North Island invasion of the South?

[Eddieb]

Is anyone interested in a visit to the South Island late March/Early April? I'm considering a long weekend before the Rainbow and Archeron Roads close on April 9th (Easter Monday), but it needs to be very close to that so I am as good as I can be for riding after my broken ankle.

It is still quite possible that I won't be up to it but I'd really like to get at least one trip in this summer, but I'm not going to know until pretty close to the time.

Potential Agenda something like:

Friday: Easy break into things, cross the ferry and do theMolesworth to Hanmer. Tent or cabin overnight in the campground.
Molesworth brochure: http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/nelson-marlborough/molesworth-brochure.pdf
I have fleetingly passed through Hanmer twice now and want to overnight there to check it out, maybe soak in the pools.

Saturday: Rainbow to St Arnaud, possibly including Edwards and Malling passes, Porika, Braeburn, Mangles Valley to Murchison for the night? Is that feasible without overdoing it?
Rainbow brochure: http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-marlborough/hanmer-to-st-arnaud-road.pdf

Sunday: West bank road, Maruia Saddle, Springs Junction and down to Reefton with possibly either Waitahu River or Soldiers/Big River in the afternoon? overnight in Reefton

Monday:, whats left of either Waitahu River or Soldiers/Big River in the morning then back to the ferry for home.

[Padmei]

Frick me what size map are you using? You realise we only have about 14hrs of daylite nowadays down here?

[Eddieb]

Frick me what size map are you using? You realise we only have about 14hrs of daylite nowadays down here?

I did put in lots of question marks and a query as to whether it's feasible, it's only one side of my monitor to the other.

[Padmei]

I did put in lots of question marks and a query as to whether it's feasible, it's only one side of my monitor to the other.

Unless Te Anau has shifted i would have thought that was a big day. Def recommend hanging out in hamner for the nite - the pools are lovely. Cool alpine feel to the place as well. Sing out if you need to crash here.

[Eddieb]

Unless Te Anau has shifted i would have thought that was a big day. Def recommend hanging out in hamner for the nite - the pools are lovely. Cool alpine feel to the place as well. Sing out if you need to crash here.

Te Anau? surely you must have mis-read ;)

Cheers for the offer Padders, last time I got away without George being redecorated by the Lil Ponies

[Padmei]

Te Anau? surely you must have mis-read ;)

Cheers for the offer Padders, last time I got away without George being redecorated by the Lil Ponies

Ah now my eyes have corrected themselves

[pete-blen]

Saturday would be a long one..more than possable...

If I don't end up in Raurimu I could be tempted for fri/sat..:(

[Pampera]

Is anyone interested in a visit to the South Island late March/Early April? I'm considering a long weekend before the Rainbow and Archeron Roads close on April 9th (Easter Monday), but it needs to be very close to that so I am as good as I can be for riding after my broken ankle.

.

As per PM, quite possibly interested in Friday/Satuday but I was already planning to "do" your proposed first two days route when an opportunity - a fine weekend forecast - showed up in the next few weeks.

If I do deliver on this I will treat it as a stealth recce and let the Wellington team know what those pesky South Island/Nelson types are up to before D Day and the main landing. Let's keep this to ourselves.

Michael

[ADVGD]

Sunday: West bank road, Maruia Saddle, Springs Junction and down to Reefton with possibly either Waitahu River or Soldiers/Big River in the afternoon? overnight in Reefton

Monday:, whats left of either Waitahu River or Soldiers/Big River in the morning then back to the ferry for home.

Both Big River Hut (http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/87/big-river-hut.php) and Mongomerie Hut (http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/83/montgomerie-hut.php) are at at the ends of the tracks you mentioned and good options for a place to crash especially if time is getting slim

Keep us in the loop re the dates, I have a few trips in planning stages so it would be good to cross paths and catch up at some stage of your trip mate :niceone:

[Phreaky Phil]

Hmmm. Very tempting. RE Saturday, Im not sure how long the Edwards and Mailing deviations take but without those its an easy distance. Have you a preferred weekend ? or are you thinking of Easter weekend.

[Transalper]

Hmmm. Very tempting. RE Saturday, Im not sure how long the Edwards and Mailing deviations take but without those its an easy distance. Have you a preferred weekend ? or are you thinking of Easter weekend.

When I done them on the Transalp I spent 2 hours 10 minutes in Edwards and 1 hours 25 minutes in Mailings.
There were sight seeing and rest stops involved in that time too.

[Crim]

Heya Eddie,
I would be keen for the Saturday, meet you at Hanmer at sparrows then over to Murch - I need to do the Denniston at some stage so may split off and do that and then make a decision on whether to join up over to Blenheim / Picton with you and Molesworth back or black top it back from the coast ,
cheers Crim

[Eddieb]

Heya Eddie,
I would be keen for the Saturday, meet you at Hanmer at sparrows then over to Murch - I need to do the Denniston at some stage so may split off and do that and then make a decision on whether to join up over to Blenheim / Picton with you and Molesworth back or black top it back from the coast ,
cheers Crim

I haven't done Denniston and it's on the to-do list but the slope up from the river looks pretty 'interesting' and I'm not sure I'd want to try that yet.

It's looking like I'll be down Friday March 30th to Monday April 2nd inclusive, just waiting for the leave to be approved at work.

[XF650]

Denniston is still cool from the Wesport end, even if you don't ride right through to the River. Plus the squirt up Mt Rochfort is a must.
Does anyone know if the new open cast mine will change the routes through there?

[Eddieb]

Is anyone interested in a visit to the South Island late March/Early April? I'm considering a long weekend before the Rainbow and Archeron Roads close on April 9th (Easter Monday), but it needs to be very close to that so I am as good as I can be for riding after my broken ankle.

It is still quite possible that I won't be up to it but I'd really like to get at least one trip in this summer, but I'm not going to know until pretty close to the time.

Potential Agenda something like:

Friday: Easy break into things, cross the ferry and do theMolesworth to Hanmer. Tent or cabin overnight in the campground.
Molesworth brochure: http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/nelson-marlborough/molesworth-brochure.pdf
I have fleetingly passed through Hanmer twice now and want to overnight there to check it out, maybe soak in the pools.

Saturday: Rainbow to St Arnaud, possibly including Edwards and Malling passes, Porika, Braeburn, Mangles Valley to Murchison for the night? Is that feasible without overdoing it?
Rainbow brochure: http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-marlborough/hanmer-to-st-arnaud-road.pdf

Sunday: West bank road, Maruia Saddle, Springs Junction and down to Reefton with possibly either Waitahu River or Soldiers/Big River in the afternoon? overnight in Reefton.

Monday:, whats left of either Waitahu River or Soldiers/Big River in the morning then back to the ferry for home.


I haven't done Denniston and it's on the to-do list but the slope up from the river looks pretty 'interesting' and I'm not sure I'd want to try that yet.

It's looking like I'll be down Friday March 30th to Monday April 2nd inclusive, just waiting for the leave to be approved at work.

Right, I'm on for Friday March 30th to Monday April 2nd inclusive. This is the final weekend of Daylight saving as Daylight savings end on April 1st.

As previously outlined the schedule looks like this, accomodation is likely to be at the linked places unless I can't get a booking. I am considering tenting part of this as a practice run to test out some gear in anticipation of a bigger event next year but I'd decide on that in the next few weeks. The accomodation venues would still be the same though.

Friday: Easy break into things, cross the ferry in the morning (Timing TBA) and do the Molesworth to Hanmer. Tent or cabin overnight in the campground.
Molesworth brochure: http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/nelson-marlborough/molesworth-brochure.pdf
Hanmer Accommodation:
http://www.mountainviewtop10.co.nz/
http://www.aatravel.co.nz/main/listing.php?listingId=10084#

Saturday: The Rainbow Road to St Arnaud, possibly including Edwards and Malling passes, Porika (bypass available), Braeburn, Mangles Valley to Murchison for the night.
Rainbow brochure: http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-marlborough/hanmer-to-st-arnaud-road.pdf
Murchison Accommodation:
http://www.kiwipark.co.nz/
http://www.aatravel.co.nz/main/listing.php?listingId=250830

This is the 2nd to last weekend that the Molesworth and Rainbow roads are open this year and if you haven't done them you really should do, they are not technically difficult but have stunning scenery.

Sunday: West bank road, Maruia Saddle, Springs Junction and down to Reefton with possibly either Waitahu River or Soldiers Rd/Big River in the afternoon. overnight in Reefton.
Reefton Accomodation:
TBC but probably at the Old Nurses Home http://www.reeftonaccommodation.com/

Monday: whats left of either Waitahu River or Soldiers/Big River in the morning then back to the ferry for home.

[Padmei]

Do port underwood road from Picton to Blenheim - great road. The 'shortcut' or forgotten highway from the top above hakahaka bay may still be open.

[Eddieb]

Do port underwood road from Picton to Blenheim - great road. The 'shortcut' or forgotten highway from the top above hakahaka bay may still be open.

Port Underwood is good and is an option, though is quite a lot longer time wise. I can't remember exactly how long it takes through there?

I don't want to be rushing through the Molesworth so it will depend on timing.

[JATZ]

Do port underwood road from Picton to Blenheim - great road. The 'shortcut' or forgotten highway from the top above hakahaka bay may still be open.

Went into there last weekend and the road had been freshly graded, so was a little... umm.... sketchy. So sketchy we came home with the front bumper of the Suzi in the boat :crazy: I wasn' driving at the time

[michael e]

this sounds good,is it 950adv friendly?....of course if i dont ruin myself at tussock i could be keen:drool:

[Eddieb]

this sounds good,is it 950adv friendly?....of course if i dont ruin myself at tussock i could be keen:drool:

It's all been done before on big bikes, most of it is easy gravel 4x4 roads. The worst bit is probably the downhill from the top of Porika to Lake Rotoroa which is pretty steep and can be a bit loose.

Here's some footage I took last time, this is all Waitahu River and Soldiers Road/Big River.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Hm91y3aSq6M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Watching this has reminded me the last invasion was at the same time of year, only a weeks difference in fact. There was snow on the ground in places at altitude so it might be a little cool.

[Transalper]

Nice, that's quite a good video, don't remember watching it before.:niceone:
Now if only you can hold the camera steady. :pinch:
It was cold though so that may not have helped.

If I can't lean on or against something then I usually crouch down on one knee or sit and/or hold my arms in to my body when recording and especially if zooming... and do not squeeze the camera. Just trying to be helpful.:hug:

Kind of thinking about this ride myself, be a lot closer to the time before I decide.

[Shewolf]

I'm in for Friday/Saturday, have something to go to in Nelson Saturday night but will play it by ear after Rainbow. Gravel may tempt me for more gravel ;)

[Eddieb]

WooHoo! Ferries booked.

I'm on the 8am sailing on Friday 30th March, arriving in Picton at 11:30am.

Return sailing is at 7pm on Monday 2nd April, arriving back in Wellington at 10:30pm.

[BMWST?]

WooHoo! Ferries booked.

I'm on the 8am sailing on Friday 30th March, arriving in Picton at 11:30am.

Return sailing is at 7pm on Monday 2nd April, arriving back in Wellington at 10:30pm.

is that easter weekend?

[pete-blen]

It's all been done before on big bikes, most of it is easy gravel 4x4 roads. The worst bit is probably the downhill from the top of Porika to Lake Rotoroa which is pretty steep and can be a bit loose.


that section was good a couple weeks back..lose but enough firm rocks
for brakeing...only 100m long... the rest coming down was all good...

[ADVGD]

It's all been done before on big bikes, most of it is easy gravel 4x4 roads. The worst bit is probably the downhill from the top of Porika to Lake Rotoroa which is pretty steep and can be a bit loose.

On your vid Eddie, at 4.00mins the guy on Africa Twin has it sussed for the rock sections on the Waitahu (he would have made it in one swoop if the other bike wasn't there). It is soooo much easier hitting those boulder sections with a bit of momentum up on the pegs, with low tyre pressures you just shuffle across the top of the rocks quick smart and surprisingly easily. Going slow can make it a prick of a job, often a wheel will end up in a crap position then the wheel spinning, pushing and sweating takes place!


that section was good a couple weeks back..lose but enough firm rocks
for brakeing...only 100m long... the rest coming down was all good...

+1 Pete, I also did it 2 weeks ago as part of a return route from Karamea > Rainbow > Chch and its in good condition, the steep gradient and loose rocks are just part of the tracks makeup, character and appeal :)


Gutted I can't join you boys and girls but I am committed to a fishing trip I have booked, hope you all have a blast!

[thepom]

Am off thru the Molesworth on the 17 th of this month and back thru the Rainbow next day after a night in Syt Arnauds.......

[JATZ]

Is it o.k. if I hook up for the Sunday ? :hug: I only have one day weekends now :brick: Will probly ride to Murch early in the morn and head home after Soldiers/Waitahu

[Eddieb]

Is it o.k. if I hook up for the Sunday ? :hug: I only have one day weekends now :brick: Will probly ride to Murch early in the morn and head home after Soldiers/Waitahu

Yep all good, part timers welcome.

[bart]

On your vid Eddie, at 4.00mins the guy on Africa Twin has it sussed for the rock sections on the Waitahu

ahem....

259140 259141

[Eddieb]

ahem....


For anyone unfamiliar with these tracks and who are thinking of coming along, Bart's pictures above are on Waitahu River and are where will we stop unless things have improved since these pics where taken. Last time some of the guys decided to try and go further but decided the terrain was too rough due to the carnage in the pics. Don't let these pics put your off if your considering coming.

Most of the tracks are more like this

259143

[pete-blen]

I could do sat... Meet up with yers at the Rainbow turn off St Arnaud's end...
In fact I could ride down Rainbow to I meet up with yers...Save me waiting at
the turn off...Its the best end of Rainbow..

[bart]

Most of the tracks are more like this


or this....

259282

[Steelie]

Sounds to good to miss. Im in.

Leave Bombay early thursday, overnight in Wellly thursday for the ferry early Friday.

That would be 3 days after the RRRR. Something may have to give.

I will try and book "cabin" accomodation shortly. I'll post up spare bunks once I know how many to a cabin.

[Shewolf]

booked the DR for a service, suppose I should get a wof too being that it ran out November I see :devil2:

[Eddieb]

Sounds to good to miss. Im in.

Leave Bombay early thursday, overnight in Wellly thursday for the ferry early Friday.

That would be 3 days after the RRRR. Something may have to give.

I will try and book "cabin" accomodation shortly. I'll post up spare bunks once I know how many to a cabin.

With lots of other stuff going on I haven't had a chance to ring up any places yet, slack aren't I.

If you get there before me put me down for a bed.

[BMWST?]

at the risk of repeating myself..which weekend is easter this year?

[Eddieb]

at the risk of repeating myself..which weekend is easter this year?

At the risk of quoting the 2nd line of the very first post in this thread


I'm considering a long weekend before the Rainbow and Archeron Roads close on April 9th (Easter Monday)

and saying 'Google is your friend'

http://www.dol.govt.nz/er/holidaysandleave/publicholidays/publicholidaydates/current.asp

Good Friday Friday 6 April
Easter Monday Monday 9 April

[Crim]

sorry Eddie, I am out for this one, in laws have some type of 70th birthday / 40th weddding anniversay thing on - I asked if they could postpone but I got an (and I will politly describe it as such) incredulous look!

[BMWST?]

At the risk of quoting the 2nd line of the very first post in this thread



and saying 'Google is your friend'

http://www.dol.govt.nz/er/holidaysandleave/publicholidays/publicholidaydates/current.asp

Good Friday Friday 6 April
Easter Monday Monday 9 April

thank you kind sir...

[Eddieb]

Does anyone have GPS track logs of Edwards and Mallings tracks they could send me?

I'm putting together Route files for the trip and Edwards/Mallings are tracks I don't already have tracsk of and they don't seem to be marked on my GPS maps.

[Padmei]

Just be warned it's been getting fricking cold down here lately - the heat pumps have been on & fires lit - Great summer aye?

[Eddieb]

Just be warned it's been getting fricking cold down here lately - the heat pumps have been on & fires lit - Great summer aye?

Its getting cold here too, the heat pump has been on most nights in the last week.

[Transalper]

ADVGD has some track/route files on his site of Edwards and Mailings though one of them is a little light on via points IMO but still enough to find your way.
http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/

edwards-pass (http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/49/edwards-pass.php)
and
maling-pass (http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/59/maling-pass.php)

[Steelie]

Right, I'm on for Friday March 30th to Monday April 2nd inclusive. This is the final weekend of Daylight saving as Daylight savings end on April 1st.

As previously outlined the schedule looks like this, accomodation is likely to be at the linked places unless I can't get a booking. I am considering tenting part of this as a practice run to test out some gear in anticipation of a bigger event next year but I'd decide on that in the next few weeks. The accomodation venues would still be the same though.

Friday: Easy break into things, cross the ferry in the morning (Timing TBA) and do the Molesworth to Hanmer. Tent or cabin overnight in the campground.
Molesworth brochure: http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/nelson-marlborough/molesworth-brochure.pdf
Hanmer Accommodation:
http://www.mountainviewtop10.co.nz/
http://www.aatravel.co.nz/main/listing.php?listingId=10084#

Saturday: The Rainbow Road to St Arnaud, possibly including Edwards and Malling passes, Porika (bypass available), Braeburn, Mangles Valley to Murchison for the night.
Rainbow brochure: http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-marlborough/hanmer-to-st-arnaud-road.pdf
Murchison Accommodation:
http://www.kiwipark.co.nz/
http://www.aatravel.co.nz/main/listing.php?listingId=250830

This is the 2nd to last weekend that the Molesworth and Rainbow roads are open this year and if you haven't done them you really should do, they are not technically difficult but have stunning scenery.

Sunday: West bank road, Maruia Saddle, Springs Junction and down to Reefton with possibly either Waitahu River or Soldiers Rd/Big River in the afternoon. overnight in Reefton.
Reefton Accomodation:
TBC but probably at the Old Nurses Home http://www.reeftonaccommodation.com/

Monday: whats left of either Waitahu River or Soldiers/Big River in the morning then back to the ferry for home.



Have made bookings at the above places.

30th at Hamner and 31st at Murchison ,in cabins that sleep 4. So if anyone wants a bunk(bottom sheet and pillow) let me know. $28

and $23 pp

Happy to trade bunks for a Wellington bed or couch on the thursday and monday nights ?

Sunday night ive booked single room at nurses home.$50. So book your own. They do double rooms but not much difference in price.

cheers
Anthony

[Padmei]

Any of you guys see that comedian 'Wilson Pickett'? had to laugh when he was telling about how they named the islands..
"What should we call that island?"
"What the one up North?"....

..."Hey Stuart what should we call this little one?"

[NordieBoy]

Any of you guys see that comedian 'Wilson Pickett'? had to laugh when he was telling about how they named the islands..
"What should we call that island?"
"What the one up North?"....

..."Hey Stuart what should we call this little one?"

He is good, isn't he :clap:

I watch his stuff and Tim Minchin's.

[Eddieb]

Have made bookings at the above places.

30th at Hamner and 31st at Murchison ,in cabins that sleep 4. So if anyone wants a bunk(bottom sheet and pillow) let me know. $28

and $23 pp

Happy to trade bunks for a Wellington bed or couch on the thursday and monday nights ?

Sunday night ive booked single room at nurses home.$50. So book your own. They do double rooms but not much difference in price.

cheers
Anthony

Put me down for a bed in each for friday and saturday nights. I could put you up Thursday and Monday but it wouldn't be anything flash, a crappy mattress on the floor.

[Steelie]

Put me down for a bed in each for friday and saturday nights. I could put you up Thursday and Monday but it wouldn't be anything flash, a crappy mattress on the floor.

That be fine by me Eddie. Your ferry bookings are on interislander right, not bluebridge?

[Eddieb]

That be fine by me Eddie. Your ferry bookings are on interislander right, not bluebridge?

Bluebridge this time, though they land within 5 minutes of each other I think, She Wolf is also on Bluebridge.

[Crim]

bed here for you Eddie if you get this far South

[XF650]

Just be warned it's been getting fricking cold down here lately - the heat pumps have been on & fires lit - Great summer aye?

You buggers & ya heat pumps - no wonder the hydro lakes are low. Harden up.

Eddie: I'm just back from West Coast work trip & the rivers are very low. Mackley, Napolean Hill etc should be a breeze if the weather stays like this.
Maruia Saddle Old Coach Rd is in pristine (fast) nick too.

[puddytat]

Just a heads up to those of you who're going into the Rainbow around the 11th-14th April that the Tasman District mounted cavalry will be holding manoeuvres in the Malling pass area around that date. So give us a wave & a wide berth if you can, otherwise we'll paddle your bottoms with our whips....:drool::yes:

[pete376403]

You buggers & ya heat pumps - no wonder the hydro lakes are low. Harden up.

Eddie: I'm just back from West Coast work trip & the rivers are very low. Mackley, Napolean Hill etc should be a breeze if the weather stays like this.
Maruia Saddle Old Coach Rd is in pristine (fast) nick too.

Napoleon Hill has been 'improved" for tourist access, hasn't it?

[XF650]

Napoleon Hill has been 'improved" for tourist access, hasn't it?

I meant the River at the other end of the Napolean Hill ride should be low. Drowned my DT230 in there in an "average" flow...

[Padmei]

Just a heads up to those of you who're going into the Rainbow around the 11th-14th April that the Tasman District mounted cavalry will be holding manoeuvres in the Malling pass area around that date. So give us a wave & a wide berth if you can, otherwise we'll paddle your bottoms with our whips....:drool::yes:

Yeah it may pay to check with lonestar as last time I wanrted to go thru after the DB they closed it for mustering.

[Eddieb]

Yeah it may pay to check with lonestar as last time I wanrted to go thru after the DB they closed it for mustering.

According to the DOC site the 14th is after the official close anyway which is April 9th at 5pm.

[Shewolf]

yep Bluebridge, and have a booking at the Top 10 Friday.


Bluebridge this time, though they land within 5 minutes of each other I think, She Wolf is also on Bluebridge.

[.chris]

Wish I could join you guys, I do enjoy a good invasion
But I am blowing my holiday/budget on the week before the RRRR.

[warewolf]

Unfortunately I won't be around; I'll be doing a lap of the mainland.

[warewolf]

For accommodation in Hanmer, consider renting a holiday house:
http://www.hanmerholidayhomes.co.nz/

They are better value than cabins or tent sites, for as few as 4 ppl.

[michael e]

Have made bookings at the above places.

30th at Hamner and 31st at Murchison ,in cabins that sleep 4. So if anyone wants a bunk(bottom sheet and pillow) let me know. $28

and $23 pp

Happy to trade bunks for a Wellington bed or couch on the thursday and monday nights ?

Sunday night ive booked single room at nurses home.$50. So book your own. They do double rooms but not much difference in price.

cheers
Anthony

always a bed here and a hot shower here ant if yah dont wana go right through to wellys.:cool:

[Steelie]

always a bed here and a hot shower here ant if yah dont wana go right through to wellys.:cool:

Thanks. Shall keep it in mind. Got to be at the ferry at 7am. So would be an early start. Whats the ride time from your place to the ferry.

Would quite like to ride down through the Wairarapa.

[michael e]

at that time of the morning m8,about an hour to ferry:headbang:

[Steelie]

at that time of the morning m8,about an hour to ferry:headbang:

PM sent.


Beds in the cabins I booked are now all full. Im sure theres more cabins for those still considering.

[Underground]

I could be up for this, I'm just leaving it till the last minute to see how certain things work out.
Will not be going to Hamner tho so I'll meet you guys in St Arnud along with Pete and who else??

[Woodman]

I could be up for this, I'm just leaving it till the last minute to see how certain things work out.
Will not be going to Hamner tho so I'll meet you guys in St Arnud along with Pete and who else??

Probly me at this stage, at this stage.

[Woodman]

Slight change of plan here, again at this stage.

Will (may) have to meet up with you guys at Murch on Sunday morning (what time will you be leaving?). Will stay at Nurses home or somewhere, but will leave it to the last minute as plans could change entirely.

May even make it a day ride yet, depending on plumbers and diggers schedules. Is reliable running water that important anyway?

Fingers crossed.

[Eddieb]

Slight change of plan here, again at this stage.

Will (may) have to meet up with you guys at Murch on Sunday morning (what time will you be leaving?). Will stay at Nurses home or somewhere, but will leave it to the last minute as plans could change entirely.

May even make it a day ride yet, depending on plumbers and diggers schedules. Is reliable running water that important anyway?

Fingers crossed.


Hadn't really decided on leaving times, 9-9:30 I guess. Everyone will get an hours more? sleep that night as Daylight savings changes.

How long total will it take to get up the Rainbow including doing Mallings and Edwards? I'm interested in if we leave Hanmer roughly 9:30 when we will likely be in St Arnaud for those who want to meet up.

[pete-blen]

Hadn't really decided on leaving times, 9-9:30 I guess. Everyone will get an hours more? sleep that night as Daylight savings changes.

How long total will it take to get up the Rainbow including doing Mallings and Edwards? I'm interested in if we leave Hanmer roughly 9:30 when we will likely be in St Arnaud for those who want to meet up.

With both passes... As a quess 1/130pm at St Arnauds??
I will ride down the Rainbow & wait at Island summit &
watch yer little dust trails comeing up the valley..
if I don't run across yous before hand...

Underground / Woodman "if yer make it"... 11am at the Rainbow turn off if yer want
to ride down the Rainbow... better to be rideing than standing around..

[JATZ]

So... your all staying at Kiwi Park ?

MrsJ and I may pop down to Murch on sat to say :wavey: If that's alright, it'll depend how I feel later in the week though :facepalm:

[Eddieb]

So... your all staying at Kiwi Park ?

MrsJ and I may pop down to Murch on sat to say :wavey: If that's alright, it'll depend how I feel later in the week though :facepalm:

All good, Remember to take your meds ;)

From the North Island we have myself, Dual, Big Col & Big Col's mate, plus John C who's not a KB'er doing the whole trip, She Wolf is joining us for Friday and Rainbow on Saturday morning before she heads through to Nelson for Saturday night, and possibly a guy from Chch for the whole trip but I'm not sure on him.

[Shewolf]

I've sorted the weather, brought a new rain jacket so it'll be fine all weekend right.

[pete-blen]

I've sorted the weather, brought a new rain jacket so it'll be fine all weekend right.

10 day wheather forcast looks good at this point.. http://www.metservice.com/towns-cities/blenheim

[Steelie]

Excellent weather forcast. Looking forward to it. DR has had a once over and raring to go. Leavin "north Waikato" early thursday.:woohoo:

[Underground]

With both passes... As a quess 1/130pm at St Arnauds??
I will ride down the Rainbow & wait at Island summit &
watch yer little dust trails comeing up the valley..
if I don't run across yous before hand...

Underground / Woodman "if yer make it"... 11am at the Rainbow turn off if yer want
to ride down the Rainbow... better to be rideing than standing around..

Sounds good, I will try to leave a bit earlier and have a coffee in st arnud, so thats where I,ll be prior to 11am.

[Underground]

Oh, anyone got a spare bed in Murch ?
I might have to try that other holliday park.

[Padmei]

It is the best weather at the moment we've had since the previous summer. you guys timed it right. The mountains will look awesome

[Eddieb]

Bike is pretty much packed.

No-one is going to pass me on this trip, cause you'd need a dual carriageway to do it :) The rear end of my bike is so fat it makes a GS look slim.

I might pull a few things out tomorrow night depending on the weather forecast. I've kind of packed for 4 seasons but it looks like it's going to be good so I could pack thinner socks and less layers. It's not going to make a huge difference though.

[Eddieb]

GPS files are done, they are a bit scrappy due to some of the Rainbow not existing on the GPS maps and trying to route in multiple directions over the same piece of track was causing issues. I'm not sure if anyone apart from me will be using them anyway.

https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=bb884029fa7d6889&resid=BB884029FA7D6889!3095&parid=BB884029FA7D6889!437

[Woodman]

On friday lookout going through the Molesworth cos i am going to do the loop starting with rainbow first. need to be home saturday, then on sunday i will see yous in murch about 9-ish. Are you staying at the camp by the river?

Are you guys staying at the nurses hostel at reefton?

Eddie, i will pm you my cell number just in case i need to get hold of you on Sunday (friday) if something goes pear shaped.

Any NADS wanna come for a ride on Friday, most welcome, leaving no later than 8.

[Eddieb]

On friday lookout going through the Molesworth cos i am going to do the loop starting with rainbow first. need to be home saturday, then on sunday i will see yous in murch about 9-ish. Are you staying at the camp by the river?

Are you guys staying at the nurses hostel at reefton?

Eddie, i will pm you my cell number just in case i need to get hold of you on Sunday (friday) if something goes pear shaped.

Any NADS wanna come for a ride on Friday, most welcome, leaving no later than 8.

We are staying at http://www.kiwipark.co.nz/, i'm not which one is beside the river.

[Steelie]

Eddie, Eta about 7:30

[Underground]

Change of plan, can't do saturday.
I will meet you guys in Murch on sunday morning.
Woodman, we should formulate a sunday morning ride plan.

[Eddieb]

Dual has arrived, the garage is full of DR's now.

[Box'a'bits]

Good luck with the weekend. Not jealous (much). :facepalm: :no:

[Woodman]

Change of plan, can't do saturday.
I will meet you guys in Murch on sunday morning.
Woodman, we should formulate a sunday morning ride plan.

Mobil Richmond at 7am?ish. aiming to be there prior to 9pm so that should give us plenty of time I reckon.

Waddaya reckon?

[Underground]

Mobil Richmond at 7am?ish. aiming to be there prior to 9pm so that should give us plenty of time I reckon.

Waddaya reckon?

I'm staying in Nelson overnight so early is no problem.
Normally I would go to Murch via Britwater,Sunday,Dry Weather,Porika,Braeburn.....how long do you rekon that would take?
Breckie and coffe would be necessary in Murch before going any further tho.

[Woodman]

I'm staying in Nelson overnight so early is no problem.
Normally I would go to Murch via Britwater,Sunday,Dry Weather,Porika,Braeburn.....how long do you rekon that would take?
Breckie and coffe would be necessary in Murch before going any further tho.

Your alternate route takes 3 hours at a good pace with only weewee stops. Well thats what it took me last time, and we have to be mindful of not holding the others up, thats why I was gonna road it.

You are right, coffee and brekky needs to be done.

Maybe if we leave at 6 then we could slip over the Porika?

[Underground]

Your alternate route takes 3 hours at a good pace with only weewee stops. Well thats what it took me last time, and we have to be mindful of not holding the others up, thats why I was gonna road it.

You are right, coffee and brekky needs to be done.

Maybe if we leave at 6 then we could slip over the Porika?

Sounds about right, I've done it plenty of times .....just cant remember how long it takes.
If you're ok with 6am we will go with that, worst thing that could happen is that we could end up with time for 2 coffees.

[Woodman]

Sounds about right, I've done it plenty of times .....just cant remember how long it takes.
If you're ok with 6am we will go with that, worst thing that could happen is that we could end up with time for 2 coffees.

Done.

6am at mobil Richmond.

[pete-blen]

The invasion force has landed...:yawn:...
Came home for lunch just before 12
Passed a mob of DRs at the shell garage on grove Rd..

[Padmei]

Got the National Ulysses club rally here this weekend as well so a few grey beards around.

[NordieBoy]

Got the National Ulysses club rally here this weekend as well so a few grey beards around.

I followed (and passed) a Harley towing a small camper/trailer with a satellite dish on the side :shit:

[Woodman]

Recon mission today, and can confirm that the North Islanders are definitely here. out. Bigger force than intel lead me to believe, but there were a few on DRs so still not too much to worry about. out. Managed to split one from the herd (Eddieb) and interrogated him as to their movements.out. Not happy with outcome so will have to make contact again this sunday at 0900am. out.

Roger and out

[pete-blen]

I followed (and passed) a Harley towing a small camper/trailer with a satellite dish on the side :shit:


By the end of the week end..
you will prob see the Harley on the trailer being towed by toyota:rofl:..

[Padmei]

Recon mission today, and can confirm that the North Islanders are definitely here. out. Bigger force than intel lead me to believe, but there were a few on DRs so still not too much to worry about. out. Managed to split one from the herd (Eddieb) and interrogated him as to their movements.out. Not happy with outcome so will have to make contact again this sunday at 0900am. out.

Roger and out


Curse them. OK boys you know what to do. Tether the woman folk, gather all the marmite you can carry & we'll rondezvous behind the long drop at midnite.
Over & out.

[Box'a'bits]

Curse them. OK boys you know what to do. Tether the woman folk, gather all the marmite you can carry & we'll rondezvous behind the long drop at midnite.
Over & out.
Yes, we suspected that about you...:confused:

[Eddieb]

Great landing today, lots of ground gained and determination to cover more tomorrow.

[pete-blen]

Great landing today, lots of ground gained and determination to cover more tomorrow.
2 morrows another day... no nice flat gravel
:violin:

[Eddieb]

Awesome days riding today. On the way out of Lake Tennyson we caught a forward scout (Pete-blen) and forced him to join us.

[Shewolf]

not all ;)

I got a few strange looks rocking up to the AGM covered in dust, they asked me to park down the street so I didn't get the Hardleys durty :laugh:


Got the National Ulysses club rally here this weekend as well so a few grey beards around.

[JATZ]

Had a meal in Murch (DR central) with the crew last night, was good to catch up with couple of people and meet some new ones, and hear some stories :blink: :facepalm: :msn-wink:

Just wish I could've joined them for a couple of days :cry:

[Eddieb]

Thanks to the Jatz clan for coming to meet us last night. Today we've had Crazy Frog, Struan, Rogson, Craig (Struans mate), Woodman and Underground for company.

Had another great days riding today, Maruia saddle, west bank road, Big river and Waitahu River. Tomorrow its a look into New creek and wherever else takes our fancy on the way back to the ferry.

[NordieBoy]

Thanks to the Jatz clan for coming to meet us last night. Today we've had Crazy Frog, Struan, Rogson, Craig (Struans mate), Woodman and Underground for company.

Had another great days riding today, Maruia saddle, west bank road, Big river and Waitahu River. Tomorrow its a look into New creek and wherever else takes our fancy on the way back to the ferry.

Come past and swap tanks :D

[pete-blen]

Awesome days riding today. On the way out of Lake Tennyson we caught a forward scout (Pete-blen) and forced him to join us.

bloody sholders still sore from all that arm twisting:sweatdrop

A great ride... good to meet all you guys..
even the 2 bee stings just out of murch
on the way home didn't put a damper on the day..
one on my right wrist , other back of my neck.. within
a second of each other:angry:...

pics..
lake Rotoroa rest stop between the Porika track / Braeburn road..

[Eddieb]

Come past and swap tanks :D

If you'd have bothered to answer your phone I would have.

[NordieBoy]

If you'd have bothered to answer your phone I would have.

Ahhh....

Today was not a good day for answering the phone.
Normally 2-3 jobs a day. Today I had 6.

Have to wait 'till the SIIOMF*







South Island Invasion Of MarkS's Forest.

[JATZ]

Ahhh....

Today was not a good day for answering the phone.
Normally 2-3 jobs a day. Today I had 6.

Have to wait 'till the SIIOMF*







South Island Invasion Of MarkS's Forest.

Time and date ? Sounds like fun
But I'd like to put in a vote for the 42nd and some nice gravel out west too


Man you guys have had some stunning weather for your trip :yes:

[Padmei]

Time and date ? Sounds like fun
But I'd like to put in a vote for the 42nd and some nice gravel out west too


Man you guys have had some stunning weather for your trip :yes:

I reckon putting a date on it now would be the way to go. I'm thinking Springtime tho:cold:

[NordieBoy]

I reckon putting a date on it now would be the way to go. I'm thinking Springtime tho:cold:

Yeah. Winter in that muck may be a bit too much.

For a first trip :scooter:

[Woodman]

A great ride, met some good characters and had a ball.

Last night Struan (xf650) decided that we should have a look at the mackley. The river was, well hardly a river at all so Myself XF650 Rogson and Underground crossed the river and rode the Mackley. (Big Col rode over the river and back and headed back to the ferry with the others). It was quite good cos none of us knew where to go or had a gps or anything.

Gotta say that today was possibly the best days riding I have ever done, friggen fantabulous. Awesome lanscape and awesome track. After the mackley (which is awesome btw) we rode up Mt Rochfort (slightly less awesome than the mackley) and stood in awe of the views over the Coast, then rode down again via the coolest tarseal downhill road ever and had a coffee and a bite to eat with Snodpete, then Rogson and xf650 rode to reefton to their trailer and me and Underground rode gently through the Buller gorge and home.

BTW you North island guys would have made it to the ferry in heaps of time.

Great riding, great company great weather.

Awesome. (used up my quota of the word "awesome"

[JATZ]

Yeah. Winter in that muck may be a bit too much.

For a first trip :scooter:

Is this gunna get some traction :eek5: I'd be dead keen but am crap at organising things, Have trouble organising myself sometimes :blink:


A great ride, met some good characters and had a ball.

Last night Struan (xf650) decided that we should have a look at the mackley. The river was, well hardly a river at all so Myself XF650 Rogson and Underground crossed the river and rode the Mackley. (Big Col rode over and back and headed back to the ferry with the others). It was quite good cos none of us knew where to go or had a gps or anything.

Gotta say that today was possibly the best days riding I have ever done, friggen fantabulous. Awesome lanscape and awesome track. After the mackley (which is awesome btw) we rode up Mt Rochfort (slightly less awesome than the mackley) and stood in awe of the views over the Coast, then rode down again via the cooles taseal downhill road ever and had a coffee and a bite to eat with Snodpete, then Rogson and xf650 rode to reefton to their trailer and me and Underground rode gently through the Buller gorge and home.

BTW you North island guys would have made it to the ferry in heaps of time.

Great riding, great company great weather.

Awesome. (used up my quota of the word "awesome"

Thanks for the breif RR woodman.... bastard

I finished a book and watched the grass grow :facepalm:

[Underground]

Nice to meet up with you guys and ride Big river etc.
Oh and Mackley to Denniston was an awesome ride :yes: and Mt Rochfort was absolutely stunning the views were amazing.
Good to catch up with Snodpete in Westport for lunch.
We decided to take the buller road home, it would have been just too much awesomeness for one day to go back thru the Mackley.
I got home about 7 30, the ride from Nelson was a bit interesting as the rebound damping failed on my shock.

[Underground]

Ha.. beat me to it woodman

[Shewolf]

On a crisp sunny morning the invaders stealthily left Wellington, the DR's (plus the green DR) lovingly stowed below, we mounted our attack...

261203261202261200261201

[Shewolf]

the day was hot and the water inviting

261205261204261206261207261208

[Shewolf]

the scenary demanded it's picture taken, we complied happily

261210261211261212261209261213

[Shewolf]

it's a bridge to somewhere, naturally we had to find out where. There's a tale to be told about what lies beyond that bridge....

261215261216261217261214

[Shewolf]

wildlife had already invaded - the husky team was on the Rainbow

261219261218261222261220261221

[Shewolf]

at Edwards Pass a quick briefing and we rode into big stunning landscapes

261224261225261226261227261223

[Shewolf]

I think this was called Scotty's Hutt? Big Col found time for a power nap

261232261231261233

[Shewolf]

continuing on through the river we climbed, and climbed - at the plataeu we found this..

261235261234

[Shewolf]

and then the ultimate downhill (which I'd already decided there was no way in hell I was going to be able to ride up, marbles the size of basketballs had me skating down precarisouly)

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af144/Shewolfnz/P1020114.jpg

[Shewolf]

but grabbing a handful and trusting the mighty DR I made it (also following Eddie helped!)

261242261243261241261244261245

[Shewolf]

back at the gate we moved on up the Rainbow to the next visual feast - Mallings Track. The helmeted Hans seen here drying out from an earlier refreshing dip in a ford and yes, by happy coincidence...there's video ;)

261247261248261246

[Shewolf]

its steep and rocky up these tracks and care needed to be taken, watching the view I nearly came a cropper at times. Returning to the Rainbow we met up with some adventure riders heading the other way.

261253261254261255261252261251

[Shewolf]

at Lake Tennyson turn-off is one of my favourite spots for a photo

261258261259261257261256

[Shewolf]

I finished the ride at St Arnauds, so I really only did half an invasion - but I'll be back, there's so much great country to see here yet.

Thanks so much guys, Eddie, Anthony, John, Big Col, Hans - good to meet you Craig, and of course the incorrigible pete-blen. I had a blast, lots of video to sort out yet. Look forward to all your piccies :yes:

261260

[Crim]

Gotta say that today was possibly the best days riding I have ever done, friggen fantabulous. Awesome lanscape and awesome track. After the mackley (which is awesome btw) we rode up Mt Rochfort (slightly less awesome than the mackley) and stood in awe of the views over the Coast,

Stop it, stop it, just bloody stop it would ya! Been wanting to do the Mackley up to Denniston for ages (got some employees up there) and was really looking forward to this ride - but bugger it all relatives intervened again (70th birthdays aren't that important are they and it doesn't take long to get here from Canada to celebrate them, does it:facepalm:)

[ADVGD]

Great commentary and pics guys and girls, I was stoked to see the weather put on some warm blue skies for you all. I heard you all roaring down the Rainbow as I was fishing nearby, a little jealous not to be riding also but will catch up with you all in the near future for sure.

[cooneyr]

Got to get house finished, got to get house finished, arrrrgh!!!!! Bike still buried under kitchen parts but 'only' bathroom install (shower and vanity) and paint to go now. Then need to fix prado, then fix scooter for scooter safari, then service bike then maybe, just maybe, I can get out for a ride.

I'm going insane and definitely need a trip out - especially after seeing pics like these. When are we going to terrorise the north island? Please say the other side of winter. I don't expect to see daylight till the other side.

[Underground]

I took some pics on sunday and monday and put them in an album here http://s627.photobucket.com/albums/tt354/Undergroundbikepics/NII12/
Some are a little blurry and the monday ones were not actually part of the invasion but we did have one north islander with us (Rogson)
Oh, Jatz, you may want to go visiting to download these.

[Steelie]

Just made it back home in "north Waikato". Bit of a long day today on the tarmac. Nice through the Paraparas' and a tail south east wind most of the way. That was an awesome 6 day weekend. Not a drop of rain the whole 2300km. Thanks Eddie for the organisation etc, bloody fantastic.
Anthony

[Shewolf]

a bit of vid from Friday


http://youtu.be/Gr1QcE0dLh4

[Crim]

a bit of vid from Friday

thanks for that - first time I have seen a full grown man thrown off a bike by a mushroom - no wonder you all shot back over the ditch - our fungi too hard for you lot??

[Big Col]

Fungi not to hard at all, just showing you south island fellas another way to dismount, Its not as easy as it looks but with practice you can perfect this maneuver

[JATZ]

Nice work Shewolf :niceone: And that would be one of the scrufyist dismount's I ever saw BigCol :eek5: funny though :killingme

Waiting patiently for Hans's effort :corn:

[ADVGD]

a bit of vid from Friday


http://youtu.be/Gr1QcE0dLh4

5:53... priceless :killingme

[XF650]

Rogson & I decided to meet Eddies lot at Reefton, but first I wanted to show the Jafa some West Coast tracks.
Sat morn we rode in through Marsden, with the objective of Moana for lunch via Noname Rd & bush / forestry tracks. Had left my Topo maps & GPS at home but figured as long as we kept the sun on our left, what could possibly go wrong? Yip, you guessed it, we went round in bloody circles. Three times we went in from different start points & each time came out at the same bloody gold mine. Got flagged down by some 4WD's who even though had GPS, they were just as lost as us. Roads & tracks closed for logging & mining confused the issue. The riding was still great, especially one track that followed a ridgeline above the bush. Finding the WW2 air strip was a bonus but lost it's novelty the 2nd time we rode past it. Flagged Moana & you can see in the pics where we ended up for a Miners Dark Ale.
261394261393261392261391

Sat afternoon we attempted to ride into Napolean Hill from the bottom but continued the "lost" theme & ended up on a snotty track in the wrong valley. No pics but assume narrow, loose & steep. Turned back but in hindsight I think this might be the track that eventually drops in between the tunnels.
Sat night we stayed @ Ikamatua Pub and the place was rocking with celebrating rugby team, motox groups staying for 2 day event & woofer girls as staff - a cunning policy by the publican to bring the guys in!

[_Shrek_]

so how were the mushrooms :laugh:

[XF650]

Sunday morning we had another go at Napolean Hill but this time rode in from the top. The landowner who unlocks the gate took time to show us his (big) waterwheel, that he built to turn a washing machine motor, that powers his caravan and eventually a house.
This ride down the Hill & out through the Tunnels is a must - the 2nd time I'v done it & still a buzz. However I then made the dumb decision (Aye MarkS) to once again ride out the River to Waipuna Rd, instead of the more sensible route out through the Fergusons Farm. Although Roger was enjoying the slimey boulders, the DT kept deflecting off them & often dumping me. My dodgy knee & crook wrists were taking a pounding & this unfit old git was tiring fast. If i'd had a gun I would have shot the bike but later discovered 30PSI in the tyres (bloody faulty Bunnings guage) & suspension set way too hard, so no wonder I was knackered. The bike & I survived and it was a relief to reach the road bridge.
261401261400261402

We caught up with the Invaders for lunch in Reefton & what a great bunch of guys. Ya could tell Eddie had their trip very well organised too.
I then showed the way up a walking track to the lookout. Big River followed, where we came accross Eddie a bit wet & stuck against a rock ledge in one of the crossings - he had heaps of excuses of how he got it wrong so Woodman & Underground showed him the right line.
261403261404

[Shewolf]

he was certainly having a Gordon Ramsey moment soon after


so how were the mushrooms :laugh:

[Woodman]

Few pics


http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww97/innathyzit/DSC02681.jpg

http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww97/innathyzit/DSC02672.jpg

http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww97/innathyzit/DSC02694.jpg

http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww97/innathyzit/DSC02668.jpg

[NordieBoy]

Big River followed, where we came accross Eddie a bit wet & stuck against a rock ledge in one of the crossings - he had heaps of excuses of how he got it wrong so Woodman & Underground showed him the right line.

That's the lowest water level I've seen there.

[XF650]

Over a few beers on Sunday night it was easy to decide to have a look at the Mackley on Monday, especially with the rivers being low & a good weather forcast. This ride was always on my 'bucket list' & work could wait another day.
The ride through New Creek was much nicer on my wrists with the tyres dropped to 20psi & the clickers wound out a bit. I found crossing the Mackley was actually quite easy too, if a bit tentative after the previous mornings river drama's. We yelled our goodbyes to the Invaders accross the River & headed into the unkown. And what an amazing track it is - the best yet I reckon with a mix of a steep loose ascent, bush tracks & open trails accross the tops that reminded me of a knarlier version of the Dunstan Trail. The views off Mt Rochfort (1038 meters) were stunning too - the pics say it all..
I would recconmend anyone wanting to ride this route not to delay too long, as evident by many mining company vehicles on the Denniston Plateau.

As we crossed the Alps for home, between Arthers & Porters Passes we saw the meteorite heading to the West Coast - a fitting way to end 3 days great riding & a big thanks to Eddie's Invasion for giving us the excuse!

[XF650]

That's the lowest water level I've seen there.

I think it's the same everywhere on the Coast at the moment - the farmers could do with a rain!

[Shewolf]

a bit of vid from Saturday - you don't have long to wait for Hans' cameo :innocent:


http://youtu.be/uU8w6yNryA4

[rogson]

Thanks for a great weekend Struan.

Also, it was a pleasure to meet and ride with Eddie's group.

It was certainly ideal conditions to be riding the West Coast region. I can imagine some of those tracks, especially the river routes/crossings would be "interesting" in more normal West Coast conditions.

My trip was prompted by having to repair my WR450 which had been housed at Struan's place after blowing a head gasket on the Dusty Butt. This was the second blown head gasket in about 10 hours of use. After some investigation/research I decided it was due to the head studs yeilding. It appears they are tension limited - i.e. are designed to yeild if you tighten them following the (convoluted) procedure in the manual. This effectively makes them one time use, since once yeilded they will not hold the same tension on a retorque. Of course, there is is no mention of the need to replace them in the manual - @#$*!!

I was intending to do the job myself but Kevin at Mckay and Donaldson Yamaha offered to do it for a very reasonable price when we were in there buying a couple of last minute items for the job. I took him up on the offer since it enabled me to do what us jafas do best - drink coffee and goof-off all day.

Thanks Kevin, the bike went/is going well.

[.chris]

As we crossed the Alps for home, between Arthers & Porters Passes we saw the meteorite heading to the West Coast - a fitting way to end 3 days great riding & a big thanks to Eddie's Invasion for giving us the excuse!

Where is that/those pictures taken from?
(I tried to work it out from post but was not clear for me).

Thanks

[Eddieb]

a bit of vid from Saturday - you don't have long to wait for Hans' cameo :innocent:


http://youtu.be/uU8w6yNryA4

You know how you take a picture of a hill or bank or whatever and it never looks as steep in the pic as it does in real life?

I've watched your vids and some of my helmet cam footage and damn those hills still look bloody steep on video!

[Underground]

Where is that/those pictures taken from?
(I tried to work it out from post but was not clear for me).

Thanks

Mt Rochfort mate ,Westport in the distance.
Theres a few more in here http://s627.photobucket.com/albums/tt354/Undergroundbikepics/NII12/

[.chris]

Mt Rochfort mate ,Westport in the distance.
Theres a few more in here http://s627.photobucket.com/albums/tt354/Undergroundbikepics/NII12/

Thanks Jeff, looks like one hell of a spot.
Have to put that one on the to-do list for my next SI trip.

[Eddieb]

Day 1: The Molesworth

This is in 720p HD so put it on full screen for best viewing.

<iframe width="728" height="409" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pr9SO8zKcjI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[_Shrek_]

Day 1: The Molesworth

cheers :apint: makes me wanna zip up for a :ride: through there again :laugh:

[NordieBoy]

Day 1: The Molesworth

At 1min in, drop down to the right at the gate and follow the fiber optic cable track down :msn-wink:

[Eddieb]

I've got an hour and 7 minutes of footage from Edwards Track on day 2 but I'm not sure how I am going to edit it below an hour.

[NordieBoy]

I've got an hour and 7 minutes of footage from Edwards Track on day 2 but I'm not sure how I am going to edit it below an hour.

Skip the 30mins where you're trying to get the gate combination right...

[Big Col]

You must have been there to know that NB

[Shewolf]

ooo cool, I don't have a lot of good stuff from there :clap:




I've got an hour and 7 minutes of footage from Edwards Track on day 2 but I'm not sure how I am going to edit it below an hour.

[Eddieb]

Day 2: Edwards Track

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[Skiwi]

I have it on good authority that these videos, photos and reports are all dodgy and have been photoshopped for the Internet.:rolleyes:
There are no road, trails or tracks worth riding down here, you're all far better off staying where you are and doing all your riding up north.
In fact I'm pretty sure that all licenses to ride in the South Island have been revoked.

Nothing to see here, move along, move along, nothing to see here......:whistle:

[NordieBoy]

Nothing to see here, move along, move along, nothing to see here......:whistle:

Of course there's nothing to see. It's Central Otago, it's under 3 feet of snow.

[_Shrek_]

I have it on good authority that these videos, photos and reports are all dodgy and have been photoshopped for the Internet.:rolleyes:
There are no road, trails or tracks worth riding down here, you're all far better off staying where you are and doing all your riding up north.
In fact I'm pretty sure that all licenses to ride in the South Island have been revoked.

Nothing to see here, move along, move along, nothing to see here......:whistle:

:shifty: he's right you know :rolleyes:

[Andy67]

Mate that looks awesome and you guys get along great. Thanks for sharing that.

[Andy67]

Sorry forgot to ask, what sort of camera is that?

[Eddieb]

Sorry forgot to ask, what sort of camera is that?

It's a GoPro Hero HD.

[_Shrek_]

Sorry forgot to ask, what sort of camera is that?

:wavey: Andy go back to your post & edit the vid out or the mods will give you a :spanking:

[_Shrek_]

It's a GoPro Hero HD.

hope you got some more the Eddie & co :niceone:

[Andy67]

Thanks and thanks :innocent::innocent::innocent:

[Eddieb]

After Edwards Track we headed a little further north up the Rainbow and turned off to the left again through a locked gate, this time to Malling Pass.

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[puddytat]

Been there and did that ...on a horse about the same time. But we went in at Fowlers & back out via Malings

Photo 1& 2 is going over Fowlers
Photo 3 is the Stanley Vale Hut
photo 4 is Lake Guyon
5 is heading to where you bikies got to turn around & head back up Malings...

We all agreed that the $10.00 that every tax payer had to pay to buy St James Station was the best ten bucks any of us had spent.

[Box'a'bits]

After Edwards Track we headed a little further north up the Rainbow and turned off to the left again through a locked gate, this time to Malling Pass.
Eddie, I didn't realise that you had such a rocket ship...


Been there and did that ...on a horse about the same time. But we went in at Fowlers & back out via Malings

We all agreed that the $10.00 that every tax payer had to pay to buy St James Station was the best ten bucks any of us had spent.
Those photos look impressive. Big country in there.

[Eddieb]

Eddie, I didn't realise that you had such a rocket ship...

Never underestimate a DR.


Those photos look impressive. Big country in there.

It was fantastic, some of the most amazing country I've seen. On the grass plain in Edwards Track you could imagine yourself being in Africa.


After the Rainbow road we ate and gassed up in At Arnaud though the food ended up being service station sandwiches as the cafe I had intended stopping at appeared to be closed up.

Then we headed to Porika Track

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[NordieBoy]

Then we headed to Porika Track

I see you eyeing up the Porika Pylon Track a few times :D

[alane]

Been there and did that ...on a horse about the same time. But we went in at Fowlers & back out via Malings

Photo 1& 2 is going over Fowlers
Photo 3 is the Stanley Vale Hut
photo 4 is Lake Guyon
5 is heading to where you bikies got to turn around & head back up Malings

We all agreed that the $10.00 that every tax payer had to pay to buy St James Station was the best ten bucks any of us had spent.

Fowlers pass ,on a bike,that is.

Had a go @ going up from the Stanley Vale hut side in 2010,on the XT600.


263022 263021 263020


They (Doc) where still forming the tracks etc,so we were able to sneak up further than you,(I think), can go now.
All this happened after I went down from the "Naki" to an open weekend @ Clarence reserve,& it was cancelled because of rain,so I went on to St. James.On the way ,met two brothers,one on a DR650 from Golden bay & the other on a DR400 from Auckland.Forgot thier names.:blink:
We gave it away,in the end ,as we were so buggered,on acc. of the heat,& they wanted to get back to golden bay that night.:shit:---Oh! Well.

We may have got half to two thirds the way up to the steep "zig zag " bit.:confused:
Was scenery to die for,I remember.:niceone:

[Eddieb]

On Sunday, Day 3 We had a numnber of South Island riders join us as we left Murchison and headed over the Maruia Saddle and on to Reefton, where we checked into the Old Nurses home and dumped all our luggage.

That afternoon we(I) decided we'd do Soldiers Road up to the old Big River mine workings.

This is a one way in, one way out track that starts a little bumpy and gets rockier and rockier as you go further up, it follows the old mine acess trail which in some places still has the old rail sleepers buried in the track.

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[Crim]

That a flash new jacket I see Woodman wearing? Good to see the NADS donning their Sunday best for the visitors<_<

[pete-blen]

Nice vids Eddie..
That track looks like a must do ride...

[Woodman]

That a flash new jacket I see Woodman wearing? Good to see the NADS donning their Sunday best for the visitors<_<

Yes it is thankyou Crim. Actually you are the first to notice. To be honest I think everyone else is a bit jealous.:girlfight:

Great vids Eddie, cheers.

[Eddieb]

My last video from the South Island Invasion. The afternoon of Day 3 a small group of us went to check out the Waitahu river, it was pretty lumpy and John had a very close encounter with a tree branch.

Sunday morning we headed to New Creek, and onto the Mackley river where the local South Island riders were going to cross the river and head over the Denniston Trail, while us North Islanders had to make a 300km run for the ferry home.

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