to join two tracks on the GPS file, hence the follow the leader thing going on!

Link to the Seven Summits ride (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/104638-Seven-Summits-Spring-Safari) for my reference later.

Cheers R

[Woodman]

all sounds good, bit can't oipen the file kml thingy.

South or North is fine with me, but the last one would take a lot of beating imho.

[rogerh]

i reccon keep the track as technical as possible
I am keen on this too, but the more technical the more difficult to get the 1000km in the time. But for me it is more about fun than achievement. Are challenge loops the answer to that?



South or North is fine with me, but the last one would take a lot of beating imho.
Too true, but I have not riden around the northern south much. Another vote for either.

[warewolf]

Looking to go back along the new Ruby Bay bypassOld Coach Road? Although it's split in to three pieces by the bypass.

[cooneyr]

Old Coach Road? Although it's split in to three pieces by the bypass.

Sounds like the best of both worlds. Get to see the latest and gratest project in Upper SI from a gravel road near by.

Cheers R

[.chris]

damn you guys planning this out in the open, making me read it... tempting me...

Going to try to make it again. Will depend on how the rest of the year goes work wise, but I am damn keen.
I plan tol finish off my cut short NZ wide trip from earlier in the year and cover the east coast of the north on the way there(or back)

[Buddha#81]

damn you guys planning this out in the open, making me read it... tempting me...

Going to try to make it again. Will depend on how the rest of the year goes work wise, but I am damn keen.
I plan tol finish off my cut short NZ wide trip from earlier in the year and cover the east coast of the north on the way there(or back)

Hahahaha x 2.......I mite have to convert the pig back to an adventure bike and give this a nudge!

[helenoftroy]

Hahahaha x 2.......I mite have to convert the pig back to an adventure bike and give this a nudge!

You would love it Budda!

Am very much hoping my boy(Casualty) and I do the next one

Dont mind where!!

[Skinny_Birdman]

You would love it Budda!

Am very much hoping my boy(Casualty) and I do the next one

Dont mind where!!

You gotta talk Mrs B into it too, yet, Helen. Incidentally, I've been working up around Rarangi and Mt Robertson recently, and I'm pretty sure there ain't no legal vehicle access over the loop track. A walking track and DoC 'quad' access yes, but I'm thinking no riding. The part around Mt Robertson (which is off the loop, I realise) would be, um, challenging in the extreme, even if you could secure access. We cheated, and flew up in a chopper....

I think I'd be up for the Southern course again, ma' sel'

Cheers
A

[Aslan]

Ryan and others - whatever you decide will be fine I'm sure - However I think this years Southern course would take a lot of beating and is my preference - cheers Aslan

[cold comfort]

I'm also in agreeance there. It was great to ride some of that area again on the Brass working bee. (of course the Danseys was nothing compared to the intrepid explorers experience a few weeks later!) A "Top of the South" could be doable too with some annual leave.

[Buddha#81]

You would love it Budda!

Am very much hoping my boy(Casualty) and I do the next one

Dont mind where!!

Hmmmmmmmmm Team Bucket? I dont mind riding with Sam (unlimited parts supply)

[Skinny_Birdman]

Weeelll, if you take your bucket you'll almost qualify for the Small Bore Challenge.....

[Crim]

I am a DBK1k virgin so haven't an opinion either way, but after talking to a few old hands getting excited already and starting to think of improvements I can do to my lighting while I am replacing my Doo and wondering whether 4mm tubes and new tyres might be wise come the time?

[Transalper]

I vote to repeat the southern route.
Either way I'm in for the two dayer so long as the date don't clash with my likely trip north christmas/new year.

New tyres I would consider helpful, even a good idea, but not exactly must have unless it's raining or has been raining and turned the route greasy.

[Skinny_Birdman]

I am a DBK1k virgin so haven't an opinion either way, but after talking to a few old hands getting excited already and starting to think of improvements I can do to my lighting while I am replacing my Doo and wondering whether 4mm tubes and new tyres might be wise come the time?

TA and I have had a few discussions about the merits of heavy duty tubes, too, given that you will be carrying spares in any case, and heavy duty tubes are a real barsteward to fit (at least for incompetents like me - you may be a tyre changing legend, of course).I ended up pulling them out of my TT, and never had a problem, even in some fairly pointy environments. Lighting improvements are probably not required if you are doing the two dayer, although might be useful for the one day ride. I used a headlight on my helmet last year, which I found useful when off the bike (opening gates etc) but a mixed blessing while riding. The additional light from a higher angle seemed to wipe out the shadows cast by ruts etc, actually making such features harder to see:shit:. I gave up and relied on the XLR's feeble headlight (and slowed down a bit).

Cheers
A

[Crim]

Lighting improvements are probably not required if you are doing the two dayer, although might be useful for the one day ride. A

I will definitely be sticking to the two day format (first year anyway) - but have been caught out having to travel in the dark on the KLR and think a lighting improve may be overdue anyway. I also planted the "a garmin might be nice for your car, Dear" seed last night!
Cheers

[Transalper]

TA and I have had a few discussions about the merits of heavy duty tubes....Indeed, I should have mentioned to finish that I have gone back to running standard tubes.
The heavy duty stuff is supposed to resist pinch flats more than standard tubes. That's the only advantage I know about.
All my flats have been nails, including one that took out a new and really quite expensive HD tube.
If you don't let your pressures down too much and ride the sharp stuff at less than full speed you will find you can mostly avoid the pinch potential anyway.
Cheers
TA.

[NordieBoy]

I've never had a pinch flat and only a mousse would have prevented the others.

[Skinny_Birdman]

only a moose would have prevented the others.
That's right, so Crim, make sure you pack one of these.
http://clouddragon.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/moose.jpg

...I'll get me coat.

[thepom]

ha ah ha ha looks like my ex wife.........I might be interested in a gps too but as I have never used one it would need to be simple.......

[thepom]

Hey Crim,I had no problems riding with mitas eo-7 and I had normal tubes too,I now have heavy duty tubes but have not fitted them yet and wonder if they are really necessary?....the two day dusty was fab and I ,d do it again or anything that is decided....

[cromagnon]

I've never had a pinch flat and only a mousse would have prevented the others.

I have had pinch flats, but only when fitting new tyres :pinch:. I am keeping an eye on this thread and will make sure I keep the weekend free next year. North or south? Both sound good.

[umopom]

Hi Cooneyr
I vote north this year - would be good to include Maruia saddle and a loop round/up Old Sow (Sherry lookout) via Christian Creek & Dart River roads and perhaps Supplejack (UMO) to top of Spooners or Eves valley on the return loop to Nelson? - would require permission but doable - might be able to get a short loop around UMO if you want another challenge - happy to help with route and before the day if some signing required.
Cheers
JC

[umopom]

Should have also added SH6 to Murch (or M to SH6) via Doughboy Road and perhaps another challenge loop up Mt Murchison?
Cheers
JC

[NordieBoy]

The problem with some of those tracks is the 1-dayers would probably be doing them at night/early morning...

[cooneyr]

Hi Cooneyr
I vote north this year - would be good to include Maruia saddle and a loop round/up Old Sow (Sherry lookout) via Christian Creek & Dart River roads and perhaps Supplejack (UMO) to top of Spooners or Eves valley on the return loop to Nelson? - would require permission but doable - might be able to get a short loop around UMO if you want another challenge - happy to help with route and before the day if some signing required.
Cheers
JC


Should have also added SH6 to Murch (or M to SH6) via Doughboy Road and perhaps another challenge loop up Mt Murchison?
Cheers
JC

General problem with these suggestions is that permission is required and some of the key links are within forestry and we would be going through in summer. Last time we went looking at Christian Creek it was locked off but it would be a good addition if we could make it obvious where to go - would be hard to find in the dark. Anybody know which forestry firm manages that forest?

Your going to have to explain UMO. I've found Supplejack Valley Rd? Eves is the proposed route out of NN. Need to figure out the general line of the route back in and see what fits.

Doughboy is technically a paper road but I don't think the official line is ridable so you need to go onto private property. Might ask about access next time we go past.

[JATZ]

The problem with some of those tracks is the 1-dayers would probably be doing them at night/early morning...

Aaaaaaaand.........


Should have also added SH6 to Murch (or M to SH6) via Doughboy Road and perhaps another challenge loop up Mt Murchison?
Cheers
JC

Mt Murch was a toll road last time I was up there, m'be I should go and check

[CrazyFrog]

I vote north this year - would be good to include Maruia saddle and a loop round/up Old Sow (Sherry lookout) via Christian Creek & Dart River roads and perhaps Supplejack (UMO) to top of Spooners or Eves valley on the return loop to Nelson? - would require permission but doable - might be able to get a short loop around UMO if you want another challenge - happy to help with route and before the day if some signing required.
Cheers
JC
Umopom,... we need to talk :msn-wink: . I've done some stealthy missions around Christian Creek and it is a definitely closed road. Do you know the forestry owners? Or have you got some access of sorts, cos this would be a fantastic "shortcut " thru to Wangapeka Rd.
Ditto to Mt Murchsion, a fantastic bit of track, done it on the mtb.
Some lovely little roads up behind Eve's Valley too, but easy to take wrong turns.
Good on ya boy, keep the ideas coming!

[buggsubique]

Fran, that loop track you mentioned on the underwood rd is only two ends - ie no accessible middle part (foot track only). That Port Underwood rd (ie Picton to Rarangi) should not be overlooked - there is a bit of seal involved but it is a fun (and fricken dusty) road. also possible is a slight detour through some forestry tracks (big bikeable) requiring detailed navigation. A good little loop in a compact area.

All in all I vote for a northern route as it makes the ride more accessible for north islanders to make the trip. Certainly agree with dropping Palmers Rd, as beautiful as it was, just too far south on too much seal.

As for doing hardish bits in the dark, that's all part of it. My HID spotlight worked a treat on the DB09...along with my 100W high beam main. It's all part of the fun.

Topo, if you wanted to push the "checkpoint" issue then make it a photo mission at key landmarks - made up fact: 97% of the kiwis own a digital camera. Or just record Odo's.

[Skinny_Birdman]

Fran, that loop track you mentioned on the underwood rd is only two ends - ie no accessible middle part (foot track only). That Port Underwood rd (ie Picton to Rarangi) should not be overlooked - there is a bit of seal involved but it is a fun (and fricken dusty) road. also possible is a slight detour through some forestry tracks (big bikeable) requiring detailed navigation. A good little loop in a compact area.

All in all I vote for a northern route as it makes the ride more accessible for north islanders to make the trip. Certainly agree with dropping Palmers Rd, as beautiful as it was, just too far south on too much seal.





+1 on the Port Underwood Road, that's a really pleasant ride and gravel from Port Underwood through to Whites Bay. I think we'd want to make sure that logging operations aren't in progress if we go through there though. We were working in Robin Hood Bay earlier in the year, and the logging trucks pretty much treat the road as though there was no other traffic on it. The number of times we came across trucks entirely in the right hand lane on corners was just scary. With a stream of adventure riders I reckon it'd be a recipe for disaster.
Agree on the Palmer Road, too. It involved way too much seal!

[Padmei]

The logging stops over the holiday period as fire danger is too great. Came across a fire last time I went thru there. Usually the logging trucks are bloody good at stopping & calling up any following trucks to let them know you're coming thru.
Maybe we should do a recce trip over there when it warms up & dries out a bit.

[NordieBoy]

Maybe we should do a recce trip over there when it warms up & dries out a bit.

Oh yeah :D

[Woodman]

Oh yeah :D

Funny I was thinkin about that whilst driving to work yesterday. haven't been up there for ages. There is a really cool razorback ridge up there that may not be suitable for a dusty butt, but (butt but lol) is worth the ride over to planet Marlborough.

[jezzaNZ]

My vote would be for lower south for 2 reasons:
1) I missed the ride last year
2) I have a house in Lake Tekapo where I would be happy to host the after match piss-up!

My 2 cents worth.

[cooneyr]

....2) I have a house in Lake Tekapo where I would be happy to host the after match piss-up!...

Well thats a offer not to be scoffed at.

Tried contacting the forestry firm who manages the block on the north bank between the wash and Goulter river. Left a message but no responce so far. Gonna see where this ends up but if we cant get access through this area then there would be a hell of a lot of seal with the northern route which aint that appealing.

Cheers R

[joshkies]

what about doing this years ( 2010 ) backwards???

[timg]

what about doing this years ( 2010 ) backwards??? Yep, that appeals to me. Keen to do NN too at some time but last years DB was just awesome :niceone:

[thepom]

Good idea josh,maybe we can do a bit more drinking this time .......

[Waihou Thumper]

DB2010 was fantastic, yes....Reverse route with maybe an add on somewhere would be great....Imagine coming down into Blcak Forest station....and seeing the Damn...cool! The more metal the better.....and off road of course.

[cooneyr]

Tough decision to make. Seems there are a few that want the northern route but I've had more than a few comments that the southern route will be very hard to beat in that the scenery was so impressive and that there was such a high number of gravel kms. I should have left Otago and Central alone ;)

I'll been back through this thread and counted votes. So far
North = 5
South = 7
Either = 9

Gonna put this on the first post and keep it updated. Damn cant edit the first post so I'll just keep an eye on here.

Another thing. Thanks for Warewolfs good work it seems likely that we will be able to get access over the Mangatapu which makes the Northern Route a lot more attractive. Will have another look at assuming we can get over the Manga.

[mattsdakar]

My preference would be for the southern route for following reasons:

The get together at Fairlie the night before was great, getting to check over each others bikes having a beer etc as opposed to starting in Nelson where everyone was staying at different places and starting different times etc...not as social
The southern route has way more gravel and is more scenic, the southern route is also safer, I nearly had 2 head ons with other riders on the Northern route, one on Palmers Road and the other while going back over the Braeburn.
Also for the two dayers, staying at Alex in the camping ground was more convienient and sharing a dorm was a laugh, easier than camping at Rotoiti was it?
Just my two cents worth, I'm there regardless
Cheers Matt

[umopom]

213207 213153

Hi cooneyr
From the weekend - files for Tadmoor section.
Cheers
JC

[cynna]

either north or backwards south suit me. any idea of when you - the sooner i get my leave in the better the chance i get it

south would be good then we can do the orari gorge again on the way down

[Transalper]

South in reverse, hmmm, not sure how I'd like going up that Carracktown track, I find I'm better going down the loose steep stuff. May have to have a few practice runs one weekend sometime and that is the only tricky bit I can think of.
Reverse also means completely rewriting the chart from scratch.
You guys really like to work that poor man cooneyr.

[Aslan]

I enjoyed both the 2009 (North) & the 2010 (Southern) 2 day DB's - I'd be happy to do either in 2011 - personally I don't reckon you can beat Central Otago and the Big Sky Country of the McKenzie - cheers Aslan :scooter:

[cynna]

You guys really like to work that poor man cooneyr.

ok north or south - doesnt have to be in reverse then (although another route checking ride would be good....)

[cooneyr]

My preference would be for the southern route for following reasons:

The get together at Fairlie the night before was great, getting to check over each others bikes having a beer etc as opposed to starting in Nelson where everyone was staying at different places and starting different times etc...not as social
The southern route has way more gravel and is more scenic, the southern route is also safer, I nearly had 2 head ons with other riders on the Northern route, one on Palmers Road and the other while going back over the Braeburn.
Also for the two dayers, staying at Alex in the camping ground was more convienient and sharing a dorm was a laugh, easier than camping at Rotoiti was it?
Just my two cents worth, I'm there regardless
Cheers Matt

All very good points. Never had anybody actually mention nearly having head on's but I'm concious of trying to avoid sections where that might happen. Glad you have confirmed my concern without a off.


South in reverse, hmmm, not sure how I'd like going up that Carracktown track, I find I'm better going down the loose steep stuff. May have to have a few practice runs one weekend sometime and that is the only tricky bit I can think of.
Reverse also means completely rewriting the chart from scratch.
You guys really like to work that poor man cooneyr.

I don't reckon that will be as hard to get up as you fear. Your right about having the completely rewrite the roll chart though. And redo the GPS route files!!! That takes a fair bit of time. Still it is worth it.


I enjoyed both the 2009 (North) & the 2010 (Southern) 2 day DB's - I'd be happy to do either in 2011 - personally I don't reckon you can beat Central Otago and the Big Sky Country of the McKenzie - cheers Aslan :scooter:

I was debating with wifey what was "different" about the southern route that made is so appealing while driving back from NN today. Best way we could describe it was that you are "on" the landscape rather than "in" it i.e. on the ridges with wide open valleys vs being in the more closed in valleys. The really high gravel percentage was pretty cool too.

[cooneyr]

Just checked the dates of the Yamaha Safari for 2011 and its on the 15-17 so I'll set the date for the DB1k 11 as the 22 Jan 2011. Two dayer will obviously be over the 23rd as well.

[mattsdakar]

Just checked the dates of the Yamaha Safari for 2011 and its on the 15-17 so I'll set the date for the DB1k 11 as the 22 Jan 2011. Two dayer will obviously be over the 23rd as well.

Woo hoo, affirmative action, I like it, be able to put my leave request in now!

[Buddha#81]

nice.....I'll have to convert back from mild mannered Motard rider and get down and dirty!

[NordieBoy]

Also for the two dayers, staying at Alex in the camping ground was more convienient and sharing a dorm was a laugh, easier than camping at Rotoiti was it?

We stayed in the rowing club dorms at the lake last time.

[Willdat?]

If there was enough riders I could get the Rotoiti Lodge in obviously at Lake Rotoiti, pretty cheap, dorm rooms etc. would need about 20 people minimum to make it work.

My vote is for the Northern route as I probably won't be able to make the Southern route as I'll be starting work again...but if the Southern was on then I'll still make the effort to try and get down!

[Transalper]

Don't we all.
I'll have to take Friday and probably Monday off no matter which it is, more so the Monday if it's up top round nelson.
Could get away with taking half days off for Friday and Monday if its a Southern route from Fairlie again.
I'll have been back at work for almost a week by then too. Now where's that violin smiley.... ah, there he is..:violin::laugh:

[Eddieb]

Stop ya moaning, at least you lot are in the same island. Once the area is announced I'll have to see if I can get enough days off to get to wherever it is being held, obviously Nelson is easy from up here, down south not so much so.

[cold comfort]

Just checked the dates of the Yamaha Safari for 2011 and its on the 15-17 so I'll set the date for the DB1k 11 as the 22 Jan 2011. Two dayer will obviously be over the 23rd as well.

Thanks for heads up. I will also put my leave request in for multiple days. I thought the assembly at Fairlie was great and seemed to promote a feeling of inclusiveness- if it was in Nelson i would be obliged to stay with the old man. However I'm dead keen either way.:yes:

[javahead]

... I'll set the date for the DB1k 11 as the 22 Jan 2011. Two dayer will obviously be over the 23rd as well.
22nd's good for me - count me in for another one Ryan, no matter where it goes.

[thepom]

Yeah me too,I ll book time off asap......

[topo]

Ryan, I'd be happy on either route but i reccon the southern one would be the go especially if a few more interesting (ie. technical) tracks could be found. i'll be two up on the bemmer this time around so the more entertaining the better:shifty:.

Take a bottle of whisky into Nevis station and i'm sure more than enough tracks would be made available:shit::yes:

If you end up doing the nelson route, i'd try and make sure the 2dayers got throught to murch on day 1, that way everyone could get a feed at the pub:niceone:

[Crim]

Sounds good to me, now I have just got to get a few things ticked of the shopping list;
1. Forma ATVs
2. Rev'it Sand Jacket
3. Rev'it Dakar Pants
4. Shoei Hornet
5. Zumo 665
6. Farkled up KTM 990 Adv
I'll be there, but, dare say in my cheap gear with a plastic box strapped to the KLR's handelbars

[JATZ]

Will there be another SBC this year ?

[cooneyr]

Will there be another SBC this year ?

If you want there to be but I think I've done my dash with the SBC. I've sold my XLR125 anyway. A SBC two day ride would be a lot more fun.

[Howie]

Stop ya moaning, at least you lot are in the same island. Once the area is announced I'll have to see if I can get enough days off to get to wherever it is being held, obviously Nelson is easy from up here, down south not so much so.

The 22/23 Jan is good for Wellington riders, as the 24 should be Wellington Anniversary day, so one less day off work for Wellington riders. :yes:

[timg]

nice.....I'll have to convert back from mild mannered Motard rider and get down and dirty! Sheez who invited you :lol:

[helenoftroy]

nice.....I'll have to convert back from mild mannered Motard rider and get down and dirty!


Sheez who invited you :lol:

My thoughts exactly timg!

Demented factory motard/bucket racer stepping over to the Dirty Side!!!:shutup:
....he'll have the time of his life!!:banana:

My son Sam(Casualty) & I will be there

[Skinny_Birdman]

If you want there to be but I think I've done my dash with the SBC. I've sold my XLR125 anyway. A SBC two day ride would be a lot more fun.

Fun is all relative, right. Personally the only reason why I'd want to be cramped up on a tiny, gutless 125 for 1000km is for the challenge of getting it done in 24 hours. Never again!!!

I am heading up to Tauranga this weekend to pick up D's new Transalp... So we have the bikes, she has the skills, now I just have to convince her she wants to do the ride.

BTW I'm with TA regarding trying to get up the Carracktown track - I reckon it'd be... interesting. The direction the route went last time worked for me, but we were on a different timetable to the others.

[Rod]

what about doing this years ( 2010 ) backwards???

Yep keen as.....sounds good to me.

If we do it backwards does that mean I will get un - lost.:blink:

[helenoftroy]

I am heading up to Tauranga this weekend to pick up D's new Transalp... So we have the bikes, she has the skills, now I just have to convince her she wants to do the ride.

I will convince the lovely Mrs SB that she will have an awesome adventure with Mrs Jatz,me and maybe some other female riders for company...:yes::rockon:

Its 12 day since Ive had surgery on my second hand for carpel tunnel syndrome so will be riding again in about a month

D can join Sam and I getting some practice rides in:scooter::scooter::scooter:

[thepom]

What model and year of transalp you getting the good lady skinny?

[Skinny_Birdman]

What model and year of transalp you getting the good lady skinny?

Phew! 850 chilly km later the Transalp is safely in my garage. It's a 2001 with 34km on the clock, super tidy and a good service history. It had a Ventura pack rack and bag, which will be on Trademe from this week if anyone's interested. It came with hotgrips unfitted, so I spent an unpleasant couple of hours trying to get the fairings apart at my motel in Mt Maunganui, before saying "Sod it, I don't need hot grips". WRONG!!

Only dramas with it are the spare key doesn't disarm the immobiliser (anyone had this problem?) and indicators don't always work first go (dirty contact in the switch methinks). Totally stoked with the bike, and hope Mrs B. will be too (she's home in the old country at the moment).

Cheers
A

[Skinny_Birdman]

Photographic evidence.

[/thread drift]

[cooneyr]

Photographic evidence.

[/thread drift]

Its a bit pretty.

Back to offering routing ideas :blink:

[warewolf]

Maungatapu access should be no problem, it's open for bikes now, if you can get around/under the gates or find the caretaker at home.

For the DB, we'd just have to co-ordinate unlocking of the gates to make it easy for everyone and especially bigger bikes.

[cooneyr]

Maungatapu access should be no problem, it's open for bikes now, if you can get around/under the gates or find the caretaker at home.

For the DB, we'd just have to co-ordinate unlocking of the gates to make it easy for everyone and especially bigger bikes.

Just seen your post over on the Maunga Diaries thread. Good stuff and thanks for the investigations. This makes the northern route a much more tenible option.

Cheers R

[cold comfort]

Photographic evidence.

[/thread drift]

Tidy looking unit. Aren't you supposed to fold up the tent before putting it on the back of the bike tho?:dodge:

[Transalper]

...This makes the northern route a much more tenible option.

Cheers RSOUTH SOUTH SOUTH I say...
It's been North 3 times already and South only once. The South has some catching up to do !!

If it does go North I'd be interested in looking in to the possibility of a second two day group starting from Christchurch or Hamner.

[Crim]

SOUTH SOUTH SOUTH I say...


So is that one or three votes for South??:lol:

[Skinny_Birdman]

SOUTH SOUTH SOUTH I say...
It's been North 3 times already and South only once. The South has some catching up to do !!

If it does go North I'd be interested in looking in to the possibility of a second two day group starting from Christchurch or Hamner.

I agree with both bits of that!

[cynna]

If it does go North I'd be interested in looking in to the possibility of a second two day group starting from Christchurch or Hamner.

hmm north, south or middle?

[Transalper]

Not really the middle as it's still the North route just moved the start/end to a different point in the loop.
Would be hard to add more than one extra patch of shingle between Christchurch and Hamner if we extended the route for an actual Christchurch start.
A one day riders start in Christchurch was ruled in the first years because of the limited opening times of the Molesworth (7am to 7pm only between the Cob cottages) but for a two day ride everything will be within open hours.

Not quite as social perhaps as the Northern starters probably wouldn't see us coming from the south, but much better for my time and money budgets.

[thepom]

I,d like to do the south but in reverse........

[Woodman]

I,d like to do the south but in reverse........

With you on that Pom.

Going up Carricktown is very appealing

[rogerh]

With you on that Pom.

Going up Carricktown is very appealing

+1

I like more knarley bits. Makes the 1000km harder though.

[umopom]

Hi cooneyr
PM'd you with route info update
Cheers
JC

[TuckerBag]

[ 2 cents ]

I really liked the southern loop last year. Looking over some maps it is clear to me that there are a LOT more routes around the central Otago-ish area to have a crack at.

It seems that there is a good active core-group of riders/organisers based out of Nelson. So I am happy to bend and flex to what these guys want due to the fact that they have to put in the time and effort to get the DB1k to happen.

From reading through this thread I kinda get the idea that the majority of "North of the South Island" riders seem to prefer having the 2011 ride in the north of the south Island. Maybe this is not true. Please correct me if I am wrong.
This is of course perfectly understandable from a time/money/hassle and effort point of view. However, it does surprise me a little that this would be the case. I would have thought that people would want to get well out of their back yard for the DB1k to help make it seem a bit more "special".

I don't really care where the ride is as long as it is in the South Island. I love getting off the ferry and cranking into the south island roads. Because I travel from Tauranga, the DB1k is a 6 -10 day event for me. I like to do the DB1k over 2 days to get to meet the people, and partly because on arrival I have already done 2-3 days riding.

Ideally, for (selfish thinkng) me, the DB1k would actually be a 4 day DB2k. Nelson-ish to Southland-ish in the 1st two days. Then a different track back to Nelson on the 2nd two days. This is asking too much of the organisers.
But I would like the 2011 DB1k to go from Nelson to Southland. I would then create my own 2nd DB1k on the way back to Picton.

[/2 cents]

And no, I will NOT be on the NXR125 in 2011. Thinking about a TDR250,... just thinkin.
Anyone in for a Pre-1990 open class 2-stroke challenge? "DB1k p90 2SC"

[NordieBoy]

Twinshock challenge?

[Transalper]

...It seems that there is a good active core-group of riders/organisers based out of Nelson. So I am happy to bend and flex to what these guys want due to the fact that they have to put in the time and effort to get the DB1k to happen....Um, that's not really correct. Indeed there is a well established and very active group up there giving their input as requested and I'm envious of how much they have been able to get out and about exploring in the name of the cause, but make no mistake the man whos baby this is is in Christchurch and he is still very actively researching both directions when the wife and baby lets him... no not me, it's the thread starter!
The DB as we know it really don't happen with out him doing what he does.

However I'm sure if the Nelson guys ever create a route sheeted course of their own we'd all be keen to go do that too as navigating route sheets you made yourself isn't as challenging as navigating someone elses route sheeted course.

[TuckerBag]

Cheers for the correction TA. Good work.
You're envious!?...., try living in the North Isle. I'm sure there are some good trails up here, but somehow it just doesn't compare.

[Waihou Thumper]

Cheers for the correction TA. Good work.
You're envious!?...., try living in the North Isle. I'm sure there are some good trails up here, but somehow it just doesn't compare.

You are right, the space is the plus....BUT there are trails and there are places to get lost and explore, and NOT too far from home either..:)

[dino3310]

Cheers for the correction TA. Good work.
You're envious!?...., try living in the North Isle. I'm sure there are some good trails up here, but somehow it just doesn't compare.

can ya still ride the oropi pylon tracks?


sorry no mean to hijack

[Padmei]

Cheers for the correction TA. Good work.
You're envious!?...., try living in the North Isle. I'm sure there are some good trails up here, but somehow it just doesn't compare.

Hey tuckerbag - good to see you're a glutton for punishment & want more of the Sth Island engrained into your pores.
Still got the XT?

[cooneyr]

TA's right - I've been investigating the southern route as well. There has been a lot of assistance by some of the NN guys regarding the northern route but this route is difficult to change in a significant way from the original. Bits and pieces around NN and Blenheim but not significantly. At this point the northern route is on hold.

I stumbled upon a photo of a certain DOC sign a few weeks back and now I'm trying to get contact details for a farmer for a 8km leg in Northern Otago that will provide direct access to 50km of stuff like Omanama saddle from this year. I've also got plans that could see maybe 40% of the southern route changed but still be in the same general area/terrain/scenery.

When youngin, work, renovations and rebuilding the 250 allows I'm working on the new route. My self imposed deadline is to do a pre-run around the end of October so I'll have made a call about location by then.

Cheers R

[Woodman]

Good onya Ryan, we appreciate your efforts.

tuckerbag, the db2k 4 or 5 day thing could be arranged it the db proper is down south.

We could link them up somehow and do a bunch of the tracks up here before heading down south, possibly via West Coast.

food for thought anyway.

[zeRax]

i will always look forward to whatever route you come up with ryan :D

i look forward to the db1k constantly, cant wait,

really appreciate the work you do and effort you go too, so to say it again, cheers man ;D


this time itll be on the wr250r heee_heee how cute!

[Underground]

Good onya Ryan, we appreciate your efforts.

tuckerbag, the db2k 4 or 5 day thing could be arranged it the db proper is down south.

We could link them up somehow and do a bunch of the tracks up here before heading down south, possibly via West Coast.

food for thought anyway.

Im def up for a mamoth 'down and back ' as well as the DB
Is there any other way to do it ??

[ADVGD]

I couldn't think of anything better than a mammoth multi-dayer, I'd be there keen as with fricken handlebar tassels and all, especially if there are some tasty technical sections thrown in :Punk:

[cooneyr]

this time itll be on the wr250r heee_heee how cute!

Round in circles aye. First effort was on a 250. You up for another 1 dayer or going multi this year? Ya got a record to think of - most one day run finishes.


I couldn't think of anything better than a mammoth multi-dayer, I'd be there keen as with fricken handlebar tassels and all, especially if there are some tasty technical sections thrown in :Punk:

If my plans work out there will be some good technical sections in it to keep you entertained. :Punk:

[ADVGD]

If my plans work out there will be some good technical sections in it to keep you entertained. :Punk:

That sounds awesome cooneyr, this'll be my first DB1K so I'm looking forward to it

[Padmei]

That sounds awesome cooneyr, this'll be my first DB1K so I'm looking forward to it

OK we better bring along the chicken blood & candles again

[zeRax]

Round in circles aye. First effort was on a 250. You up for another 1 dayer or going multi this year? Ya got a record to think of - most one day run finishes.



If my plans work out there will be some good technical sections in it to keep you entertained. :Punk:

of course ill be doing the 1 dayer! its like i have no choice! would like to do 2 day some year and camp it up and be social and have some laughs and enjoy the ride with everyone,

but it feels pretty good after finishing 1000kms straight thou right !! ( thou not physically ! )

[Padmei]

SHould I be tentatively booking the Lodge @ Lake Rotoroa for us again?

[cooneyr]

SHould I be tentatively booking the Lodge @ Lake Rotoroa for us again?

Give me a couple of weeks.

[Padmei]

Give me a couple of weeks.

Jeez I think that may be stretching it - I could possibly get 3 maybe 4 days Tops:(

[cooneyr]

Jeez I think that may be stretching it - I could possibly get 3 maybe 4 days Tops:(

Till I get back to you.;) Might get a bit sick of the sandflys over two weeks.

[Woodman]

Jeez I think that may be stretching it - I could possibly get 3 maybe 4 days Tops:(

Actually the south db 2 dayer could be done from here with only 3 nights away, if its the same as last year. But you will have to do 4 full days riding (bugger).

[TuckerBag]

Padmei: Yes I still have the XT400. Not exactly something I'm proud of. I did a full rebuild on it. Modded the cams. Replaced the carbies with GPX250 carbs. Lightened the flywheel. welded up a DRZ400 muffler. Made quite a difference, but lately it has annoyingly been losing power. Not sure why as of yet. I should just stop wasting time and money and buy something decent.

Dino: The Oropi "Pylons" is now all closed off as it is a water catchment area. However, I hear that a few locals do still sneak around up there. I haven't ever ridden the trails, but I have friends that used to ride them years ago.

Woodman and Underground: Yeah, just waiting to see where the DB1k is going to be and then could organise to meet up and do a bit of extra-cirricula stuff either side of the main event.

[cooneyr]

Made a phone call tonight. Station Manager is happy to have us but reckons I should have a look first cause it is pretty steep and loose. Sounds like a bit of fun :Punk:

[mattsdakar]

I'd be interested in tagging along for the pre-run, work roster allowing.
The new section you pm'd me about sounds really good, lots of trails up there to explore!
Would be keen on camping up in the back blocks, maybe Hut Creek?? No Brokeback mountain stuff though!
Rgds

[alane]

D.B. Should be better than ever------:yes:

What,ll I do it on this time------super Sherpa---Xt600---F650----OR----the old XV1000 (with knobblies):shit:--decisions---decisions.

Might have to put the farm on "automatic" for a week or ten days in Feb.
Want to get all the riding in I can befor the change to the mobility scooter.:blink:

HELL-----I think my whole life is starting to revolve around the Dusty Butt.:blink:

Just got a letter from mike Britton re the 2011 Yamaha "lakes & mountains" safari around twizel ,tekepo & methven on the 15,16 17th of feb. So I guess you,ll have to work around that Ryan?
Your efforts are much apret
ciated----to say the least.:yes:

CHEERS--- AL

[Transalper]

.....
Just got a letter from mike Britton re the 2011 Yamaha "lakes & mountains" safari around twizel ,tekepo & methven on the 15,16 17th of feb. So I guess you,ll have to work around that Ryan?....The DB1K 2011 date has been set for 22 January 2011. Post#63 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/124411-DB1k-2011-Route-Planning?p=1129813845#post1129813845).

[cooneyr]

Sitting here contemplating re stacking the fire wood and noticed this thread had risen to the top. Working on the DB1k route sounds much more interesting.

[umopom]

Hore all you guys down there are OK? Have friends who farm in Hororata and they have a real mess to clear up - makes staching wood sound easy. Would be keen to join the pre-run wheneverit is - sounds like south has won???
Cheers
JC

[cooneyr]

Yer stacking firewood is a minor but shows how minor it got for us. Glad we live in a late 60's house.

Re the pre run it is not like a normal ride cause i have to stop every few km to make notes. It is a very slow ride by normal standards, We really need to stick with a small group otherwise we might as well not go together. I want the group to be no more than bro, me and a couple of good mates who appreciate what its about.

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

Re the pre run it is not like a normal ride cause i have to stop every few km to make notes. It is a very slow ride by normal standards

Sounds like a normal NADS ride then...

[JATZ]

Sounds like a normal NADS ride then...

:no: :shutup:




it is not like a normal ride cause i have to stop every few km to make idle chit chat. It is a very slow ride by normal standards,

Cheers R

Now ! it sounds like a nads ride :yes:

[alane]

Transalper;1129851964]The DB1K 2011 date has been set for 22 January 2011. Post#63 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/124411-DB1k-2011-Route-Planning?p=1129813845#post1129813845).[/QUOTE]




DOH!!:doh: -------------------------- again:shit:




MMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!! ----will I cut the hay BEFOR-------or AFTER. :whocares:

Hope Tuckerbag turns up----saved my bacon last year----swapped a pair of dry sox for a bowl of cornflakes.:wacko::weird:

:sick:-------------------:laugh:--------------:drinknsin---AL.



Oh!! one more thing are we doing it in the opposite direction???

Or did I miss that too!!

[Transalper]

That has yet to be decided but it will not be a reversal of any of the 2 existing routes, it will be more likely a change to one of the routes which may or may not involve some reversal by the sound of it.

[cooneyr]

Will most likely be a southern route with new bits, reverses of 2010 bits and some bits the same way. All in all the route will feel significantly different and yet be in the same general area as the 2010 route.

Cheers R

[itsnotarace]

Did I miss a year??

[Transalper]

Yes you did, but don't worry I've just folded time to let you have another go of it.
Don't ask me the details of what we did though as with Dr Who... no spoilers.

I know what you mean and if R ever re reads his post he should realise his miss type.

[cooneyr]

....I know what you mean and if R ever re reads his post he should realise his miss type.

What miss type :innocent:

[itsnotarace]

Easy to keep a clean record when you only have 1 post,
Sorry Ryan, appreciate your work.

[alane]

Sitting here contemplating re stacking the fire wood and noticed this thread had risen to the top.
__________________________________________________ _____________

Could always call in "HIRE A HUBBY " to do it, then put in an insurance claim.
Might want some "imaginative" wording on the forms,that,s all.
Maybe-------"Re--alaining of essential fuel for survival of the whanau".:yes::yes:

[Crim]

What miss type :innocent:

sneaky work, mon ami, but you missed one of the 2010s - we better be carfeul with this "humour" as we may end up in the red zone!

[cooneyr]

Righty O Fellas. Spoken to a few land owners/lessees and have permission. Just need to check one section can actually be ridden (in December) but reasonably confident it can be.

Definitely will be a Southern (Fairlie to Fairlie). As mentioned above some new bits, some 2010 stuff reversed and some the same way. Overall I expect that this year will be more challenging than last but still a good mix.

Gonna try something different this year unless it is a major issue. I'm not going to publish the detail of the route till the pre ride BBQ. I'll have print outs of the roll chart for people and a laptop with GPS cable for those who need an upload. I will have fuel stop distances listed but not locations. Should keep you all on your toes a little bit more ;)

Cheers R

[mattsdakar]

Intriguing, I love surprises!
I hope these new challenging sections are reasonably short and sweet as they will obviously further stretch out what is already a very loooong day. Yes I'm doing the one dayer this year, god help me and my Butt!
Hope there are a few other 2dayers from last year keen to man up and attempt the one dayer, after all this is what it was all about, 1000km in a day
Bring it on!
.
.
Incidently Ryan, have you approached the Fairlie Hotel to see if they are happy to accomodate us again? they were great last year with BBQ etc
Another thought, as opposed to previous years I'd like to see set start times for the one and two dayers so friends and family can see riders off etc, that way all riders will know where they are in respect of others and intially field will be more compact, I think this will add to the social aspect of the ride as well as safety, if someone does have an off help will be closer at hand
Thinking along the lines of a 0600 start for 1dayers and 0700 for the 2dayers, your thoughts peeps?

[.chris]

I am all ready for this one, all I need to do is organise getting to Fairlie and get a bike. Sounds simple enough.

[Crim]

Definitely will be a Southern (Fairlie to Fairlie). As mentioned above some new bits, some 2010 stuff reversed and some the same way. Cheers R

Ryan, for us 2 day virgins (or any DB1k for that matter), will it be back to Fairlie every night or do we have to carry all our luggage on the actual ride - or is that a surprise as well?
Cheers Crim

[mattsdakar]

Ryan, for us 2 day virgins (or any DB1k for that matter), will it be back to Fairlie every night or do we have to carry all our luggage on the actual ride - or is that a surprise as well?
Cheers Crim
.
Every other time when there was a two day option the over night was roughly half way, last year it was Alexandra, I imagine it will be the same but no doubt Ryan will answer that question soon
Rgds Matt

[cooneyr]

Ryan, for us 2 day virgins (or any DB1k for that matter), will it be back to Fairlie every night or do we have to carry all our luggage on the actual ride - or is that a surprise as well?
Cheers Crim

Yep most likely overnight in Alex again this year. I didn't hear any complaints about the accommodation for last year so I'll see if we can do the same this year. There may be a support vehicle but bit only if somebody offers. I don't organise one. You probably should aim to be carrying your own luggage and see what happens.

The Gladstone Pub in Fairlie said they would have us back again but will be checking shortly.

I'm not that fussed on the idea of a set start time. For the two dayers this would mean everybody will be eating dust and forcing one day riders to ride at a time of day that may not be their best doesn't seem sensible. Would be better if people teamed up with people they like riding with and just go in groups.

Cheers R

[Racing Dave]

Hi Ryan,

Good on you for organising the next ride, there's certainly some pent-up interest already. Best of luck with the planning.

My preference is to have the course known in advance (per the previous DBs) and to be able to start at any time that suits.

All things being equal, I expect to be there, although a date conflict will have to be resolved.

Cheers,
Dave B

[Woodman]

Ryan, for us 2 day virgins (or any DB1k for that matter), will it be back to Fairlie every night or do we have to carry all our luggage on the actual ride - or is that a surprise as well?
Cheers Crim

I only have done the one which was last year. I just rode at my own pace, sometimes with a group and sometimes not. You can do what you like. great fun.

One day or two day??????

[Crim]

G'day Ryan,

http://highcountry.co.nz/hcd08/Trail_Tours.html

doing a trails tour same time - same area?
There is an itinerary on the website
Cheers
Crim

[Transalper]

I read that as they are single tracking on private land on trail bikes where we still mostly on public roads requiring REG, WOF etc.
Their Adventure tours are other weeks.

We will mostly be on bigger heavier more intimating bikes with big tanks and topboxes hiding all manner of things so should be able to push them around if we were to meet anyway. :killingme

[Eddieb]

Hi Ryan,

Good on you for organising the next ride, there's certainly some pent-up interest already. Best of luck with the planning.

My preference is to have the course known in advance (per the previous DBs) and to be able to start at any time that suits.

All things being equal, I expect to be there, although a date conflict will have to be resolved.

Cheers,
Dave B

As long as I can secure the time off I'm planning on coming down this time for the 2 dayer.
I'd prefer to have the track/route files in advance, apart from anything else it would allow me to load the files into my GPS from my PC, negating the risk of any potential technical issues around device/software registration within Mapsource on the night before the event.

I like the idea of all riders for an event starting together, everyone will split into their own groups soon enough depending on pace etc but the groups would be closer together so possibly more social through the event, and potentially more assistance at problem areas as the groups catch up to each other.

[joshkies]

Will be there with bells on, am looking forward to the one day challange and a more technical ride.

I think it would be dangerous having a set start time with a hot dusty summers day and diffrent riding levels could be asking for trouble.

Am looking forward to the get together the night before.

[topo]

I've been thinking about start times etc since javahead and i did last years run with the goal being to put in a good time.

i think for the one dayers there should be no start times other than the 24hr period from 00.01am-11.59pm, i think the safety/liabiltiy issue is fairly serious to the guys who want to put in a good time. but as has always been the case it's all about personal responsibility and riding to the conditions.

as for the 2 day people each to their own, if last year's anything to go by half will prob get lost anyway:facepalm:

Personally i hope the route is kept secret till the day, this is the only "propper" route sheet that i know of (ie. not had written scribble). i recon not knowing the route would add an extra dimention esp for the rally fans out there.

if anyone wants an alloy routesheet holder (elec or manual) i'll have a couple made by the dusty

[Taz]

When is this?

[Transalper]

The DB1K 2011 date has been set for 22 January 2011.
Two Dayers will be 22 and 23rd January 2011.

Start/Finish in Fairlie with the two dayers most likely overnighting in Alexander again.

[Eddieb]

Just checked the dates of the Yamaha Safari for 2011 and its on the 15-17 so I'll set the date for the DB1k 11 as the 22 Jan 2011. Two dayer will obviously be over the 23rd as well.

Ryan, maybe you should edit the first post with this info?

[Transalper]

Ha ha got in first but was also thinking the same thing about time for a first post edit.

[thepom]

hey Josh,would be good to see you there, heard you impressed the KTM riders by keeping up with them.....:woohoo: you got rid of your ttr? and riding a 660...

[mattsdakar]

Hey guys n girls,
Just putting it out there that I'll be again heading down to Fairlie on the Friday morning via the Orari Gorge. Last year was a good laugh so thought it would be worth doing again and seeing who else is keen.
I'll take a head count closer to the time but thought I'd give you Northerners some advance warning so you might want to plan to be in Christchurch for a 0900 start on Friday
Rgds Matt

[JATZ]

When is this?

You gotta do this one Taz, dino, other norf islanders....:woohoo:

IMHO.. the route could be available before the ride for those who want it, for those that want the nav challenge, they could upload it on the friday night, or get the route sheet. Simply because it could become a nightmare trying to get the route, tea, socialize and perve at the bikes on the friday night. I can see there being upwards of 40-50 people trying to get the same thing at the same time, and I personaly hate cueing, it's why I left Auckland.
Start time should be optional too, it's part of the pre ride thing, imo, find a group to hook up with and decide on leaving time on the night.

[cooneyr]

Ryan, maybe you should edit the first post with this info?

I wish I could. The latest version of KB doesn't allow posts to be edited after a certain length of time. This thread is the route ideas thread and we can probably start a new one about who's coming and other plans like MattDakar's pre ride etc soon.

About the nav stuff. I'm hearing a call for holding the stuff back and also for publishing it. I've got an idea to try and achieve the desires of all. I can make the DB web page two pages this year so only those who want the GPS file and maps nav info now click the second link to the second page and the remainder just download the roll chart front the first page which will mean nothing unless you get a map out and work your way through it. If you want to make it a challenge you need to exercise restraint ;)

The other problem of releasing the route info too soon is that there is a short (very short in relative terms) section of the route through a forest on a dirt track with a couple of small river crossings etc. Should be a fun part of the route. There is an alternative route that is about 50% seal and gravel road (boring in comparison) but I won't know the final route till about a week out when I talk to the forestry mangers. So I don't want to be publishing the nav data too soon. Then again I need to pre-ride this to find out if it is even passable (river crossing) so may be dropped if too difficult. Watch this space.

I'm trying to make contact with High Country Adventures. You fellas might have to show them who's Boss. Might is right, right? :apumpin::ar15:

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

I personaly hate cueing, it's why I left Auckland.

I thought you got kicked out for refusing to buy a P76 and grow a mullett?

[JATZ]

I thought you got kicked out for refusing to buy a P76 and grow a mullett?

No... I had the mullet, don't worry 'bout that, and an apetite for joseph khutz (?) could even go into the bottla in my school uniform and get served :blink: the good old days :facepalm: and it was an HQ from up norf bro, was the ride of choice

[NordieBoy]

No... I had the mullet, don't worry 'bout that, and an apetite for joseph khutz (?) could even go into the bottla in my school uniform and get served :blink: the good old days :facepalm: and it was an HQ from up norf bro, was the ride of choice

Actually, I never doubted the mullet for a second :D


Where'd ya get the commodore bro? Off the commer van.

[thepom]

Hell Matt,i have to do the orari gorge again just to see if I can get through it with out falling off as much.... now that I have the right gearing and an overhauled bike....:shit:

[mattsdakar]

[QUOTE=cooneyr;1129882277]I wish I could. The latest version of KB doesn't allow posts to be edited after a certain length of time. This thread is the route ideas thread and we can probably start a new one about who's coming and other plans like MattDakar's pre ride etc soon.

I'll start a separate Orari Gorge thread closer to the time so the Offical DB thread doesn't get cluttered up with this side trip, just wanted to get it out there for those who like to plan ahead

[timg]

Hi Ryan,

Good on you for organising the next ride, there's certainly some pent-up interest already. Best of luck with the planning.

My preference is to have the course known in advance (per the previous DBs) and to be able to start at any time that suits.

All things being equal, I expect to be there, although a date conflict will have to be resolved.

Cheers,
Dave B

I gotta agree with RD on this one. I prefer to know where I'm going, choose what suits my bike and ability, and plan accordingly. Likewise with departure times etc. Cheers.

[jezzaNZ]

Hi guys, well it is offical, I am moving home for the summer from Melbourne and will be based at Lake Tekapo for 3 or so months so it would be rude not to dust off the riding boots and join in. Only issue is I don't have a bike in NZ at the moment so I am on the lookout for a reliable scooter.

Ryan, looking forward to catching up for this, it has been a while between drinks and I am yet to take part in the southern route. I now have a GPS so won't have to sea gull around others with a GPS at midnight on day one trying to find my way back to the start.

Hope to see you all there.

Cheers

Jezza

[cooneyr]

We came, we saw, and we had to turn around. Bit of a sneak preview of some tracks we were checking out for the dusty. We saw some of this
222024
We did bit of this (hopefully lower once spring melt finished - might have to make this a challenge section otherwise. Will confirm later)
222025
We played in a bit of this
222022
And we stayed here. This old railway station is not where it was built but about 70km away and 1000m higher. Bit of a crazy relocation story to go with it.
222023

In summary not a very successful pre run but a heap of fun (though hard work). I'll organise an all comers ride for some time late Nov/early Dec to go check this area out properly.

Cheers R

[thepom]

hey Col,you better be there to help me out of that #%%***ing river.....

[ADVGD]

We came, we saw, and we had to turn around. Bit of a sneak preview of some tracks we were checking out for the dusty.

Looking good mate, a tasty looking river crossing :drool:

I am in charge of organizing a mates stag do for January, I craftily avoided the 22nd so I can do the DB1k :niceone:

[richyrich]

depending where you go, flat tyre material up around there,don't know if you would
want to be heading through there in the dark or in low cloud. jm2c

[cooneyr]

depending where you go, flat tyre material up around there,don't know if you would
want to be heading through there in the dark or in low cloud. jm2c

Yep more than one sharp rock around. Definitely not somewhere to be heading into in crap weather. Riding is pretty slow so dark not so much of a problem. Didn't get to finish it off and didn't go in where I wanted too so will have to go back down and complete the roll chart and see how deep the river is closer to xmas.

[cynna]

Riding is pretty slow so dark not so much of a problem. Didn't get to finish it off and didn't go in where I wanted too so will have to go back down and complete the roll chart and see how deep the river is closer to xmas.

unless you have an xr..... will try and find one of those bulbs you were talking about

[Transalper]

Here's what I ended up with (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/81905-Lees-Valley-in-the-dark.?p=1733433#post1733433) when I upgraded my bulb in '08.
Don't know if yours is a H4 style of bulb or what?

[richyrich]

hey cooneyr,i'm still a nooooob so i can't pm yet,but if you are looking for routes for
db1k 2011 around central otago i may be able to help with some local knowledge.

rr

[cooneyr]

I mentioned a while ago that I'd organise a 2nd pre run for the bits of the route that couldn't be accessed at Labour weekend due to lambing. Dates are the 11/12th of December starting in Waimate at around 10am (I'll confirm the start time when I work a couple of things out.

This will be doable on bigger bikes (I'll probably be on the 950 unless it sells before hand) but I'd riders need to be pretty comfortable on long steep loose rock climbs and reasonably serious river crossings. If we are unlucky there may even be some snow. Mitas E07 tyres will be OK cause mainly rock and bugger all dirt/mud. Fully on knobblies will probably get shredded.

Will be probably in motel/cabins in Ranfurly for Saturday so will need to carry some gear. Ride will finish in Fairlie where I'll be heading north back to Chch (hopefully Sunday afternoon).

I'll work on details a bit more over next week or so but if your interested put your request's to use brownee points in now.

Cheers R

[Transalper]

Noted on my calender.

[cynna]

sweet i just got permission

[thepom]

I ll give it a go but is it better on my africa twin with eo-9 or the xt600 with eo-7,s? and I,m crap at river crossing,s......:blink:

[Transalper]

I'd take a light bike over a heavy bike no matter the tyres if you are crap at anything.

[thepom]

xt it is then....:yes:

[mattsdakar]

I'm keen, sounds good, promise to behave! :innocent:

[cooneyr]

I ll give it a go but is it better on my africa twin with eo-9 or the xt600 with eo-7,s? and I,m crap at river crossing,s......:blink:

No offence Kenny but bring the XT. This sort of stuff would be most fun on an enduro bike if not for the ride down and back.

[Transalper]

No offence Kenny...I don't think it is possible to offend that man. :drinknsin

[thepom]

well I,ve been riding my newly bought xt 600 tenere(87) ...peril,s old bike and I must admit it has a bit more ooomph than my xt600e....23litre tank and longer suspenders but sadly kickstart only. As we might be doing rivers and steep hills I ll stick with my one.....bloody nice ride the tenere and once I do the headgasket it will be a shame to sell it...maybe....

[zeRax]

hehe, im always a mushroom either way,

i hardly know where we have been let alone looking at the routes :X, i just hope it keeps updating me on the gps on the day, me thinks best to have added roll chart this year, a gps fail would be annoying ;x

shes gonna be a flat out one this year :X !

[cooneyr]

....23litre tank and longer suspenders but sadly kickstart only.....

Don't know what you are worried about. That bike has never been a problem to kick start :shutup:


....shes gonna be a flat out one this year :X !

And it wasn't last year? Just a little less ponnies to help keep you awake :innocent:

[cooneyr]

I've just made the last call to landowners etc and we are all good to go for the 11/12th of December. Still plan on starting at 10 am on Saturday in Waimate. I'll probably be riding down from Chch on the Sat morning (leave at 0715).

I'd suggest that we stay at the Ranfurly Holiday Park in the Cabins. Works out at about $20 per person with cabins able to sleep from 2 to 8. Info here (http://ranfurlyholidaypark.co.nz/accommodation/rooms-rates). I'd suggest we grab the two room 8 person cabin (5 of us so far) and put all the snorers in one room. What say you fellas?

Cheers R

[Transalper]

I say yes.

[ADVGD]

I say yes too, count me in cooneyr

[thepom]

Me too....and bring ear plugs....

[cynna]

sounds good - count me in

[mattsdakar]

Sounds good, I note that linen is included so no need to carry a sleeping bag
FYI, Ryan we didn't manage to get over Walking Spur/Boundary Creek etc last weekend as it was pissing down, just went over Omarama Saddle and the river crossings were knarley as, very deep and swift!

[Transalper]

I read .... Linen and towels are not supplied but can be hired for an additional charge.

I'll BYO sleeping bag and normally carry a camp towel in my topbox anyway... although I guess it wouldn't cost that much extra to hire the linen.

I'm counting 6 of us now.

[mattsdakar]

I read .... Linen and towels are not supplied but can be hired for an additional charge.

I'll BYO sleeping bag and normally carry a camp towel in my topbox anyway... although I guess it wouldn't cost that much extra to hire the linen.

I'm counting 6 of us now.
.
Well spotted TA, I rechecked, I was looking at the motel unit info doh!.
As above, need to bring your sleeping bags guys!

[Transalper]

.... just went over Omarama Saddle and the river crossings were knarley as, very deep and swift!
To quote the thoughts of a certain bowl of petunias.... "Oh no, not again" :eek:

Must not over think it, must not over think it... :calm:

[NordieBoy]

To quote the thoughts of a certain bowl of petunias.... "Oh no, not again" :eek:

Must not over think it, must not over think it... :calm:

Have a whale of a time.

[thepom]

Hey Matt,can,t see fast flowing river slowing you down hahahaaa

[cooneyr]

......FYI, Ryan we didn't manage to get over Walking Spur/Boundary Creek etc last weekend as it was pissing down, just went over Omarama Saddle and the river crossings were knarley as, very deep and swift!

I don't want to hear that. Snow stopped us last time don't want anything stopping us this time. Only one major river crossing that I know for the "other area";)


I read .... Linen and towels are not supplied but can be hired for an additional charge......I'm counting 6 of us now.

Sleeping bags would be needed. Yep I count 6 now too. I'll book the 8 bed cabin.


....Must not over think it, must not over think it... :calm:

It will all be a piece of cake. I know I'm gonna regret that :facepalm:

Cheers R

[mattsdakar]

Hey Matt,can,t see fast flowing river slowing you down hahahaaa

Only two of the the three of us made it thru, a mate on his new BMW f800 chickened out after seeing us struggle and heading back via Danseys, first ford at confluence of the Manuherikia east/west rivers was deeper than my front wheel and swift!
Good thing for us is that it was warm and no snow to be seen up where we will be heading. We got quite a bit of rain while down south so I would be safe to assume that was why rivers were up as opposed to from snow melt

[Transalper]

May not be the best place for this post but most adventurers will see it here and in case anyone is looking for a gps for the Dusty Butt this could be worth a look.

My old Legend is a bit tatty but still going strong (I am keeping it) but i lusted after a slightly bigger screen and the paperless geocaching features now available on some of the other handheld models... untill now... I got one.
There's a new GPS on the market superseding the Map60, it's the new Map62 range.
This range is a wee bit more like the Oregan (think it's that one) in a Map60 body.
With paperless geocaching, the ability to add maps at will, bigger screen than my old Etrex Legend and internal memory of 1.7gig how could I resist.
Got the Map62s from http://www.kiwigps.co.nz/ who is probably the best service in Christchurch and also where I got my Etrex from. He spent 30 minutes showing me around it (different menus to what i'm use to & with the new features) and had loaded it with the free maps set for me.
Have a look (http://www.kiwigps.co.nz/). Tonys website is only partly built and he has a lot more stuff to go on (zumos, accessories etc) as time allows.
Things I noted are it doesn't have external power (other than the usb plug) for powering from your bike, but I never used that anyway as batterys always lasted me a full day plus on the Legend and the Map 62s is said to go up to 20 hours too (backlight off of course).
Also the case may not be quite as rugged but only time will tell.
Lastly the power circuit looks similar to the Legend so will be interesting to see if it develops a repeat of the vibration induced shutdown.

[cromagnon]

I have a 62s and used it in the weekend on the bike for the first time, the bicycle mount lasted 15min into clarence reserve but ordered a ram mount from gpscity.com last week but hasnt arrived yet (shipping was half the cost but still a lot cheaper than the nz distributors). Paperless geocaching is a good feature but the power button on the side creaks on mine.

[Transalper]

Tony does the RAM mounts too.
He didn't have the cradle in stock but has some on the way (usually about two weeks he said but not sure about the Christmas delays this time).
I already have the rest of the RAM bits I need as I have the mount balls attached to all my bikes and in my Van.

I threw out the garmin bicycle mounts I had after trying them on the Legend when it was new to me.

The creaking happens on all most all the Map62 units from what I have read. It isn't bad enough on mine to bother me, I did check it out before taking it away.

[rogerh]

+1 for Tony at KiwiGPS

Excellent service, and extremely helpful. Price is also generally within very few dollars of the best you will find anywhere. I will never buy a GPS anywhere else now.

[cromagnon]

The creaking doesnt bother me either and it isnt a structural/durability issue. I didnt have any of the ram mounts so bought the full package.

[umopom]

Hey guys n girls,
Just putting it out there that I'll be again heading down to Fairlie on the Friday morning via the Orari Gorge. Last year was a good laugh so thought it would be worth doing again and seeing who else is keen.
I'll take a head count closer to the time but thought I'd give you Northerners some advance warning so you might want to plan to be in Christchurch for a 0900 start on Friday
Rgds Matt

Hi Matt
Count me in - enjoyed getting bruised and wet last year!!
Cheers
JC

[mattsdakar]

Hi Matt
Count me in - enjoyed getting bruised and wet last year!!
Cheers
JC

Hey there JC,
I'll start a new thread for the Orari Gorge excursion soonish, but will be the same format as last year leave approx 0930 from Christchurch on the Friday, stopping in Ashburton to grab some lunch to eat part wa through the gorge
See you there
Matt

[cooneyr]

The 8 bed two room cabin at the Ranfurly motorcamp has been booked for the Sat the 11th.

Cheers R

[cooneyr]

For next weekend (the 11th) I reckon we should all meet at Rolleston BP at 8am. We'd be in Waimate at about 1030. It will be a longish day by the time we get through to Ranfurly but think of this as training;)

Unless you want to hire linen you'll need to bring a sleeping bag for the cabin. We'll get grub along the way. Will be a light weight trip.

I can see 6 names who we need to look for at Rolleston-

Me
Transalper
Cynna
Thepom
Mattsdakar
ADVGD


Cheers R

[Crim]

Would love to be there but got a "flash do" on Saturday night and the missus would kill me if I pulled the plug on that one, Long Range weather forecast for Central although not looking really "central Otago" hot at this stage

Thursday 9 Fine. Northwest breeze developing.
Friday 10 Dry with little wind.
:yes:Saturday 11 Dry with light winds.
:yes:Sunday 12 Dry. Little wind.
Monday 13 Dry. Not much wind.

Have a great trip - still trying to get January sorted but starting a new job Monday so will have to do a bit of groundwork on that one.

[Transalper]

Probably don't want to know what the weather is doing as I think it's the last opportunity to finish up before Christmas things set in so no choice but to go then regardless of the weather. :eek5:

[cynna]

For next weekend (the 11th) I reckon we should all meet at Rolleston BP at 8am.

sounds good - dont forget your axle nut tool....

[cooneyr]

sounds good - dont forget your axle nut tool....

Yep tool already packed. Hopefully you get the flatty this time:bleh:

[cynna]

just had thepom round for a bit of tyre changing practice - with the 2 of us we managed to get my new e09 on in just over half and hour so im ready for a flattie now

[ADVGD]

I can see 6 names who we need to look for at Rolleston-

Me
Transalper
Cynna
Thepom
Mattsdakar
ADVGD




Yep, confirming I'll be there :niceone:


We'll get grub along the way.

Looks like a mint BBQ area at the Ranfurly Holiday Park, a BBQ could be in order if there is a place nearby/open to get some steaks and whatnot at the end of the day??
http://ranfurlyholidaypark.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/BBQ.jpg

[XF650]

Yep, confirming I'll be there :niceone:



Looks like a mint BBQ area at the Ranfurly Holiday Park, a BBQ could be in order if there is a place nearby/open to get some steaks and whatnot at the end of the day??
http://ranfurlyholidaypark.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/BBQ.jpg

Thats your Maniototo cabin

[cooneyr]

Yep, confirming I'll be there :niceone:



Looks like a mint BBQ area at the Ranfurly Holiday Park, a BBQ could be in order if there is a place nearby/open to get some steaks and whatnot at the end of the day??

Good idea but I'm not taking plates and stuff. 4 Square closes at 5pm. See what happens I reckon.

[ADVGD]

For next weekend (the 11th) I reckon we should all meet at Rolleston BP at 8am. We'd be in Waimate at about 1030. It will be a longish day by the time we get through to Ranfurly but think of this as training;)


Hi ya cooneyr, are we going to tackle all of the unchecked route on the Saturday, or is there a Sunday mission also?

[Transalper]

I think there's still some work to do on the way back up from Ranfurly.
I was hoping to get in a run up the Carracktown track but it will be an hour and a half out of our way to get there after arriving at Ranfurly for Saturday evening. Still, if we get to Ranfurly early enough, dump our stuff, have a bite to eat and go for an extra mission. Something to think about as the day draws on.

[ADVGD]

I think there's still some work to do on the way back up from Ranfurly.
I was hoping to get in a run up the Carracktown track but it will be an hour and a half out of our way to get there after arriving at Ranfurly for Saturday evening. Still, if we get to Ranfurly early enough, dump our stuff, have a bite to eat and go for an extra mission. Something to think about as the day draws on.

Sweet, haven't travelled much down that way yet so keen to see as much as possible, seat time not an issue. The scenery in your Otago vid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZiT_Bz7Yeo) looks awesome

[Transalper]

....seat time not an issue....
Can I borrow your flash cushion then? :innocent:

[mattsdakar]

I think there's still some work to do on the way back up from Ranfurly.
I was hoping to get in a run up the Carracktown track but it will be an hour and a half out of our way to get there after arriving at Ranfurly for Saturday evening. Still, if we get to Ranfurly early enough, dump our stuff, have a bite to eat and go for an extra mission. Something to think about as the day draws on.

I was thinking of Poolburn Dam?? Happy to go anywhere really, great area to explore

[cooneyr]

Hi ya cooneyr, are we going to tackle all of the unchecked route on the Saturday, or is there a Sunday mission also?

I've got stuff to do on way back north as well.


I think there's still some work to do on the way back up from Ranfurly.
I was hoping to get in a run up the Carracktown track but it will be an hour and a half out of our way to get there after arriving at Ranfurly for Saturday evening. Still, if we get to Ranfurly early enough, dump our stuff, have a bite to eat and go for an extra mission. Something to think about as the day draws on.

What he said. I have a little bit of stuff that would be nice to do immediately south of Ranfurly. Not a big deal if I cant but if time it would be good to head south towards Carricktown and back. Not like it hasn't been done in the dark before aye Carl ;)


I was thinking of Poolburn Dam?? Happy to go anywhere really, great area to explore

Not going that way this time. Once we get to Ranfurly we could break into smaller groups if people want too and you know where they are going.

[cooneyr]

Ah shit. Hope you boys have good wet weather gear. Pretty good storm going through Friday night as well so rivers might be up a bit as well. As TA said back a few posts no other options to do this before the DB so I'm won't be cancelling.

[ADVGD]

Ah shit. Hope you boys have good wet weather gear. Pretty good storm going through Friday night as well so rivers might be up a bit as well. As TA said back a few posts no other options to do this before the DB so I'm won't be cancelling.

Yep, been watching the forecast through the week slowly go from primo to iffy. I'll still be in whatever the weather, I might just pack my water wings for some of the deeper water crossings :blink:

[ADVGD]

Can I borrow your flash cushion then? :innocent:

Certainly, the hire fee is a modest 50 cents per kilometer, as a rough estimate the entire round trip will be around the 800 km mark so all up you are looking at $400. I'll PM you my bank account details :laugh:

[Transalper]

Right, just home after that little somewhat interesting run... new list of things to do for the bike...
1 - Fix broken exhaust that couldn't take the shake.
2 - Fix notchy steering head bearings, discovered them day before we went.
3 - Straighten left Bark Buster which started getting in the way of Clutch leaver after bike landed on it when falling from the parked to open gate position.
4 - Hammer out the big gark on the edge of the bash plate which could have happened any time on the 'oh look more big stones trip' and be thankful it wasn't an engine case.
5 - maybe get a spare set of throttle and clutch cables for the kit as we saw two cables on two bikes go ping on Saturday.
6 and 7 are just regular stuff like time for new front sprocket and do Oil/Filter change before going too far at Christmas.

Maintenance sucks :facepalm:

[thepom]

Gutted as I was one of the cable ping.....tried all over town to get new cables and heard all the usual excuses.............good news was when I pulled the cables off both bottom ends by the carb were munted.
It was only a matter of time and I think I was lucky with the early fail.

If you need any help with the head bearings i am more than willing to help as I have done couple now on my own bikes and know of the few probs you come across...

[cooneyr]

.....'oh look more big stones trip'.....

There was only a few big stones, ...... and few more little rocks ..... and quite a few large rocks. Be interesting to see how manu pinchflats or bent rims there is this year :innocent:


Gutted as I was one of the cable ping.....tried all over town to get new cables and heard all the usual excuses.............good news was when I pulled the cables off both bottom ends by the carb were munted.
It was only a matter of time and I think I was lucky with the early fail....

Thats all a bit stink. You missed a good weekend. Hope you get it sorted before the bid day(s).

Pics to come tonight but some more bloody awesome scenery and some deciently challenging terrain. Trigger happy fisherboy (ADVGD) will no doubt have the best set of pics - hopefully some of all the rocks.

I'm sure Mattsdakar will back me up but if you want a good one day time I'd suggest you stay away from the major challenge. Took us about 4 hours to do roughly 70km. Could be done a bit faster but even it you get it down to 2 hours it's going to kill the average speed and wear you out only 200km into the ride. The route will become apparent in about a week when I put it on my website.

[cynna]

was a great ride so thanks again coonery

here are a couple of pics

[ADVGD]

Right, just home after that little somewhat interesting run... new list of things to do for the bike...
Didn't your mum teach you to look after your toys :p


Gutted as I was one of the cable ping.....
We were all gutted you couldn't make it mate, 2 cables in one trip, plain bad luck <_<


Trigger happy fisherboy (ADVGD) will no doubt have the best set of pics
Who, me? :rolleyes:

1,372 pictures to follow...


was a great ride so thanks again coonery


+2

Cheers mate, superb trip. Great scenery, the weather was mint, some primo challenging bits, lots of river crossings, riders offering to fall off to provide entertainment, good pub grub, all safely back with no injuries... simply brilliant!

[ADVGD]

A "few" pics…

Let the ridin begin!
http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-1.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-2.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-3.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-4.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-5.jpg

A quick bite and catch up with mattsdakar again after he raced back to Timaru to sort a new clutch cable
http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-6.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-7.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-8.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-9.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-10.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-11.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-12.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-14.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-15.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-16.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-17.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-18.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-19.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-20.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-21.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-22.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-23.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-24.jpg

Transalper falls victim to a steep loose rocky section
http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-25.jpg

mattsdakar is such a nice bloke he has a sympathy crash to make Transalper feel better :laugh:
http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-26.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-27.jpg

The snorers quarters
http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-28.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-29.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-30.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-31.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-32.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-33.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-34.jpg

Yehaaa Transalper is getting cocky :woohoo:
http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-35.jpg

Yehaaa Transalper is getting wet :killingme
http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-36.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-37.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-38.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-39.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-40.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-41.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-42.jpg

The camera does not do this justice, simply stunning views
http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-43.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-44.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-45.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-46.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-47.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-48.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-49.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-50.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-51.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-52.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-53.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-54.jpg

A few repairs from my end too :o
http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-55.jpg


What a great trip, bring on DB1k 2011 :Punk:

[Transalper]

Excellent photos guys.
Great ride.

Cooneyr, you asked would I do 'that bit' again?
Well, I said I'd probably be flipping the coin all the way to Kurow, but now I'm sitting here trying to remember it all and looking at the photos I'm thinking when it comes to crunch time and people are heading in, well, yes, how could I not follow.
So yes, I would have another go at it. One more time couldn't hurt too much could it ?? :stupid:

[cooneyr]

.....
http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/64/images/db1k-prerun-12.jpg...

The camera does not do this justice, simply stunning views

Thats my new pic to frame on ma wall. A 950 in exactly the sort of terrain it should be in (well in my slightly warped head anyway).

Your not wrong about the views. I've seen some pretty cool stuff in my time but some of views I saw were simply awesome. We spent rather a lot of time at or over 1600m by the way.


.....Cooneyr, you asked would I do 'that bit' again?
Well, I said I'd probably be flipping the coin all the way to Kurow, but now I'm sitting here trying to remember it all and looking at the photos I'm thinking when it comes to crunch time and people are heading in, well, yes, how could I not follow.
So yes, I would have another go at it. One more time couldn't hurt too much could it ?? :stupid:

I reckon now that you've done all of it once and about half if twice you'd get through no worries. I was thinking that I'd really like to have a smaller bike for it when we got to Ranfurly but in reality I managed fine and it was so spectatular I have to go back again.

Cheers R

[ADVGD]

Thats my new pic to frame on ma wall. A 950 in exactly the sort of terrain it should be in (well in my slightly warped head anyway).
Cheers R
Yeah I like that pic too, a rocky backdrop with a small stream tumbling past (looks even better in high res)


I was thinking that I'd really like to have a smaller bike for it when we got to Ranfurly but in reality I managed fine and it was so spectatular I have to go back again.
Cheers R

I was well impressed with how well your bike tackled those tight steep rocky sections and the river crossings, only one small off to speak of on one of the crossings that didn't get caught on camera, but I don't really need to let everybody know that do I, oh bugger, I just did :p

[NordieBoy]

So how hard is it for the mods to change a name to "WaterBoy"?
I think he's earned it by now :yes:

[cooneyr]

My $0.02 worth of crappy pics.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/DB1kDec10/DSC00974s.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/DB1kDec10/DSC00983s.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/DB1kDec10/DSC00984s.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/DB1kDec10/DSC00988s.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/DB1kDec10/DSC00991s.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/DB1kDec10/DSC01008s.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/DB1kDec10/DSC01010s.jpg
Not to give the game away re where we were but Mt Cook is in the distance.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/DB1kDec10/DSC01015s.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/DB1kDec10/DSC01038s.jpg

[JATZ]

:drool: DB 2011...... Hell yeah :headbang:

Nice pics there guys

[helenoftroy]

The scenery is simply magic!awesome shots guys

We are so lucky in NZ to be able to ride stunning country like this

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

Bring on the DB 2011!

[Skinny_Birdman]

Great pics guys! I cant wait to get in there.:woohoo:


If you need any help with the head bearings i am more than willing to help as I have done couple now on my own bikes and know of the few probs you come across...

Oh wheelie?:innocent:

[mattsdakar]

226013Great trip guys, as you can see the scenery was amazing, certainly this coming years "Butt" will be the most scenic. I am however starting to question my decision to attempt doing it one day. I don't want to alarm anyone by that comment because technically it's not really anymore difficult than other years, it's just slower going and average speeds will be right down, which on the positive I guess makes it safer!
Here's a couple of my pics:
226008226009226010226011226012

[mattsdakar]

A couple more pics:

226017226018226019226020226021226022

[joshkies]

Hi Matt so are you saying your not going to do the 1 dayer????????:gob:

[mattsdakar]

Hi Matt so are you saying your not going to do the 1 dayer????????:gob:

Mmmmmm not sure yet, even at race pace those 70km's will still probably take around 2hours but on the positive it is fairly early in the route so riders should be still fairly fresh, I'll have to see what my riding buddy Ian thinks

[_Shrek_]

great pic's guys, may just have to sneek out with the beamer for the start :innocent:

[ADVGD]

ADVGD's 2011 DB1k attendance update

Some of you may be aware my bike had a bit of a fail after returning from the route planning trip (above), aside from the actual ride carnage of breaking 2 indicators, 2 mirrors, bashing up both panniers, and loosing my fuel cap seal at one of the fuel stops, I find my gearbox gives up the ghost as I get into Christchurch and is setting me back just shy of $3,000 for a rebuild :facepalm:

Its in the shop now but due to the Christmas delays of freight from Japan it isn't due out till the 12th of January... I may have to put up with no bike around Christmas and a severely battered bank account, but I will be there with the rest of you all on the starting day :Punk:

[guidoNZ]

Thanks for posting so many awsome photos! My vocabulary is way too rubbish to describe how impressive i found them, and its best not to swear on forums so i'll say simply. WOW!
Transalper - sympathy crash..what a good mate :yes:

[thepom]

Good on you ADVGD......

[cooneyr]

ADVGD's 2011 DB1k attendance update

Some of you may be aware my bike had a bit of a fail after returning from the route planning trip (above), aside from the actual ride carnage of breaking 2 indicators, 2 mirrors, bashing up both panniers, and loosing my fuel cap seal at one of the fuel stops, I find my gearbox gives up the ghost as I get into Christchurch and is setting me back just shy of $3,000 for a rebuild :facepalm:

Its in the shop now but due to the Christmas delays of freight from Japan it isn't due out till the 12th of January... I may have to put up with no bike around Christmas and a severely battered bank account, but I will be there with the rest of you all on the starting day :Punk:

Bloody hell that's not good. Bad timing too. Ya know what it was? Good luck getting it fixed in time.

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

The DB and DB prep rides are hard/expensive on bikes.

3 blown engines over the years?

I won't point out they were all DR's :shutup:

[cooneyr]

.....I won't point out they were all DR's :shutup:

Granddads axe reliable aye :innocent:

However I think there has been a couple of other issues:

A 640 A that had cam bearing/journal issues
A S10 that was loosing radiator fluid
A DT1 that spat its plug
A DR Big that stripped its gear shifter splines.

Quite a few punctures but that's par for the course.

Anything else that others know of?