Christchurch to Dusty Butt, Fri 28 Feb 2014

[pouakai]

Once again the semi organised ride that Matt has put together for us for the last few years will be on again.

For those of you doing the Dusty Butt ride who are staying in Christchurch Thursday night and want to meet up with other DB entrants for a leisurely day ride down to Fairlie register here.
The plan is to meet at the car park of Yaldhurst Tavern ('the Yaldy') on Yaldhurst Rd at 0830 for briefing then head away soon after.
The route will involve riding up a section of the Waimakariri river recreation area before heading up the Rakaia river thru Glenfalloch Station to Lake Heron Station then on to Mayfield for gas and a feed before heading thru the Orari Gorge to Fairlie.

I have spoken to all four Highcountry stations that we cross and have secured us access. The tariffs for that access are $10 per rider per station so I will need to collect $40 (4 x $10) per person at the briefing.
The route is reasonably tame and is generally suitable for two up riding or for loaded up solos. Last year the river crossing coming out of Orari was axle deep. Today (2 Feb) the river levels appear lower than last year.
Last year we had 50 odd riders in our group so it's a good chance to catch up with fella kbers and a great way to make the most of the weekend.
If you're keen let me know by way of a reply so I can collate numbers to pre warn the farmers

I'll run point on the day and I'll be looking for 4 volunteers who have done the route previously to sweep 1 of the 4 sections each.

I'll see you all on the 28th
Cheers Chris

[bobjac]

hi we have 5 from auckland , will pick up ride from methven . bob , ian , terry, mike , and richard .
thanks for getting it together. cheers bob

[slicker]

Add another one from Auckland. I've been hanging out to see if some kind soul will run the ride again.

thanks

[Bluft]

2 from levin and wellington. Mat and Ricky. Good stuff. Cant wait

[_Shrek_]

:shit: it's a northern invasion :gob: how many :eek: these not enough customs people to stop'em

[Crisis management]

I'm interested but need to confer with my fellow adventurers (read people who will push my bike up tricky bits) as to timing... something about when we booked the ferry and how fast we can ride down.
Iain

[Woodman]

Pencil me in at this stage.

[pouakai]

hi we have 5 from auckland , will pick up ride from methven . bob , ian , terry, mike , and richard .
thanks for getting it together. cheers bob

Last year we were at the Blackford rd turnoff on SH77 at 1043, 2012 it was about 1030, so I suggest 1030 or earlier, perhaps PM me your cell also.

P

[clint640]

:shit: it's a northern invasion :gob: how many :eek: these not enough customs people to stop'em

Don't worry mate, by the look of the date in the thread title this bunch might be a bit late for the main event :nya:

Clint

[Adux]

Four more for the Friday ride down to Fairlie. Never done the route so can't offer to sweep but happy to assist any other way (within reason!!!)

[pete-blen]

I will be there...:eek:

[pouakai]

Don't worry mate, by the look of the date in the thread title this bunch might be a bit late for the main event :nya:

Clint

Shit shit shit. I was determined not to fck it up too. Seems like this thread had a habit of getting the wrong date in title !
:grrr:
P
(Off to see if I can find a way to edit the title)

[pouakai]

Shit shit shit. I was determined not to fck it up too. Seems like this thread had a habit of getting the wrong date in title !
:grrr:
P
(Off to see if I can find a way to edit the title)

Title is fixed with correct date but I cant rename the thread. Poohs!
P

[Tigerpig]

Three more from Auckland. Tigerpig, Tigerpig's Son and Tigerpig's Mate. AKA John, Ryan and Rob. Been along a couple of times before and can't wait. 23 sleeps! :2thumbsup

[Gremlin]

Title is fixed with correct date but I cant rename the thread. Poohs!
P
Fixed for you... now you may get there on time :lol:

[flashg]

Pencil me in as well thanks. My first DB1K am looking forward to it. From Christchurch

[cynna]

put me down as well - thanks for organising the ride too

[thepom]

Me too please....cynna flashg
and me will be riding down together...

[pouakai]

Cool, good to see you guys on board.
P

[IanMeyle]

Add one more to the list. I'll be riding in from Molesworth the previous day.

[Transalper]

...The plan is to meet at the car park of Yaldhurst Tavern ('the Yaldy') on Yaldhurst Rd at 0830 for briefing then head away soon after.
The route will involve riding up a section of the Waimakariri river recreation area before heading up the Rakaia river thru Glenfalloch Station to Lake Heron Station then on to Mayfield for gas and a feed before heading thru the Orari Gorge to Fairlie.....

In 2012 and 2013 I have that Friday ride to the Dusty gps logged as taking 10 hours and 10 minutes both years, so with that in mind, times to remember...
to quote the DB rider info:
Dinner commences 7.00pm .
All Riders MUST attend for briefing at 8.00pm.

Good luck, it's a great start to the weekend but keep it moving or you'll be eating the scraps. :rockon:

[pouakai]

In 2012 and 2013 I have that Friday ride to the Dusty gps logged as taking 10 hours and 10 minutes both years, so with that in mind, times to remember...
to quote the DB rider info:
Dinner commences 7.00pm .
All Riders MUST attend for briefing at 8.00pm.

Good luck, it's a great start to the weekend but keep it moving or you'll be eating the scraps. :rockon:

Yup good point! But I've got 9Hrs06 (0850-1754) for last year with a leisurely 90 minute lunch at Mayfield so I think we could easily tighten it up a bit.
P

[Transalper]

I recorded 0848 to 1856 in 2013.
The last two of us probably burned the extra hour over your log drying out and finally getting a drowned KTM to actually start after everyone else had left when it 'appeared' to run ok when first out of the water.
Wasn't much food left when I arrived but I think dinner had started a little earlier then too.

If someone could flick me a txt when you get to Mayfield, be good to know how your day is progressing.

[cynna]

I recorded 0848 to 1856 in 2013.
The last two of us probably burned the extra hour over your log drying out and finally getting a drowned KTM to actually start after everyone else had left when it 'appeared' to run ok when first out of the water..

bloody ktms - you should have left me there..... thanks for your help tho

[thepom]

Yeah...bloody ktm,s.....who would one eh?

[SE950]

were u riding a 690, if so i have it on gopo, he fell off 2mts from the bank

[_Shrek_]

were u riding a 690, if so i have it on gopo, he fell off 2mts from the bank

:wait: pic's/vid or it didn't happen :msn-wink:

[.chris]

Anyone heading through the Molesworth on the thursday?

[pouakai]

23 bods intending to go so far.

track file and regroup points available here:
http://adventures.garmin.com/by/pouakai/christchurch-to-dusty-2014/

P

[BrendanZX9R]

Anyone heading through the Molesworth on the thursday?

I could be. I'll be on my way home from rotorua. I'm on the 7am bluebridge that Thursday. I'll either be riding to Nelson and staying with a mate and doing the rainbow on Friday, or if he can't make it then I'll come home through the Molesworth or rainbow on Thursday.

[umopom]

...............and another 4 from Blackford road - should be there at 10 - Rigley + umopom + 2
Cheers
JC

[pete-blen]

I will meet yers at Blackfords road... as I live almost half way there...
And I'm pretty much over the Waimak... been there done that to often..

[cynna]

Cool, good to see you guys on board.
P

was that your elefant at the SoT bike show??? saw 2 others there as well

[pouakai]

was that your elefant at the SoT bike show??? saw 2 others there as well

Yup that was mine! I saw Chris's from Blenheim (parked with a Grand Canyon), I didn't see the other...

See you Fri...

[cynna]

Yup that was mine! I saw Chris's from Blenheim (parked with a Grand Canyon), I didn't see the other...

See you Fri...

looing good - you got my vote - are you taking that on friday? havent touched my bike since bannockburn so better get stuck min tomorrow so its ready

the other one was all blue - pretty sure it was the same one that was on the ferry i was on yesterday

[pouakai]

Yup, that's my mount this year, my boy will be on the katoom.

[mattsdakar]

Hi Chris,
Ok if I tag along?
I couldn't get time off work to do the Dusty this year but don't start work to 2300 on Friday so keen to join up for a day ride, happy to lead or sweep
Rgds Matt

[pouakai]

Ah stupendous ! You can show me where the homesteads are.
Be great to have you along.
P

[pouakai]

29 and counting...
P

[Tigerpig]

Three more from Auckland. Tigerpig, Tigerpig's Son and Tigerpig's Mate. AKA John, Ryan and Rob. Been along a couple of times before and can't wait. 23 sleeps! :2thumbsup
Update from Tigerpig and gang. We lost one on the way down. Rob with a small off and broken foot had to fly back from Blenheim. So now we are two. Still coming along but will join in at Blackboard Road with the others. We will be there by 10am to be sure.

[pete-blen]

Update from Tigerpig and gang. We lost one on the way down. Rob with a small off and broken foot had to fly back from Blenheim. So now we are two. Still coming along but will join in at Blackboard Road with the others. We will be there by 10am to be sure.

Ouch.....:shit: Thats a bugger...

[mattsdakar]

Weather ain't looking great for Canterbury High Country:

Issued at 5:43pm Thursday 27 Feb 2014
A period rain, heavy falls about the foothills, turning to showers in the afternoon, some heavy with thunderstorms and hail about the foothills,easing in the evening and clearing in the south. Snow lowering to 1200 metres.
Wind at 1000 metres: Westerly 40 km/h turning southwest 30 km/h in the afternoon.
Wind at 2000 metres: Westerly 60 km/h turning southwest 45 km/h in the afternoon.
Freezing level: Gradually lowering to 1400 metres.

[XF650]

I've got wets for hire...

[chasio]

29 and counting...
P

At least 33... A Husaberg, a lil Katoom, a WR and a funny looking Freewind from Blackfords Rd. Looking forward to it.

[chasio]

I've got wets for hire...

I have wet gear but is that for tomorrow? If so, are there bailout points for those without?

Cheers

[pouakai]

Bailout points are the Yaldy at 830(!), Blackfords Rd at 10, or Mayfield at 2.
P

[mattsdakar]

Just home from the ride soaked to the skin, but with a big grin..bloody good ride!
Weather was ok to start with, low cloud and not wet until we got to Lake Clearwater where it absolutely pissed down all the way to Mt Sommers, at this point I pulled the pin (just a day ride for me, work tonight) the other 30 odd riders carried on south, I'm guessing that they will probably skipp Orari Gorge and just head to Fairlie by road.
Shingle was all dry and dusty and track from Glenfalloch was pretty dry. No break downs and only one wee off that I saw, god bless ya Kenny you're always entertaining to ride with
Thanks to Chris for organising the ride this year, I certainly had a good day out, best of luck to all the DustyButtas

[XF650]

I think only 8 did Orari Gorge. Team leader's Gagiva didn't look pretty afterwards.

[Eddieb]

Did you guys pass through Waimate on the way?

[cynna]

no so it wasnt us pissin on the shop wall

[pouakai]

I think only 8 did Orari Gorge. Team leader's Gagiva didn't look pretty afterwards.

Nope, it was a sad day for the Elefant. By the time we reached the top of Orari gorge saddle my E-09 front had let me down twice (once at a good pace), the rear brake had developed an airlock and the throttle cable had jammed and it was teaming with rain. Needles to say my moral was sinking like a stone. Sliding down the mud and grass track on the far side with no throttle, no brake, & no traction things went from very bad to very much worse!
Thx to the two brothers riding with us providing moral support( don't know named sorry). Once on the flat I was able to achieve about 80kph using the fast idle/choke lever to make it back to Fairlie just in time for dinner!
Lessons:
E-09 is a totally inadequate front tire for wet conditions.
Don't take a heavy bike through Orari in the wet.
Many bits of terrain that are inconsequential on a trail bike become a lot more 'interesting' on a big bike.
Was feeling pretty bleak on Friday night and thought I might have blown it before it before the event proper had even started with visions of the trailer of humiliation looming large, however a late bedtime saw the trottle cable move again and late depart on sat saw the rear brake bled and we got underway and reached Waimate in time to say hi to TA and Ryan as they left.

[cynna]

Don't take a heavy bike through Orari in the wet.
Many bits of terrain that are inconsequential on a trail bike become a lot more 'interesting' on a big bike.

Thanks for organising the ride - just a shame the weather let us down before Mayfield. I was soaked and knew i would struggle in the Orari in the wet - certainly noticed the extra weight this year over the whole weekend so had a nice slow pace - sorry thepom lol. You still managed to fly by in the Lannamores tho Pouakai - i came off twice in there and had Matts voice ringing in my head "your front hasnt got much tread" - next time will make sure i have a new front on - the tenere is heavy once it has your leg trapped in a rut

[cynna]

and glad you got the Elefant going again and could carry on to do the dusty butt

[chasio]

Thought Pouakai might like this one. 'Twas shortly before my first flat of the weekend.

294775

Thanks for organizing. :2thumbsup

[pouakai]

I DO like that one ! Can I get a full res copy to chris at thebayleys dot net ?
Ta
P

[chasio]

I DO like that one ! Can I get a full res copy to pouakai at topsecretemail dot net ?
Ta
P

You have mail :)

Edit: It was taken with a little cheapie camera so not much res to come, but should be alright.

[chasio]

All from the pre-ride. First three at first pay stop; the other is looking back from the same spot as the Pouakai & son shot.

[mattsdakar]

I DO like that one ! Can I get a full res copy to chris at thebayleys dot net ?
Ta
P

That photo's a great advertisement for adventure riding, if I'm not mistaken I believe that's a father and son shot?

[chasio]

That photo's a great advertisement for adventure riding, if I'm not mistaken I believe that's a father and son shot?

Crossed posts (see above), but I reckon so.

[pete-blen]

Did you guys pass through Waimate on the way?

nope.... but 150 bikes did the next day... Waimate is the first re-fueling stop for most on the saturday..

[AdventureSeeker]

Is there a ride group going from Chch to Fairle on the Friday before the dusty butt 2015 this year.
If so, have 4 riders keen to join up. Look forward to hearing - cheers

[mattsdakar]

Is there a ride group going from Chch to Fairle on the Friday before the dusty butt 2015 this year.
If so, have 4 riders keen to join up. Look forward to hearing - cheers

Watch this space, registration not open for Dusty Butty yet

[cynna]

Watch this space, registration not open for Dusty Butty yet

opened yesterday Matt

[mattsdakar]

opened yesterday Matt

Oops hadn't heard...cheers

[SE950]

Watch this space, registration not open for Dusty Butty yet

passed db1k riders get emailed, first time is it matt

[mattsdakar]

passed db1k riders get emailed, first time is it matt

My secretary ie: wife didn't tell me of the email!!
Don't think I'll be doing the Dusty Butt as I personally think $170 is a bit steep...then again I'm a tightarse!

[cynna]

My secretary ie: wife didn't tell me of the email!!!

i think that means you are not allowed to go. im missing it this time as well - too close to bannockburn bike week

[flashg]

Booked time off work. Have just signed up and paid (you get one free T shirt). I sorted accommodation a while back. So now i just make sure I'm fit. And yes i do think its expensive. People pay $50 to go on trail rides and struggle to do more than 100 km. Plus you gotta get there ( whole day $100 easy. So not to bad when you add it up.

[MXNUT]

Yep, I have registered for next years Dusty Butt so would also be Keen on the annual ride from christchurch to fairlie via Orari gorge.

If its gonna happen that is ????:innocent:

[Bob the bozo]

I will be coming down from Wellington if anyone is keen to do the Molesworth on the way down and meet the Christchurch ride if it is on. Let me know and we can sort the ferry etc.

[MXNUT]

Does anyone have a plan for anything interesting to get to Fairlie on Friday the 13th ( lucky i am not superstitous ).

I will be in christchurch the night before so keen to join in with a ride heading south.

[cynna]

wheres all the hype for this years dusty butt?

[Tigerpig]

wheres all the hype for this years dusty butt?Yeah, where's it. Is anyone actually going?

[mattsdakar]

Yeah, where's it. Is anyone actually going?

Myself and my usual accomplices have decided to do our own thing this year, can't really justify the DB entry cost anymore given we have done it so many times
As we already had the leave booked we have put together our own 4 day ride taking in some of the Dusty route but mostly new terain.
Have managed to secure access to several new to me High country properties around Twizel so we'll be mostly in the Mckenzie country exploring...have fun

[_Shrek_]

Myself and my usual accomplices have decided to do our own thing this year, can't really justify the DB entry cost anymore given we have done it so many times
As we already had the leave booked we have put together our own 4 day ride taking in some of the Dusty route but mostly new terain.
Have managed to secure access to several new to me High country properties around Twizel so we'll be mostly in the Mckenzie country exploring...have fun

I hear you on that Matt been doing a bit more looking around down here & there's still heaps of place's & roads to explore

[Racing Dave]

What mattsdakar said.

We have a group of 17 riding a previously near-impossible to get to area (secret for now, all revealed afterwards) the same weekend, and for the same reason.

[mattsdakar]

What mattsdakar said.

We have a group of 17 riding a previously near-impossible to get to area (secret for now, all revealed afterwards) the same weekend, and for the same reason.

Ooh ah!
I love secret squirrel rides, be funny if we bump into each other at undisclosed spots...so far we have had to gain permission from 7 high country stations...can you beat that!!!

[SE950]

What mattsdakar said.

We have a group of 17 riding a previously near-impossible to get to area (secret for now, all revealed afterwards) the same weekend, and for the same reason.

I might secretly follow, 17 riders can't be hard to miss

[Racing Dave]

I might secretly follow, 17 riders can't be hard to miss

You'll have to keep the throttle pinned - I'll be on my NXR125!

[flashg]

Might be more people doing secret rides than doing the dusty butt. No real talk from other dusty butt riders at this stage. Maybe not many doing it

[Racing Dave]

Ooh ah!
I love secret squirrel rides, be funny if we bump into each other at undisclosed spots...so far we have had to gain permission from 7 high country stations...can you beat that!!!

There's no chance of an accidental bumping - unless you have access to cross the same stretch of (sea) water. My lips are sealed until the trip happens.

Well done on getting the properties that you have, it's the private land riding that makes exploring such good fun.