Tussock Buster 2012

[thecharmed01]

So who's going along for the ride?

I'm really looking forward to it as I've booked in for some coaching with Broxy while I'm up there and we've got a decent crew heading up.
We decided not to camp after last year, have a lodge booked in Ohakune that we stayed in last year after the weather ruined Friday night for us.

Riding... hot showers... beer & BBQ.
Rinse and repeat.

Should be a bloody good weekend!

[Crisis management]

Who's going?

Me and a few others, watch out for assorted middle aged males attempting to re-create their youth....... I wonder how much this weekend will hurt?

[thecharmed01]

heh, I think there is a lot of that about the place.

You guys camping?

[mattnzl]

Yep going again - don't remember Friday night last year being bad...??? but then I will admit to camping in the quiet/oldies area :facepalm:
Oh, wind was bad (woke up at one stage with roof of crappy dome tent pressing on my nose!).

Long range forecast isn't well flash, but what do forecasters know!

[meteor]

My two sons and I are going. Yes camping. Last one the Friday night was windy as all hell but was good riding the next two days. Except the Sunday afternoon when the rains came in making it bloody cold on the tops/ridges. So looking forward to it. Crossed fingers for the weather tho.

[LittleJohn]

Was going but now kids have racing on in the weekend.

[thecharmed01]

My two sons and I are going. Yes camping. Last one the Friday night was windy as all hell but was good riding the next two days. Except the Sunday afternoon when the rains came in making it bloody cold on the tops/ridges. So looking forward to it. Crossed fingers for the weather tho.

Yeah that's the same experience that we had.
Friday night's camping was horrible, but staying in the lodge was awesome.
Weather for the actual riding was pretty good until the last hour or two on Sunday and I was frozen to the bone by the time we got back to the campsite but it was still a wicked ride. This year I'm going to make sure I'm better prepared in case the weather closes in - I had polyprops with me but no waterproof jacket which is what I should have had!

I am really looking forward to it next week! Should be wicked fun!

[Jinxycat]

I will apologise now, we will be the roudy ones in the gypsy camp of house busses, will see you there.

we will be in the "noisy section" if there is one this year, actualy i think they started that because of us, lol.

BRRRRRRAAAAPPP!!!!

[flyingcr250]

I will apologise now, we will be the roudy ones in the gypsy camp of house busses, will see you there.

we will be in the "noisy section" if there is one this year, actualy i think they started that because of us, lol.

BRRRRRRAAAAPPP!!!!

YEEEEEEEEAAAAAH!:Punk:

[random rider]

we are going. A few mates are too, but they will be staying in Ohakune too, where as we got into the same motel in Waiouru.
I love camping but after going down with my bike in a river last year and doing the big loop I loved the shower, warm electric blanket and hot kettle too much to camp again (I have done it so can "tick" that one off).

I have not done enough riding to go into this years one with confidence, will do the smaller 35km loop on Friday and then will head out on the Saturday. Just hope they have the last fuel stop sorted as it is not cool waiting 45min when you are cold to get fuel.

If you see us (me on KX 125 "503" or Jarrod on RM250 "358" feel free to say hi - just watch how you pass me!!!

[BoristheBiter]

We are going down again but to old to camp so will be staying at Ohakune.

Can't wait to tgive the new weapon a good run.

Bring it on:Punk:

[motor_mayhem]

I'll be there in TC1's crew.

Just got a new (to me) bike but will tape my no #787 onto it so if you see me say hi.

My lesson from last year - bring tyre changing equipment

[thecharmed01]

I'll be there in TC1's crew.

Just got a new (to me) bike but will tape my no #787 onto it so if you see me say hi.

My lesson from last year - bring tyre changing equipment


Yup and anyone who wants to come for a beer & BBQ Sat night in Ohakune is most welcome!
My bike stands out a lot, so it's pretty easy to see me haha

[pete.ktm]

damn, i think i'm the only one in wellytown NOT going.

maybe if my piston from ebay turns up in the next day or two...

[Crisis management]

You guys camping?

Definately not, old maybe but not suicidal..... the luxuries of Ohakune beckon!

Weathers looking "ok" for friday and saturday, fingers crossed it's not a weekend spent in the pub watching sport!

[thecharmed01]

Definately not, old maybe but not suicidal..... the luxuries of Ohakune beckon!

Weathers looking "ok" for friday and saturday, fingers crossed it's not a weekend spent in the pub watching sport!

haha we're riding rain or shine at least one day!
I'm not going all the way up to wimp out with a bit of water. I always say, as long as it's dry when I get on the bike I'm good to ride, but I do hate starting out wet :/

[BoristheBiter]

haha we're riding rain or shine at least one day!
I'm not going all the way up to wimp out with a bit of water. I always say, as long as it's dry when I get on the bike I'm good to ride, but I do hate starting out wet :/

+1

The Saturday of boundary buster I was frozen and soaked to the skin... wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Where are you staying in Ohakune?

[Ktmboy]

Just got this from Dave. FYI.

Weather looks to be coming good for the weekend.

Weather forecast comments for OFFLIMITS events at Waiouru

How do we find the weather forecast for Waiouru?
You could google ‘Waiouru weather’ and it will bring up a number of sites.
The met-service has an excellent site but you need to ensure you are into rural and clicked onto Waiouru. Go to http://www.metservice.com/rural/taihape
Another good site is myweather2. Go to http://www.myweather2.com/City-Town/New-Zealand/Waiouru.aspx?sday=0&eday=7 This will give you a forecast for the next 7 days.

How reliable are these weather forecasts?
The simple answer is no weather forecast is going to be very accurate for Waiouru as it is based upon Waiouru township and not the entire Army Training Area. Waiouru is in the rain shadow of Mt Ruapehu, so most of the westerly rain drops on Mt Ruapehu. National Park, only 35 km away on the western side of Mt Ruapehu receives twice the rainfall that Waiouru experiences. Much of the rain from the north or north west/east drops on the Kaimanawa ranges. The more eastern parts of the Army Training Area often receive Hawkes Bay oriented weather rather than central North Island weather. However, rain from the south, south west or south east does fall over the majority of the area that is used by OFFLIMITS.
What this means is that it can often be wet or drizzly on the Desert Road especially at the northern end but nice and fine further to the east within the training area.
Historically, March only has 9 wet days so it is a good time to run events. April is still a good time- but it is much colder. December is getting warmer but it is a wet month at Waiouru.
What can you expect at Waiouru?
The Army training area that is used for OFFLIMITS events is huge. You can expect to encounter many seasons in one day so everyone needs to be fully prepared. There could be a frost in the morning but by mid morning, you are down to tee-shirt and shorts. Expect wild temperature fluctuations. You could have a 20 degree Celsius variance during the day. It could be raining at day break but by 1000hr it is brilliantly sunny.
Obviously the best weather is when it is clear and sunny over the entire training area. However, if it is foggy and drizzly and even heavy rain at the Desert Road summit, then don’t get despondent as there is a good chance it will be fine within the majority of the training area.
Waiouru and the Army Training Area is located at altitude and the further one proceeds into the training area, the higher the altitude. Therefore, sunburn, cracked lips and dehydration are accentuated when it is sunny. Conversely hypothermia and chilling can be a problem if the weather turns nasty.
What should one do?
Undertaking OFFLIMITS events at Waiouru are fun no matter what the weather is like between December and the beginning of May – the period in which OFFLIMITS events are conducted. Our advice is if there is an OFFLIMITS event on that you want to attend at Waiouru, then just ignore the weather forecast and turn up. However, you should come prepared. This includes but is not limited to:
• Having good tyres on your vehicle/bike so you can maximise traction
• Always riding with a back pack and carrying water, a warm jacket and warm gloves
• Having spare warm clothes with you to put on if you get wet whilst riding
• Eating plenty so you maintain your energy
• Appling sunburn cream and lip balm
• Bringing a warm sleeping bag if camping- it can get cold
• Making sure your bike/vehicle is serviceable. Due to the altitude, you could notice a significant reduction in power if it is carburetted. Older 2 strokes are more susceptible to fouling plugs, so carry spare spark plugs.


20 Year Averages for Waiouru Weather

December January February March April
Average Temperature 12.1 13.8 13.9 12.7 9.6
Days of Rain 12 9 6 9 10
Average Rainfall 110mm 80mm 54mm 79mm 77mm
Average days of Ground Frost 2.6 1.2 1.5 9 7.3

[thecharmed01]

+1

The Saturday of boundary buster I was frozen and soaked to the skin... wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Where are you staying in Ohakune?

Just off the main road, so very close to town. Can't remember the name of the street, but it was about 2 minutes drive from the main shops :-)

[xen]

Yep will be there and camping, should be mint!

[thecharmed01]

Man I hope this weather sorts it's shit out.

I've just packed and I've packed lots of thermals..... merino city in my bag hahaha
I only packed a couple of t-shirts. Kinda thinking I'm likely not to need em :blink:

[Crisis management]

Man I hope this weather sorts it's shit out.


It's looking ok, I'm picking gentle northerlies for friday and saturday with a bit of overcast so probably around 10 to 15 degrees.
Carry food, water and a jacket and you will be fine.

Sunday looks like a sleep in and a relaxed drive home tho....:crazy:

We'll be there on the bikes for 1.00pm friday, I'm getting my moneys worth!:scooter::scooter:

[puttputtbang]

Team.... here is a look at the tracks for tussock. The blue tracks are open Friday arvo.
Get yourself ready, only two more sleeps to go

[random rider]

so some of the names have changed.....eek. Will just stay away from anything remotely expertly or hard.

I am bit nervous of the clay being slippery as hell.

Any idea of what the river crossings are like this year, even more so with this rain?

[thecharmed01]

The rivers are pretty deep, but the trails are fun!

Wondering what tomorrow will bring.... if the weather stays crap it might be looking like a TB run for the day. It was pretty fast today - bumpy as but that's to be expected.
It's been a hell of a lot of fun so far.

Bring on tomorrow!

[thecharmed01]

Today was also rather awesome!

I was surprised, that after so much rain, the trails weren't much worse than Saturday, a bit wetter and slippier on the clay but mostly it was pretty dry.
They had closed a few tracks, and altered a bunch too which was a bit confusing, but it wasn't too bad.
The sun was out and it got pretty hot. I stayed close and did the edited TB again today as I was knackered but it was good fun. We got into a few tricky bits and had a bit of fun getting out, and I stacked it into a bank with my head and broke the helmet cam off it's mount (oops) and I think I have a minor concussion, but it was WELL worth it!
Great day had by all!

[meteor]

We were going to camp, honest! but when we saw the grey clouds from Turangi on on the trip down friday we went straight to Oakune and ended up staying at some chalets. Spa pool, sky, dvd's, shower, not having to queue 6 deep just to go to the toilet... camping? wtf was I thinking. Saturday did several laps of TB, Lake Buster and Butt buster. Sunday was supposed to be Dam buster then snipers but the rain put paid to that so back round the Lake and then back to clean up pack and head home. Weather was great both days. Helped lift some poor sod into an ambulance who flipped his quad and did a shoulder/collar bone? And heard about a few drowned bikes. But other than a couple of minor front wheel washouts no damage. I did get a bit of a start when some camo'd up army guys kept popping up out of the tussock with guns tho' don't see that at the sandpit! haha All up a great weekend!

[thecharmed01]

We were going to camp, honest! but when we saw the grey clouds from Turangi on on the trip down friday we went straight to Oakune and ended up staying at some chalets. Spa pool, sky, dvd's, shower, not having to queue 6 deep just to go to the toilet... camping? wtf was I thinking. Saturday did several laps of TB, Lake Buster and Butt buster. Sunday was supposed to be Dam buster then snipers but the rain put paid to that so back round the Lake and then back to clean up pack and head home. Weather was great both days. Helped lift some poor sod into an ambulance who flipped his quad and did a shoulder/collar bone? And heard about a few drowned bikes. But other than a couple of minor front wheel washouts no damage. I did get a bit of a start when some camo'd up army guys kept popping up out of the tussock with guns tho' don't see that at the sandpit! haha All up a great weekend!

haha good on ya mate!
I saw so many of those gazebo frames left by the bins at the end, the wind just demolished them! I'm SO glad we stayed at the lodge in Ohakune!
Warm.. dry... two bathrooms... kitchen... fireplace... washing machine and drying room haha

You couldn't have planned this.... those dudes in camo with guns were cadets on field exercises and one of our group couldn't ride as she was on them.
Her partner was out with us and my boy was riding along... in the middle of nowhere - they didn't even know what track they were on.... my boy see's someone in camo pop up, recognises her and waves down her bf so they stopped for a chat with her, and her BAZOOKA and MACHINE GUN!!!!!!
They couldn't believe it, as they didn't know where she was, she had no clue where they were, and seriously, what are the odds in a place that huge, for them to be in the same place at the same time! And my partner was on a new bike, with new gear, so he wasn't even recognisable till he stopped and called out to her! She had no idea it was him.

[mattnzl]

Yea we wussed out and got a house just out of Ohakune too. Nice to be able to dry stuff out next to the log burner!
Much better weather than I was expecting though. Had a great day on Sat doing Dam Buster (before they diverted round the steep climb out of the river at the top of lake). Nice stop over at the hut - funny seeing the chopper comming in with more fuel. On to Snipers which was much easier this year, very dry on the climb back out and finished with the 100 acre wood diversion which was deserted.

Wasn't sure about the guy at the river crossing saying get off and push - I pushed for 2 meters, nearly fell over, got back on the bike and rode it across with my feet in the water - much easier :yes:

Did anyone do Spur Buster? There was a guy at the turn off saying it was tough going but I kinda wish we'd had a look.

[Crisis management]

Did anyone do Spur Buster? There was a guy at the turn off saying it was tough going but I kinda wish we'd had a look.

Some of the guys we stayed with did it and said it was fun, we had spent about an hour on B20 digging trenches and pushing bikes so weren't sure we had enough gas. B20 was decidedly harder this year, two parts were almost impossible to get up and there were upside down bikes littered all over the place.
I managed to kill the bike in the large river crossing and took forever to retstart it then got well stuck in the bog, I had a cunning plan to avoid the worst of the bog but missed my line by a couple of metres and sank the bike almost to the seat. That was absolutely no fun at all, I looked like a walking laundry powder commercial by the time I had got out.
I managed to run dry about 5kms from the camp, conveniently right beside an army guy on a 200exc as well, he just let me help myself to his tank, best service I've ever seen!

We wussed out on sunday as it was raining when we got to the campground so opted for coffee and breakfast on the way home instead.

Good ride though, I'm still sore all over.

[thecharmed01]

I managed to run dry about 5kms from the camp, conveniently right beside an army guy on a 200exc as well, he just let me help myself to his tank, best service I've ever seen!

We wussed out on sunday as it was raining when we got to the campground so opted for coffee and breakfast on the way home instead.

Good ride though, I'm still sore all over.

The army guys were awesome weren't they?
We've always had really good encounters with them, always super friendly, helpful to the end and very patient.
Had one following us closing off the trail and I felt bad as I'd slowed right down after the crash I hit my head on but he was really patient, just followed along behind us and made sure we made it back to camp ok.

Sunday was great riding, I'm so sore today but it was totally worth it!
We had a cruisy morning. Got out of bed and it was raining, so we took our time packing up, breakfasting at the lodge and mucking around. By the time we rolled into Waiouru it was sunny so we hit the trails.
Didn't do any of the big loops but still had fun.

I am a bit disappointed I didn't get to do Snipers this year, I did Broxy's training, while the others were supposed to do a short loop. But they got lost and ended up on B2 and B20 so were out all day and as I wasn't sure where the were I was doing small loops to keep checking if they were back yet.

[BoristheBiter]

I did spur, snipers then butts on the Saturday and dam on Sunday.
Should have just stayed in bed on Sunday as I now have a missing bark buster and no front guard :facepalm: as I just couldn't keep it out if the ruts and lost count of the times i dropped it.

[thecharmed01]

I did spur, snipers then butts on the Saturday and dam on Sunday.
Should have just stayed in bed on Sunday as I now have a missing bark buster and no front guard :facepalm: as I just couldn't keep it out if the ruts and lost count of the times i dropped it.

oh bugger! Least you are ok though!

I hit a few of those buggers, smashed the helmetcam off when my head decided to converse with a bank LOL

[BoristheBiter]

oh bugger! Least you are ok though!

I hit a few of those buggers, smashed the helmetcam off when my head decided to converse with a bank LOL

I knew what sort of weekend it was going to be when we arrived in Carrotsville and found no key for the other halfs bike :facepalm:
After spending 2 hours trying to hot wire it (thanks to the guys in the next unit) a guy had it done in 2 mins on the Sat.

[random rider]

We were one of the last groups through that river crossing with the hill straight after it. Quite proud that I got through the river then up the top on my own......poor bike though - it was severely tested!

I had help walking my bike over the big river crossing. A guy walked beside me and about 2/3 way over I was already half over my thigh when he gave me a hand after realizing that I was a short arse :laugh:

Loved the 2 stroke as she started back up, and there were a few drowned bikes after that crossing. We counted 6 river crossings of various size and depth.

I know exactly the bog you are talking about....3 of us got stuck in it at the one time, then saw someone take the only 1 mt of dry area and cruise past. Once we got out bikes out (I fell over into the mud so had to do a dive into the grass to wash it off) I watched some poor dude go full on into it and fly over his handle bars! He got up and did a bow for us.... :woohoo:

One stupid hill got me - I was exhausted and just kept screwing it up. After that one though I managed all the others, so felt better when a mate told me it took him 3 goes at it too.

Will be back next year but will make sure the overall fitness is better. Was full on but worth the effort.

[mattnzl]

One thing I packed this year was a 6m length of tie down strap with a loop at one end. It's heaps easier to pull a bike out if the pulling people aren't also in the bog!
Was very handy for our group of three - wrap the strap around a fork and two people can pull while one rev's the nuts off the bike :laugh:

Only downside was we spent a while at one bog pulling everyone else out!

[motor_mayhem]

Unfortunately I gained a little bit of infamy when me and and mate were doing a wheel stand leaving the first fuel station and crashed into each other. I was the one flattened on the tarmac. Bike was pretty much unscathed which was a huge relief. I wasn't quite so lucky.

New bike was great on the ride, no falls apart from above, didn't drown the bike and got up all the hill climbs in one go, though stayed away from BZ/B20 sections. Finished the entire big loop on Saturday (though did Argo Buster instead of Snipers alley) which I was quite pleased with considering I was riding with a severely bruised arm for most of it. The Tussock Buster on Friday was probably my favourite bit of riding.

I felt that compared to last year the good bits were better and the bad bits were worse.

Will chuck up some video when our data cap is reset - my flatmates used it all while I was away.

[turbolizard]

Had a great day on Saturday doing the Dam Buster trail with my 10 year old son. His little KLX110 with 12 inch tyre lacked the ground clearance for some of the ruts and he had a few stacks busting of his front mudguard (which he got me to carry home) but did pretty well and was one of the smallest guys out there I think. Slow and steady was the way he goes on the hills - he had no trouble chugging up with great traction on awesome trails. Spectacular country.

[meteor]

Anyone know the website for the photographer guy? Sure he took some snaps of us but as wasn't camping didn't see the nightly slide show.

[MikeLong]

Few trail rides under my belt and first major outing with friends who've been doing this for years...managed about 20 mins on the Friday before a low speed bail ended with what the St Johns guys reckoned was a dislocated shoulder that relocated itself but left me unable to ride....rest of the weekend spent chilled out in the camp ground watching people go back and forth as we had a tent setup right next to where people came back into the grounds. Think the last bike on the Sat night came back in around 8 and we were gob-smacked that people were still out there....HUGE thanks to the marshals and the Army folk out and about, when I bailed had 2 marshals stop and check before I'd even really figured out what happened and made sure I could get back to camp ok and then endless stories of people being hauled out of ruts and banks without as much as a word of complaint...I can assure you its always appreciated

Awesome event and planning to be there again next year with a few more hours riding under the belt to get out and have some fun in the back blocks