Maling Pass Track - Access RR

[ADVGD]

A track with awesome scenery, well worth doing if you are up that way, great to combine with the Edwards Pass Track (http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/49/edwards-pass.php)

Full RR and access details here: Maling Pass Track (http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/59/maling-pass.php)

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/59/images/maling-pass-1.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/59/images/maling-pass-3.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/59/images/maling-pass-6.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/59/images/maling-pass-9.jpg

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/59/images/maling-pass-15.jpg


Full RR and access details here: Maling Pass Track (http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/59/maling-pass.php)

[clint640]

Good stuff! Great work on the website too, having words, pics, maps, access details & contact info all on the one page is neat.
I think we will try & fit a side trip over Maling Pass to camp in there into our SI trip next month, as we were planning to ride the Rainbow anyway.

Cheers
Clint

[ADVGD]

Good stuff! Great work on the website too, having words, pics, maps, access details & contact info all on the one page is neat.
I think we will try & fit a side trip over Maling Pass to camp in there into our SI trip next month, as we were planning to ride the Rainbow anyway.

Cheers
Clint

Nice one, you won't be disappointed, great scenery. If I was ducking off to do just one track in that neck of the woods I'd personally go up Edwards Pass Track (http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/49/edwards-pass.php)as it is a bit longer and has a few small river crossings. Both are great tracks with stunning scenery, both have huge areas for camping, ya can't loose either way

[Waihou Thumper]

Ringing the DOC office, are they asking questions about what you want to do there and do they mind you can ride etc and camp there also. I know it is DOC land etc, is everyone aware at the office, that access can be gained with the combination to the lock etc? Thanks...It does seem that there is some great access deep into the valley's especially around St James etc...

[ADVGD]

Ringing the DOC office, are they asking questions about what you want to do there and do they mind you can ride etc and camp there also. I know it is DOC land etc, is everyone aware at the office, that access can be gained with the combination to the lock etc? Thanks...It does seem that there is some great access deep into the valley's especially around St James etc...

If you say you are heading in for camping they are as happy as Larry, that's what it has been opened up to the public for, you can pick any place you want to camp up, there are plenty of options. They normally just ask for your name, contact number, rego and vehicle colour, not what type of vehicle you are driving/riding. If they do ask just explain you are riding in on a road registered adventure bike and they are fine with that, what they don't allow is dirt bikes going in riding off the track and tearing up the place. I've been in there twice now and both times I rang for the access code the team at the Waimakariri DOC office were very friendly and helpful.

Hope that helps :msn-wink:

[Racing Dave]

I agree with all the above comments.

With four others, I rode both tracks yesterday, and had a great time, even though it was a bit of a struggle crossing Edwards Stream on the way out - that shingle bank is steep and loose!

Maling Pass track has just been groomed, and although the surface is loose dirt, there are no ruts or potholes.

DoC in Rangiora were most helpful, didn't ask what vehicles we were taking in, just the rego numbers.

[junkmanjoe]

have you thought about making a adv riders guide to NZ back country tracks...
would be one to keep in your tank bag


because id buy one...

JMJ

[thepom]

Great pictures....what camera do you use?

[ADVGD]

I agree with all the above comments.

With four others, I rode both tracks yesterday, and had a great time, even though it was a bit of a struggle crossing Edwards Stream on the way out - that shingle bank is steep and loose!

Maling Pass track has just been groomed, and although the surface is loose dirt, there are no ruts or potholes.

DoC in Rangiora were most helpful, didn't ask what vehicles we were taking in, just the rego numbers.

Nice one mate, a good days ride no doubt. As for the steep loose shingle bank, certainly keeps you on your toes eh:yes:


have you thought about making a adv riders guide to NZ back country tracks...
would be one to keep in your tank bag


because id buy one...

JMJ

The adventure guide website is going live Feb 2011 and will be focusing heavily on back country tracks, thats when I switch over to working on it full time so there will be a truckload of rides going up on a daily/weekly basis. The best part is that because it is advertising driven it will all be free to end users, no need to part with any cash JMJ :niceone: There will be a duplicate printable format too for printing off maps etc. Closer to release date I'll fill you in on the process of how people can add their own ride reports, more closer to the time...


Great pictures....what camera do you use?

Thanks mate. To get all the photos for the adventure guide website I always have a camera with me, due to this it unavoidably gets a hammering. I've been through 4 cameras in the last 12 months, some get a dunking in water when fishing, one to rain damage on the bike, (before the current panniers), slips up the tops hunting, etc, etc. Switched from top end cameras to mid range ones as its cheaper to replace them due to the insurance company not liking my multiple claims and potentially putting up my premiums. Just got a new camera, a Cannon SX 130 IS. That was the camera used for the Mailing Pass photos, it takes quite good photos for the fairly low price and has stood up well to a bit of a hammering already.

[CrazyFrog]

I went through the Rainbow and over Mallings Pass yesterday with a couple of mates.
Doc access was too easy, as simple as a phone call for the locked gate combination code.
The gate however has a nice big gap on one side for bikes/mtb's to get through, don't know if DOC are planning on installing a smaller gate as well to bridge the gap, Jeez, even cattle could walk through at the moment with no worries. :weird:

The track has clearly had a dozer over it, and is in good dry condition, but is full of waterbars/channels, what ever you want to call them, so progress is slowish, if you hit these things at speed, you run the risk of being launched over the bars. Our friend on the XT was following the KTM's and hit one going quickish and got slapped in the arse big time by the seat as the bike kicked back up.:woohoo:

The descent down off the summit towards river is steep and could be an issue after rain, the track has a heavy clay component down that way, similar to the Clarence.

The views are spectacular, and makes a nice side trip off the Rainbow, the track end carpark has a good shallow river beside it for cooling off in.
Overall, a great short trip 22km return if heading through the Rainbow.:yes:

[Waihou Thumper]

Nice stuff. That sure is great scenery and you would want to spend all day and night out there...:)

[ADVGD]

I went through the Rainbow and over Mallings Pass yesterday with a couple of mates...

Nice RR update mate, that view when you hit the top of St James Range is a million bucks eh

[thepom]

hey ADVGD.....after reading your thread on the passes I went up yesterday and did them both..... absoltely stunning views and a bloody good ride too.....I passed fowlers track pass but it was locked too....have you been in there yet?....if it had been unlocked I would have gone but maybe thats for next time...

[ADVGD]

hey ADVGD.....after reading your thread on the passes I went up yesterday and did them both..... absoltely stunning views and a bloody good ride too.....

Good stuff mate, glad to see you got both tracks in, makes for a great day. I couldn't think of any adv rider that wouldn't like those tracks, awesome views, a bit if fast stuff, a bit of mildly technical stuff and a few nice river crossings perfect for transalper to have a lie down in :shutup:


I passed fowlers track pass but it was locked too....have you been in there yet?....if it had been unlocked I would have gone but maybe thats for next time...

I asked DOC about this mid 2010, but since their takeover of the station it is still only walking/mountain biking only and because I'm a follow the rules kind of guy I haven't done that one. On a good note, both Edwards and Mailings Pass are on a trial basis and they may allow us to link them up rather than having to stop once you hit the Waiau River. DOC said the trial period is to make sure people follow the current rules and the surrounding off-track areas are not damaged, all going well there may be the option of opening Foulers Pass to motorbikes, time will tell, fingers crossed. I believe the area has been fully de-stocked now so that should work in our favour...

[neels]

Quick question for you people that seem to know these things, do DOC have an issue with access for non road legal trail bikes?

Me and a couple of mates are keen for a ride in for an overnighter some time, but we're all on off road only machinery.

[CrazyFrog]

Quick question for you people that seem to know these things, do DOC have an issue with access for non road legal trail bikes?

Me and a couple of mates are keen for a ride in for an overnighter some time, but we're all on off road only machinery.

DOC gave me combination number for Edwards and Mallings Pass, so both are accessable with permission. They do allow quads in, most of which are rego'd as farm bikes or not at all. However, there's no one there checking regos......:msn-wink: so that's your call.
To be sure, phone DOC Waimakariri office (Rangiora) to check. They were quite adamant though about sticking to the main track, I don't think they would take kindly to bikes ripping up the land off piste.

[Transalper]

...and a few nice river crossings perfect for transalper to have a lie down in :shutup:...

I'll get me togs.

[ADVGD]

Quick question for you people that seem to know these things, do DOC have an issue with access for non road legal trail bikes?

Me and a couple of mates are keen for a ride in for an overnighter some time, but we're all on off road only machinery.

The rego is so they have a traceable record of who has gone up rather than the actual vehicle type, you'd be fine to resister your car and take the bikes up but as CrazyFrog said heading off the track is a no go, right now the area is in a trial period to see if everyone behaves and keeps to the tracks, potentioally access to 4X4's and bikes could be revoked if people stray and rip up the land, its worth behaving as the tracks are pretty awesome

[cynna]

do you need the key to the gate at the hamner end to get access to these 2 passes or just the access codes?

[ADVGD]

do you need the key to the gate at the hamner end to get access to these 2 passes or just the access codes?

You only need the access codes, when you get the code for Mailing Pass you also get given Edwards Pass.

All the details here mate: Mailing Pass (http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/59/maling-pass.php)

[cynna]

You only need the access codes, when you get the code for Mailing Pass you also get given Edwards Pass.

All the details here mate: Mailing Pass (http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/59/maling-pass.php)

thanks i had already read that and got heaps of info. great work with you site - comes in handy.

just wasnt too sure if jacks and jollies pass were locked off at hamner since it was out of season for the rainbow road.

[ADVGD]

just wasnt too sure if jacks and jollies pass were locked off at hamner since it was out of season for the rainbow road.

They are open all year including access to Lake Tennyson

Planning a trip are you?

[thepom]

Yeah,show weekend cynna and I are heading up there on the saturday if anyone wants to come along the more the merrier...................prob just a one dayer to get in practice for the dusty...............

[ADVGD]

Yeah,show weekend cynna and I are heading up there on the saturday if anyone wants to come along the more the merrier...................prob just a one dayer to get in practice for the dusty...............

I will most likely not be 100% build complete but should be enough to get a run in, if so I'll be dead keen to join you :yes:

[Transalper]

A little umming and arrrrring here but 100% in for a one dayer so long as J doesn't have bigger travel plans for that weekend.
Now... which bike small/medium/large ?

[cynna]

we might be going fri not sat - just got to work it out. any idea how long the it will take to for the return trip if we do both passses. i ahve to be back in chch for work at 8pm

[Transalper]

I've never been there, on ADVGD's site they don't link up, is it possible to do it as a loop using the riverbed to connect the two passes or not?
I thought I read people going in one and out the other in threads somewhere here a last season?

[cromagnon]

I've never been there, on ADVGD's site they don't link up, is it possible to do it as a loop using the riverbed to connect the two passes or not?
I thought I read people going in one and out the other in threads somewhere here a last season?

http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/canterbury/waimakariri/map-st-james-conservation-area.pdf

Walking and mountain biking only in the middle section

[Transalper]

..Walking and mountain biking only in the middle section
Yes, and I now see the DOC registration page states no vehicles on the riverbed.

[thepom]

I cant remember how long it took me but I think is was 6 hours but not sure,I was on my own so being careful too........

[Shoshoni]

I'd like to come along also. Did it with ADVGD and a few others absoltely stunning views.

[thepom]

More than welcome,so far its me you and cynna for next week so we ll see if any one else wants to come....

[Transalper]

... I'll be dead keen to join you :yes:


....100% in for a one dayer....?


More than welcome,so far its me you and cynna for next week so we ll see if any one else wants to come....

What... :Oi: do ADVGD and I not count ?? :( :Pokey:

[thepom]

aaaaaaahh......diddums.....course you do......more than welcome and you can bring your tender crushed feeling with you.....:laugh:

[Peeteey]

So is the plan for Friday or Saturday?

Ride up, explore, ride back that evening? Anyone going to trailer up and back? Neels? Assuming of course they let un-reg bikes in ...

Could be rather keen! :woohoo:

[Georged]

You can't make it a round trp through both passes as the middle section is mountain bikes only, so it in and out the samer road. (Been to one pass done that).
I am also interested in joining the riders at Hanmer - I am staying for the weekend anyway and would prefer Saturday.

[cynna]

the pom and i are heading in on friday. wont be stopping very long as i have work that night. think we are leaving pretty early as well

[Transalper]

Ok, I think a plan is forming, it might be better as two rides, cynna and the pom and who ever else is in a hurry can do their thing Friday and the relaxed lot won't get in there way.
Saturday I'll van my DR650 up (no stickers paid up at the moment so no riding on the highway) with J in the passenger seat so she can do the hot pools and muck about in Hanmer while we ride.
I'll leave home Saturday about 8am (sorry must be earliyish Peeteey) to be heading on to gravel about 10am to 10:30am at Hanmer which should give us time for a scenic rubber necking ride.
How's that sound ?

[Georged]

I might be new to this website/forum but how did i get labelled as "L Rider" after 35+ years of biking. You must have to be really old to get a "hardcore" label like Peeteey!

[Transalper]

L-Plate rider means you have only a few posts here.
As you make more posts is changes several times then once you have past a certain number of posts you get to make up your own title.

[cynna]

Ok, I think a plan is forming, it might be better as two rides, cynna and the pom and who ever else is in a hurry can do their thing Friday and the relaxed lot won't get in there way.
Saturday I'll van my DR650 up (no stickers paid up at the moment so no riding on the highway) with J in the passenger seat so she can do the hot pools and muck about in Hanmer while we ride.
I'll leave home Saturday about 8am (sorry must be earliyish Peeteey) to be heading on to gravel about 10am to 10:30am at Hanmer which should give us time for a scenic rubber necking ride.
How's that sound ?

that may be a better plan. so the rushed ride with no stopping to look at the scenery will be leaving at 7.30 on friday let me or thepom know if you are joining us so we can figure out somewhere to meet

[Shoshoni]

Just over at DOC's Website and they had an update from the 4th of this month on the pass.

Recent snow and heavy rain has made the access to Maling Pass gate from Tophouse Road difficult and snow may be impassable on Maling Pass. Clarence River is also running high and swift so streams in Edwards Valley may be unfordable. Ensure you check the weather conditions before entering St James this weekend and take responsibility for your decisions. :cold:

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/canterbury/north-canterbury-and-arthurs-pass/st-james-conservation-area/activities/motor-vehicle-access/

[Gareth123]

What sort of back tyre would one need for this ride? Mine is almost buggered. Its still got a few knobs there though.

[Peeteey]

I might be new to this website/forum but how did i get labelled as "L Rider" after 35+ years of biking. You must have to be really old to get a "hardcore" label like Peeteey!

I think their labelling must be off if they're calling you L plate and me, of all people, hardcore! :D


Ok, I think a plan is forming, it might be better as two rides, cynna and the pom and who ever else is in a hurry can do their thing Friday and the relaxed lot won't get in there way.
Saturday I'll van my DR650 up (no stickers paid up at the moment so no riding on the highway) with J in the passenger seat so she can do the hot pools and muck about in Hanmer while we ride.
I'll leave home Saturday about 8am (sorry must be earliyish Peeteey) to be heading on to gravel about 10am to 10:30am at Hanmer which should give us time for a scenic rubber necking ride.
How's that sound ?

Oo, does that mean i might be able to squeeze my bike in the back and go with you? Yay.
The only possible bummer for me is that i'm filling in for a bass playing friend of mine while he's off crook so I may be rehearsing on Sat. Gotta learn about 25 new songs in a week n a bit ...
But it's only country music, how hard can it be? :lol:

[Transalper]

...Oo, does that mean i might be able to squeeze my bike in the back and go with you? Yay.....
Sorry not really, 3 people in the front of the Van, 2 bikes, water for the radiator and a mattress for J to lounge about on when she's done with the pool and still waiting for us is a bit much to squeeze in.
If you have that much work this week I suspect your arms will be all RSIed to hell anyway.

I'm thinking we might need to hear from the Friday riders if it's worth the trip as in if it's rideable.

[ADVGD]

Another solid weekend in the garage barely put a dent in the list of things to complete the build, unfortunately the bike won't be ready in time for this one even with the current week dedicated to the build, enjoy your ride boys, catch you on the next one :niceone:

[Peeteey]

Another solid weekend in the garage barely put a dent in the list of things to complete the build, unfortunately the bike won't be ready in time for this one even with the current week dedicated to the build, enjoy your ride boys, catch you on the next one :niceone:

Far out man, what are you doing to it?

[Peeteey]

Sorry not really, 3 people in the front of the Van, 2 bikes, water for the radiator and a mattress for J to lounge about on when she's done with the pool and still waiting for us is a bit much to squeeze in.
If you have that much work this week I suspect your arms will be all RSIed to hell anyway.

I'm thinking we might need to hear from the Friday riders if it's worth the trip as in if it's rideable.

No worries, kinda figured but you never know if you don't ask. I think the ride would be a welcome break from studying tho! I might go back and check out some more of those roads up Bossu way ...

[Gareth123]

No worries, kinda figured but you never know if you don't ask. I think the ride would be a welcome break from studying tho! I might go back and check out some more of those roads up Bossu way ...

I'm happy to grab my parents trailer and drive a couple of bikes up. Provided we go halves on the gas. Might even be able to get a bike trailer come to think of it. Let me know if your interested.

[Peeteey]

I'm happy to grab my parents trailer and drive a couple of bikes up. Provided we go halves on the gas. Might even be able to get a bike trailer come to think of it. Let me know if your interested.

Ha! I was just thinking, as I was turning on the laptop, "Wouldn't it be good if Gareth had a trailer!"
It's funny how my premonitions never seem to apply to Lotto ...

That's awesome man! How's the KLR? Is it all go?

I should know by tomorrow night if I'll be free on Sat or not

[Gareth123]

Ha! I was just thinking, as I was turning on the laptop, "Wouldn't it be good if Gareth had a trailer!"
It's funny how my premonitions never seem to apply to Lotto ...

That's awesome man! How's the KLR? Is it all go?

I should know by tomorrow night if I'll be free on Sat or not

Yip the KLR is all set. I had to hard wire my replacement radiator fan after replacing my original one and then finding out the thermo switch doesn't work anymore. Never mind though, I now have a funky looking switch zip tied to my brake line that I flick on when the engine starts getting hot in traffic. It isn't pretty but it does the job.

I will flick you my cell number over FB now. TXT me tomorrow night by 9pm. I'm going bowling with the fella who has the bike trailer tomorrow. If your not going I might ride up Friday and camp the night.

[Transalper]

Clarence river doubled in flow over night. :corn:

[ADVGD]

Clarence river doubled in flow over night. :corn:

That bout of rain will have cleared any snow and Edwards River (Edwards Pass) and Sandy Stream (Mailing Pass) both have very shallow catchments so a ride this weekend will be a goer for sure, get into it mate, I'd be a sure started if the bike was ready

[Gareth123]

Well I won't be riding this weekend. I've twisted my knee at karate tonight.

Don't worry though Pete, I'll still drive you up. I'm just gonna soak in the pools and perve instead :drool:

[Transalper]

Gareth is out through injury, Peeteey has opted out for a couple of reasons and now I'm out too.
We've decided to go another weekend when bodies, bikes and timing will hopefully be better.
Maybe we'll have nicer, calmer weather then too but strangely enough that wasn't really the deciding factor this attempt.

[Transalper]

Still interested in hearing how the Friday guys got on, cynna, the pom, how was it, did you get to the end of each track, how long did you take round trip Hanmer to Hanmer?

[thepom]

Sorry but I pressed the wrong button last night and the message never went through,.........ok so we left at 7.30 after fuel and food,got to hanmer at 9. 30...cold but clear and off we went.

Maling,s first and a nice easy ride in and temp starting to rise.Got to the end and had a drink and biscuit stop.Stunning views and it was really hot by then. Headed off to Edwards and had a chat with some people doing search and rescue and set off at about 11 30 I think and had a nice ride in with the rivers being quite deep and challenging,swift and deep but Cynna said he,d had worst on pre dusty so it was all go..Got to the river and had another bite and seen quite a few mountain bikers,they seemed to be going at a good pace too but I,m glad I had an engine. On the return run out I nearly got stuck in the river but came through ok so I don,t see any problem for you either TA.
Gut to fuel up at Hanmer at 3.25 and home by 5..........great ride and some pics from Cynna to follow. ADVGD was spot on with weather forecast.....

[cynna]

was a great ride. next time i might set he tent up somewhere and stay the night. also keen to give it a goo on the mountain bike

stat from the gps for the return trip to chch
odom 410 km
mov time 6.42
total time 9.15
mov av 61.2

the rivers were quite high and swift but not so bad that we didnt attempt them. edwards was quite slippery and i wouldnt try it with a worn tyre

[Gareth123]

the rivers were quite high and swift but not so bad that we didnt attempt them. edwards was quite slippery and i wouldnt try it with a worn tyre

Hmmmm...Replacing my back tyre is definitely on the list of things to do. I just can't help but feel like the last 5mm of useable tread will be wasted:weird:

[Transalper]

Good info, I'd like to do a bit more x-country on the MTB too.

[cynna]

and the sandflies were killers

[ADVGD]

Great pics guys, gutted I wasn't ready in time to join you, just a few days of building to go...

How did ya shoulder hold up Kenny? All healed up well?

[Night Falcon]

thankyou for sharing, the mainland is a spectacular place to ride a bike!:niceone:

[cromagnon]

Inspired by trips planned for this area I went up on thursday, but didnt make it back (on my bike). Went to the end of malings pass and back, then checked out lake tennyson, on the way back to hanmer my rear sprocket drum bearing gave out resulting in chain coming off (sprocket was able to move horizontally without bearing) and locking up the rear wheel at about 70km/h, doing a bit of damage to the sprocket drum and ripping out a few sprocket bolts. Unable to fix it I decided to walk back to hanmer, only saw two people up that way fishing at lake tennyson, after 2.5 hours of walking in full bike ear I made it to the jacks pass? intersection and was able to get a ride back to hanmer, called the aa, got taken back to my bike then back to chch (aa plus just paid off) not long before midnight. Some photos from the first part of my ride...

[cynna]

we seen some tracks up there and the search and rescue guys we talked to said someone on a blue bike was up there on thursday. wondered if it was anyone from here...

sorry to hear your ride was cut short but good that you managed to get out. did aa+ go the gravel road to get you?if so thats handy to know as i always thought they only got you if you were on the seal

[cromagnon]

we seen some tracks up there and the search and rescue guys we talked to said someone on a blue bike was up there on thursday. wondered if it was anyone from here...

sorry to hear your ride was cut short but good that you managed to get out. did aa+ go the gravel road to get you?if so thats handy to know as i always thought they only got you if you were on the seal

I was worried that aa+ wasnt going to go onto the gravel roads but talking to the aa guy (also the owner of the gas station) he had plenty of stories of rescuing people from over the hill. I saw a bunch of 4WD and bright orange jackets on the way in who must of been the search and rescue people.

[Transalper]

Inspired by trips planned for this area I went up on thursday, but didnt make it back (on my bike)......

Bummer.
Also a good example of why it's good to have a riding buddy instead of going it alone.

[cooneyr]

.......with the rivers being quite deep and challenging,swift and deep but Cynna said he,d had worst on pre dusty so it was all go......

Glad to hear Cynna's been well edumacated. Cool pics. Must get up that way some time for a look see.

Cheers R

[thepom]

Yeah shoulder all good but felt it when I got home,its definately recommended to have a buddy with you just in case. Looking forward to the dusty but I did find my mitas knobbly sliding from under me on at least three occasions so I,m on the lookout for a more knobbly front tyre.......great day too and time for lots of red wine on returning home......

[ADVGD]

Yeah shoulder all good but felt it when I got home

Good to hear mate


I did find my mitas knobbly sliding from under me on at least three occasions so I,m on the lookout for a more knobbly front tyre

Two questions:

What Mitas tyre are you running on the front and what pressure were you running off road?

[Transalper]

....
What Mitas tyre are you running on the front and what pressure were you running off road?

ha ha, can't you read his mind?
I love posts with only half the info you want. Saying they were simply Mitas knobbs of course only narrows it down to about 6 different tyres, but I guess you'd still have to ask what pressures he was running.
I'd say from the photos it was the E09 Dakar anyway. Pattern looks right and i see a yellow stripe in one of the pics.

So what was the pressure mr thepom ??
They have some other good looking options in the Mitas range that should suit the DR650 and XT600 but may be a bit light for the Transalp.

[ADVGD]

I'd say from the photos it was the E09 Dakar anyway

Nice spotting TA, E09's are fine Kenny, I'm running E09's front and rear for the DB1K, Mitas have good casings so run them low with confidence, on Edwards type terrain I run around 16psi. Keep in mind some sections on Edwards are scattered loose rocks over hard packed clay so you can expect a few sketchy moments, gotta keep alert to keep upright :niceone:

[Peeteey]

Hmmmm...Replacing my back tyre is definitely on the list of things to do. I just can't help but feel like the last 5mm of useable tread will be wasted:weird:

Right there with you man! It's still legal :rolleyes: My knobbly back wheel has the low geared sprocket on it and my higher geared wheel is getting worn down a bit ... :)


and the sandflies were killers

Great pics man, can't wait to go exploring up there!


Great pics guys, gutted I wasn't ready in time to join you, just a few days of building to go...


We'll definitely have to get the next trip up there under way soon, my responsibilities get a lot less shortly so will have more time. Less money but more time with which to be broke ...


called the aa, got taken back to my bike then back to chch (aa plus just paid off) not long before midnight. Some photos from the first part of my ride...

Nice pics! AA plus is nice huh? The cool thing is that it's only about $20 more than your standard subscription and you can switch from standard to plus and back again as you like so when going on a big trip, switch to plus, finish the ride, switch back. It's a great system.

[thepom]

Well I had a 5 psi before I left so pumped it up to about 30 odd psi I think so maybe a bit too high eh......

[ADVGD]

Well I had a 5 psi before I left so pumped it up to about 30 odd psi I think so maybe a bit too high eh......

Whoaa, 30psi is high for that type of terrain brother, drop it down to 16psi and you'll notice a HUGE difference :niceone:

[mattsdakar]

Nice spotting TA, E09's are fine Kenny, I'm running E09's front and rear for the DB1K, Mitas have good casings so run them low with confidence, on Edwards type terrain I run around 16psi. Keep in mind some sections on Edwards are scattered loose rocks over hard packed clay so you can expect a few sketchy moments, gotta keep alert to keep upright :niceone:

I'm guessing you must have been running 50psi last time we were in Malings then, that would account for your wee lie down eh?? :bleh:

[ADVGD]

I'm guessing you must have been running 50psi last time we were in Malings then, that would account for your wee lie down eh?? :bleh:

Lie down? what lie down? No photo, no evidence, no crash :p

I do however have photo evidence from that ride of someone coming into a right hand corner too hot and ending up in the ditch :bleh:

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/77/images/3-day-adv-trip-12-3-2011-10.jpg

[mattsdakar]

[QUOTE=ADVGD;1130197225]Lie down? what lie down? No photo, no evidence, no crash :p

I do however have photo evidence from that ride of someone coming into a right hand corner too hot and ending up in the ditch :bleh:

Doh! Just because you're quicker on the camera than me doesn't mean it didn't happen. Care to explain that squished right pannnier :laugh:

[cynna]

Care to explain that squished right pannnier :laugh:

didnt that happen on last years dusty but prerun - or was that his left pannier :devil2:

[NordieBoy]

didnt that happen on last years dusty but prerun - or was that his left pannier :devil2:

Or even from the QBW ride...
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[Night Falcon]

Or even from the QBW ride...
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that bike has a propensity for the horizontal in my view :hitcher:

[NordieBoy]

that bike has a propensity for the horizontal in my view :hitcher:

I think that's why he put the panniers on. Easier than crash bars.

[thepom]

I like to take a lie down evry ride.........why spoil a habit of a life time...:laugh:

[NordieBoy]

I like to take a lie down evry ride.........why spoil a habit of a life time...:laugh:

I like to get at least one on video every ride...

[andy mac]

Well all the talk about these tracks has prompted some northeners to sneak down for 4 days next week. The loose plan is onto the ferry Tuesday morning and thru the Rainbow to Hanmer Srings (the Molesworth is closed until early December)
Hopefully the rain stays away on Wednesday so we can backtrack to do Maling Pass and Edwards valley, Rainbow, Porika, Braeburn to Murchison. If it rains maybe the hot pools and the grand plan becomes a maybe plan.
This is our training regime for the Dusty Butt:drinknsin

[Box'a'bits]

Well all the talk about these tracks has prompted some northeners to sneak down for 4 days next week. The loose plan is onto the ferry Tuesday morning and thru the Rainbow to Hanmer Srings (the Molesworth is closed until early December)
Hopefully the rain stays away on Wednesday so we can backtrack to do Maling Pass and Edwards valley, Rainbow, Porika, Braeburn to Murchison. If it rains maybe the hot pools and the grand plan becomes a maybe plan.
This is our training regime for the Dusty Butt:drinknsin
Have a good ride Andy & co. I hope the weather cooperates..

[andy mac]

Went thru the Rainbow yesterday. Beautiful sunny day but the heavy rain had scoured out the stream crossings and bought down many slips. We were very lucky to get thru cause there was an enormous slip at 50km.
Today was wet all day but Malings is still an awesome ride. Only got 3/4 into Edwards Valley before opting out of crossing flooded streams. Now fine in Hanmer Springs.
Tomorrow we head to Mauria Saddle, Porika and Nelson bound.

[NordieBoy]

Any snow?

I bet you had knobblies on too ya wimp...




Jealous, me?

[andy mac]

Any snow?

I bet you had knobblies on too ya wimp...




Jealous, me?

Only isolated snow in gullies but we were at the snowline on Maling Pass.
A splendid sight was 4 farmhands on horses mustering wild horses in the pissing rain. I decided they must have thought we were the stupid ones being there, because they were being paid.
Correct i'm wearing out a Trackmaster 760, down to about 4mm now.
I'm very appreciative of your recommendation to buy goretex socks. they are rate up there with heated handgrips :niceone:
Maruia Saddle Rd is in primo condition. a lot of water has been down the streams but they were low today. But Lake Rotoroa has a spring high tide.

[andy mac]

This is the slideshow of our trip :sunny: 3 fine days out of 4

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_YYuhgtivrg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[ADVGD]

This is the slideshow of our trip :sunny: 3 fine days out of 4

Nice job mate, looked like a good trip. :niceone: Certainly higher water than usual through Mailings and Edwards

[Gremlin]

Nice job mate, looked like a good trip. :niceone: Certainly higher water than usual through Mailings and Edwards
Thanks to your website (adventureguide is your's init?) I definitely want to do Rainbow and the two tracks, but it will be next year late Feb/early March.

Mate and I will plan to do after TT2000, but we'll take it nice and easy as I'll be on a GSA, Toto will be on some form of adventure bike. Hopefully the mud is long gone by then. Can't wait...

[cynna]

transalper left his transalp at home and met me at the start of edwards and we went in on our mountain bikes. had enough energy to do mallings the next day. came off twice so im a bit sore today. found out how unfit i am these days but was a good challenge

[Transalper]

the first picture there is cynnas first crash landing, front wheel dug in the soft damp area, rear wheel went vertical and he was ejected.
Bike in the photo is where it landed.... and not a single photo of us actually riding :facepalm:

[Beem02]

Thanks ADVGD for the useful info on your site - Had time to take a side trip over Maling Pass Thursday 19th on the way down to the Dusty. Track was in good condition, with clear weather and great views.

[ADVGD]

Only just saw these...


Thanks to your website (adventureguide is your's init?) I definitely want to do Rainbow and the two tracks

Many many many tracks to add but glad to see it is starting to work


transalper left his transalp at home and met me at the start of edwards and we went in on our mountain bikes. had enough energy to do mallings the next day. came off twice so im a bit sore today. found out how unfit i am these days but was a good challenge

Edwards Valley, a wonderful place to take a bicycle and push it around :p


Thanks ADVGD for the useful info on your site - Had time to take a side trip over Maling Pass Thursday 19th on the way down to the Dusty. Track was in good condition, with clear weather and great views.

You're welcome mate :niceone: