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MXNUT
2nd August 2012, 11:33
Right i have been thinking about this for a couple of years now since we last went to THE BARRIER. :mega:

So is there enough interest to run a group ride on Gt Barrier island. This will be all public roads as i have no access to any private land. Having said that most of the island roads are gravel or dirt.
More of an adventure tour and social ride than anything hard out, would suit all adventure bikes and novice riders and 2 up would be no problem.
Most of the roads are dead end roads out to beaches and bays. I think from memory there is around 400 kms of roading on the island so about 200 kms per day would cover the whole island.

Ferry prices are $220.00 return for bike and 1 rider ( we could get discounts for a large group ) and backpacker accomodation is available from $35.00 per person per night, plenty of other accomodation options also from camping to luxury lodges.

So a total cost from around $300.00 + food and booze. Travel time on the ferry over to the island is 4.5 hours so this would be a Friday to Sunday or Saturday to Monday ride.

Leave Auckland early morning on the 1st day and return back to Auckland late afternoon on the 3rd day ( or organize your own crossings at whatever times suit you. )
I was thinking of early to mid December, but we will need to get in quickly to secure accomodation and ferry bookings

There is an organized Adventure ride being run on the island in late November but as the cost of this ride is $1100.00 it is out of my price range.:sick:

Shewolf
2nd August 2012, 12:15
yeehaa lets go!

Eddieb
2nd August 2012, 12:45
I think it's a good idea, if I was geographically closer at the time I'd be keen. If I could get a decent job in Hamilton that could be a possibility.

nic
2nd August 2012, 15:51
yeehaa lets go!

yup - wot 'She' said

Good timing MXNUT.......I've been giving that November ride some serious thought.

Rosie
2nd August 2012, 16:25
It's an excellent idea. Make sure you stop at the Lunchbox in Claris, they do the awesomest pies :drool:
We were cycle touring on Barrier in February, so I'm on the fence about whether I need to go back and do it again on a motorbike in the same year.

Mark; bear in mind that most of the 'private' land on Barrier belongs to DoC. And if DoC will give access to an organised adventure ride, maybe they would give access to a small group of riders who asked very nicely and promised not to burn down their precious kanuka scrub ;)
There is a 4WD road from Whangaparapara to Port Fitzroy (Forest Road) that would be cool to get access to.

Howie
2nd August 2012, 19:11
Sounds like a great idea, Only comment I have is that late nov, or very early Dec would better timing as mid Dec gets to be a bit crazy time wise leading up to Christmas.

Aslan
2nd August 2012, 21:38
Hi Mark - subject to clearance to ride and actual dates - I'd be interested :) S

Gremlin
2nd August 2012, 22:59
Yeah, subject to actual dates, and other things falling into place, I'd definitely be keen to have a ride over there...

gammaguy
2nd August 2012, 23:07
im keen to get the TDR dirty again

Oscar
3rd August 2012, 10:26
Mike Brittain did a Great Barrier tour about 10 years ago - it was fantastic.

MXNUT
3rd August 2012, 12:30
Mike Brittain did a Great Barrier tour about 10 years ago - it was fantastic.

Yep he is organizing another ride over there on the 16th to the 18th of November, but at a cost of $1100.00 it is a bit out of my price range.

Team Buffoon
3rd August 2012, 14:45
Yes would definitely be interested been thinking about a ride over there. But as I work at sea and shifts are somewhat flexible I would not be in a position to commit until nearer the time. If it comes off would probably be me and a pillion.

Cary
3rd August 2012, 21:00
Subject to date/leave i'd be keen.

That looks like fun
4th August 2012, 10:25
Will this ride be small bike friendly :headbang: And what coolant should I run for this ride :killingme

MXNUT
4th August 2012, 12:16
Will this ride be small bike friendly :headbang: And what coolant should I run for this ride :killingme

Not small bike friendly as bikes under 400 cc are not allowed on the island:finger:. Suitable for air cooled bikes only, so running no coolant would be best:mad:

tri boy
4th August 2012, 17:10
Yup.
Me n kanny are keen.
Gt B Kina, :drool:

dino3310
4th August 2012, 20:03
Yup.
Me n kanny are keen.
Gt B Kina, :drool:

dont park ya bike in the sun on the ferry back Kanny as them fishheads you'll have hiding in your panniers will go off :lol:

Steelie
5th August 2012, 09:32
Im keen. Never been there.....

MXNUT
11th August 2012, 08:13
Right it seems like we should be able to get around a dozen riders together, a merry little band:niceone:.

Will make a few calls and come up with somes dates and details etc....:blank:


Poll closing early next week

tri boy
14th August 2012, 21:01
My lovely wife, (aka kanny), says the best long weekend for her would be,
23rd,24th,25th Nov.
Me? well, I'm married now, so my input is minimal :Pokey:(actually, about late Nov/early Dec is good with me)

dino3310
14th August 2012, 21:16
Me? well, I'm married now, so my input is minimal :Pokey:(actually, about late Nov/early Dec is good with me)

ohhh no no no no no, your married now so you can stay at home and do the house work, mow the lawn, cut the fire wood and iron Kanny's work uniform. oh and dont forget to wash her bike when she gts back from this trip (saddle bags might be a bit smelly with all dem fish heads)
now theres a good hubby:bleh:

i could come around with a sherry and mow ya lawn:msn-wink: