Northern Gravel Adventure Riding Club [Archive] - Page 2

suzieq

31st December 2011, 06:05

On the mng BEFORE the big rains I was looking to make the most of the day before being stuck inside for these two days of torrential rain we have had down here at Taupo. So left home 6am and went on the hunt for more tracks to do whilst down here.

All pics have been uploaded to a photo manager to reduce sizing

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00254.jpg
Riding DOWNHILL I noticed a track was running to the side of those big hills with a stream running along the side also. I had never thought to venture thru any of those side roads. Normally I ride THRU Hatepe and would not have noticed this.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00270.jpg
Turning into the side road nice hard packed pumice road led for many kms along the riverbanks. Lovely.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00256.jpg
Concrete tower - the water pipeline runs for many kms thru the bush

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00265-1.jpg
The end of the road and to me was well worth the ride. There is also another road running higher up and I think the XT will make it up there. Next trip.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00263-1.jpg
Lovely

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00267.jpg
Reminded me of The Sounds

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00266.jpg

hellokitty

31st December 2011, 06:05

that would be great! I need as much advice as possible with riding this BMW. I will start a thread with my weird questions rather than spam this one

paturoa

31st December 2011, 09:26

Hatepe tracks

I've been looking at Mr Google - is the entrance here?
http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?q=Hatepe,+Waikato&hl=en&ll=-38.854605,176.020386&spn=0.022157,0.043731&sll=-41.244772,172.617188&sspn=43.056545,77.167969&vpsrc=6&hnear=Hatepe,+Waikato&t=h&z=15&layer=c&cbll=-38.854605,176.020386&panoid=lriNrNiso5amHlsw6eM8Pg&cbp=12,168.36,,0,-1.25

suzieq

31st December 2011, 09:37

The entrance is right next to a concrete bridge on the left hand side from Taupo end and down the big hilll where you overlook the lake Come into Hatepe and you will find pumice road on the left hand side. I have ridden past it many times but as I am now looking for new places I noticed it and also saw the stream when I was going down the big hill into Hatepe.

There is one long road that takes you out to the dam and on your right hand side is a track that goes up the hillside and can get a bike up there also. I will check that track out next visit. I think better views from higher up also.

Sorry your pic didn't come out tooo clear, I am only on Mobile while on hol so it was not clear.

Sue D

Magic place to visit loved it Many many more roads along the main drag also. Waitahanui has a few roads to check out also. On the list of things to do and places to visit.

offrd

31st December 2011, 09:50

I've been looking at Mr Google - is the entrance here?
http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?q=Hatepe,+Waikato&hl=en&ll=-38.854605,176.020386&spn=0.022157,0.043731&sll=-41.244772,172.617188&sspn=43.056545,77.167969&vpsrc=6&hnear=Hatepe,+Waikato&t=h&z=15&layer=c&cbll=-38.854605,176.020386&panoid=lriNrNiso5amHlsw6eM8Pg&cbp=12,168.36,,0,-1.25

Yes, thats it.

Gravel pit just after the bridge southbound.

Power station, dam, inlet and pipework. Good fun driving 4x4 along the pipe, also good on a bike!

suzieq

31st December 2011, 09:53

Excellent

Hve you done the track that winds up the high side of the bank????

I noticed a few push bikers up there and the track was wide also - so plenty of room for smallish m bike

Wow awsome thru there and well worth the trip

Yes m bike would fit easy on the concrete piping feeding its way thru
Magic

offrd

31st December 2011, 10:01

Last time i was up there was in the dark, I had two tow trucks stuck & smashed the back window out of my 4x4 recovering a stolen V8 discovery.... got all home! LOL

No have not had the bike up there. Yet....
:eek:

offrd

31st December 2011, 10:14

that would be great! I need as much advice as possible with riding this BMW. I will start a thread with my weird questions rather than spam this one

Here is an old thread on a day trip i did on my F650

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/66796-42-Traverse-solo-run

suzieq

31st December 2011, 10:25

Enjoyed your read and account

Excellent Loved it So we are to post this ride as BIG BIKE FRIENDLY ??????

offrd

31st December 2011, 10:37

The F is small, but its defiantly a big bike friendly ride.

Have another ride from down south of turangi somewhere here....

offrd

31st December 2011, 10:48

Here tis

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/69959-CNI-explore

suzieq

31st December 2011, 16:53

Here tis

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/69959-CNI-explore

Love the RED bike standing there

i was at the Pouru Canals today and also explored the Pylon tracks that run the way a bit further up also

Was a bit overgrown but provided some nice wet weather funnnnn

Also the Tower of Hercules and urchins Track and a few others out that area also

Did a good half day explore today amidst the torrential rain

Poutu dam niceeeee and plenty water flow running thru it also

Poutu canals also fulll to capacity Water flow very fast

Also found a nice stream crossing WEll i should say RIVER crossing

Was toooo deep but we willll be back

Wow what a day

Will get round the mountain maybe tomorrow or next day

Plenty to explore further out

Found some awsome easy access forestry roadies today also

4 x 4 track also good riding

No tow ropes with us today

But we will be back LOL

FUN FUN and Jim having heaps fun with this also

We thought it we went over the river the marae up the road might be called in for rescue mission

and we did not like to bother them coming up to New Years celebrations

suzieq

1st January 2012, 05:18

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/408629_291959994187900_100001217057438_933206_1685 118631_n.jpg?dl=1

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=317031604996040&id=257375184295016#!/photo.php?fbid=321731534513757&set=a.321721814514729.74440.170090406344538&type=3&theater

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.321721814514729.74440.170090406344538&type=3

suzieq

1st January 2012, 05:49

http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2012/us/out-of-race/news-page-1.html

suzieq

1st January 2012, 07:18

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=436444403&ed=true

suzieq

1st January 2012, 10:44

JAN 10th New club, starting to get back into it again

Not back to work yet???

9am SH16 BP KUMEU Week day half day ride

Many newish people will be joining us

Sue D

suzieq

1st January 2012, 14:28

http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2012/us/pre-race/stage-report.html (http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2012/us/pre-race/stage-report.html)

suzieq

1st January 2012, 18:39

http://gaps.dakar.com/2011/dakar/stage-13/aso/ukie.php

suzieq

1st January 2012, 19:02

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00223.jpg
More pics of Tukino ski field roading running around the base of the mountain
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00224.jpg
Was a lovely ride
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00225.jpg
Beautiful scenery and surrounds
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00226.jpg
XT looking on while I view the surrounds Magic

suzieq

2nd January 2012, 05:22

http://gaps.dakar.com/2012/dakar/stage-01/aso/ukie.php

suzieq

2nd January 2012, 05:24

http://www.dakar.com/index_DAKus.html

Nº 39.- BIRCH (NZL)
KTM
00:38:28 00:05:
Upcoming trademe auction Chris will be back for this before he heads off for another round of racing overseas

gunnyrob

2nd January 2012, 09:38

So when is the next ride?

suzieq

2nd January 2012, 15:39

JAN 2012
Hi Week day ride 10th Meet 9am BP Kumeu sh16 just before Kumeu - possibly 3/4 day ride but can do as little or as much as you wish
Possibly out to South Head gravel road/beach if tide is right

Sunday 15th Meet 9am BP Kumeu SH16 just before Kumeu
Possibly gravel roads out to Makarau and then over to Ta Pora and Journeys End Possibly full day ride but options to do a shorter route if required also

FEB 2012
Feb 17/18th Our first adventure ride for the new season
Will be Baylys Beach and Poutu Run This will be a combination of forestry road/gravel/beach and stream crossing

As little or as much as you wish

Meet for this one 9am Service station Dargaville 9am A group will be riding from West Auckland early Sat mng to start the ride
This will be a fulllllll days ride and we will need to depart NO LATER than 9am to fit in with the tides and the route we have planned

So options if not wishing for a ride prior to the planned route, www.kauricoasttop10 at Dargaville
Could look to stay Dargaville on the Fri night to make the meet up early sat mng 9am or ride with the group leaving early sat mng to head to D'ville
Details on time and meet up will be posted here shortly

So sat night we will be staying at kauricoasttop10 park Mention gravel riders crew
We have 30 beds booked and the cost will be the same for alll regardless of what unit we are booked into
First in will get first dibs at the accomm
Cost will be split down the middle for us allll so same cost for sat night accomm

Plse bring food to share as we will do a shared cook up at the camp sat night and BYO drinks also

We have a car that will be available at D'Ville 9am on the sat mng to take any luggage etc to the sat night accomm so to not have to carry luggage around

Also any pillions or partners wishing to share in scenic viewing for the day A vehicle will be available to take you around with others that will be
attending also

So all welcome
We will meet back at the accommmm sometime later sat night for our shared cook up

We also willl have our club first advent training day which will be held end Feb for any new people wishing to learn skills
Here we have exp instructors to guide us thru our journey
We always look to cater for new people and our rides we will run two groups those wishing to get thru more kms and those wishing to
maybe take it in their stride and being new to this also

Also pending for us will be a few special rides
These have not been done before and are unique to us as a small group

Our land owners wish for smallish groups to go thru at this stage as sustainability of land is high priority

I have several of these pending - these rides will incur land access charge (but a privilege to be able to have that special ride)

So these will be special to our members

We also willl have our club first advent training day which will be held end Feb for any new people wishing to learn skills
Here we have exp instructors to guide us thru our journey
We always look to cater for new people and our rides we will run two groups those wishing to get thru more kms and those wishing to
maybe take it in their stride and being new to this also

So come along and chat to our ride leaders which avenue you feel you wish to fit into

All new to sand Your bikes will be helped onto the beach So have a go No reason not to
This is a lovely firm packed white sand beach

MARCH 2012
Shaping up to be another busy month
Possibly a SPECIAL ride here or even TWO
Details to hand very shortly possibly end Jan will post up details and numbers for these will be capped First in First Served basis as
we only have permission for smallll amounts at this stage
When we run thru the format for these new rides then we will be able to have more thru

Also we will do SAT RAGLAN run - full day ride and also TE AKAU/WAITOMO and possibly something new to stop and explore also
Also to be scheduled possibly for MAR another full day ride but with a mystery route attached also details and dates posted shortly

APRIL 2012Unique to us will be a 12 tunnels ride
Also maybe another special ride or a full one day ride planned

NOTE: photos and videos will be "S H A R E D" as I have been doing with the CHRIS BIRCH auction etc, as we have been asked to spread the word, "as asked" so I will continue with that request and continue on with the good work. Chris is home grown and a special asset to allll of us New Zealanders. We allll look to help and support him and will CONTINUE to do so. Our special rides photos and videos will be S H A R E D on the completion of our rides, as we do wish to keep some of our rides special. It is becoming hard to find those special places as N.Z. is a very smalll place indeed. So these will be great viewing also.

We look forwards to a very exciting season ahead and are always constantly looking for new and unique rides for us advent/ and dual purpose riding enthusiasts.

We also have a host of NEW ride leaders so it will be good to meet many more like minded advent enthusiasts amongst us also.

ALSO KEEP A LOOK OUT FOR THOSE MID WEEK RIDES:
Some of us work shift work and may also be part timers We willl maybe once month have a mid week ride also
So venue will be altered also - your venue suggestion welcome onboard so to keep this interesting also

We also look to have a pillion ride as some of our gravel crew have partners wishing to meet us
So we will post this up also

suzieq

2nd January 2012, 19:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvccXYnHRVg

suzieq

3rd January 2012, 19:53

http://bmwmcmag.com/2012/01/dakar-2012-stage-1-getting-their-feet-wet/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dakar-2012-stage-1-getting-their-feet-wet

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdxRJtAU9VQ&feature=youtu.be

http://www.dakar.com/index_DAKus.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhdcjYczBpg&feature=related

"]"BRIEF EXCERPT" from "Enduro Extreme Magazine"
Quote of the day: Chris Birch after Dakar, Day One, speaking to wife Monica on the phone: “Mon, it is like riding through 300km of the Santa Parade. It is like everyone in Argentina has come out to watch and they ALL got a camera for Christmas!”

Chris, British born of British parents, but long time resident of New Zealand (he's definitely a Kiwi!), is self-funding his way through his first Dakar ...and doing a good job of it: 39th after day one. Starting on riding number 110 he had a LOT of overtaking to do! Chris is a wonderful guy, we wish him every success. Keep an eye on him and the Brits – Sam Sunderland (7th after day one!), Stan Watt, Tobia Younger and Jago Pickering – via the usual Dakar website... (image: Red Bull/KTM/S.Vidic)

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/333770_346572525369567_212558172104337_1381298_102 1389393_o.jpg

suzieq

3rd January 2012, 20:52

Bring On Those F800 beemers

Today we decided to head over to Rangitaiki and take in a few of the above roads before we also rode the Waikaremoana route also A lot of rain has once again passed thru these parts Of course this just made it even more FUN for the boys Deviating thru the now (MUD) forestry tracks due to the massive wash outs the boys had a great time with it alllll

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00346.jpg
The mud now is quite rutted out and bogs everywhere - aka FUN times for the boys

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00348.jpg
Guiding the big F800 thru it Tim makes light work of it

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00354.jpg
Roller coaster ride down to the stream crossing

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00360.jpg
Making it to the bottom - time for a drink stop

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00369.jpg
Riding over the myriad of stream crossings

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00367.jpg
Jim leads us all thru it

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00379.jpg
Tim at play in the looooser stuffff Jess helping to push that back wheeel thru it

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00388.jpg
Yes the road wash out is still there No sign of any road repairs since we were there a while ago???

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00386.jpg
Jim GPS ing it Now which route to take from here Shall we head and do the left hand track or take the standard route out???

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00385.jpg
Tim heading up one of the pumice banks Loving it

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00380.jpg
This was the boys favourite section of the ride

suzieq

4th January 2012, 06:42

http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2012/us/stage-3/live-feed.html

1 Cyril Despres
2 Marc Coma
3 Chaleko Lopez
4 Javier Pizolito

suzieq

4th January 2012, 10:03

http://www.rtve.es/alacarta/videos/dakar/espectacular-caida-dakar/1286688/

suzieq

4th January 2012, 10:09

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.touratech-usa.com%2FAdventure%2FBlog%2FDEahVe%2FJonah-Street-Withdraws-From-2012-Dakar-Rally&h=aAQGlqwLdAQGXRiRqn21Iy28VmS5bp2PBN6nmHkfIWC74Ww

suzieq

4th January 2012, 17:19

IN FROM MONICA

chris had a really fun day he says! 33rd overall now :)

suzieq

4th January 2012, 17:22

OPEN THIS ONE - YOU WILL WANT TO..................

http://www.chrisbirch.co.nz/
IN FROM MONICA

chris had a really fun day he says! 33rd overall now :)

NordieBoy

4th January 2012, 19:12

IN FROM MONICA

chris had a really fun day he says! 33rd overall now :)

Yeah, but what happened on the run to the finish?
He lost about 18mins or so?

suzieq

4th January 2012, 19:31

http://www.chrisbirch.co.nz/http://

In From Monica

Do you mean yesterday, day 3? He got lost just after waypoint 3, as did Marc Coma, and quite a few others. He said that is where he lost some time... but he said that day 3 was the most fun so far and is really enjoying it! you can see all updates on his site www.chrisbirch.co.nz too :)

Hope this helps

suzieq

4th January 2012, 19:44

[Day 3 of Dakar - in 33rd place overall. Feeling fine, having fun, this race is pretty insane that is for sure! What a challenge, what an experience!

suzieq

5th January 2012, 05:01

[Stage Program] - Stage 4 (04/01/2012)
San Juan - Chilecito : 326 km
★ Rankings before the start ★
Bike : 1. DESPRES (FRA), 2.COMA (ESP), 3. CASTEU (FRA)
Quad : 1. A.PATRONELLI (ARG), 2. M.PATRONELLI (ARG), 3. MAFFEI (ARG)

suzieq

5th January 2012, 05:05

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/media/set/?set=a.272353692823945.65581.104027932989856&type=1

Dakar 2012 Stage 4. Where they are going today! the challenge: 424 km of liaison and 326 km special

Waihou Thumper

5th January 2012, 05:13

Waypoint 3 dropped to 149th place :( 1 hours 40 min behind the leader....
Either he has had a mechnical issue, got lost, puncture or Iritrack has stuffed up. But I doubt it.....
Must be something that has happened.....Damn!

suzieq

5th January 2012, 06:00

I don't like to think which one of the options you mentioned

A tough race and a very tough challlenge Toooo much time lost so must be technical????

Waihou Thumper

5th January 2012, 06:02

Still on the road, arrived at WP 4 119th place 1:53:01 behind Marc Coma.....

it will be interesting to find out what happened? There has been a swag of changes up and down the leaderboard...

Climbing back up :)

suzieq

5th January 2012, 06:05

suzieq

5th January 2012, 06:11

I just had a heart attack *sob* Chris just phoned, he had a crash, he is FINE! Bike is broken but he can fix it, he just rang coz he didn't want me to worry! Deep breath ...

hiya!
yes he had a crash after WP2, he phoned me to say he was fine, not hurt, but had to fix the bike and he didn't want me to worry! WP3 in 149th and then WP4 in 121st so all fine now I assume he has fixed the problem and is racing hard.

suzieq

5th January 2012, 13:51

http://www.dakar.com/index_DAKus.html

http://www.chrisbirch.co.nz/

suzieq

5th January 2012, 20:18

#110 CHRIS BIRCH...
“I had a hell of a crash, a real big s**t mixer! Someone ran into me and off I went. I walked away without a scratch but the bike was quite damaged – the oil cooler was broken. I tried instant metal and that didn’t work. So I had to strip down the bike and bypass the oil cooler and work some Kiwi magic into it. I lost HEAPS of time I know, but it was all fixable and luckily I was fine. Of course I wish it didn’t happen but it’s not the end of the world and I am just going to get on with the rest of the race.”

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/396113_10150479632408687_599098686_8920376_5513011 2_n.jpg

suzieq

6th January 2012, 07:16

[Mag] - Stage 5 (05/01/2012)
A new challenge for the drivers: a sweltering heat on the Dakar ! Check it out...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InyG5pLIIsE&list=PL4B0283A4A5E93E56&index=1&feature=plcp

http://www.chrisbirch.co.nz/

Stage 5 win to Cyril Despres with Marc Coma second at 1minute 41. Third rider 12m 42 behind Despres.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/326130_10150478691860000_21573544999_8922077_18602 42443_o.jpg

suzieq

6th January 2012, 07:27

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/387399_10150478644945000_21573544999_8921767_97527 5598_n.jpg
Chris Birch in action during the 5th stage of Dakar Rally from Chilecito to Fiambala, Argentina on january 5th, 2012 © Marcelo Maragni/Red Bull Content Pool

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/393375_10150478644745000_21573544999_8921764_31471 4264_n.jpg
Mohammed Balooshi in action during the 5th stage of Dakar Rally from Chilecito to Fiambala, Argentina on january 5th, 2012 © Marcelo Maragni/Red Bull Content Pool

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/395558_10150478644535000_21573544999_8921763_27711 5795_n.jpg
Johnny Aubert in action during the 5th stage of Dakar Rally from Chilecito to Fiambala, Argentina on january 5th, 2012 © Marcelo Maragni/Red Bull Content Pool

suzieq

6th January 2012, 07:32

suzieq

6th January 2012, 08:56

Chris finished today in 42nd and so overall 45th. caught a few places then, just keep picking them off boyo!! xxx sweet now I can go back to sleep!

Good times for Chris Birch and Ned, congrats guys... as for the Minis, 5 out of the top 6 goes to them today! http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2012/us/stage-5/rankings/overall-bikes.html

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dakar.com%2Fdakar%2F2012% 2Fus%2Fstage-5%2Frankings%2Foverall-bikes.html&h=kAQGeId8WAQGxNg6SksP9RH0X8rAPbXqoLE7eYdFZuRAwIw

suzieq

6th January 2012, 10:46

“What a day! I had a really great day, but what chaos with Iain’s bike burning – all that is left is a wheel and frame. My USA mate here had a crash and hurt his leg but he’s still in it coz he’s a tough ... person! Someone else’s engines blew up today, but my bike is going strong, Memo Tours got it all fixed up for me after my crash.

I really enjoyed today, really soft dunes, big mountain pass, fesh-fesh – that talcum powder dirt – it was like riding in clay ruts in Riverhead in winter but can’t see where u going!”

Tomorrow (well tonight!) we go over to Chile, the Copiapo pass... that will be interesting!”

suzieq

6th January 2012, 10:52

http://www.youtube.com/user/dakar/featured

george formby

6th January 2012, 11:52

Just to make matters interesting for the riders... It's snowing above 3500mtrs in the Andes. Pass MAY be snowed in.:eek:

suzieq

6th January 2012, 13:11

Just to make matters interesting for the riders... It's snowing above 3500mtrs in the Andes. Pass MAY be snowed in.:eek:

Very interesting indeed Will be interesting viewing once again

george formby

6th January 2012, 13:13

Very interesting indeed Will be interesting viewing once again

It's official now. No racing tomorrow.

suzieq

6th January 2012, 13:14

It's official now. No racing tomorrow.

OH NOOOOOO must be bad

http://www.ktm.com/news-events/news/all/details/news/detail/News/dakar-2012-stage-five-victory-to-despres-to-consolidate-overall-lead.html

suzieq

6th January 2012, 13:17

OH NOOOOOO must be bad

http://www.ktm.com/news-events/news/all/details/news/detail/News/dakar-2012-stage-five-victory-to-despres-to-consolidate-overall-lead.html

http://bc2dakar.com/

george formby

6th January 2012, 13:21

For once I really need a Twitter account. Most of the info I'm reading is being twatted from the bivouac by the riders. Mad!

suzieq

6th January 2012, 13:31

For once I really need a Twitter account. Most of the info I'm reading is being twatted from the bivouac by the riders. Mad!

Twitter/twatter away hilarious What will the next best thing be out there?????? madness has it............... LOL

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

suzieq

6th January 2012, 16:21

Twitter/twatter away hilarious What will the next best thing be out there?????? madness has it............... LOL

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

IN FROM MONICA.................

ah I see ...

this was on the website so I know as much as you

Due to the bad weather continuing over the Andes Cordillera (rain and snow), the Chilean authorities were forced to close, for the night, the border at Paso de San Francisco, situated at 4700m.

For the 7th time, the Dakar is about to cross over the Andes, and because of very unfavourable conditions, added to the fact that the course has been hit by rain and snow, in order to guarantee the security of the competitors and those following the rally, the organisers have decided to organise a convoy for all vehicles tomorrow. The itinerary has been changed after the border (follow the main road on the right which goes to Diego de Almagro).

suzieq

6th January 2012, 17:02

IN FROM MONICA.................

ah I see ...

this was on the website so I know as much as you

Due to the bad weather continuing over the Andes Cordillera (rain and snow), the Chilean authorities were forced to close, for the night, the border at Paso de San Francisco, situated at 4700m.

For the 7th time, the Dakar is about to cross over the Andes, and because of very unfavourable conditions, added to the fact that the course has been hit by rain and snow, in order to guarantee the security of the competitors and those following the rally, the organisers have decided to organise a convoy for all vehicles tomorrow. The itinerary has been changed after the border (follow the main road on the right which goes to Diego de Almagro).

Turns out they are changing the liaison stage of Day 6 by looks of it as the weather forced Chilean officials to close the border post... so my understanding is that they will convoy (Connn-voyyyy!) the riders etc to Chile but the actual special stage will stay the same... man, Chris was looking forward to that one!!

suzieq

6th January 2012, 18:14

Turns out they are changing the liaison stage of Day 6 by looks of it as the weather forced Chilean officials to close the border post... so my understanding is that they will convoy (Connn-voyyyy!) the riders etc to Chile but the actual special stage will stay the same... man, Chris was looking forward to that one!!

Today's stage has been cancelled as the weather on top of the mountain is too bad we are now starting a 650 km liaison at 8 .... Still going over the pass it will be colder than -5 3 bikes burnt out completely today Iains and 2 others he will leave for home today.

suzieq

6th January 2012, 20:05

http://www.bmw.tv/com/article/BMW%20Motorrad.%20The%20North%20pt.%201./New/video.do?articleID=15381&spaceID=2&channelID=2&mid=5709609

Excellent Vid Clip

suzieq

7th January 2012, 05:55

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlWRHUWnhe8

suzieq

7th January 2012, 06:09

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlWRHUWnhe8

http://www.dakar.com/index_DAKus.html

[Stage Program] - Stage 5 (05/01/2012)
CHILECITO - FIAMBALA : 177 km (cars & trucks) / 265 km (bikes & quads)
★ Rankings before the start ★
Bike : 1. DESPRES (FRA), 2.COMA (ESP), 3. RODRIGUES (PRT)
Quad : 1. MAFFEI (ARG), 2. A.PATRONELLI (ARG), 3. M.PATRONELLI (ARG)
Car : 1. PETERHANSEL (FRA), 2. DE VILLIERS (SA), 3. ROMA (ESP)
Truck: 1. DE ROOY (NLD), 2. STACEY (NLD), 3. BIASION (ITA)

NOW FOR SOME WET WEATHER FUN TRY THIS:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virtualrallygame.com%2F&h=hAQG2tAjKAQECpXJR6horRZilqbzrF-hZENR5p0PfyouGtg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/379863_10150578835422177_693797176_11290173_272169 650_n.jpg
Iaian's bike a total incineration

http://www.facebook.com/cat.longman/posts/2571744132784#!/media/set/?set=a.273604902698824.65831.104027932989856&type=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7Ug8Wn8f8Y

suzieq

7th January 2012, 06:33

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/379498_10150481069420000_21573544999_8931599_15533 58741_n.jpg

Chris Birch in action during the 6th stage of Dakar Rally from Fiambala, Argentina to Copiapó, Chile on january 6th, 2012 © Marcelo Maragni/Red Bull Content Pool

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/404228_10150481066460000_21573544999_8931597_14257 56153_n.jpg

Cyril Despres and Ruben Faria in action during the 6th stage of Dakar Rally from Fiambala, Argentina to Copiapo, Chile on Jan 6th, 2012 - (courtesy Marcello Maragni/Red Bull Content Pool)

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/395763_10150481065790000_21573544999_8931594_30583 4785_n.jpg

Marc Coma in action during Dakar Rally XXX Argentina on December 29th 2011 - (Marcello Maragni/Red Bull Content Pool)

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/392616_10150481065625000_21573544999_8931593_51484 9810_n.jpg

Johnny Aubert in action during the 6th stage of Dakar Rally from Fiambala, Argentina to Copiapo, Chile on Jan 6th 2012 (courtesy Marcello Maragni/Red Bull Content Pool)

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/384119_10150481066020000_21573544999_8931595_13841 97904_n.jpg

Mohammed Balooshi in action during the 6th stage of Dakar Rally from Fiambala, Argentina to Copiapo. Chile on January 6th 2012 (courtesy of Marcelo Maragni/Red Bull Content Pool)

LATEST NEWS CHRIS BIRCH WEBSITE
http://www.chrisbirch.co.nz/

suzieq

7th January 2012, 06:50

well I for one was pleased with cancellation of the Dakar stage as it meant I got an unexpected full night's sleep. Now I am ready to hit the weekend here! Off to Waiheke today to see Kaleidoscope's show, then out to town this evening with the girls.

You so deserve a break Monica

suzieq

7th January 2012, 06:54

So, you've seen the cool Dakar bikes with the massive fuel tanks, big fairings and oh so many lovely gadgets with more buttons than you'd ever know what to do with!

Ever wondered what they do?

Stan Watt takes MCN's Michael Guy through the gadgets one by

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hERWTagfZV4

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=17677819&postcount=245

suzieq

7th January 2012, 07:09

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3 D2UiPrIMBbkA&h=NAQGsRvXO

suzieq

7th January 2012, 08:38

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3 D2UiPrIMBbkA&h=NAQGsRvXO

BRAND-NEW! The T-Shirt for BMW GS riders! “You may go a little bit faster but I can anywhere!” Exclusively available at www.BeemerGS.com!

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/409059_292248160823544_100001150872592_824733_2031 861074_n.jpg

suzieq

7th January 2012, 09:10

http://toyotablog.co.za/blog-entry/recap-day-fives-action-dakar-rally-2012

suzieq

7th January 2012, 11:12

http://toyotablog.co.za/blog-entry/recap-day-fives-action-dakar-rally-2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUUY8YfFLjA&feature=bf_prev&list=PL4B0283A4A5E93E56&lf=plcp

suzieq

7th January 2012, 14:51

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUUY8YfFLjA&feature=bf_prev&list=PL4B0283A4A5E93E56&lf=plcp

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Neduro-to-Dakar/233369226695489

suzieq

7th January 2012, 17:10

http://www.chrisbirch.co.nz/

suzieq

7th January 2012, 17:47

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/321619_282774258422057_100000684547120_958785_1731 476274_n.jpg

My friend from overseas thought to provide ME with some afternoon entertainment, MY bridge shot and HIS bridge shot.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/280888_210583042320148_100001053625657_586294_2699 082_o.jpg

MY LOW suspension GS650 beemer - out riding the Lake Waikaremoana track a couple of years ago. Jim decided we would do a nice longggg ride. We left Taupo about 9am and rode thru Desert Road/Waiouru, then took in Gentle Annie before lunching at Napier beachfront for a short stop. From there over to Wairoa and then to start the Lake Waikaremoana track (3:30 in the afternoon???) I told Jim i was unsure if i would make it out BEFORE dark, but answer THE BIKE HAS LIGHTS........... and yes looking at the pic the bike does indeed have lights. The further in we traversed it just kept getting darker.

A couple of weeks BEFORE we went thru a bmw group was scheduled to also go thru but the Opotiki servo contacted to say there had been a major wash out, so a good portion of the track was flooded out and there were also major slips on quite a few sections. Music to my husbands ears as we most definately WERE doing the route. So on entrance from the Wairoa side of the track there had been major debris and MUDDDD. The river had washed up a lot of the trees onto the track and my bike slipped and skidded all over the show. I did stage a park up at one point and looked UP the hill at JIM thinking what on earth is this?????? But footing the feet down in the mud with such a heavy bike to support it soon became evident that was NOT an option. So onwards and upwards and keep the gas on. It was better skidding and sliding all over the place and keeping the bike going forwards. This seemed to go on for ages, but soon the mud levelled out. Having NO nobbs on the bike also did NOT help. I just had standard dual purpose ANARKEE II tyres on. Not good in the mud at allll.

The exit stretches from the Lake Waikaremoana is a combination of gravel portions and then sealed portions. There was also plenty of the big thick chunks of the white rock they had used on portions of the track to repair the slips. I could not see a thing so just ploughed thru it all with the bike careering every which way. Nearly veered into the bank at one point, but I spose when you cannot see the road in front of you, you just hit the gas and go for it. At that time of night I would not expect toooo many vehicles on the track, but there were loads of 4 x 4 vehicles travelling thru the track, another new one for me. A good thing becoming now dark, I could see the oncoming lights of the vehicles. I do rember asking Jim how long he thought it would take us to GET THRU here. Answer, AS LONG AS IT TAKES.

So nearly 100kms over this lot before we exit out thru Murupara and into Rotovegas and then home TAUPO> (about 800kms of riding thru the day) Keeping up with JIMZ big F800 on this return stretch back to Taupo and no roadside lights, the beams from the GS did not provide me with that much lighting either. It was one heck of a FAST trip thru here also. The bikes were tapped, good I could not see the speedo, was concentrating on gunning it out of there and trying to spot the rear tail light on the back of the F800. My bike was working hard on this ride, tapped to the max on the road sections home and could not see the road at alll thru this section. It was a long days ride and pitch black by the time we made TAUPO.

I think I was done by the time we reached Taupo. We parked up at the local Maccas for a stop, parked up the GS and climbed up the stairs. I had not stopped to think of the state of myself. Never gave it a thought, I WAS THE viewing in the small Taupo establishment. Covered from head to toe in mud. The bike was caked also. I WAS THE ENTERTAINMENT. I also had not realised I had parked my bike off camber, being tired you lose being in touch with a few of the very basics, the ride home also just as important as the journey thru the day.

So climbed on board, Jim had exited the car park by now, I leaned the bike over and she took me clean over on my low side. Yes the bike was racing and ready to go, key in ignition front wheels spinning, lights on. I was thrown clean off face first on the concrete pavers, and the GS was purring away also face down. hmmmmm Now, believe it or not, a gentleman who was on holiday from Jamaica with a rastafarian t on and dreads to match. Huge chap. Unbelievable, what are the chances??????? Well he rushed over to me, grabbed my adventure jacket and hoisted me off the deck like i was a 10kilo sack of spuds. It was nothing for him. Embarrassing. I am normally used to picking myself up off the deck so i did struggle with being helped. The whole of maccas had now also come running out as well as. OH DEAR. He then picked up my heavy GS650 like it was a 250cc and threw that up also. That man was STRONGGGG.

People very very kind and very helpful, but a trifle embarrasing for me having done such a big ride over the day and ending my thunder LIKE THIS. Now this is something Jim is forever remembering.

suzieq

7th January 2012, 19:58

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xd85eb_nz-northland-episode-1_travel#rel-page-1

suzieq

7th January 2012, 20:56

http://www.mxlarge.com/news/5929-last-chance-to-win-ken-roczen-gear-gear2win

suzieq

8th January 2012, 06:35

[Stage Program] - Stage 7 (07/01/2012)
COPIAPO - COPIAPO : 419 km > Follow the live !!!
★ Rankings before the start ★
Bike : 1. DESPRES (FRA), 2.COMA (ESP), 3. RODRIGUES (PRT)
Quad : 1. MAFFEI (ARG), 2. A.PATRONELLI (ARG), 3. M.PATRONELLI (ARG)
Car : 1. PETERHANSEL (FRA), 2. HOLOWCZYC (POL), 3. ROMA (ESP)
Truck: 1. DE ROOY (NLD), 2. STACEY (NLD), 3. BIASION (ITA)

http://www.dakar.com/index_DAKus.html

EXPERIMENT THE ACTION FROM THE INSIDE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uiFvPGQG1U&list=PL4B0283A4A5E93E56&index=2&feature=plcp

KTM's lead Dakar riders Cyril Despres and marc Coma are off on Stage 7 - a loop of timed special from Copiapo to Copiapo in Chile of 419 tough kms in the Atacama Desert, the driest place on the planet.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/383783_10150482545885000_21573544999_8937043_16874 08791_n.jpg

BIKES STAGE 7.....and they are off on what sounds like a long day in the saddle. 13 have left start so far, and 3 of them through WP 1.

In From Monica

"]looks like Chris finished in 34th-ish today, overall 32nd gotta see what happens once everyone is in - but made up lots of places!! but all done for special stage 7 - now the liaison and that's it! lonnnngggg day today hoping he doesn't sleep in the desert ...

KTM Racing
Coma and Despres 1-2 in Stage 7 of Dakar 2012. Marc gains about two minutes on Cyril in the overall standings but Cyril is still 7 minutes 48 ahead going into the rest day in Copiapo, Chile.

suzieq

8th January 2012, 08:06

We are attending DB1K along with well over 100 riders so far, and still time for more entries for this event.

Jim has been working many hours in our garage so titled JIMZ GARAGE preparing the KTM450EXC for those more challenging sections of the ride.

The KTM450EXC has never looked so good. LOL. The KTM is getting a make over. Jim also used the newly modded out KTM and test rode it on the Chris Birch support ride, along with a 10Litre fuel can on the back along for the ride also. I must admit those factory KTM stickers do look the part. A shame. The new safari tank not quite so nice to look at, but still in the TEAM OJ theme which is good.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/Asaturdayoutandabout03rdDec2011144.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/Asaturdayoutandabout03rdDec2011147.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/390847_278490622201325_100001211687808_894182_2512 31233_n.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DarbiandthenewKTMshop027.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DarbiandthenewKTMshop025.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DustyButt2012HereWecomeTeamOJinattendance002.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DustyButt2012HereWecomeTeamOJinattendance001.jpg

suzieq

8th January 2012, 08:44

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jvw-1elkGJ0&feature=youtu.be

suzieq

8th January 2012, 11:31

NEDURO TO DAKAR: Day 7, Check. Rest day tomorrow.

KTM RACING:

http://www.ktm.com/news-events/news/all/details/news/detail/News/dakar-2012-stage-7-to-coma-despres-defends-overall-lead.html

CHRIS BIRCH SITE:http://www.chrisbirch.co.nz/

STAGE 7 SUMMARY:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUsy0Z91O8s&feature=youtu.be

IN FROM GINGER:Latest Dakar Update from Toby
"10Km from end of stage 7 at 9pm. However last climb too steep and sand too soft, have little strength left. A truck has rolled and 5 cars stuck. Lights all over these huge mountains of sand in the star filled night under South American skys. The dunes are a sight to be seen. Am going to wait till dawn to try again.....so close. Road book broken, GPS nearly out of battery and no front lights!

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/407467_144404549006406_100003105851778_192862_1052 037373_n.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/402407_144052269041634_100003105851778_192022_1690 705153_n.jpg

DakarTeamGB - Update. Had a call from Toby this morning, the last few days have been epic in Argentina.

"50 degree heat in some of the most hostile sand dunes and 'fesh fesh' tried to protect bike after crash with a car yesterday meant a late night engine swap. Rideing with Jago we were 1/2 way with 12 hours in the saddle and in a bad way, Jagos hydrolic clutch was bust, our lights weren't working and flash floods made the going very dangerous. Tried towing Jago through dunes and sandstorms but about 4 a.m the organisers stopped us as was too dangerous. Gutted for Jago who has had to retire from Dakar 2012 (along with 40% of the field) I maaged to limp back just in time to set off again, stage closed due to snow. No sleep and constent rideing for 40 hours, altitude and fatigue taking their toll. Have a huge day again today having crossed into a new country and the dryest desert in the world. It is so dusty with cars passing me at 110 mph it is rather dangerous too, need my wits about me, will miss my riding partner"

Stan Watts is higher up the field and broken into a very competative top 50, this year has easly seen the highest calabre of riders ever seen.

CHRIS BIRCH:
moved from 47th to 42nd overall today. Good fun day, now for the rest day - eat eat eat sleep sleep :)

suzieq

8th January 2012, 18:05

Meet up 9am BP Kumeu (just before Kumeu village) route planned at this stage South Head and out to Wainoni Lagoon, we may go visit the bombing range also

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/378769_285597171475401_100000753626044_737994_2773 28211_n-Copy.jpg

suzieq

8th January 2012, 19:22

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUy-UHTXs0Q&list=UU-pJEGd0DyxTTbN_e0ZOFeA&index=6&feature=plcp

(ps turn the sound up Love It)

suzieq

9th January 2012, 05:32

http://www.facebook.com/suzette.denham#!/photo.php?fbid=274983052561009&set=a.274982355894412.66104.104027932989856&type=3&theater

If you cannot open this link pm me and I will upload these pics to you separately

KTM RACING: AT HALFWAY MARK STILL THE TALE OF TWO KTM RIDERS:
http://www.ktm.com/news-events/news/all/details/news/detail/News/dakar-2012-at-halfway-mark-still-the-tale-of-two-ktm-riders.html

EN MAGAZINE - STAGE 7 - KTM STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DESERT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n0tXZ_0tjw&feature=player_embedded

CHRIS BIRCH;
Chris is now halfway through Dakar 2012! He had a really good, fun day on the Copiapo loop, he was a bit nervous and think he expected it to be much longer than it was for him.

Chris finished 34th today which sees him now sitting in 41st overall, after making up about 6 places today.

NEDURO TO DAKAR:
Observers of stage 7 will have noted that Ned was off pace today. There's a very good (actually, two very good) reason(s) for that. Tune in to hear how Ned MacGuyvered his way through the stage, and lived to Dakar another day.

http://hw.libsyn.com/p/e/d/6/ed662bd9c93f41c5/12D10.mp3?sid=f3b1f67a0e8e50fe8a973a8e49df97bb&l_sid=21539&l_eid=&l_mid=2858819&expiration=1326045531&hwt=a6d47e8ac8f6a618031998980fdbe7e7

http://hw.libsyn.com/p/e/d/6/ed662bd9c93f41c5/12D10.mp3?sid=428caec286ec531e0da31fa6db5f4853&l_sid=21539&l_eid=&l_mid=2858819&expiration=1326044937&hwt=4e76f46791a1ccaa9f52276a02cca465

suzieq

9th January 2012, 06:05

LATEST MESSAGE FROM CHRIS BIRCH

Chilling in down town copiapo oon the rest day off Dakar. Things have gone really well so far apart from getting blatted on day three. 1500 euros of damage and over an hour of playing bush mechanics to keep moving. this has put me pretty far back in the pack with loads of dust. Im not going to risk my arse trying to make up for lost time but keep chipping away at it and get my arse to Lima! This race is amazing, its not too difficult day by day but when you go so far for so long it grinds you down. Its a lot of fun and an amazing adventure! Thanks to everyone who has sent there messages of support!

NED SUESSE calls in from the bivouac on the rest day........
http://www.facebook.com/suzette.denham/posts/248773148525397#!/

FROM CHRIS BIRCH:
Rest day in Copiaipo whew! Will keep chipping away at the second half of the race now!— 4 hours 3 min ago

CHRIS BIRCH VIDEO:
http://www.chrisbirch.co.nz/

Chris will be kicking off on the special stage of day 8 of racing at appx 12:30NZT (wee hours of Tuesday morning...)

Pretty long special - 477kms!!! Hopefully the rest day with lots of feeding time has prepared him well...

Wow thank you so much to everyone who has donated to Chris's Dakar 'parts bill' over the weekend! amazing support around the world! Mon— 4 hours 13 min ago

Just found this one ... just so you know, for the most part he is talking about Romaniacs, so, when he says full support of KTM, he means in Romaniacs, they are awesome there. Chris is being helped by Memo Tours during Dakar and is not an official KTM team rider.

(Also, I love how he says I am the boss. I am so glad I have that recorded - Mon).

http://www.chrisbirch.co.nz/

THE REST DAY:
http://century.co.za/blogs/blog5.php

suzieq

9th January 2012, 16:46

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/389877_2587924937294_1229686199_32294105_681626134 _n1.jpg

Joined by new lady Cat with her new Xmas pressie we met and journeyed thru Makarau gravel roads and headed out and over the Krippners Road. Wet and muddy, but made for a great run. Excellent ride and I was impressed with Cat's level of ability as she is new to riding gravel roads. Tomorrow we will take those new skills and head out to South Head and explore Wainoni Lagoon. Fingers crossed the tide will be a long way out again.:2thumbsup

suzieq

9th January 2012, 18:25

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/402252_10150484597040000_21573544999_8946901_13353 49741_n.jpg

Chris Birch in action during the 7th stage of Dakar Rally in Copiapó, Chile on january 7th, 2012 © Marcelo Maragni/Red Bull Content Pool

Taz

9th January 2012, 19:13

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DustyButt2012HereWecomeTeamOJinattendance001.jpg

Chain looks too tight. Check it while sitting on it.

hellokitty

9th January 2012, 19:37

Joined by new lady Cat with her new Xmas pressie we met and journeyed thru Makarau gravel roads and headed out and over the Krippners Road. Wet and muddy, but made for a great run. Excellent ride and I was impressed with Cat's level of ability as she is new to riding gravel roads. Tomorrow we will take those new skills and head out to South Head and explore Wainoni Lagoon. Fingers crossed the tide will be a long way out again.:2thumbsup

Thanks for a great ride today - I hope you aren't going to put up video of me falling over in the sand tomorrow!

suzieq

9th January 2012, 20:10

Thanks for a great ride today - I hope you aren't going to put up video of me falling over in the sand tomorrow! was only kidding Will save the vid for another day

The lady in pink L E A T H E R ooh this is going to make electic viewing

sorry could only find purple

You did well today, the bike will stay upright, bring it on.............................

suzieq

10th January 2012, 05:31

Chain looks too tight. Check it while sitting on it.

Thanks will check on the chain fitting

suzieq

10th January 2012, 05:32

RawHyde Dakar Rally update #1- the adventure begins with the redistribution of tourist revenue.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=247775018621484&set=a.170876689644651.46990.157663480965972&type=1#!/notes/rawhyde-adventures/rawhyde-dakar-rally-update-1-the-adventure-begins-with-the-redistribution-of-tou/289933671054683

Thelone surviving USA rider in the Dakar
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/322201_2464741543504_1401218272_32013772_942578181 _o.jpg

Texan fans At The Dakar
That's Chilean flag! (I made the same mistake once at the World Cup in Paris. Thought I'd run into a bunch of Texans and they just thought I was nuts when I started talking to them. I couldn't figure out why they'd never heard of Terlingua and didn't speak any English.)http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/402058_2464736103368_1401218272_32013769_120717764 3_n.jpg

EN - BF Goodrich - Experience The Adventure From The Inside:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djy460F4fZI&list=PL4B0283A4A5E93E56&index=6&feature=plcp

Dakar 2012, A Night In The Dunes: -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p06C16lQYNQ&feature=share

RANKING STAGE AT STAGE 8:http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2012/us/stage-8/rankings/stage-bikes.html#ancre

BAD DAY FOR DEPRES:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJTy0knYyAE&feature=share

suzieq

10th January 2012, 05:38

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SldSSPxWMfk&sns=fb

Quick Question: if he was solo and no other person accompanied him then how was he able to film himself riding along the road (like in a full view of him riding)? did he place the shooting camera on a tripod or something then go back and ride towards it? please explain.

ANSWER: Yes that is exactly how it was done. Leave the camera, ride into the shot and come back to fetch the camera

Voyage moto Himalaya
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQRzCUcVjtU&feature=watch_response

suzieq

10th January 2012, 05:54

Marc Coma is a MACHINE! I hope Chris gets a photo with him and his autograph for me haha :) he is kicking ASSES!!

Monica, having fun at the control panel, the control panel has taken a hit......................
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/394350_10150583743833245_611318244_10804926_239716 660_n.jpg
F5 is getting another hammering ... poor little computer!! Chris through WP1 all good ...

Chris Birch

Chilling in down town copiapo oon the rest day off Dakar. Things have gone really well so far apart from getting blatted on day three. 1500 euros of damage and over an hour of playing bush mechanics to keep moving. this has put me pretty far back in the pack with loads of dust. Im not going to risk my arse trying to make up for lost time but keep chipping away at it and get my arse to Lima! This race is amazing, its not too difficult day by day but when you go so far for so long it grinds you down. Its a lot of fun and an amazing adventure! Thanks to everyone who has sent there messages of support!
[Stage Program] - Stage 8 (09/01/2012)
COPIAPO - ANTOFAGASTA : 477 km > Follow the live !!!
★ Rankings before the start ★
Bike : 1. DESPRES (FRA), 2.COMA (ESP), 3. RODRIGUES (PRT)
Quad : 1. A.PATRONELLI (ARG), 2. MAFFEI (ARG), 3. M.PATRONELLI (ARG)
Car : 1. PETERHANSEL (FRA), 2. HOLOWCZYC (POL), 3. GORDON (USA)
Truck: 1. DE ROOY (NLD), 2. LOPRAIS (CZE), 3. STACEY (NLD)

HomePage Live - Stage 8 Dakar:
http://www.dakar.com/index_DAKus.html

EN Magazine - Stage 7 - (Copiapo - Copiapo) 07/01/2012
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3 D6n0tXZ_0tjw&h=NAQHr5MYG

CB and DC thru WP6 in 31+32 ... about 2/3 way thru the special— 2 hours 26 min ago
•CB and DC thru WP5, staying strong!— 3 hours 18 min ago
•CB thru WP3 in 31st with Darryl Curtis in 30th, bet they are having a ball!— 4 hours 14 min ago
•CB through WP2 just now, has made up a few places so far today, sitting at about 33rd ... started in 42 overall ..— 5 hours 3 min ago
•CB thru 31st WP1 on Stage 8 of Dakar ...— 5 hours 48 min ago

Ned Suesse At The Rest Day - 2012 DAKAR
http://rallyraidio.net/webpage/2012-dakar-12-ned-suesse-at-the-rest-day

suzieq

10th January 2012, 13:04

SOUTH ISLAND - HIGH COUNTRY TRAILS Nz - This is episode number 1 of a five part series
pm me and let me know what you think of this, as I am collecting feedback for David (producer of this) - thanks Sue D

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3 DZ68gSvogJWg&h=sAQHDphkp

suzieq

10th January 2012, 13:15

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO THE KARAMEA???????? ROBBY GORDON - Etapa 8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERj5CgFogdU&feature=share

CLOSE STAGE FINISH AT DAKAR:
MINI'S JUAN 'NANI' ROMA has won the 477-kilometre stage 8 of the Dakar betweem Copiago and Antofagasta in Chile by just 5 seconds from the Hummer of Robby Gordon.

http://www.speedcafe.com/2012/01/10/close-stage-finish-at-dakar/

NEDURO @ DAKAR:
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/399878_10151156418455595_203458255594_22626661_176 1595520_n.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/393403_10151156418670595_203458255594_22626662_138 3718274_n.jpg

IN FROM KTM RACING:
http://www.ktm.com/news-events/news/all/details/news/detail/News/dakar-organizers-adjust-stage-8-times-coma-still-has-overall-lead.html

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/383889_10151156418855595_203458255594_22626664_136 6566773_n.jpg

IN FROM MONICA:
verrrrry interesting!!:

The times posted by the first motorcyclists to hit the course this morning have been rectified by the race officials after several riders got stuck in the mud near km 10. Given that the route of the special was changed after the seventh motorcycle went through (in order to prevent the entire caravan from getting stuck in the muddy río), the race directors decided to deduct the time lost by Coma, Despres, Gonçalves, Rodrigues, Farrés Güell, Ullevalseter and Casteu from their final times. As a result, Marc Coma seized the lead with a 1'26" margin over Cyril Despres. Behind them, the last podium step is still up for grabs, with Hélder Rodrigues in third place, 20'51" ahead of David Casteu, who today climbed to the fourth place. Paulo Gonçalves now sits fifth, 2'19" behind the Frenchman

"just in From Monica"
Chris finished stage 8 hoorah! in about 30th! Looks to have made up a few places too but just see how everyone else ends up ... GO BOY YOU ROCK!!

" From Chris Today There was 500km's of SH**t, but still having fun"
http://www.chrisbirch.co.nz/content/stage-8-complete

Bivouac (campamento) de Copiapo
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/photo.php?v=313404565371722

In From Ned Suesse: - Stage 8 of the Rally. In a word, MUD.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fhw.libsyn.com%2Fp%2F5%2Ff%2Ff %2F5ff07bc1b08a216a%2F12D13.mp3%3Fsid%3D4122f61a7f 3345f14ce88a141a642d06%26l_sid%3D21539%26l_eid%26l _mid%3D2860268%26expiration%3D1326153821%26hwt%3D5 e2767c522f1480c4984c7666df0d808&h=mAQEZYjoe

Stage 8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxooC3kTa_E&feature=share

STAGE 6 & 7 - THE BEST OF "PICS" 07/01/2012
http://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.274982355894412.66104.104027932989856&type=3

IN FROM KTM RACING:[
http://www.ktm.com/news-events/news/all/details/news/detail/News/dakar-organizers-adjust-stage-8-times-coma-still-has-overall-lead.html

NordieBoy

10th January 2012, 20:41

Eddieb

10th January 2012, 20:50

It's edog200, of course it's going to be good.

Yep.

Pretty sure that series was originally edited and distributed as teh cover DVD for an Australian bike magazine mid last year.

suzieq

11th January 2012, 05:33

Yep.

Pretty sure that series was originally edited and distributed as the cover DVD for an Australian bike magazine mid last year.

Thanks They will be pleased I just got a message from David this mng so willll query him and also give him this positive feedback

suzieq

11th January 2012, 05:46

IN FROM MONICA:

Guys, my internet is playing up and whilst I am not 100% convinced I have my facts right, the bikes started early on todays 556 km stage, and at WP 1 DC & CB are way down in 75th & 78th place. If I have my facts wrong, please delete this post as I don't want to cause too much alarm.

IN FROM NICOLA:
Hi. You are correct, they are even more down the order now. There must be something in the first 12km's... Ruben Faria also had a problem there...

IN FROM GILLIAN:
I know its a small distance and to take ages to do it, worries me.

Probably dust is an issue and they are keeping chilled and letting the loons go bombing past.

IN FROM NICOLA:
They are in at WP 2. Lying in 38th and 39th. Think they will move down a bit though as the others come in.

IN FROM GRIFFY:‎43 and 57 on the road according to the NL tracking site ..... Gilly have a scotch >>>>>> and sort out ur internet provider

IN FROM GILLIAN:we have very little choice up here, and I am running on both tracking systems. DOn't drink scotch but smoking up a storm and drinking coffee, so pretty wired!!

IN FROM MONICA:
if you look at the actual times everyone is soooo close so it must be pretty open!

IN FROM NICOLA:
Did most of the guys miss WP3, There are a lot of them at WP4 and only one at WP3.

suzieq

11th January 2012, 05:48

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3 D82CdHybBz2o%26feature%3Dshare&h=4AQEtAJl2

NEDURO TO DAKAR: BY FOUR NINE FILMS
http://vimeo.com/32831101

CHRIS BIRCH WEBSITE:
Without a shadow of a doubt, there is still much to be written about the 2012 Dakar. The next few days will be rich in stories of men and races. Tuesday's stage has a very short (9 km) liaison as an appetiser before a 556-kilometre-long selective sector, which will be divided into two parts separated by a neutralised section. This is the menu of the ninth stage of the 2012 Dakar, with different characteristics and backgrounds. The first part of the stage is quite fast, with some areas of fesh-fesh, a type of fine dust resembling flour.

[Stage Program] - Stage 9 (10/01/2012)
ANTOFAGASTA - IQUIQUE: 556 km > Follow the live !!!
★ Rankings before the start ★
Bike : 1. COMA (ESP), 2. DESPRES (FRA), 3. RODRIGUES (PRT)
Quad : 1. A.PATRONELLI (ARG), 2. MAFFEI (ARG), 3. M.PATRONELLI (ARG)

HOMEPAGE LIVE - STAGE 9 - DAKAR 2012
http://www.dakar.com/index_DAKus.html

The second special will test the navigational skills of motorcyclists and co-pilots alike, who will have to find their way with very few landmarks to help them, while accurately determining the position of the mandatory waypoints. Their reward for this exercise in concentration will be a plunge to the shores of the Pacific down the great descent of Iqique, which already featured in the 2010 Dakar.

EN - THE STAGE SUMMARY - STAGE 8 (COPIAGO - ANTOFAGASTA) - 09/01/2012http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS1ONeBaSBs&feature=player_embedded

Despres apparently got the other guy to help him out of the mud, then got going again! Then proceeded to get his lost time back.

Chris thru WP4 in 37th, going very steady. Darryl in 29th in stage so far.— 3 hours 7 min ago
•Chris caught up 3 places overall today to 39th place. A shitty 500k's of flat out dusty rocky track. But he is still happy!— 21 hours 9 min ago
•Chris finished stage 8 in about 30th! well done. DC also in.— 1 day 22 min ago
•CB and DC thru WP6 in 31+32 ... about 2/3 way thru the special— 1 day 2 hours ago
•CB and DC thru WP5, staying strong!— 1 day 3 hours ago

Without a shadow of a doubt, there is still much to be written about the 2012 Dakar. The next few days will be rich in stories of men and races. Tuesday's stage has a very short (9 km) liaison as an appetiser before a 556-kilometre-long selective sector, which will be divided into two parts separated by a neutralised section. This is the menu of the ninth stage of the 2012 Dakar, with different characteristics and backgrounds. The first part of the stage is quite fast, with some areas of fesh-fesh, a type of fine dust resembling flour.

After a nice rest day stocking up on food and washing sweat from one of two sets of kit, Chris was ready to tackle the second half. He had his second engine put into the bike as well on the rest day – many people have had to withdraw with engine troubles so thankfully Chris’s has been fine!

09/01/2012 - Pics Stage 8 - Best of:
http://www.facebook.com/redbull?ref=ts&sk=app_113185218710496#!/media/set/?set=a.276279505764697.66390.104027932989856&type=1

FROM MONICA:
Birchy also in WP9 :)

well everyone had very close times I think it was nothing major.

Good to hear..they doing very well although not sure why they went backwards a bit at the beginning of the stage...

suzieq

11th January 2012, 06:14

suzieq

11th January 2012, 06:24

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mswZfhY_Y7E

David Knight at the Tong Fast Eddie Extreme

KTM;s David Knight battling it out at Fast Eddie's Extreme Enduro at the weekend - btw he won!!

suzieq

11th January 2012, 06:29

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3 DVgBl0ejQ8c0%26sns%3Dfb&h=eAQHqQywYAQGhkKt39aU3v8HotuKoLlgoP2ypIo1EFvs_Pg

Take a look at this new DSLR concept - Saw this crazy new camera on the floor of CES and had to post. The guys who made it say it shoots with the lens removed and boasts 31 megapixels! WTF? Plus I... In from Paul- Senior Editor at Adventure/Motorcyle Magazine USA

Night Falcon

11th January 2012, 09:17

The guys at Motorcycle USA have declared the Triumph Motorcycles Tiger 800XC the best ADV motorcycle of 2011. What do you think?

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2/11871/Motorcycle-Article/Best-Adventure-Motorcycle-2011--Triumph-Tiger-800-XC-.aspx

now thats funny, the beamers finally been knocked off its perch by an F800GS clone!:laugh: Interesting to see the Multistrada took out 2011 best "Street Bike", I mistakenly thought Ducati marketed it as an adventure bike? :corn:

My vote for best ADV 2011 is the DR650 for its longevity and refusal to fit a beak under the light! (2nd place KTM NF 690 Adventure... dropped a place from last year because it left me stranded twice in 2011 with a broken chain :facepalm:)

george formby

11th January 2012, 09:51

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mswZfhY_Y7E

David Knight at the Tong Fast Eddie Extreme

KTM;s David Knight battling it out at Fast Eddie's Extreme Enduro at the weekend - btw he won!!

I watched that yesterday & stupidly went out all inspired pseudo enduro motivated. Nearly spat myself off twice........ Laughed like a loon when I had shaken the lumps out me trousers.

suzieq

11th January 2012, 10:18

I watched that yesterday & stupidly went out all inspired pseudo enduro motivated. Nearly spat myself off twice........ Laughed like a loon when I had shaken the lumps out me trousers.

Amazing what a little mov vid time can do and also hol time Keep up the very good work, sounds like you are having a lot of fun

suzieq

11th January 2012, 10:22

now thats funny, the beamers finally been knocked off its perch by an F800GS clone!:laugh: Interesting to see the Multistrada took out 2011 best "Street Bike", I mistakenly thought Ducati marketed it as an adventure bike? :corn:

My vote for best ADV 2011 is the DR650 for its longevity and refusal to fit a beak under the light! (2nd place KTM NF 690 Adventure... dropped a place from last year because it left me stranded twice in 2011 with a broken chain :facepalm:)

OH NO no beaks :laugh: Multistrada now toooo digi specced a haven we think for expensive trouble and r & m bills

We looked at the brand new up specced Multi's with the various suspension settings, control mania, digi specced and Far TooooTalll:msn-wink:

suzieq

11th January 2012, 10:27

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3 DLNlA6sm04So&h=eAQHqQywY

edog200 PRESENTS - DAY 1 - ALEXANDRA - NASEBY

The second episode of the full movie length New Zealand dirt bike adventure in full HD!

suzieq

11th January 2012, 10:35

Yep.

Pretty sure that series was originally edited and distributed as teh cover DVD for an Australian bike magazine mid last year.

IN FROM DAVID: (PRODUCER OF THIS MOVIE)
Yes, I sold the movie to Trail Zone magazine here in Australia for their December edition

suzieq

11th January 2012, 10:39

Jim Hyde of RawHyde Adventures reviews his eight essential Touratech parts for the BMW R1200GS. These are parts Jim feels are necessary when going on any of their trips, or participating in their training camps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBc0_w2xn5c&feature=youtu.be

suzieq

11th January 2012, 15:14

Social ride this Sun the 15th - 9am Meet up time BP KUmeu, Just before you come into Kumeu Village on the left hand side.

We will ride as many gravel roads as we can get thru over our ride, Mt Akd Walkway and into Te Pora and out to Dragon's Nest.

Catch you there.

Yes we run rain, rain and more rain. We live in Akd so welcome to it. Summer fun at its very best.

RIDERS COMING FROM OUT SOUTH - LOOKING TO ATTEND OUR BACK COUNTRY GRAVEL ROAD RIDE THIS SUNDAY????
PLSE BE AWARE THAT SH16 MOTORWAY FROM LINCOLN ROAD THRU TO BRIGHAMS CREEK PORTION WILL BE CLOSED
UNTIL MID DAY THIS SUNDAY
YOU WILL NEED TO GET OFF AT THE LINCOLN ROAD OFF RAMP COME ONTO LINCOLN ROAD AND TURN RIGHT AT THE
TRAFFIC LIGHTS HEAD STRAIGHT THRU ONTO THIS ROAD COME UP TO THE FIRST ROUNDABOUT AND THEN KEEP
RIDING DIRECTLY THRU, YOU WILL COME TO MASSEY SHOPS. TURN RIGHT CONTINUE ON TO THE END OF THE ROAD
AGAIN AND THEN TURN LEFT AND YOU WILL BE ONTO THE OLD PORTION OF SH16 AND CONTINUE ON THIS, THIS WILL
LEAD YOU THRU TO BP JUST BEFORE KUMEU VILLAGE ON YOUR LEFT HAND SIDE. PLSE BE ON TIME 9AM.

suzieq

11th January 2012, 15:30

Meeting up at 9am BP Kumeu small group of riders still enjoying those last few extra days before heading back into the grinding stone again. The weather was (adventure riding weather) so yes full rain gear was also along for. Many had also just put new nobbs on their bikes, so caution was taken on the smooth sealed roads we firstly had to travel over to get further out.
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00497.jpg

Parked up at the gravel pit at the very end of South Head. Nice.
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00498.jpg

South Head forest h.q. Just before we headed off down the forestry roads to The Wainoni Lagoon.
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00509.jpg

The XT parks up waiting for the boys to pass by.
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00511.jpg

Our KLR looks behind to see if Sue has managed to detail exact directions on where to next????? The first set aka "go down the first driveway on your right hand side was NOT quite right!!!
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00553.jpg

I was travelling at the BACK of the group, so our lead rider misinterpreted our route, and we ended up in a new area???
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00554.jpg

Yikes, so where to now??? Back the way we came, I think???
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00555.jpg

Now, can we please be sure, LEFT or RIGHT turn here please??? (Those hand signals look the part, I am assuming some form of skills have been undertaken here???)
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00557.jpg

Talks begin with the KLR ......................
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00558.jpg

Yes, Ian, you were indeed right, the tide WAS IN...............
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00575.jpg

Oh well, all was not lost, still plenty of space for some BAJA outdoor theme syle moves...................
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00565.jpg

Malcolm, looking good on those footpegs........
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00560.jpg

Boys having fun
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00594.jpg

Rogey's turn
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00568.jpg

FULL TIDE: EQUALS HMMMMMM SUE
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00603.jpg

Oh well, lets finish off with a short spin out to Mosquito Bay
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00610.jpg

Nice short ride to finish offf
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00655.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00652.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00659.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00660.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00663.jpg

XT parked up
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00661.jpg

Excellent company and excellent ride. Totally enjoyed the day. WE have a social ride this Sunday, join us if you have a free Sunday.

suzieq

11th January 2012, 18:27

EN - (Magazine - STAGE 9) - Antofagasta - Iquique - 10/01/2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR9ZD8nxE_g&feature=share

KTM RACING:Here's all the Orange Juice on Stage 9 of the Dakar Rally. Despres and Coma still one-two in the overall standings as riders head for the peruvian border tomorrow
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FzpwmSs&h=IAQGMJGwYAQFdy6j9mrKqtIe6kmpB7mTlpCE4joxC0-0Cvw
It was business as usual for the two lead KTM factory riders, Cyril Despres and Marc Coma on Tuesday when riders set out for Stage 9 of the Dakar 2012 on a large arc from Antofagasta to Iquique in Chile. Despres, who had a dramatic day on Monday landing in a mud hole, went out like a man possessed, ...

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/415810_10150489536155000_21573544999_8966623_20618 6977_o.jpg
KTM's Chris Birch (NZ) about to descend down into Iquique in Stage 9 of the Dakar

Read Cyril Despres' blog about getting out of yesterday's mud hole. He got down to business and made such a great recovery today
http://www.redbull.com/cs/Satellite/en_INT/Article/Cyril-Despres-Dakar-Rally-Blog-021243146826509

Cyril Despres and Marc Coma are at th2 finish of Stage 9 in Iquique Chile with Marc trailing by 3 minutes 26. 3rd stage victory to Cyril

★ Stage 9 : Rankings ★
Bike : RODRIGUES (PRT)
Quad : A.PATRONELLI (ARG)
Car : GORDON (US)
Truck : BIASION (ITA)

TWITTERBUGS:
seems to be no penalties for a late start!! good to get adrenalin going?? 38th overall, 5 stages to go— 3 hours 16 min ago
•Chris finished 32nd today, sitting 34 o'all. not final results tho may be penalties for getting to start late as weren't told of a change!— 11 hours 6 sec ago

•Chris thru WP4 in 37th, going very steady. Darryl in 29th in stage so far.— 15 hours 34 min ago
•Chris caught up 3 places overall today to 39th place. A shitty 500k's of flat out dusty rocky track. But he is still happy!— 1 day 9 hours ago
•Chris finished stage 8 in about 30th! well done. DC also in.— 1 day 12 hours ago

10TH JAN 2012
Without a shadow of a doubt, there is still much to be written about the 2012 Dakar. The next few days will be rich in stories of men and races. Tuesday's stage has a very short (9 km) liaison as an appetiser before a 556-kilometre-long selective sector, which will be divided into two parts separated by a neutralised section. This is the menu of the ninth stage of the 2012 Dakar, with different characteristics and backgrounds. The first part of the stage is quite fast, with some areas of fesh-fesh, a type of fine dust resembling flour.

10TH JAN 2012:
The second special will test the navigational skills of motorcyclists and co-pilots alike, who will have to find their way with very few landmarks to help them, while accurately determining the position of the mandatory waypoints. Their reward for this exercise in concentration will be a plunge to the shores of the Pacific down the great descent of Iqique, which already featured in the 2010 Dakar.

11TH JAN 2012:
Chris is checking off the days slowly but surely!

There was a mix up with the start, their service crew didn’t tell them a change with the start so they got to the start late! Not ideal!

A very long special today, took him six hours! It was split into two sections, over about 517km.

11TH JAN 2012:
Chris has 5 more stages of racing to go, and so you have until 9pm Sunday 15th Jan to get your bid in for the brand new KTM300EXC up for auction on Trade Me. It is such a great deal that if you ever thought you might want one, get it now.

Still time to convince the bank manager / wife / husband that this is an essential purchase and will make you the happiest person alive. Not only that, you will be helping with such a big part of Chris's Dakar campaign!

We also have a few extreme enduro DVDs on Trade Me so if you haven't got enough money for the bike, you can grab a DVD and console yourself instead!

He is now sitting in about 38th, awaiting news of penalties ...

5 more stages to go!

suzieq

11th January 2012, 19:06

IN FROM HUSABERG ADVENTURE TEAM:

Dakar stage 6 was cancelled due to bad weather ... snow. Thats the stage that goes past our basecamp! The stage between Fiambala and Copiapo

The 2012 Dakar Rally was preparing to cross over the Andes Mountain Range for the seventh time in its history on Friday, but authorities were forced to cancel the day’s events after rain and snow created unfavorable conditions at the Paso de San Francisco pass.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/503/11921/Motorcycle-Article/2012-Dakar-Rally-Stage-6-Cancelled.aspx

suzieq

12th January 2012, 05:38

IN FROM MONICA:

Chris Birch is so totally awesome :) him and Darryl Curtis are kicking asses today. Probably have a bet on some prank that will backfire and we will see some strange photos emerge ... who cares, they are going well!!

this is how fast the top guys go in Dakar. Today, a 37km special stage. That's over twice as long as a SA national enduro in total. The top guys have done about 190km in under 2 hours!!!!! so YUP bit of a different ball game!!!

TWITTERBUGS:[/SIZE]Chris is now sitting 34th overall at the moment, few more riders to come in, but def. made up a few places today from 38th!— 40 min 13 sec ago
•Chris finishes another stage in Dakar 2012, just 4 to go!— 1 hour 21 min ago
•Chris in WP7 in ... 16th!! it will change as more riders get there but obviously him and Darryl are going superb today! hope no WP's missed!— 1 hour 30 min ago
•@eugenevd yup the boys seem to be going great guns today! all changes pretty quick tho...— 1 hour 44 min ago
•Chris thru WP6 in 18th at the mo, may change, but seems to be blazing along. will he make up some places today?— 1 hour 45 min ago

(and on a lighter note from MONICA:)..................................
Chris and Darryl are TOTAL HONEY BADGERS!! Honey badger don't care, honey badger don't give a shit!! It's really pretty bad asshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r7wHMg5Yjg

great day for Chris well DONE boyo x x x
Jan. 11 - finish - chris 17th and darryl 18th!!!! Fantastic job boys!!!!!!!
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/404967_3002000091054_1293876442_33193660_505570090 _n.jpg

IN FROM LAURENT:
WILL PETER BE SANCTIONED:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR_Ds0Vt9W0&feature=share

Comment From Justin:
Well that was not very sporting now was it, i certainly hope he gets a penalty for that! Shame on you Mr Peterhansel !!!!

Comment From Richard:
and he use to be a bike competitor .. should know better

NED SUISSE:

Motorcyclistonline.com talked to Ned Suisse on the only Dakar rest day. Ned is the only remaining American rider in the Dakar 2012 and is one of those greatgreat privateer adventurers fulfilling his dream. He's riding a KTM 450 EXC. read more about Ned's adventure

While I'm certainly glad I got a lot of rest and had a day off it is definitely strange to have a day in the middle of this event where I don't ride my bike. Read the entire update from the 2012 Dakar Rally on rest day and Stage 8 courtesy of Ned Suesse, here. - Motorcyclist Magazine

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/122_1201_ned_suesse_dakar_rally_update_8_and_rest_ day/index.html

KTM RACING:
Marc Coma and Cyril Despres finish 2-3 in Stage 10 of the Dakar. (Stage victory to Spain's Joan Barreda Bort). Now Cyril has a very slim 21 seconds overall lead on teammate Marc Coma - so its all to play for!

BY DAKAR - THE ULTIMATE RALLY RACE ALBUMS - STAGE 9 BEST OF 10/01/2012
http://www.facebook.com/suzette.denham#!/media/set/?set=a.276785195714128.66490.104027932989856&type=3

LOOKING BACK:
When the race was neutralized, victim of a terrorist attack !
Legend -Niger - 2000.

EN - LEGEND - 2000 NIAMEY - (NIGER)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcGIfIa1AgY&list=PL4B0283A4A5E93E56&index=8&feature=plcp

suzieq

12th January 2012, 06:26

TAKEN FROM AUSTRIA:

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/391937_2456776694545_1105942761_31988662_173808290 5_n.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/334951_2456777414563_1105942761_31988663_502366210 _o1.jpg

BEST WHIP & T DOWN EDGAR TORONTERAS MASTERS OF DIRT 2011

http://vimeo.com/34867672

ENDURO EXTREME MAGAZINE: BRITISH EXTREME ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP - RD 2
Following a disappointing outing at the first round of Eddy's Extreme Enduro at Buxton, Farioli KTM rider David Knight MBE put in a spectacular performance as a reminder that he is still the Tour De force in British Enduro. Fully recovered from a recent hernia operation he put on a show by consistently jumping a 4 metre wide ditch on his way to an outstanding victory in the second round of the series, lapping all but Graham Jarvis in the process.

Fast Eddy's British Extreme Enduro Championship second round at Tong was by all accounts a stoater, with a welcome return to form for Knighter MBE. Fast Ed commissioned a video of the day, and very nice it is to. Top work all round.

http://vimeo.com/34844646

Last weekend saw the second round of the Eddy's Extreme ACU British Extreme Enduro Championship at Tong near Leeds.

Amped produced another quality film of the Adventure-Spec sponsored event

Graham Jarvis put another great day together taking 2nd in the sprint qualifying session (with 25 championship points up for grabs) and 2nd in the main 2 hour race.

After a dismal day out for the Knighter at the first round in Buxton, the big Manxman had a point to prove and pushed really hard all day to take maximum points in both events. First round hero Johnny Walker this time round took third in both sessions

This leaves Graham only 2 points behind Johnny in the series points table, with another 50 up for grabs at the TBC rescheduled final round.

Its all to play for!

BBC SPORT - DAVID KNIGHT targets fifth world title after extreme WIN:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/16288747.stm

suzieq

12th January 2012, 07:01

http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2011/10/11/ts_giro_car.cnnmoney/

suzieq

12th January 2012, 08:29

This video shows a tour by Joe Lloyd and his team through the beautiful canadian countryside

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbmw.tv%2Fcom%2Farticle%2FBMW% 2BMotorrad.%2BThe%2BNorth%2Bpt.%2B2.%2FMotorcycles %2Fvideo.do%3FarticleID%3D15408%26spaceID%3D2%26ch annelID%3D6&h=DAQHO1M-5

I would just like to mention Joe's parents live in Matamata - how small is our country????

suzieq

12th January 2012, 08:33

Scott Brady explains how to reseat a bead. Check out the article and video!

Try it before you need it.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/resources/91-guide/704-how-to-reseat-a-4x4-bead.html

suzieq

12th January 2012, 09:54

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=439330357&ed=true

I have 2 medium and 1 large left of the 'How Hard Can it Be' t shirts at the moment ... be awesome, get one

This is a size Medium 'motorbike widow' t shirt, designed by me, Mon, who has a motorbiking husband, and my very clever design mate Sarah.

also have 'Proud to be a motorbike widow' ones too, go get 'em!

suzieq

12th January 2012, 10:06

EN - The Stage Summary - Stage 10 - (Iquique - Arica) 11/01/2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTtGAdw6nVg

★ Stage 10 : Rankings ★
Bike : BARREDA BORT (ESP)
Quad : MAFFEI (ARG)
Car : ROMA (ESP)
Truck : ARDAVICHUS (KAZ)

2012 Dakar Rally - Stage Summaries:
http://www.touratech-usa.com/Adventure/Blog/PesZtY/2012-Dakar-Rally-Stage-Summaries?sid=cd61db0865c7b47a2d73888319fe5c6ddf28 f7bd

RALLY DAKAR 2012 - IN FROM HANA
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3 DvnWbaFX6Kwo%26feature%3Dshare&h=DAQHO1M-5AQFYKQ4EFdNb45V7bMtNv5NirM6b5wLz3HspBw

CHRIS BIRCH SITE:What a great day for Chris... he and Darryl ploughed on ahead as if the dust and fesh-fesh were nothing... Chris ended the day’s stage in a very nice 17th and Darryl in 18th. Chris caught up 4 places overall, from 38th to 34th.

Overall, for Chris it is hard to catch too many places as the actual time differences from his crash early on in the race are pretty big – 10, 15, 20 minutes to gain on a few more places. It is achievable though and anything could happen! But remember – we firstly want him home (SA and NZ!) in one piece having FINISHED!!

So there are just 4 more stages to go! Who else is getting pretty excited ...

Chris says:

“Yup did pretty well today! I didn’t ride any faster, I just didn’t get lost and others did!! I got to these massive dunes and thought hmmm I’m not to hot on navigation through the dunes, and I got to the fast guys and though un oh I stuffed it up – but it turns out they had somewhere along the way instead, not me!!

Really cool riding today, the last few days have been not so great so it was nice to have some cool riding. We rode along one part and saw ancient Aztec carvings on the side of mountains, that was pretty awesome.

On to Peru tomorrow! Two countries down, one to go. Tomorrow’s road book is a total monster, I’ve got at least 2 hours of going through that still tonight. I’m finding that as long as someone is around I’m good, as I don’t stray from the track but sometimes find I can get a bit lost within the road book!”

TRIP INSIDE TOP 50 ON DAKAR STAGE 10:
After one of his worst stage results Dean Nuttall responded with his best result of the 2012 Dakar Rally, finishing 33rd on Stage 10 from Iquique to Arica. http://www.ma.org.au/index.php?id=12&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=6021&tx_ttnews[backPid]=6&cHash=e3c59ea218

suzieq

12th January 2012, 10:12

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/401086_287100231339460_100001184566887_709396_4462 83962_n-1.jpg

The off-set beat of a V Twin is very similar to a heart-beat !

Yes, I know "Valentine's Day" is not far around the corner. I thought this was very good.

suzieq

12th January 2012, 11:28

Our friends at Cycle World Magazine just published an article featuring Davide Biga, an Italian motorcyclist who is riding his Yamaha Super Ténéré around the world. David stopped by Touratech-USA last August before heading south to San Francisco (http://on.fb.me/zlACob). Despite thousands of miles on unimproved roads, it sounds like both he and his motorcycle are doing quite well!

Italian globetrotter Davide Biga of Mondovi, Italy decided to circumnavigate the world on his trusty Yamaha Super Tenere affectionately known as big burro. Read more at Cycle World now.

http://www.cycleworld.com/2012/01/10/globetrotter-feature/

Taz

12th January 2012, 11:44

NordieBoy

12th January 2012, 14:52

Makes me damn glad I ride a KTM :laugh:

He's wearing a $1,400US jacket too...

suzieq

13th January 2012, 05:36

IN FROM MONICA:
It's not that I don't care it's just that I was sleepy! slept FOUR hours , woke up to see Chris is coming into WP's 16-21st ish and is about 29th overall!! GO BOYO!!! x x x

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/408702_10150590605768245_611318244_10825527_208978 5786_n.jpg
JUST HEARD THERE IS ANOTHER OBSTACLE FOR THE DAY IN PERU..........

PADDINGTON BEAR also comes from Peru, and as Chris would say, so very modest..............

GILLIAN: oh you are so right, why did I think Paddington was a POMMIE bear?????

ANSWER: because he arrives in England on the train???? with a note that says please look after this Bear and he comes from deepest darkest PERU LOL

Darryl and Chris through WP 1 - 7th and 9th respectively. Whoop whoop!

suzieq

13th January 2012, 05:41

TWITTERBUGS:
Chris thru WP2 in 13th ... still many more riders to come through! hoping he makes some time up today to get top 30??— 5 hours 55 min ago
•Chris heads to Peru today, changes time zones, no assistance at end of the long day! Interesting ...— 9 hours 11 min ago
•@DakarMoto am sure chris will help where he can but remember he is a private rider paying for his bike so doesn't owe Coma lol!! Mon— 9 hours 16 min ago
•http://t.co/ApVtWYnY get in quick!— 21 hours 2 min ago
•Chris is now sitting 34th overall at the moment, few more riders to come in, but def. made up a few places today from 38th!— 1 day 1 hour ago

CHRIS BIRCH SITE:
http://www.chrisbirch.co.nz/

First 7 riders at the half way mark of Dakar Stage 11 are all KTMs: Farres (Spain), Aubert, Despres, Zanol, Coma, Ullevalseter (Norway) and Viladoms (Spain) all within 3 minutes 27!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTtGAdw6nVg

ENDURO EXTREME MAGAZINE:
We've not being going overboard on Dakar because there's plenty of online content that's readily available – very little need to repeat it here. But it's worth sharing the latest YouTube video from the organisers. After the shock and debate over Despres and mud bog episode, this video really shows Dakar riding as you'd dream about. And how incredibly tight is it for the lead? 21-seconds! Despres and Coma must scarcely dare to blink...

DAKAR - THE ULTIMATE RALLY RACE:
http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2012/us/mobile-application.html
For the last 4 stages, receive in live all the breaking news and rankings, watch daily videos and pictures by downloading the DAKAR 2012 official application.

Now, how do i get out of here ?" Francisco Pita trying to avoid his race abandon !

EN - LEGEND - 2001, SENEGAL (AFRICA)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceu888H2Jkw&feature=BFa&list=PL4B0283A4A5E93E56&lf=plcp

That was the last stage in Chile, thanks for your wonderful landscapes, now, let's go for the first time into Peruuuu !

KTM RACING:
First 7 riders at the half way mark of Dakar Stage 11 are all KTMs: Farres (Spain), Aubert, Despres, Zanol, Coma, Ullevalseter (Norway) and Viladoms (Spain) all within 3 minutes 27

[IMG][IMG]http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/381282_10150492712250000_21573544999_8975309_13153 00308_n.jpg
Sole USA rider still left in the Dakar is privateer Ned Suesse on his KTM. With four stages left on the way to Lima, Peru, Ned is overrall 56th and is still fulfilling his dream to be there at the finish.

Ned is riding one hell of a smart race, (and not toooo slow either) I think he truly captures the true spirit of privateer efforts in the Dakar.
Ned has completed stage 11.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/332781_10150492716490000_21573544999_8975312_19987 39604_o.jpg
KTM's Dakar rookie and Enduro factory rider Johnny Aubert is doing great on his KTM (series model) 450 Rally Replica. With a mission to learn, experience and have fun on his first Dakar Rally he is currently 16th overall.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/386152_10150493461160000_21573544999_8978364_15702 04315_n.jpg
Super ride today by KTM rookie Johnny Aubert who rides in the KTM enduro factory team. Johnny was fourth in today's stage - his best performance so far!

EN - MAGAZINE - STAGE 10 - (IQUIQUE - ARICA) - 11/01/2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-UYsBvfViI

STAGE 10: BEST OF 11/01/2012
http://www.facebook.com/suzette.denham#!/media/set/?set=a.277424372316877.66627.104027932989856&type=3

Cyril Despres and Marc Coma the first two bikes at the finish of Stage 11 Dakar 2012
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/336518_10150493337540000_21573544999_8977930_17297 0750_o.jpg

WATCH OUT FOR THOSE HELL ROTORS!!!!
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/407545_277425515650096_104027932989856_777555_5028 79718_n.jpg

suzieq

13th January 2012, 05:43

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=24S2fDQOhto

ADVENTURE SPEC:
This video follows Graham Jarvis at the Tong Eddy's Extreme.

Lets not forget the other great performances from Adventure-Spec/Klim riders at this last round.

Craig Parkes won the veterans class after an intense battle with Mark Houson which was finally resolved on the last lap! Craig is now joint leader in the veterans class

Expert rider Luke Copestake had a good day out after missing the first round. Luke looked really strong all day and his third place in class was well deserved!

Chris Salt had another good day and toughed it out to take 5th in the veterans class. Chris now sits 3rd veteran in the championship with the final round to go

suzieq

13th January 2012, 05:54

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STsCBvt_gsY&feature=youtu.be

Two KTM 530's Adventure Riding through northern Nevada. Locating the crash site of a WWII 824 Liberator Bomber, following the Applegate Trail, Abandoned mine...........

NordieBoy

13th January 2012, 06:49

Mr Big Wheel from Enduro Alaska doing the B-29 trail north of Wasilla, Alaska...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh_OD-WF3SU

CrazyFrog

13th January 2012, 06:59

suzieq

13th January 2012, 07:00

Mr Big Wheel from Enduro Alaska doing the B-29 trail north of Wasilla, Alaska...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh_OD-WF3SU

excellent, like a tractor on two wheels, so, opinions here which one is it now to be????? Team OJ or BIG Wheeler

which do you think would slice thru the dirt the best??????????

suzieq

13th January 2012, 07:15

Latest installement on YouTube from eDog

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbLhjxaHDvE&feature=uploademail

Hope fully some of these trails around Otematata are on the Dusty Butt Challenge loop:niceone:

T H A N K S

excellent stunning scenery and stunning trails and an amazing amount of riders attending this year THE BEST

suzieq

13th January 2012, 07:17

He's wearing a $1,400US jacket too...

BEING A PROPERTY MANAGER hmmmm never enough for one of those but the REVITTTT still does the job LOL

suzieq

13th January 2012, 10:37

http://www.ktm.com/news-events/news/all/details/news/detail/News/another-stage-victory-to-ktms-despres-retains-overall-dakar-lead.html

Cyril Despres went into Stage 11 of the Dakar Rally on Thursday with the slimmest of overall margins just 21 seconds ahead of KTM factory teammate Marc Coma. At the end of the 534 km timed split section, Despres was first across the line and had extended his lead to 2 minutes 22 over his rival.

EN - The stage summary - Stage 11 - (Arica - Arequipa) - 12/01/2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49BrJqP_KrI&feature=share

NordieBoy

13th January 2012, 12:02

excellent, like a tractor on two wheels, so, opinions here which one is it now to be????? Team OJ or BIG Wheeler

which do you think would slice thru the dirt the best??????????

From the horses mouth...

Unfortunately, our income from being full time factory riders doesn't quite cover all of our expenses, considering our lavish lifestyles. They were forced back into the daily rut of their 9 to 5 jobs as proctologists, fry cooks and lingerie models, forcing me to do the trails solo. Thank you for the kind words.

If I'm headed out the door to ride solo, I take the BigWheel. The surface area afforded by the ATV tires helps keep it on top of some terrain better but also creates some bizarre handling qualities. The true mission for the BWs is winter riding, where they can stay on top of crusty snow that a skinny-tired bike would break through.

Regards,

Mr. BigWheel

His other bike is an EXC300...

suzieq

13th January 2012, 12:16

From the horses mouth...

His other bike is an EXC300...

"What can be said, EXCELLENCE comes to mind, to have it allll, BIG WHEEEELING AND TEAM OJ"

BIZZARE HANDLING SKILLLLS?????? enlighten................. looks on top of no probs:niceone:

suzieq

13th January 2012, 12:20

IN FROM ANKE:http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/386064_2833993483503_1069160558_32903204_253231499 _n.jpg

suzieq

13th January 2012, 13:49

Yes, and on the note of light hearted Friday afternoon entertainment, Yes, I was amused:laugh: Many have mailed in to say they will definately be getting one of these?????????????

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIy0e1p1fuI&feature=youtu.be

suzieq

13th January 2012, 16:07

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fhw.libsyn.com%2Fp%2F5%2F1%2F4 %2F514026ac641d04f8%2F12D18.mp3%3Fsid%3D5eed0ccc41 d4e5984740246e7516984a%26l_sid%3D21539%26l_eid%26l _mid%3D2863342%26expiration%3D1326410041%26hwt%3D8 a117a5f42f615e6d4cad495894b80d9&h=cAQF2VZlQAQGgajJxM_GckZaHsIXGyRr69NfGJqPzzITXCQ

EPIC DAKAR DAY FOR SOME:
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/381948_10150500632459001_605349000_8942710_1741484 35_n.jpg

CHRIS BIRCH SITE:
Today the lads (are there any females racing??) crossed over into Peru. The involved a 500+ km special stage split over two sections, and took about four and a half hours. I just did some basic math and that is pretty fast!

Chris finished the stage in 17th, which was a great effort, and puts him in either 32nd or 29th overall depending on penalties etc from others people.

Tonight they all camp in one big tent, with no outside assistance – so whatever they carried with them is what they have to work with. So it’s a true test for them!

Chris says:

"Today and tomorrow are supposed to be a like a marathon stage, where you look after yourself and your bike in the evening, and tackle the next day without having a proper 'pit stop. So whatever you want to have there that night, you must take it with you. I took highligheters and pens to mark my road book, some food for tonight and tomorrow, and some sleeping pills!

There were massive fesh-fesh sections today, it was so deep that if you stopped, your bike would sink and you would have to get off and run alongside it. I had to do that a couple of times!

It is much easier riding with the top batch of riders, as they mostly know what they are doing, so I am just trying to follow them a bit, busting out the 'human compass' method which is common in Romaniacs!

We arrived at the camp, a massive tent for us all to share, we each got a poncho and jandals made of tyres from the organisers, and that's it. Pretty fun times.

I was lucky that at the end of the special stage the KTM factory mechanics were there, and I know them from Romaniacs etc, so they gave my bike a once over before I headed to camp."

Tomorrow is a shorter day, just 245km of special stage and a short liaison.

Three more stages to go!

suzieq

14th January 2012, 05:20

Dakar 2012. Where they go today - 259 km liaison at the start followed by a times special of 245 km
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/377537_10150494926330000_21573544999_8983154_26037 9275_n.jpg

Great pic of South American fans waiting for their Dakar heroes:
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/390690_10150494930000000_21573544999_8983168_21126 39199_n.jpg

[Stage Program] - Stage 11 (12/01/2012)
ARICA- AREQUIPA : 534 km > Follow the live !!!
★ Rankings before the start ★
Bike : 1. DESPRES (FRA),2. COMA (ESP), 3. RODRIGUES (PRT)
Quad : 1. A.PATRONELLI (ARG), 2. M.PATRONELLI (ARG), 3. MAFFEI (ARG)
Car : 1. PETERHANSEL (FRA), 2. ROMA (ESP) , 3. GORDON (USA)
Truck: 1. DE ROOY (NLD), 2. STACEY (NLD), 3. ARDAVICHUS (KAZ

[Stage Program] - Stage 12 (13/01/2012)
AREQUIPA-NASCA : 245 km > Follow the live !!!
★ Rankings before the start ★
Bike : 1. DESPRES (FRA),2. COMA (ESP), 3. RODRIGUES (PRT)
Quad : 1. A.PATRONELLI (ARG), 2. M.PATRONELLI (ARG), 3. MAFFEI (ARG)
Car : 1. PETERHANSEL (FRA), 2. ROMA (ESP) , 3. DE VILLIERS (SA)
Truck: 1. DE ROOY (NLD), 2. STACEY (NLD), 3. ARDAVICHUS (KAZ)

+++STAGE 12 R A N K I N G S+++
★ Stage 12 : Rankings ★
Bike : COMA (ESP))
Quad : PATRONELLI (ARG)
Car : GORDON (USA)
Truck : DE ROOY (NLD)

The Dakar 2012 battle continues: Marc Coma wins Stage 12, 3 minutes 57 seconds ahead of Cyril Despres and is now 1 minute 35 in the lead in the general standing

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/321978_10150495490305000_21573544999_8984690_36810 1038_o.jpg

EN - IMAGE OF THE DAY - STAGE 11 - (ARICA - AREQUIPA) 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tdrd0WnhbCw

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 DAKAR RALLY:
http://www.motorcycletraveldvds.com/blog-articles/dakar-2012-highlights/

PHOTOS: MOTORCYCLE MADNESS AT THE DAKAR RALLY:
http://www.driving.ca/vancouversun/driving/5987713/story.html?tab=PHOT

DAKAR - THE ULTIMATE RALLY RACE:

Last days, for the quizz challenge !

The prizes will be given in lots as follows:

1st to 4th prize – 4 parkas, with a unit value of €199 (one hundred ninety nine euros) including tax.
5th prize – An official Dakar Pants, with a unit value of €60 (sixty five euros) including tax.
5th prize to 9th - 4 packages of 3 T-shirts, with a unit value of €60 (sixty five euros) including tax.

REGISTER TO THE OFFICIAL COMPETITION GAME OF THE DAKAR RALLY 2012:
http://www.dakar.com/dakar/quizz/2012/DAK/2012-01-01-2012-01-16/US/quizz-inscription.html
From the 01/01/2012 to the 16/01/2012 register to the official competition game and try your luck to win many presents.

EN - LEGEND 2004 - Morocco (Africa)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_cYb0wSGQg&list=PL4B0283A4A5E93E56&index=6&feature=plcpWhen

Morocco, Km 114 : when Vatanen and Kleinschmidt were stuck in the river ! Legend of the day !!

IN FROM LAURENT:
Owaka shows you the French pilots that animate the DAKAR 2011 do not miss the comments of the pilots, the hangover, abandonment etc...

http://www.owaka.fr/news/view/552/videos-dakar-2012-une-etape-tout-en-image#.TxA0gtKsIZI.facebook

NEDURO @ DAKAR:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151145581225595.791689.203458255594&type=3

suzieq

14th January 2012, 05:57

KTM 990 Adventures - Big Bike Trip - Cape Town to Shanghai

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TSyYwZGcsg

Some nice vid footage of Rupert and Fanny's Big Bike Trip on their KTM 990 Adventures from Cape Town South Africa to Shanghai

suzieq

14th January 2012, 09:22

New to adventure riding and to our club we present ROGEY. Rogey has only just joined us and has now developed quite a passion for adventure riding. This is Port Jackson. Rogey also writes blogs on his travels. Also owning a T Sprint and having completed South island roading circuits many times, he will now begin to tackle those more out of the way places his newly purchased 'gravel bus' will be taking him.
Welcome Rogey and I have been enjoying reading your blogs. Rogey has titled this pic 'SKINNY DIP' and we will leave it to your imaginations. LOL.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/322995_10150494157348380_669648379_9092163_4939528 72_o.jpg

suzieq

14th January 2012, 10:01

IN FROM MONICA:
Ahh, the benefits of being in charge of your husband's blog at times ...

TWITTERBUGS:
Chris finished 12th stage all good today, hopefully hold on to position, 2 more stages to go!!— 3 hours 28 min ago
•@Danhemingway nah don't think Chris is going. I'm still in NZ ... back to SA next month!— 11 hours 44 min ago
•@Danhemingway hey Dan thanks... pretty sure Chris is ok to miss tough one, you going? good luck if you are!! Mon— 16 hours 7 min ago
•@rcrane968 I think Mon should go and her one herself, go shopping Mon. Chris.— 17 hours 19 min ago
•sitting 29th overall! pretty stoked to have caught up a few more places and sit inside top 30! 3 more stages to go now— 1 day 49 min ago

In New Zealand, as far as I know, we don't get any TV coverage of Dakar. Not even on Sky Sport - I wouldn't know, we don't have it, even though they will use Chris in a TV commercial to advertise motorsport (no he didn't get paid for it) - ironic?

So, in Kiwi making it happen style, here are some classic 'I didn't know I was being filmed' moments from the South Africa TV screening - thanks Tarryn!

Enjoy :)

http://www.chrisbirch.co.nz/content/what-goes-tv-goes-online?mid=57

EN - The Stage Summary - Stage 12 - (Arequipa - Nasca) - 13/01/2012
http://www.chrisbirch.co.nz/content/stage-12-video

suzieq

14th January 2012, 10:07

Traversing over 8000 miles through Argentina, Chile, and Peru, the Dakar rally pits drivers and riders against each other and against extreme terrain. The 14-stage race attracts competitors from over 50 countries to race motorcycles, quad bikes, cars, and trucks through deserts, rivers, and mountai...

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2012/01/dakar_rally_2012.html

suzieq

14th January 2012, 10:15

Cyril Despres was one of the unlucky ones who became stuck in a mud hole during the special.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/78788/Motorcycle-Photo-Gallery-Photo/2012-Dakar-Rally.aspx

suzieq

14th January 2012, 10:21

CAMELTOE® By AdventureParts® KTM 990 Adventure - SIDESTAND EXTENSION x 1 in Vehicle Parts Accessories , Motorcycle Parts Accessories , Motorcycle Parts , KTM |eBay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110806188538

‎19 hours to go ... Ebay Auction ... GRAB A BARGAIN

suzieq

14th January 2012, 10:23

The, updated for 2012, BMW S1000RR has proved it’s better than ever, after blowing away the competition at a track test comparison conducted in Spain by Britain’s leading motorcycle magazine, MotorCycle News (MCN). The superbike beat the other big name contenders in the test, knocking more than two ...

http://bmwmcmag.com/2012/01/2012-s1000rr-still-best-at-mcn-comparison/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2012-s1000rr-still-best-at-mcn-comparison

BMW MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE:
http://bmwmcmag.com/2012/01/best-selling-s1000rr-spurs-7-4-usa-sales-growth-in-2011/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-selling-s1000rr-spurs-7-4-usa-sales-growth-in-2011

GS GRINGO RALLY IN SOUTH AMERICA - BMW MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE:http://bmwmcmag.com/2012/01/gs-gringo-rally-in-south-america/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gs-gringo-rally-in-south-america

suzieq

14th January 2012, 10:28

Here's the official trailer for 'The Incredible Ride,' a film highlighting Nick Sanders (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nick-Sanders/108416042516991)' epic journey from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska to Ushuaia in Argentina and back again in just 46 days and 4 hours!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dg7MJxeI4I&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dg7MJxeI4I&feature=related)

Nick Sanders has completed his most challenging record to date. He has travelled the length of the Americas; from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska to Ushuaia in Argenti...

suzieq

14th January 2012, 10:35

BMW MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE:

Dakar 2012, Stage 11: Barreda Issued Six-Hour Penalty for Mystery Help

http://bmwmcmag.com/2012/01/dakar-2012-stage-11-barreda-issued-six-hour-penalty-for-mystery-help/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dakar-2012-stage-11-barreda-issued-six-hour-penalty-for-mystery-help

suzieq

14th January 2012, 10:40

Team Speedbrain is satisfied so far with their competion at this years Dakar. "We´re having no technical problems whatsoever and our bike is totally competitive. A big thanks goes to all team members for their endless hours and for the excellent team spirit. The first week has been hard, harder than expected. We did a good job, many of our competitors already had to quit." states team principal Wolfgang Fischer. You will find short videos of every stage of the Dakar in the Dakar's YouTube channel and all information about Team Speedbrain on Husqvarna at [/URL]

[URL="http://racing.speedbrain.de/"]http://racing.speedbrain.de/ (http://racing.speedbrain.de/)

suzieq

14th January 2012, 14:32

http://hw.libsyn.com/p/4/e/b/4eb9850e43dca5df/12D19.mp3?sid=300bb0cee76ae9c9d68223d50dc79e0a&l_sid=21539&l_eid=&l_mid=2866063&expiration=1326509326&hwt=3ef5c5a74c0d5fb5453aff5b404542da

suzieq

14th January 2012, 14:33

http://hw.libsyn.com/p/4/e/b/4eb9850e43dca5df/12D19.mp3?sid=300bb0cee76ae9c9d68223d50dc79e0a&l_sid=21539&l_eid=&l_mid=2866063&expiration=1326509326&hwt=3ef5c5a74c0d5fb5453aff5b404542da

suzieq

14th January 2012, 14:34

Keep up the very good work Rogey, we are proud of what you have achieved in such a very short time.

http://hw.libsyn.com/p/4/e/b/4eb9850e43dca5df/12D19.mp3?sid=300bb0cee76ae9c9d68223d50dc79e0a&l_sid=21539&l_eid=&l_mid=2866063&expiration=1326509326&hwt=3ef5c5a74c0d5fb5453aff5b404542da

suzieq

14th January 2012, 16:02

IN FROM SIMON (WHO IS ACTUALLY AT DAKAR THIS YEAR) THANKS MY FRIEND:

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/326021_2728944316244_1636304090_2388611_688128481_ o.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/340550_2729020758155_1636304090_2388634_1725368493 _o.jpg
The REAL orange adventure is ALWAYS with NUMBER 1

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/412425_2729040678653_1636304090_2388646_1715358816 _o.jpg
With Marc, and just TWO days left to go!

TWITTERBUGS:
Chris finished 12th stage all good today, hopefully hold on to position, 2 more stages to go!!— 9 hours 37 min ago
•@Danhemingway nah don't think Chris is going. I'm still in NZ ... back to SA next month!— 17 hours 53 min ago
•@Danhemingway hey Dan thanks... pretty sure Chris is ok to miss tough one, you going? good luck if you are!! Mon— 22 hours 17 min ago
•@rcrane968 I think Mon should go and her one herself, go shopping Mon. Chris.— 23 hours 29 min ago
•sitting 29th overall! pretty stoked to have caught up a few more places and sit inside top 30! 3 more stages to go now— 1 day 6 hours ago

suzieq

14th January 2012, 18:30

http://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.278043305588317.66724.104027932989856&type=3

suzieq

15th January 2012, 05:30

Adventure-touring comparison test: BMW R1200GS vs. KTM 990 Adventure vs. Yamaha Super Tenere. We head out to see how the big boys stack up against each other...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yohu0wuRTNE

suzieq

15th January 2012, 05:35

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60-lYyMId-k

Witness unique moto action as one of Australia's best riders, Toby Price pushes an Enduro bike to its limits

suzieq

15th January 2012, 05:36

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60-lYyMId-k HMMM INSPIRING, WE HAVE OUR S O C I A L RIDE TODAY.................

suzieq

15th January 2012, 05:46

On Any Sunday celebrates its 40th anniversary. Cycle World sits down with Bruce Brown and all the stars of the film for an in-depth story about the making of...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLtBxmKll6U&sns=fb

suzieq

15th January 2012, 05:51

DAKAR - THE ULTIMATE RALLY RACE:"I had a good rythm, and I knew I was catching him" Marc COMA, new leader on Dakar !!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTWaDC4oRzk

KTM RACING:
Cyril Despres finishes second behind Helder Rodrigues of Portugal in penultimate stage of Dakar 2012 and has the overall lead. Marc Coma has lost around 13 minutes today after getting lost during the special :( More details later...

suzieq

15th January 2012, 05:55

http://www.facebook.com/suzette.denham#!/media/set/?set=a.10150496969790000.386781.21573544999&type=3

INTERVIEW:LAVIGNE: DAKAR WILL STAY IN SOUTH AMERICA FOR A VERY LONG TIME:

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/sport/othersport/article_1685408.php/INTERVIEW-Lavigne-Dakar-will-stay-in-South-America-for-a-long-time

Dakar 2012: Where they are heading today on the penultimate stage: Nasca to Pisco in Peru. Lima almost in view!!

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/403276_10150496990870000_21573544999_8989864_49514 7316_n.jpg

suzieq

15th January 2012, 06:07

Early reports indicate that Ned has finished stage 13!

suzieq

15th January 2012, 07:15

Today Chris managed to hold on to his placing of about 28th, but he suffered quite a massive crash along the way... FYI he is ok, bit banged up and sore but still going!

“There was a big drop off that wasn’t really marked on the route book, and it took me a bit by surprise. I jumped about 3 metres down, and just landed wrong – face planted into the safety equipment on the bike... I thought I had broken my nose, and I sort of knocked myself out for a second as well. Not only that I sprained my ankle pretty bad. It was a pretty big one, very scary, and I’m quite sore! But I have made sure I can still get my boot on, and even though one of my jackets is covered in blood, I am ok.

Just a 30km stage tomorrow so pretty much finished just gotta get through tomorrow...”

http://www.chrisbirch.co.nz/content/chris-crashes-stage-13?mid=57

suzieq

15th January 2012, 15:30

TWITTERBUGS:

http://t.co/dNv3W9jn will the auction hit $14K?? hope so!!— 2 hours 58 min ago
•@DakarMoto I'm not there! But I'll look after him when he gets home to NZ in a few days! Mon— 7 hours 23 min ago
•Chris had huge crash today, sprained ankle, nearly broke his nose, knocked out a bit... but still 28th and ok to finish tomorrow! OUCH!— 9 hours 7 min ago
•Chris finished 12th stage all good today, hopefully hold on to position, 2 more stages to go!!— 1 day 8 hours ago
•@Danhemingway nah don't think Chris is going. I'm still in NZ ... back to SA next month!— 1 day 17 hours ago

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=436444403
This is a brand new 2012 KTM300EXC with over $2000 extras! * ilabb customised 'Chris Birch Dakar' sticker kit * Kiwi Rider year's subscription * A year's supply...
nearly hit $14,000 Chris would be stoked if it does!!

IN FROM MONICA:
poor Chris had a big crash yesterday and may have broken his nose, definitely sprained his ankle, and knocked himself out a bit. Luckily only one more very short day to go and he is DONE! HE told me 'it's ok, I took my boot off and can put it back on again, so I will still finish!' SOOO proud of my man!! Sure wish I was in Lima!!

ES - RESUMEN DE LA ETAPA - ETAPA 13 - (NASCA - PISCO) - 14/01/2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2pLnEd22Lc&feature=share

DAKAR 2012 - STAGE 11 HIGHLIGHTS (HD) - PART 2 OF 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlHT_X6cDnU&feature=share

suzieq

15th January 2012, 17:06

One day social ride: AND MYSTERY VISITOR IN ATTENDANCE:

Today it was the task for our ride Major In Charge "IAN" to take us for a ride thru as many gravel roads as we could get thru over a mng for a shortish cafe run. Many are still enjoying the last of their well earned holidays, but we still had an excellent turnout of a a few hardy souls looking to take in some of the loose stuff we seem to have in abundance around the RiverHead/Pouhoi and Kaipara areas. We still only managed to tap into a small portion of it.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00812.jpg
Great turnout of gravel riders looking to make the most of what really was a fine day today. Excellent.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00817.jpg
Here we take a short stop to head into the next MAP phase of our ride.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00818.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00819.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00825.jpg
Tim nd Jess marking our corners for us. Hmmmmm I am sure three riders still continued on ????????

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00837.jpg
HERE WE PRESENT ADAM FROM ISRAEL - ROUND THE WORLD TRAVELLER AND SPONSORED BY TOURATECH USA WELCOME ADAM

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00838.jpg
THE MAPS ARE LAID OUT AND HERE THE GRAVEL CREW GET IN BEHIND - DISCUSSIONS DISCUSSIONS

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00833.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00841.jpg
THE BOYS PULL IN

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00843.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00846.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00849.jpg
IT WAS EXCELLENT TO MEET UP WITH SUCH A WELL TRAVELLED ADVENTURE RIDER

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00850.jpg
WE WILL REMEMBER THIS ALWAYS

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00853.jpg
PREPARING TO HEAD OFF FOR MOREEEE GRAVEL ROADS ON THE WAY HOME - JUST TO FINISH OFF AN EXCELLENT MNG OF COURSE FURTHER DISCUSSIONS TO HAND OVER BIKES AND PARTS ETC ETC AND ETC

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00854.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00855.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00856.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00859.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00860.jpg
Refuelling for that last stretch on the homeward run, IAN demonstrates the WORKING IT OUT look, I knew there was something different about this lad???

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00861.jpg
BOYS having fun hmmm now which page in your "ADVENTURE RIDERS CALENDAR" will I FEATURE IN SUE??? LOL There now appears to be a queue for MARCH???????? (wonderment)

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00862.jpg
Here Graeme appreciates the GREAT humour behind it allll LOL big time "BOYS for you"

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00863.jpg
Road side WONDERINGS hmmmm now to the left or to the right. Don't worry, it all came out in the wash. I mean this really is WHAT adventure riding is all about. Road side hmmms - excellent ride and thanks to IAN and all who attended our ride today.

THANKS ONCE AGAIN IAN AND A VERY BIG THANKS TO HAYLEY (PS) HAYLEY HAS INCREDIBLE TALENT AND HAS JUST RELEASED SOME OF HER WORK:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2F60_g70ZQGpE&h=9AQEfl89eAQGPEl0cTMcAhFsuSAEHHlk-welQMKzHdjTvGg

suzieq

15th January 2012, 17:50

MANY VERY NICE COMMENTS WERE RECEIVED TODAY ON THE FIRST CLUB T'S THAT I HAD MADE OVER THE XMAS PERIOD:

AS OUR CLUB IS ABOUT ALL MAKES AND MODELS OF BIKES etc etc IF YOU ARE A CLUB MEMBER AND ARE INTERESTED IN OWNING YOUR VERY OWN PERSONALISED T, PLSE EITHER EMAIL ME OR (YES FACEBOOK ME) EMAIL ME YOUR FAV ADVENTURE RIDING PIC. IT CAN BE SCENIC aka your bike stationed outside of that perfect scenic spot or could be YOUR favourite moment with YOUR bikes. Unique to you also and with our club name attached.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00834-1.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/14THJAN2011088.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/14THJAN2011086.jpg

Our first t order will go thru to our suppliers END FEB as a group club order.
Plse use this time to go thru your pics aka OUR FEB 17TH/18TH ADVENTURE RIDE POUTU/BAYLYS BEACH MAY JUST BE THAT OPPORTUNITY TO GET THAT SPECIAL SNAP. If you see any pics on ours sites that you enjoy for yourself plse contact me with details and we can use that pics on YOUR behalf.

suzieq

15th January 2012, 18:43

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-yOjdo_eIg

Charley, Ewan and co keep us entertained as they travel from Scotland to South Africa on their Long Way Down Trip. Ewan and his jokes take up the majority but there is still room for Charley and other members of the team

suzieq

15th January 2012, 18:45

poor Chris had a big crash yesterday and may have broken his nose, definitely sprained his ankle, and knocked himself out a bit. Luckily only one more very short day to go and he is DONE! HE told me 'it's ok, I took my boot off and can put it back on again, so I will still finish!' SOOO proud of my man!! Sure wish I was in Lima!!

suzieq

16th January 2012, 06:08

So proud of Chris for finishing Dakar!! What a legend. Looks like he finished in 27th or 28th overall. My hero. Can't wait to have him back home soon!

so stoked the Dakar bike auction was a success! Thanks to all the sponsors who contributed and to everyone for spreading the word. Now we just have to wait for the race to finish and it is all over :)

http://www.chrisbirch.co.nz/

TWITTERBUGS:
@NZStuff Chris Birch finishes Dakar Rally!— 3 hours 7 min ago
•Chris finished the special in 40th place, and so far is 27th overall in his first Dakar! Waiting for him to call to say he's finished ...— 3 hours 41 min ago
•last Dakar day coming up! Chris will ride with sprained ankle, suspected broken nose, and concussion. Lucky he's pretty bad ass!— 11 hours 13 min ago
•http://t.co/dNv3W9jn will the auction hit $14K?? hope so!!— 17 hours 53 min ago
•@DakarMoto I'm not there! But I'll look after him when he gets home to NZ in a few days! Mon— 22 hours 18 min ago

suzieq

16th January 2012, 06:09

http://www.ktm.com/news-events/news/all/details/news/detail/News/despres-takes-fourth-dakar-title-in-lima-eleventh-win-for-ktm.html

Red Bull KTM factory rider Cyril Despres on Sunday rode into Lima in triumph to seal his fourth career Dakar title and to present KTM with its eleventh consecutive win in this, the toughest event on the annual motorsports calendar

Its official. Cyril Despres and Marc Coma finish 1-2 in Dakar 2012 - amazing performance by both of these great riders. Congratulations also to Johnny Aubert of the KTM Enduro Factory team who finished 13th overall riding a series model 450 Rally Replica bike. this is KTM's 11th Dakar victory in a row. Great performance from our riders over 9000 km

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/327551_10150499033875000_21573544999_8998420_67917 4768_o.jpg

Dakar 2012: Where they go in the final stage. Riders will enjoy a ride along the Pacific coast and a short 29km in the sand dunes half way to Lima. They are going to get a great reception when they finish in the capital!

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/383916_10150498515295000_21573544999_8995905_18977 63605_n.jpg

suzieq

16th January 2012, 06:20

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8L-rbya1k4

Peruvian help is sometimes very useful ! Image of the day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qiHRmtUUkA

BMW MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE:
http://bmwmcmag.com/2012/01/dakar-2012-stage-12-success-in-the-dunes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dakar-2012-stage-12-success-in-the-dunes

The Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain brought two riders into the top five at stage 12 of the Rally Dakar 2012. Joan Barreda was battling with his fellow countryman Marc Coma for the victory. Coma finally arrived at the finish in Nasca first, 2:43 minutes ahead of Barreda. Paulo Goncalves, still frustrated with yesterday’s jury decision, powered his bike from starting in 17th position all the way to fifth on the day.

Barreda gave another super performance. He made a small navigation error in the beginning, before stepping it up and going for the stage victory. He rode on his own all day and through very challenging dunes, which reminded Dakar veterans of the old days in Mauritania. The course was very difficult and the navigation was asking a lot from the riders. Barreda ultimately came out with one more top result in second place

suzieq

16th January 2012, 06:26

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFdRnfnh1Pc

suzieq

16th January 2012, 06:31

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/380400_294331483932596_233369226695489_1003995_162 4569896_n.jpg

The parts I've added to my bike for Dakar - only the finest!

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/323648_366554143362172_123784607639128_1735907_556 113587_o.jpg

Ned did it! A great accomplishment. Congratulations!

suzieq

16th January 2012, 06:45

http://www.dakar.com/index_DAKus.html
Official website of the Dakar rally raid (ex Paris Dakar), created by Thierry Sabine. News, rankings, history, pictures, registrations…

[Stage Program] - Stage 14 (15/01/2012)
PISCO - LIMA > LAST STAGE !!!
★ Rankings before the start ★
Bike : 1. DESPRES (FRA),2. COMA (ESP), 3. RODRIGUES (PRT)
Quad : 1. A.PATRONELLI (ARG), 2. M.PATRONELLI (ARG), 3. MAFFEI (ARG)
Car : 1. PETERHANSEL (FRA), 2. ROMA (ESP) , 3. DE VILLIERS (SA)
Truck: 1. DE ROOY (NLD), 2. STACEY (NLD), 3. ARDAVICHUS (KAZ)

suzieq

16th January 2012, 07:47

http://www.plusmoto.com/etapa-14-dakar-2012-10-espanoles-han-resistido.html

suzieq

16th January 2012, 09:25

http://gaps.dakar.com/2012/dakar/stage-14/aso/ukie.php

suzieq

16th January 2012, 11:42

http://bmw.tv/intl/com/video.do?articleID=15408&spaceID=2&channelID=2

Woodman

16th January 2012, 20:36

Congrats Birchy, livin the dream.:niceone:

suzieq

17th January 2012, 06:09

Congrats Birchy, livin the dream.:niceone:

"tough tough race for Chris but he has done extremely wellll Proud of Kiwi talent and Proud to support Chris"

suzieq

17th January 2012, 06:11

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news--general-news/boorman-and-mcgregor-planning-another-long-way-down/19862.html

suzieq

17th January 2012, 06:16

IN FROM DAVID: Thanks David

Whilst I finish the edit to the next episode of the NZ dirt adventure, here's a quick vid of some crashes and memorable moments from the last years riding.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7_lR-ajtNg

suzieq

17th January 2012, 06:21

Midle Atlas, cedar forest, morocco ride, KTM 530 EXC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GksRWNihbc8

suzieq

17th January 2012, 06:24

DAKAR - THE ULTIMATE RALLY RACE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzzTmqP5Jo8&list=PL4B0283A4A5E93E56&index=2&feature=plcp

EN - Best of Bike - 15/01/2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljkeNZPRYDU

TWITTERBUGS:
Chris finished Dakar in 27th overall. Next was bath, sleep, eat, sleep, and maybe a beer...— 16 hours 46 min ago
•@NZStuff Chris Birch finishes Dakar Rally!— 1 day 3 hours ago
•Chris finished the special in 40th place, and so far is 27th overall in his first Dakar! Waiting for him to call to say he's finished ...— 1 day 3 hours ago
•last Dakar day coming up! Chris will ride with sprained ankle, suspected broken nose, and concussion. Lucky he's pretty bad ass!— 1 day 11 hours ago
•http://t.co/dNv3W9jn will the auction hit $14K?? hope so!!— 1 day 17 hours ago

suzieq

17th January 2012, 06:42

Quick congrats to Neduro to Dakar for meeting his Dakar - The Ultimate Rally Race dream with complete success this weekend. Spoke to him this weekend and best quote was, "I started this race with about 14 hours on my bike's hour meter. I looked at it today and it was something like 120 hours on it now!" Brutal!

suzieq

17th January 2012, 06:48

TRIBUTE TO FINNISH RIDER:
Sad news.... The Enduro world has lost a legend.... Mika Ahola died in hospital last night....
Thoughts and prayers to his family....
R.I.P Mika, Godspeed fella....

Shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Mika Ahola who reportedly died from injuries sustained during training in Girona, Spain. Mika won five consecutive world Enduro championships (E1, E2 and E3) from 2007 to 2011. Our sincere sympathies to Mika's family.
http://www.enduro-abc.com/index.php?model=news&action=view_object&object_id=336

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/motorsport/2012/01/16/motorcycling-mourns-the-death-of-enduro-world-champion-mika-ahola-115875-23702750/#ixzz1jdPrFEET

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/382710_3005958878893_1560035042_32732963_213834210 _n.jpg

Mika Ahola R.I.P.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcKAJ5D6C6I
Mika Ahola (13 December 1974 -- 15 January 2012) was a Finnish enduro rider and a five-time world champion.
He was also a seven-time winner of the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) World Trophy with Team Finland, and was the fastest overall in the competition in 1999, 2001 and 2002.
Ahola debuted in the World Enduro Championship in a Husqvarna in 1993

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/384837_175639729204129_100002743081756_220692_2158 35561_n.jpg

TRIBUTE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwYapMJOgWg

suzieq

17th January 2012, 07:23

http://www.facebook.com/suzette.denham#!/media/set/?set=a.279975812061733.67126.104027932989856&type=1

suzieq

17th January 2012, 08:20

I am legend :)

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/motorsport/news/article.cfm?c_id=66&objectid=10779073

New Zealand motorbike rider Chris Birch became only the second Kiwi to ever complete the Dakar Rally, finishing his class in 27th place.

L E G E N D ........................

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/325259_10150600158678245_611318244_10857638_176486 1945_o.jpg
brought tears to me eyes :) x x x YAY CHRIS!!!!

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/413041_10150580712206967_366728251966_10753962_177 5684663_o.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/337818_10150600078908245_611318244_10857288_121062 4491_o.jpg

I was riding along annnnndddddd... uhhhhhh

NEK MINUT !!!!!!!!!

When Chris tells his Dakar stories, it will be interesting how many times he can say that?????

NordieBoy

17th January 2012, 11:37

Like the smiley face on the handguard :D

suzieq

17th January 2012, 12:45

Like the smiley face on the handguard :D

v e r y well s p o t t e d.......................................

suzieq

17th January 2012, 12:46

To all you good people who have been following and supporting me over the last two weeks thank you!! Its been an incredible adventure. I dont have the words to describe this race. Numbers help, fifteen days, nine thousand k's, literally millions of spectators, one very sore arse, two big crashes and one very stoked motorbike rider! A massive thank you to Comsoll, KTM ,Red Bull, Kini, Adrial Petro, Kiwi Rider, and the hundreds of people who helped me make the journey. — in Lima, Lima.

suzieq

17th January 2012, 12:48

The back story: I came to work this morning feeling glad that I recently traded my car in for a truck since I had to pass several snowy and icy hills from my home down to work. Much to my curiosity and wonderment as I pulled into work I noticed a motorcycle parked out front. The first questions t...

http://www.pssrider.com/index.php/blog/street-posts/32-interview-with-a-crazy-rider.html

suzieq

17th January 2012, 12:50

http://bmwinternational.rbplimited.co.uk/2012_newsletter_1/RRbuilt%20(2).pdf

suzieq

17th January 2012, 12:51

Aussies Finish Strong In Dakar Rally:

Motorcycling Australia Motorcycling AustraliaMotorcycling Australia (MA) is the governing body of motorcycle sport in Australia.
http://www.ma.org.au/index.php?id=12&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=6059&tx_ttnews[backPid]=6&cHash=2165ca2671#.TxSkcpNaFtw.facebook

suzieq

17th January 2012, 12:54

CROCOAVENTURES Rally Raid Team is proud to have in their ranks a professional rider , capable of winning, solid in

http://www.race-dezert.com/home/crocoaventures-rally-raid-team-and-frans-verhoeven-together-for-the-dakar-2012-edition-22411.html

suzieq

17th January 2012, 12:56

Western Springs Speedway is NZ’s premium track for Sprintcar & Midget car racing but is under attack (again) from locals that have moved into the area and have nothing better to do but complain.

Please take a minute to fill out this petition; it’s very important to us in the motorsport world.!!!!!!!!!! it’s a great family spectacle that we cannot lose.

Follow the link below & sign the petition (and don’t forget to forward the petition to other people you think would like to support this historic venue..)

Speedway has been part of Auckland's entertainment offering since 1929 and it would be a tragedy for the sport and the city if the Speedway was forced to close. Give Auckland's future generations the option to experience great family sporting entertainment in the heart of their city:

http://www.speedwayclub.co.nz/signpetition.php

suzieq

17th January 2012, 16:38

Looking to attend our adventure ride for your accomm plse contact www.kauricoasttop10 to make your booking by end Jan as this is their holiday season also

http://www.facebook.com/events/260994780633699/?context=create#!/events/260994780633699/

This will be a FULLLL days ride BEACH/FORESTRY/GRAVEL

Will be a $10 ride fee for riders attending.

Communal cook up for dinner on Sat night, also can be a cook-up for sun mng breakfast before we head off for either home or MORE gravel on the way home.
We also have a scenic place of interest to view on the Sun mng also, so bring cams along.

Pillions and partners also welcome as we have a car available during the day and there will be interesting places to look at also for your day.

Full days ride You may do as little or as much as you choose during your day.

Crisis management

17th January 2012, 16:40

suzieq

17th January 2012, 16:49

Sue, at the risk of sounding an arsehole, do we need to be inundated with stuff about western springs? This is a forum about adventure riding , discussion about the sport and organising events / rides, not a blog for a whole load of disparate information.

IMHO, I would like to see this thread focus on the good stuff you are organising / doing by organising rides for the adventure community, particularly the number of new riders you are attracting to the sport.

Cheers,
Iain.

Hi Iain Voice away Just thought that Western Springs being so dear to many of us also would appreciate some more voices as this was sent to me from AMPS Motorcycles. So I always like to support and help any who wish also.

suzieq

17th January 2012, 16:53

Hi Iain Voice away Just thought that Western Springs being so dear to many of us also would appreciate some more voices as this was sent to me from AMPS Motorcycles. So I always like to support and help any who wish also.

Hi I also forgot (not like me I know LOL) to say that it is fantastic the amount of new people I am meeting recently. I banged into a new KLR rider at the weekend (new xmas pressie), then another lady has just been very very lucky to get a new DR650 wow and my next new lady a F650beemer for xmas. Very xciting times indeed.

We had a fantastic ride on our Sunday and were very fortunate to meet up with an overseas Round The World Traveller. Very very exciting. Adam is just one of the many that will be meeting and greeting with us. This adventure BUG is very very addictive indeed.

My husband and I also have many many old enduro buddies who appreciate anything of interest relating and pertaining to enduro based events also. Enduro based skills highly valued and a huge asset us Adventure riders also. All part and parcel of what we do or for some of us new people what we have not had the opportunity to be able to do.

suzieq

17th January 2012, 17:25

I am currently working on a brand new and exciting adventure ride. This will be a very different experience to our normal adventure ride. At this stage this ride is looking to traverse thru three private property blocks. One will be weather dependant as pumice is very friable by nature and the streams are all running very fulll. Will the taps be turned off at some stage. It was intended to run this NEW ride over the SUMMER season???

More info hopefully in the next couple of weeks. I will only have a small number of places available for this very first ride. We will look to get the format right for this ride before we move on to more placings next year. At this stage I may have 6 places available.

The intention was to journey thru 3 private blocks. One a private overseas catch and release fishing block (brown trout indeed running thru these streams). This will be two hours of scenic riding and prob mng tea or lunch here. Our second block is The Whare (our accomm for the evening) It is intended to have all hands on deck to prepare a hangi for evening meal. The third block is a deer hunting farm and is made up of thousands of hectares of untouched lands. So in the afternoon we would be riding high up into these hills. There is also a lake circuit and the property owner may ride with us also. Very unique experience this ride. The 'all hands on deck' prepared hangi we will all more than enjoy later in the evening. It is expected to be down from the hills around 4pm in the afternoon.

This ride is over very private lands and yes will incur a price tag to be allowed this privilege.

If you are interested plse PM me and I will register your place. I am trying for six more placings, but may only be four. All going well I may only have to phone and confirm a booking for next years ride.

suzieq

17th January 2012, 17:42

IN FROM MONICA:

HMMMMM RECEPTION HOME COMING WELCOME????????

Those of you in NZ who would like to say welcome back to Chris when he comes home ... he is back Thursday, 8:25am, AR1182... just saying :)

In the event of sharing is caring hmmm an airport visit may just be on those cards

suzieq

18th January 2012, 05:26

suzieq

18th January 2012, 05:33

Hi I also forgot (not like me I know LOL) to say that it is fantastic the amount of new people I am meeting recently. I banged into a new KLR rider at the weekend (new xmas pressie), then another lady has just been very very lucky to get a new DR650 wow and my next new lady a F650beemer for xmas. Very xciting times indeed.

We had a fantastic ride on our Sunday and were very fortunate to meet up with an overseas Round The World Traveller. Very very exciting. Adam is just one of the many that will be meeting and greeting with us. This adventure BUG is very very addictive indeed.

My husband and I also have many many old enduro buddies who appreciate anything of interest relating and pertaining to enduro based events also. Enduro based skills highly valued and a huge asset us Adventure riders also. All part and parcel of what we do or for some of us new people what we have not had the opportunity to be able to do.

Anything of any Enduro related nature or event will continue to be posted on THIS thread. Also any who wish that are IN the INDUSTRY and wish me to SPREAD the WORD I will continue to do as asked. A friend I met a while ago Around Nov I think set a famous quote for me in the theme of "sharing is caring" = I have taken that onboard and will keep up the good work accordingly.

suzieq

18th January 2012, 05:52

Leaving from Akd this mng we will be attending this ride with TWO TEAM OJ in tow. Wow, thanks RYAN so very much for putting this epic ride together. It has been a fantastic task for you to put together. I look forwards to meeting the Dusty Butt Crew in the next couple of days. I will be doing Roadside Rescue this time round, we cannot quite squeeze the XT in the middle of the two larger OJ machines. So I will have to be content to 4 x 4 it over some tracks that I will go and explore. I have 4 x 4'd the Rainbow and Nevis many many times over the years, also Rees/Dart areas and many more. So I am sure I will find some form of exploring to do whilst the boys are enjoying themselves.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00482.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00756.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00481.jpg

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http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00741.jpg

suzieq

18th January 2012, 06:10

The Curbsyde team follows the roads, history and the culture of the incredibly beautiful British Columbia backroads to discover the Road to Barkerville. The area surrounding Barkerville is rich in gold panning history. While en-route they encounter natural wonders, wildlife, colorful characters, tou...

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailymotion.com%2Fvideo%2 Fxnrjdl_road-to-barkerville-ep-4-of-4_auto&h=CAQHWkWlg

suzieq

18th January 2012, 06:16

Update #5: RawHyde & Dakar day off... with a visit to the mine where 33 miners were trapped a half mile underground.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/notes/rawhyde-adventures/update-5-rawhyde-dakar-day-off-with-a-visit-to-the-mine-where-33-miners-were-tra/294433190604731

suzieq

18th January 2012, 06:23

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/398713_3008458381695_1569528392_2892554_767986050_ n.jpg

suzieq

18th January 2012, 06:58

http://www.facebook.com/suzette.denham#!/media/set/?set=a.330526323634630.79296.128556137164984&type=3

suzieq

18th January 2012, 17:23

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/122_1201_ned_suesse_dakar_rally_update_10/index.html

suzieq

18th January 2012, 17:30

Meet up 9am Shelley Beach for Registration and Sign On

Entry Fee $25

This will be a BIG BIKE friendly ride thru forestry gravel roads and fire breaks inside South Head Forest
Plse bring your food and drinks for your lunch break, drinks etc can be purchased from shelley Beach at registration
Further queries you may have contact: steelmaiden1250@hotmail.com
(This is the first in our series of Big Bike Friendly Forest Adventure Rides for the new Adventure Season)
This forest ride will be repeated again in the next couple of months

Approx duration until 1pm
After lunch for those that wish a beach run could be an optional extra

suzieq

19th January 2012, 05:20

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ6EiStsN-s&feature=g-all-a&list=PL8321BF7C2EC64D64&context=G2789b78FAAAAAAAAAAA

suzieq

19th January 2012, 05:23

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXX8IJNmVJU&feature=youtu.be

Badgerclarke

19th January 2012, 15:37

Hi all, reading this thread has certainly got the adventure juices flowing nicely. Really like the idea of getting into this type of riding as well as having a standard road bike and I was just wondering what type of bikes you guys are using in the main?

I like the look of the WR250R as they can be used for trail riding which I also want to do more of but are they any good for what you guys and girls get up to? They are probably a bit more money (still want to run a road bike too) than I'd like to spend to so what would be a good alternative, cheap XR250, DRZ400?

I don't want to hijack your excellent thread but a little input would be great, cheers.

suzieq

19th January 2012, 18:03

In From Jim:
Suggestions ??? Yamaha (NEW)2012WR45OR coming out this year

Bike choice can also depend on your height and build also to be taken into consideration
Depending on your height you also need to consider which bike for suitable seat height also
One that can also give you reasonable fuel range
Start out slowly and you will gain skills over time also
So get the bike that will take you right thru and give you confidence

DRZ400 with a large fuel take could also be a choice

Both bikes can be converted to trail ponies quite easily also

DR650 lots of our adventure riding community do well with this bike choice also
Honest bike choice here also

Any further questions keep in touch and our online community all of us more than happy to SHARE info with you also

Thumbs up and best wishes with your new adventure riding

I admit this is very addictive and XMAS and NEW YEAR seems to have bought out many new people to our community

Dual purpose Adventure riding beware highly addictive

Suzieq (from Spring Creek) Blenheim aka Dusty Butt trveller

suzieq

19th January 2012, 20:35

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8oafdXX_5U

suzieq

19th January 2012, 21:04

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00867.jpg
Leaving early from Taupo this mng the day did start off quite nice, but grew to be very very windy by the time we finally made it onto our Ferry Xing. It was excellent meeting up with Alistair this mng at Sanson on the way to Wellington. Hi Alistair, The Tiger has finally made it to the big 40K service. What prompted the boys for the park up at this way side cafe was the buxom wench proffering business on the road side LOL. I mean we really did have to stop here. I was outvoted.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00866.jpg
That Tiger is looking good Alistair. Team OJ parked up and R E A D Y.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/dadscamera027.jpg
Coming towards Picton the weather turned slightly better. Was extremely windy leaving Wellington.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00873.jpg
Spring Creek, looking good, but still very windy.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00876.jpg
Parked up for ME to take some more snaps.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00877.jpg
Nice....................

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00881.jpg
Emptying out the luggage also stashed beside the bikes LOL big time, and women pack the kitchen sink???

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00880.jpg
Here travelling companion in tow STEVE ritzing it at A LA LODGE........... NICE STEVE..... piped in music, really is home away from home LOL

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00896.jpg
Bonuses bonuses, come one come alll. Spring Creeek really does offer it allllll........

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00893.jpg
New friends road side and pool side, this is becoming to be quite a habit.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00890.jpg
EDDIE and HIS FRIENDS LOL BIG TIME

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00891.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00895.jpg
NO FISHING JIM

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00897.jpg

LOL

Oh well off to Fairleigh tomorrow and to meet up with The Dusty Crew for bbq tomorrow night at The Gladstone.

suzieq

suzieq

20th January 2012, 21:40

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00919.jpg

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suzieq

20th January 2012, 21:50

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/336884_223109881107456_100002253375514_490926_2032 429984_o.jpg

París DAKAR 2001..
Pisando territorio Africano..

suzieq

21st January 2012, 05:05

http://www.cycleworld.com/2012/01/17/1981-bmw-r80-gs-feature/

suzieq

21st January 2012, 05:22

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Motorcycle-Information/136091843174236#!/media/set/?set=a.282683051791009.67665.104027932989856&type=1

george formby

21st January 2012, 11:07

Damn, I need a holiday, Molesworth looks like the destination. Wonder if I can strap the DT to the back of the TDM, hmmm

pete-blen

21st January 2012, 12:56

Damn, I need a holiday, Molesworth looks like the destination. Wonder if I can strap the DT to the back of the TDM, hmmm

The TDM is all yer need for both Molesworth & Rainbow...:rockon:

Thinking I might do a Moleworth/Rainbow loop again soon.... good having
them just up the road...:yes:

suzieq

21st January 2012, 17:06

I can't begin to tell you how spoilt you are to only have these roads on YOUR back door step. Wow I have felt like being in seventh heaven here. Even though MY XT did NOT make it down here for THIS DUSTY, chatting to Ryan he ensures me don't worry Sue, I am working on something even bigger and better for NEXT YEAR> Excellent. Thanks so much Ryan for all of the hard work and effort you have put into this for everyone to enjoy. Sorry I had best let RYAN fill us all in on what he has planned. I would be giving tooo much excitement away. Believe me, when RYAN does it, he does it well. He is planning a goodie.

Please post up pics of YOUR ON THE BACK DOOR STEP rides you do. We all love to see this scenery. These gravel roads here are to die for. I wil be back again next year. Nothing will keep me away from this. I have hundreds of pics to put up, and how much time to put them up????? So I had best get to it and attempt to put some pics up.

Dusty Butt has begun, after snooping around and checking up on the INMATES parked up at FAIRLIE, I was fortunate enough to MIX IT UP with a few FAMOUS KIWI BIKERS, perhaps I should say LEGENDS AMONGST US. Should I spill now, or make you wait for the pics??? I think I should title a couple of them MIXING IT UP WITH LEGENDS AMONGST US. I could not believe an INMATE parked up right in the Over The Way Unit was none other and L E G E N D .......... and no, wait there was more......... famous. Those of you following The Dusty Butt over the years will know of a certain gentleman who is quite unique in the fact that he rides THE BIG 1150ccGS???? Any clues and yes, you can't keep him away from Those Challenge Sections, ANY CLUES???? L E G E N D big bike and conquering CHALLENGE TERRAIN> So our next DUSTY BUTTER well no words can describe. L E G E N D......... and from the SOUTH also.

SNOOPING around the FAIRLIE TOP 10 I came across quite a number of lads parked up and still considering whether to catch those extra zzzz's or hit the first section of DUSTY with the sun up. Many left sun up and the pack drifted thru from here. Hitting the 4 x 4 I made my way to the beginning of the circuit which was a gravel and dirt track that crossed over a river bed. Excellent start to the ride Ryan. I could see the dust for km's down the road, and could hardly see the boys until they were right on me at the riverbed it was so bad.

From here I met up with a mate of Ryan's and he had many many maps in two and we joined forces and headed for the hills to get a glimpse of the crew coming thru in the various sections. It was a bit hard going as so many variations to be done, and some doing the challenge bits aka non 4 x 4 friendly. But we pushed on and had fun with our drive antics along the highways and made it into WAIMATE firstly and caught up with the refuelling stop. A couple of dropped bikes and one dead drowning aka bike did not continue. Word has it the stream crossings were quite full. Refuelling and then the crew pushed on. Grant and I high tailed it for Kurow and caught up with lunch feastings here. Bikes checked over and gear unloaded and spares to be purchased and punctures to be repaired. Just the usual stuff.

More maps checked and more variations taken in. Off we go again. 4 x 4 crew took Dansey's Pass and if you thought the mng section was Dusty. DANSEY has just been regraded with mountains of new stuff. Dust to Africa. Many side roads can be taken off the DANSEY and so some exploring was done in the 4 x 4 also. How to make the most out of road side trvelling LOL. MY FUN. DANSEY's crossed off and into NAESBY where some of the lads were spotted knocking the cool ones back at the famous NAESBY public bar. hmmm nice and well deserved.

From Naesby I high tailed it thru to OMAKAU as I had fuel to drop off for some of the DUSTY crew and also had to be on the hunt for new CO2 cartridges as our stocks now gone........ The day had gone already and I was itching to get the 4 x 4 over Thompsons Track, but no time as had to get new cannisters before shops close for the day. Managed to get new (yes threaded cannisters) must always know the difference between threaded and NON THREADED. Learnt that one before. Don't fancy going back to Alexandra for change overs any time soon. On the road and off again it will be. Caught up with more DUSTY crew at ALEXANDRA. Fuel cannister dropped off and dragged the rack of one KTM under the bike so r and m was being done at the Alex servo.

I am now waiting for MY team KTM to pull in for the day???? don't know what time that will be so I may have time to sort my pics out for the day.

suzieq

21st January 2012, 17:16

Damn, I need a holiday, Molesworth looks like the destination. Wonder if I can strap the DT to the back of the TDM, hmmm

Molesworth is g r e a t loved it and really nice easy riding also. Scenery to die for... I have many more pics to put up, but only just added a tempter more to come soon, I had quite an adventure MYSELF on THE MOLESWORTH, who could have thought that having NO BIKE this time round could still supply me with an adventure. Yes, it did, not only did I meet up with a DIGGER MAN who was easing out the stream beds to allow the water to flow smoothly under those bridges and not ERODE the banks, but further up, (the boys wondering where on earth i was and WHY so slow.........) I was stuck behind a huge big stock truck that had emptied out its load of stock and was trucking thru The Molesworth on a quite steep section. He couldn't make it up the steep bank so the truck slipped back and took quite a bit of the hard dry surface with it also. Yikes was left wondering how I would get UP the dry Dusty roading myself after that???? He slipped quite a way back down and the big trailer at the back jack-knifed back down again. Yikes I was right behind him. SCAREY. So I pulled the ute back and parked up, I mean there was no where else to be going???? The farmhands commented on what a lovely day it was. So work began on clearing the rocks from out of the edge of the road sides so we could get past the truck. Jim came looking for me after a while wondering where on earth??? So the boys cleared the roadside and Jim drove it round the side of. I did not want to risk losing our mode of transportation for the trip. I mean I AM ROADSIDE RESCUe??? hmmm dilemma No cell coverage there also so we high tailed it out to Jollie's Pass to phone in help for truck rescue. Normally we take Jack's Pass out of the Molesworth, but no, Jim decided we would take Jollie's Pass instead. Yikes that is one STEEP mother of a Pass. I confess on making it half way down (and still quite high up, as you will see in my pics soon) wondering if this was actually the right route out???? But yes, it eventually bought me down and into Hanmer. The track was really rutted and loaded with huge big thick chunks of rocks quite a way thru there. Honestly if you asked me to turn her round in there, noo don't think so. So yes, my own adventure.

JATZ

21st January 2012, 17:19

Damn you suzieQ :yes:

I really am kicking myself now for not getting down there this year.
Also.... watch out for that 1150 rider, he's Trouble that one :shutup:

suzieq

21st January 2012, 17:37

Wow when you are in the land of LEGENDVILLE, well what more can be said..............

It was awsome to shake hands with online LEGEND NORDIEBOY - yes awsome. I have had online encounters with this LEGEND LOL but felt extremely good to give our legend a firm hand shaking......... LOL ENJOYED the experience. When you tussle it out online, it is great to actually meet up also at some stage.

Yes, SHREK, FAMOUS the big bike rider takes NO prisoners when riding rocks. A small SHREK offspring also shook hands with me, and it was only later I was filled in on SHREK's offspring. LOL also. Nice lad and nice bike. ps I did spend time with a pic of SHREK doll on the front of that GS. FAMOUS.

Now another lad I have tussled it up with right here on Kiwi Biker our TAZ yes was good to meet up with TAZ and CAREY on The Molesworth itself. Here we were 4 x 4ing it up The Molesworth when along comes TAZ and CAREY. HMMMM what are those OJ's doing on the back of that ute???? lads????? one had well not much gas and the other tyre saving for the challenge sections. Some of those nobbs just don't last the difference. So after quality chat time with the Dusty lads welll team OJ was whipped off the back of the ute and it was on...... Didn't take much arm twisting to get the boys off and away. Yes Jim didn't get toooo much of a ride as he had to keep doubling back to see if I had gotten stuck behind any other stock trucks???? You know it really does happen. Photos soon to show you ......... DOES happen.

suzieq

21st January 2012, 18:35

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00962.jpg

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC00961.jpg
Two Kiwi Biker lads from Akd also on the Journey BEFORE DUSTY taking in The Molesworth. PRICELESSSS......

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suzieq

21st January 2012, 19:25

http://www.redbull.com.ar/cs/Satellite/es_AR/Video/Mirá-en-este-video-lo-que-fue-el-Dakar-2012-021243151288559

suzieq

22nd January 2012, 07:03

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC01185.jpg

L E G E N D S amongst U S!!! "NORDIEBOY" RUBS SHOULDERS WITH "SHREK" F A M O U S ND LEGENDS OF THE K BIKER COMMUNITY

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THE POWERHOUSE OF THAT BIG GS1150CC

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YES I'M LAID BACK "SHREK IS THE NAME" AND I AM D B FAMOUS>>>>>>
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WAS GREAT TO MEET UP WITH YOU NORDIEBOY I hope our online chat will be etched in remembrance of our DB encounter LOL
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC01179.jpg
Yes I know you TWO lads are famous also, but I cannot mention every famous Kiwi Biker I come across. Well, okay if you insist, here we see SHREK's OFFSPRING, yes it is out. OFFSPRING was riding amongst us also...................... F A M O U S
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OFFSPRING

suzieq

22nd January 2012, 20:16

High up in those hill tops an adventure was in the making

The KTM was handling it well. Mud, rain and yes, it was actually snowing as the crew were riding thru.
Time to put on those woooolllies...............

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/KTMridesDUSTYBUTTchallengesectiontoday.jpg

suzieq

23rd January 2012, 19:54

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Leaving from Fairlie the first short stretch of gravel road. Dust a plenty.

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suzieq

23rd January 2012, 19:58

Hopefully I will have inet access to post this segment up tomorrow evening. I am at Spring Creek, Blenheim again and will cross over once again on the mng sailing to The North Island. More sooon,,,,,,

Will work on this one now..............................................

suzieq

24th January 2012, 04:57

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suzieq

25th January 2012, 13:02

http://www.touratech-usa.com/Adventure/Blog/xpcyxD/Guest-Blog-Neduro-to-Dakar-6

suzieq

25th January 2012, 13:04

http://www.facebook.com/groups/northerngravelridersnz/#!/media/set/?set=a.285468458179135.68270.104027932989856&type=3

suzieq

25th January 2012, 14:56

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLfVSlZppHI&feature=share

suzieq

25th January 2012, 15:01

http://www.bikesportnz.com/2012/01/townley-has-a-target/

suzieq

25th January 2012, 15:48

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/suzieq1250/DSC01546.jpg
RYAN seen here at KUROW - gassing up before joining the C L A N for lunch. Thanks RYAN for the many many hours of work you put into this adventure ride. The TEAM from AKD will be down again next year. A FACT.

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LOVE IT

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suzieq

25th January 2012, 18:02

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AICMWXVhBvQ&feature=share

suzieq

25th January 2012, 18:51

DAY 1 - DUSTY PRESENTS AFTER LUNCHEON THE AWAKINO SADDLE CHALLENGE:

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The boys loved this section of the ride.

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Beautiful scenery

suzieq

26th January 2012, 16:29

MOVED:

THIS WAS TO BE OUR EASTER RIDE:

TO MAKE THE MOST OF SUMMER WEATHER PLOWIE/KURIGER HAVE PROVIDED A RIDE FOR US

Meet up 9am BP BOMBAY - Sun we travel out AWAKINO and will also take in a loop that we did NOT get to do on our previous RAGLAN EXPLORE weekend

ACComm overnight SUN night will be AWAKINO pub - number to phone to make your booking if you are interested will be 06 752 9815 8 beds gone at this date. 15 total available. First in first served. Price set for accom with dinner Sun night and also bed for the night and brekkie MON mng $60. Overflow can be filled MOKAU. If overflowing it, AWAKINO will still serve you dinner SUN night and also BREKKIE on the mon mng.
You may also choose to attend this ride as a one dayer and ride AWAKINO and surrounds on the SUN only and return home after your km option. Your ride, your choice.

Mon will be tunnel explore and many more gravel roads on the journey home.

COMPLIMENTS PLOWIE/KURIGER for this serve up.

PRICE SET FOR THIS RIDE: fill PLOWIE/KURIGER UP at the taps SUN night

Sue D

suzieq

26th January 2012, 16:45

MOVED: - 05/06th FEB 2 DAY AWAKINO/TUNNELS EXPLOREcompliments THIS IS A "PLOWIE/KURIGER" ride
Leave BP BOMBAY 9am sun mng the 05th Head out to AWAKINO and explore surrounds
A loop ride that did NOT get completed our last ride will be taken in on this explore
SUN night o night at AWAKINO PUB. 06 752 9815 ACCOMM/DINNER/BREKKIE
(your ride, your choice, can be a 1 dayer to AWAKINO/RAGLAN) and then home
MON home via tunnels
overflow accomm MOKAU The pub AT AWAKINO will still be happy to serve you dinner and brekkie if on overflow accomm

ride fee FILL PLOWIE/KURIGER up at the taps SUN night at the pub

18th BAYLYS BEACH/POUTU ADVENTURE RIDE WEEKEND
Meet up out West very early sat mng to meet group no later than 9am Caltex DARGAVILLE SERVO
Details on the meet up from out WEST posted shortly, if you wish to ride with the group leaving from out WEST. Otherwise we will meet you DARGAVILLE servo no later than 9am.
Ride must commence on time as we will be on the beach firstly

overnight will be www.kauricoasttop10 30 beds booked Here we look to have the same accomm cost for all who attend. If we fill our 30 bds, expect cost to be no more than $25 - $35.

bring shared food for cook up as we will do shared bbq cook up dinner on sat night also

pillions/partners welcome also We will have a vehicle that will also have others in tow so you will have company for the day. There are many things to explore and look at in this vicinity for your day. Plse bring YOUR cams. A must for this ride. We have a scenic place of interest for the SUN also. All welcome, come join in our new club.

Camp facilities also available for cook up sun mng if you wish also.

This ride will be beach/gravel and also forestry roads

RIDE FEE ACROSS THE BOARD FOR THIS ONE: $10

END FEB: date still to be finalised our very first gravel/adventure training day
SAT 25th FEB is looking the date for our GRAVEL/ADVENTURE RIDING
EXP instructors on hand
Meet at 9am BP BOMBAY
We will utilise Les Batkin Reserve which will provide us with a great gravel area/also an off road section
and further along a longer stretch of gravel roading
After our training we will enjoy a guided ride out along the coastline over gravel roads that lead us out to Nikau Caves
COMPLIMENTS JOHN AND LINDA G for this training.
SMALL training fee will be charged for this session.

suzieq

27th January 2012, 16:57

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suzieq

28th January 2012, 06:28

http://www.motorcycletraveldvds.com/blog-articles/dakar-2012-highlights/

suzieq

28th January 2012, 07:00

http://www.touratech-usa.com/Adventure/Blog/hAFERP/Thoughts-Tom-Myers-BMW-R1200GS

suzieq

29th January 2012, 14:55

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