Rainbow Road (summer 13/14)?

[BrendanZX9R]

Hi All. Its been a few years since I went through the rainbow road. I have a trip planned for feb and thought I would come home through there. Last time I went thought there I just followed the guy in front, which was great, but i'll be buggered if I can remember who to contact to get permission etc. I understand the road is normally open this time of year, but do I need to get any keys or gate codes etc from anyone to go through? Or can I just bowl on up and go for gold??? thanks

[ADVGD]

http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/85/rainbow-road.php


http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/marlborough/south-marlborough/rainbow-road-upper-wairau-valley/

[Eddieb]

and/or

http://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/gps-tracks-rides/south-island-tracks/the-rainbow-road/

[Racing Dave]

The latest update (November 28) from Lone Star Farms website:

"The road will remain closed while it is being repaired following extensive damage from rain storms. We are expecting it to re-open in time for Christmas."

I went there a couple of weeks ago, heading north from Hanmer. All in good condition till well past Island Saddle and the boundary gate between Molesworth and Rainbow. Then the few streams that you cross are all heavily washed out with no sign of any maintenance, until a wide slip across the road (50m?) is encountered. We walked this and it seemed firm and quite OK, and there were a couple of obvious 4WD tracks showing where vehicles had driven over, but with the bike I was on being rather heavy, when a crossing was attempted the bike sank into soft wet shingle. After about three attempts it was deemed that turning back was the right move.

It'll be dryer now, and I guess (without knowing) that the normal toll gate at the old farm cottage will still be locked until the roads is officially open.

By Xmas? I hope so, but don't count on it.

[Gravel Man]

Just been into the Rainbow web link & it says that the road will be open from Boxing day & tolls will apply.

Cheers G.M.

[Transalper]

Just been into the Rainbow web link & it says that the road will be open from Boxing day & tolls will apply.

Cheers G.M.

Yess!! Updated at 11:01am today... what he said.
Must have happened just after Racing Dave checked and while he was typing his last post. :laugh:

[BMWST?]

The latest update (November 28) from Lone Star Farms website:

"The road will remain closed while it is being repaired following extensive damage from rain storms. We are expecting it to re-open in time for Christmas."

I went there a couple of weeks ago, heading north from Hanmer. All in good condition till well past Island Saddle and the boundary gate between Molesworth and Rainbow. Then the few streams that you cross are all heavily washed out with no sign of any maintenance, until a wide slip across the road (50m?) is encountered. We walked this and it seemed firm and quite OK, and there were a couple of obvious 4WD tracks showing where vehicles had driven over, but with the bike I was on being rather heavy, when a crossing was attempted the bike sank into soft wet shingle. After about three attempts it was deemed that turning back was the right move.

It'll be dryer now, and I guess (without knowing) that the normal toll gate at the old farm cottage will still be locked until the roads is officially open.

By Xmas? I hope so, but don't count on it.
the road was closed a couple of times last year and was pretty dodgy in a few places last time i went through.Its a lot of work for one little bulldozer

[Alpha Solo]

and/or

http://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/gps-tracks-rides/south-island-tracks/the-rainbow-road/

Hey Eddie, I'm not sure what you are trying to do with your site but to me it seems like a poor version (and very similar imitation) of the adventureguide / ldr site we all know, use and respect Josh for creating. To me there seems little point in trying to imitate or take over this concept if you are not going to surpass it - if you are then I can't wait to see and use it! No offence intended, just seems stupid to reinvent the wheel to me.

[Eddieb]

Hey Eddie, I'm not sure what you are trying to do with your site but to me it seems like a poor version (and very similar imitation) of the adventureguide / ldr site we all know, use and respect Josh for creating. To me there seems little point in trying to imitate or take over this concept if you are not going to surpass it - if you are then I can't wait to see and use it! No offence intended, just seems stupid to reinvent the wheel to me.

oooo, a harsh review but a fair question.

Josh has built a fantastic site and with his upgrades early next year I have no doubt it's going to be even more impressive and useful.

I also run a very active Facebook group and my site was originally born out of a request from members of the Facebook group to more permanently record their own user submitted tracks, and other information from the group, as well as provide some advice for people interested in or new to Adventure riding. I think with Josh's upgrades and those that I aiming to do next year you will see more of a divergence between the sites and they will offer different things to different people, and possibly different things to the same people.

Eddie

[Jarvis87]

Were is the nearest petrol station after hamner springs. Trying to plan a trip threw ther over the holiday period. I've got about 160kms to my tank. But was going to bring another few litres on my back. And info be good. Cheers

[NordieBoy]

Were is the nearest petrol station after hamner springs. Trying to plan a trip threw ther over the holiday period. I've got about 160kms to my tank. But was going to bring another few litres on my back. And info be good. Cheers

Going which direction after Hamner?

[Dave h]

I'm also going to do this over the break,

If I was to get an early sailing from welly on bluebridge and leave Picton at 6.00am and do Molesworth and Rainbow road (camping somewhere on Rainbow) then out the following day for a 7.00pm sailing home how does that sound timing wise?

[BMWST?]

I'm also going to do this over the break,



You could do them both in a day,but tis nice camping.you could camp at lake,at the beginning of the rainbow,there are huts as well and a campsite half way through

[BMWST?]

Were is the nearest petrol station after hamner springs. Trying to plan a trip threw ther over the holiday period. I've got about 160kms to my tank. But was going to bring another few litres on my back. And info be good. Cheers

Hamner, and St Arnaud are the closest to ends of rainbow althou I think there may be one closer but I cant recall the name of the place,its only a few?, ks anyway

[Tazz]

I'm also going to do this over the break,

If I was to get an early sailing from welly on bluebridge and leave Picton at 6.00am and do Molesworth and Rainbow road (camping somewhere on Rainbow) then out the following day for a 7.00pm sailing home how does that sound timing wise?

All things going to plan, heaps of time.

Could be keen to go with you depending on dates.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/162020-Feb-March-Molesworth-Lake-Tennyson-St-Arnaud-Lake-Rotoiti

[Jarvis87]

I'm heading from christchurch to hamner. Then doing the rainbow road from that end.

[thommo77]

I'm heading from christchurch to hamner. Then doing the rainbow road from that end.

St Arnaud has a small servo.

[Jarvis87]

Cheers for that. How far is it from st arnaud from hanmer via rainbow road. Is it more than 175 kms?

[NordieBoy]

Cheers for that. How far is it from st arnaud from hanmer via rainbow road. Is it more than 175 kms?

120km max...

[BMWST?]

here is a wee map http://goo.gl/maps/udqV0.
Be warned, i think the coffee i had at the St Arnaud General Store is the worst coffee i have ever had.Last summer telecom had a free wifi spot there

[NordieBoy]

here is a wee map http://goo.gl/maps/udqV0.
Be warned, i think the coffee i had at the St Arnaud General Store is the worst coffee i have ever had.Last summer telecom had a free wifi spot there

Pray the cafe opposite is open by then...

[Frodo]

You could do them both in a day,but tis nice camping.you could camp at lake,at the beginning of the rainbow,there are huts as well and a campsite half way through

When I went through over Easter 2013 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/157766-Quick-ride-through-the-Molesworth-and-Rainbow) I was warned about the wind at Lake Tennyson. Would be a lovely spot in calm conditions. I stayed in a DOC hut not that far north of there at Lake Sedgemere.

[BMWST?]

When I went through over Easter 2013 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/157766-Quick-ride-through-the-Molesworth-and-Rainbow) I was warned about the wind at Lake Tennyson. Would be a lovely spot in calm conditions. I stayed in a DOC hut not that far north of there at Lake Sedgemere.


we stopped there one day for lunch.There were 3 aunattended tests which all about to be blown to smithereens.My brother and I closed em all up repegged etc..Was bloody windy

[Tazz]

Good to know about the wind. Have never camped there but planned to.
Both times I've been there it was mint weather. Cold, but mint.

291469

[Padmei]

Am I allowed to say frick this fricking weather on here? I've been meaning to get down to Hamner but it looks like the weather is supposed to be crappy.

[Gravel Man]

Just got back from riding the Rainbow & Molesworth today. 700km day. Both in good condition. Weather wasn't too bad, mainly crappy at the Hanmer end.

Cheers G.M.

[BMWST?]

Just got back from riding the Rainbow & Molesworth today. 700km day. Both in good condition. Weather wasn't too bad, mainly crappy at the Hanmer end.

Cheers G.M.
So chch Hanmer??Blenheim ?? Hanmer CHCH??

[Gravel Man]

CHCH, Hanmer, Rainbow to Blenheim & Molesworth to Hanmer, CHCH.

[Tazz]

Am I allowed to say frick this fricking weather on here? I've been meaning to get down to Hamner but it looks like the weather is supposed to be crappy.

Man up. So long as you don't end up behind some fool cleaning his windscreen you'll be sweet :bleh:

Hamner is awesome when the weather is crap (in the hot pools anyway) so if you're planing to spend some time there, don't worry about the weather, go for it. You'll still come back refreshed.

[Woodman]

So the Rainbow is open now then?

:clap:

[Padmei]

Man up. So long as you don't end up behind some fool cleaning his windscreen you'll be sweet :bleh:

Hamner is awesome when the weather is crap (in the hot pools anyway) so if you're planing to spend some time there, don't worry about the weather, go for it. You'll still come back refreshed.

Yeah nah

only gonna be a day trip and I've had enough of riding in fricking bad weather. It has to be hot and dusty thru there other wise you may as well be riding any other gravel rd.

did rainbow close?

[Tazz]

Yeah nah

only gonna be a day trip and I've had enough of riding in fricking bad weather. It has to be hot and dusty thru there other wise you may as well be riding any other gravel rd.

did rainbow close?

Yeah fair enough. Looks like you might get a good bit of weather next week :niceone:

Nah it only just opened on boxing day.

[Racing Dave]

Despite rain all around, a few rode through yesterday, and found it dry once over Jacks Pass and even dusty as they went north. The washed out creeks and large slip that caused me to turn back a few weeks ago have been respectively bulldozed smooth and a reasonable track graded across.

[thepom]

Yeah...opened boxing day..

[cold comfort]

Planning on a trip up to Nelson via Wet Coast with a return thru the Rainbow late Jan so hoping for a significant improvement in the weather by then. Figured I will need a new rear by then. Any locals ( Padmei et al) know where I can get a Heidenau K60 scout purchased and fitted?

[Padmei]

You could contact cycletreads nelson. Clive would probably have to get one in for you. His prices aren't the same as the website but not bad.
he is in vanguard st round the back of glenn roberts electrical.

Offtopic I've subscribed to Dunedin light emails, great photos of blackheads etc. Have you checked them out?


I may go down to chch on Tuesday to look at a new old school work wagon so will enjoy the delights of the inner marlgolia.

[BMWST?]

You could contact cycletreads nelson. Clive would probably have to get one in for you. His prices aren't the same as the website but not bad.
he is in vanguard st round the back of glenn roberts electrical.

Offtopic I've subscribed to Dunedin light emails, great photos of blackheads etc. Have you checked them out?


I may go down to chch on Tuesday to look at a new old school work wagon so will enjoy the delights of the inner marlgolia.

watch out for recently relocated aucklanders in their SUVs

[cold comfort]

You could contact cycletreads nelson. Clive would probably have to get one in for you. His prices aren't the same as the website but not bad.
he is in vanguard st round the back of glenn roberts electrical.

Offtopic I've subscribed to Dunedin light emails, great photos of blackheads etc. Have you checked them out?


I may go down to chch on Tuesday to look at a new old school work wagon so will enjoy the delights of the inner marlgolia.

Cheers, If the price differential is too great might courier one to my bro's and just get it fitted. Look forward to your update on the inner route. My trip got more complicated as i will now be two up. Since taking my dearest on gravel trips (ie Back of Beyond etc) I have created a monster. "You're not going without me!" :facepalm: Re Dunedin light-Yes my wife is well acquainted with Mr Morrison having run a surf shop for 25 yrs. The whole family surfs, the youngest being a big wave surfer. I'm the black sheep petrol head.:devil2:

[Padmei]

Went through today
fyi
Blenheim via awatere turn off to Hamner 200kms 3 hrs not stopping except gates.
hammer to st arnaud approx 100kms 2 1/2hrs hmmm somethings not right there.

Molesworth road very good. Nice tyre tracks.
Rainbow rd a bit shitty really. They were grading and most of the road at the start was full of crap. Bike was moving constantly on my roadie tyres.

No traffic on Molesworth busy on rainbow.
Hamner Coffee ok
muffin yeah ok
yummy mummies present

temp drop from Blenheim upon departure and arrival approx -50 degrees

Reflection while riding that the best bike to travel through rainbow would be a postie or other slow one

[Racing Dave]

I was there today, too!

Well, mainly up the Rainbow to take two who were new to Malings and Edwards Passes for their first ride there. The tracks were quite wet but the rivers were lower than I've ever seen.

To my surprise, there's now a bridge over the Edwards where you would normally cross - easily strong enough to cope with bikes (even Beemers!).

[Racing Dave]

Reflection while riding that the best bike to travel through rainbow would be a postie or other slow one

Can't argue with the truth.

[Padmei]

Ahhh I saw some fresh tyre tracks. I saw new looking ktm with top box by a stream on the Molesworth a helmet next to it. Noone around so thought he'd be doing what most ktm riders do when all alone in the outdoors.

The fords were pretty good, still got wet legs but the bottoms were nice. Did you get the rain at st arnaud end?
I ended up missing the turn and rode out through the farm.

[BMWST?]

I ended up missing the turn and rode out through the farm.

this one???????
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=291781&d=1388482396

[ADVGD]

Can't argue with the truth.

Haha, great pics mate :niceone:


To my surprise, there's now a bridge over the Edwards where you would normally cross - easily strong enough to cope with bikes (even Beemers!).

I'd be interested to see a photo if you have one. They were busy at work building on the last trip with the Chch guys, it wasn't developed enough to pick it if was going to be a small tension wire footbridge or something more substantial.

Cheers

[Buddha#81]

Heading through the Molesworth tomorrow and spending some time in the Sounds and a night or two in Golden Bay. Heading back through the Rainbow on the 8th or 9th. as long as the weather plays ball. Two up on the GS with road tires I dont feel like dealing with the fall out if it all goes pear shaped :) Give us a wave if you see us out and about. White 1100GS.

[pete-blen]

I'm going though next week on one of these meany rainless days we are having...:laugh:
not sure whats days yet... up though the moles back though rainbow the next day...

[cold comfort]

Haha. Love the postie bike. Good to hear despite the scruffy condition of the (Rainbow) road, remedial work is underway. Hopefully less tourists by then also though was appreciative of the comprehensive toolkit in a passing 4WD after drowning the bike in the Nevis ( a full kit now carried).

[BMWST?]

Heading through the Molesworth tomorrow and spending some time in the Sounds and a night or two in Golden Bay. Heading back through the Rainbow on the 8th or 9th. as long as the weather plays ball. Two up on the GS with road tires I dont feel like dealing with the fall out if it all goes pear shaped :) Give us a wave if you see us out and about. White 1100GS.

Rainbow can change very fast if rain is heavy

[Racing Dave]

I'd be interested to see a photo if you have one. They were busy at work building on the last trip with the Chch guys, it wasn't developed enough to pick it if was going to be a small tension wire footbridge or something more substantial.

Cheers

Sorry, no photo, but it's substantial. Not a wire footbridge, but a suspension bridge with proper wooden planks covered in chicken wire for tyre grip. I rode over on my 125 and it barely deflected.

[ADVGD]

Sorry, no photo, but it's substantial. Not a wire footbridge, but a suspension bridge with proper wooden planks covered in chicken wire for tyre grip. I rode over on my 125 and it barely deflected.

Thanks for that Dave.

While we were there, a team of 4 guys were constructing the bridge and watched eagerly for someone to bin it as we forded the last crossing. Most courteously, two riders obliged and did just that. Out of respect, I won't mention who that was.




Are your boots dry yet Transapler? :bleh:

[Transalper]

..
Are your boots dry yet Transapler? :bleh:

Oh the emotional scars are sooo deep.... yes the boots were finally dry except now for the new tears dripping in to them.:cry:

[thepom]

If it was me you would have mentioned it ha ha

[richyrich]

Haha. Love the postie bike. Good to hear despite the scruffy condition of the (Rainbow) road, remedial work is underway. Hopefully less tourists by then also though was appreciative of the comprehensive toolkit in a passing 4WD after drowning the bike in the Nevis ( a full kit now carried).

especially a 7mm ? for the million airbox bolts .

[cold comfort]

especially a 7mm ? for the million airbox bolts .

Yes..in particular a 7 mm socket. :doh: Won't have the generous roadside assistance from my fellow travellers either! Center stand going on at last also. Small mortgage for that- can't believe Triumph consider it an extra. :-(

[cynna]

To my surprise, there's now a bridge over the Edwards where you would normally cross - easily strong enough to cope with bikes (even Beemers!).


Was the new gate for motorbikes still open? Just had a look on the doc site and registration is required for the main gate again - when i last went thru we were just told to use the new bike gate

[Racing Dave]

We just turned up on spec, and had no problems.

At Malings Pass, there is a short and easy track that by-passes the locked gate (a little way up the track from the turn-off) and you just ride around. At Edwards Pass, the gate at the Rainbow Rd is locked but we went a few hundred metres towards Hanmer and rode in through the bicycle gateway. That joins the main track maybe 100m up from the road.