This looks like an adventure [Archive]

pete-blen

12th June 2014, 22:16

I think we NEED to programme this one into the summer riding calendar...
Gravel roads are all fine & dandy...but this is an adventure....
Looks small bike freindly..or bigger bikes with a few willing helpers..
Goes from Spring junction to the west coast...
Been talked about before on KB... but just talk ...Lets do it over summer...

PS... Thats a linky thingy below....
http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=11140

RMOTO

12th June 2014, 23:02

We had this trip all planned, I'd done the homework and organized winches etc as make no mistake this is no walk in the park. Paul (Trials Rider) who is buddies with the creator of the track did a prerun in his kitted out 4X4 with a few club members a couple of weeks before we were to head in there. The track has suffered significant water damage and instead of taking 3ish hours I think it tool them about 7. Lots of burnt out winches and vehicle damage as they progressed through and the sections requiring winching has been increased to nearly every gut due to the extent of washouts.

We haven't ruled this out for a future ride for the mere fact of a challenge, in fact just last week were talking about it. We did however rule it out on that occasion and did this trip instead http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1GuicGsPoI

unstuck

13th June 2014, 08:31

Looks like a real good trip, either 4x4 or bike. :2thumbsup

Tazz

13th June 2014, 11:14

We haven't ruled this out for a future ride for the mere fact of a challenge, in fact just last week were talking about it. We did however rule it out on that occasion and did this trip instead http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1GuicGsPoI

I never had the balls to do it myself in the truck but have heard the condition changes often. Hardest part is climbing back out, and then the river crossings could be struggleish on a bike.
Some people have cut new tracks around some of the hard bits which is a bit of a no no.

Could probably arrange to tag along with a few 4x4 dudes (maybe even when a club goes through) just in case, or at least carry a little tirfor and a box of weetbix.

That said, I'm in! :lol:

(from that particular thread)

http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/oreforums/download/file.php?id=5170&sid=74aa2e0aeb10c7918299efba889f105d&mode=view

Woodman

13th June 2014, 19:44

I'm in. With enough rope, riders and time anything is possible really.

Trials Rider

13th June 2014, 22:08

Ok I will throw in my bit, I have been through many times in my truck and it did get to a point where we only needed to winch a couple of places, I will quantify my truck, Landcruiser Prado, 35" tyres, diff locks front and rear, Warn 9.5ti winch and extensive mods underneath to do battle in these large boulder rivers, My trucks nic name is "Pradoza", pic below and yes both sides are the same, As Josh said I did a prerun at christmas and it was a hell mission to say the least, lots of damage but shit happens and they are still making parts and paint.

I have bought a new Beta RR498 which I would take through, I also have a DR650 which I would not take through because of the weight issue, however with a good team this wouldn't be too bad, we would need lots of rope and bods to pull bikes and it would be ideal if we could get a couple of flat deck trucks to get across the Upper Grey river as is normal depth where we need to cross is between 1 and 1.2 metres deep so you either float the bikes or cart them over on a truck. it is only 11.50 km through but a tough bit of riding in places.

My suggested time to do it would be February as it is the most settled weather and lowest river level and warm to dry out.

I am definitely keen, it would be a real team effort to get through but I would love to tick it off the list.

Transalper

13th June 2014, 22:22

...normal depth where we need to cross is between 1 and 1.2 metres deep so you either float the bikes...

So everyone takes a small truck tube each to inflate and we cut down trees to make a bike sized raft. :eek5:

I was a little intimidated by the sound of the effort probably required in pulling and pushing bikes there as well as the river crossing way back when Josh was first looking in to it... still am.

Trials Rider

13th June 2014, 22:35

So everyone takes a small truck tube each to inflate and we cut down trees to make a bike sized raft. :eek5:

I was a little intimidated by the sound of the effort probably required in pulling and pushing bikes there as well as the river crossing way back when Josh was first looking in to it... still am.

We could ride through to the Upper Grey and come back out the way we went in if you dont want to cross the river, there will be parts of the trip you will have to get of your bike and bulldog down banks and there will be parts which are boggy as shit and won't get through without help and there will be banks you won't ride up so you need help and that is not the chasm itself, so you see a team effort will be paramount.

Woodman

14th June 2014, 09:09

5 or 6 of us easily pulled Padmeis BMW up a pretty large bank with a length of rope and its not a light bike.

Time could be an issue because say for example we have 6 riders and 6 bikes to manhandle up/down banks, help push etc, it can take a while. Sounds a bit like a NADS ride.

I am keen as, but which bike? KLR or BMW?? probarbly use the light one.

Transalper

14th June 2014, 09:12

... Sounds a bit like a NADS ride....
Why, is there a heap of gorse there? or does that only happen when Nordie leads :lol:

Trials Rider

14th June 2014, 09:21

unstuck

14th June 2014, 09:26

I have plenty of rope and hand winches, shovels, picks and a strong back. Will be watching.:whistle:

JATZ

14th June 2014, 09:53

I'd be keen....... so long as someone lends me something appropriate, something like...... "the ZOMBIE BIKE" :D

unstuck

14th June 2014, 09:58

Be a good trail for a Rokon or similar.

pete-blen

14th June 2014, 12:41

Be a good trail for a Rokon or similar.

Or a Sikk bike...... google it....

I think it's more than possable for 6/8 riders to help each other...
A metre deep river seems the only real issue..The rest seems doable...
I'm a starter.... but the XT660 can sit this one out... the TTR250 would
be more draggable....

JATZ

14th June 2014, 17:29

Or a Sikk bike...... google it....

I think it's more than possable for 6/8 riders to help each other...
A metre deep river seems the only real issue..The rest seems doable...
I'm a starter.... but the XT660 can sit this one out... the TTR250 would
be more draggable....
O.k..... I googled

Bloody hell !! The "trail dirt bike" looks like a weapon, it'll tear your arms off with a whopping 9hp :gob:

Trials Rider

15th June 2014, 10:50

O.k..... I googled

Bloody hell !! The "trail dirt bike" looks like a weapon, it'll tear your arms off with a whopping 9hp :gob:

Are now I know how you got so tall.... riding 9hp bikes and stretching your arms and legs, and you have kept that secret for years leaving us short people wondering what we were doing wrong :nya:

pete-blen

15th June 2014, 11:00

a few pics....

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1600x1200q90/843/is85.png
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1600x1200q90/840/q2ty.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1600x1200q90/853/ehd0.png
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1600x1200q90/823/nde9.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1600x1200q90/834/1m496.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1600x1200q90/850/m1vw.jpg

unstuck

15th June 2014, 11:47

a few pics....

Nice.:2thumbsup I reckon I could get the toyzuki 410 through there.;)

Padmei

15th June 2014, 19:16

Shit I'd be thinking twice about taking a mtb thru there let alone something heavy

Transalper

15th June 2014, 19:20

Yep, walking seems like a good option. I can't actually see a riding track in any of those photos. :crazy:

Yes, I'd probably still be stupid enough to go in with others. :stupid:

RMOTO

16th June 2014, 10:37

To get ready for this track I purchased a compact set of recovery fours to winch a 15 kN rope @ 5:1 which will do the job with ease. eg 180kg loaded bike = 36kg pull. Two people on the rope pulling, fairly easy work, just time consuming. From Paul's last trip I believe there are a high number of places to winch plus the chasm itself. Apparently winching is the only option at some points as there is simply not enough room or terrain too bouldery to get a decent run-up and power-up what are near vertical inclines. If the degradation of the track's condition extended the time to 7 hours for 4X4s with electric winches without having to float bikes across the rivers, it could almost be a 2 day trip depending on bike numbers.

Although doing this trip with 4X4 support would be far easier, it would severely dissolve the allure. To make is a truly epic adventure I’m proposing (and only interested in) riding start to finish equipped with all the gear for entire ride, float the bikes across the river ourselves, winch the bikes up the chasm and other guts ourselves with no vehicle support at all. Knocking it off in this manner will be hard work but one hell of an accomplishment!

Floating the bike across on a floatation device will be the only dependable option to allow for the Grey River. It could be possible to ride across the Clark but water levels would have to be very low, it will most likely be the case of floating bikes across both rivers. A long rope would be used to station upstream and pendulum the bikes across on a floatation device while riders wade across with them and hold the bikes steady. I am following up with two potential options for this. I’ll PM the riders when I schedule some test runs at a local river so we can work at it as a team and confirm it is reliable but most importantly; safe.

I’ll get some PMs going so we can lock this trip in and make it happen.

Woodman

16th June 2014, 19:55

oooooooo challenge..

Love the sound of this even more now.

bushy

16th June 2014, 22:11

oooooooo challenge..

Love the sound of this even more now.

MMMMM so do I.

Has anyone got a large tank,hi-rise shock kit and turbo I can fit to my dual range CT90?

The DR can sit this one out (DR more capable than its rider in the big boulder stuff)

RMOTO

16th June 2014, 23:24

A video of a group of 4x4s heading through
<iframe width="640" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Z6QC0WFf2SA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Padmei

17th June 2014, 17:37

Damn I shouldn't have sld Gonzo - it would have been the perfect bike to attach the winch to...

pete-blen

17th June 2014, 18:07

Damn I shouldn't have sld Gonzo - it would have been the perfect bike to attach the winch to...

yer got that damm BMW... sure we could put water wings around the barrels.....

Padmei

17th June 2014, 19:01

yer got that damm BMW... sure we could put water wings around the barrels.....

What you mean take the blankets off it? Not on your nelly.

Woodman

17th June 2014, 19:42

What you mean take the blankets off it? Not on your nelly.

If you take yours I'll take mine:sweatdrop

pete-blen

21st June 2014, 10:43

A video of a group of 4x4s heading through
<iframe width="640" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Z6QC0WFf2SA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I was talking to a guy at work that into compitition 4Wheel driving , he's been though the Chasm..
He gave me a link to a vid of it.... In fact its the vid RMOTO posted..
The guy with the dreds driving the red bob tail at 4:36 is Ben from work... He said if you go at the right
time the river levels are little more than knee deep..
He is willing come though with us if we desided 4WD back up could be needed...

pampa

21st June 2014, 19:53

wow that really looks like an adventure ... it seems well beyond my skills :wacko:

please take a modern cam and take high def footage :2thumbsup

manakau.KTM

22nd June 2014, 12:11

Are North Islanders allowed to tag along?

pete-blen

22nd June 2014, 19:36

Are North Islanders allowed to tag along?

If they will issue you with a SI entry visa.....

speights_bud

22nd June 2014, 20:39

If you are looking for a flotation device that might be suitable consider a tube from a log site skidder. We used one in Taupo for all manner of things and the thickness of the rubber with the diameter of the tube might be spot on to lie bikes down on at a good height above the waterline. Yes big and heavy when deflated but im sure you can all come up with a way to inflate and carry it by load sharing.

Scratch that, looks like a smaller tube and 12v compressor might work a treat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSeBFSDXTkA

Trials Rider

22nd June 2014, 21:52

AH found the easy way, the only thing we missing is the run up, the run out and the Horse power, other than that it should work OK

What could go wrong????........ only all of it!!

<iframe width="1280" height="750" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SYnWOUgg-jg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

umopom

23rd June 2014, 14:03

Count me in - might manage the 11.5 kms in the weekend!

RMOTO

25th June 2014, 22:58

Paul and I are heading over in the next couple of weeks for a reconnaissance mission to inspect river crossings at both access points.

Due to the potential risks and time issues we've limited the team to for the first run. It'll be documented plus videoed for RemoteMoto which will pave the way with all the info for any other brave soul looking to sink their teeth into a challenge

Will post info as soon as it comes to hand

Cheers

unstuck

26th June 2014, 07:16

Sounds a bit organized now, fun factor just dropped by a million.:whistle:

Trials Rider

26th June 2014, 08:15

Sounds a bit organized now, fun factor just dropped by a million.:whistle:

I wouldn't say organised, its is more along the lines on making sure you still have a bike to ride home, if the crossing goes wrong it is the Gentle Annie Gorge and if you get swept into that you will need to explain to your insurance company that they now own your bike and good luck finding it.

unstuck

26th June 2014, 08:27

I wouldn't say organised, its is more along the lines on making sure you still have a bike to ride home, if the crossing goes wrong it is the Gentle Annie Gorge and if you get swept into that you will need to explain to your insurance company that they now own your bike and good luck finding it.

Adventure must mean different things to different people I guess. Im off to Barn bay next month, maybe I should go there this weekend to make sure it is doable first.:msn-wink:

Trials Rider

26th June 2014, 08:41

Adventure must mean different things to different people I guess. Im off to Barn bay next month, maybe I should go there this weekend to make sure it is doable first.:msn-wink:

Been to Barn Bay, was a good trip, the Cascade river was interesting, the difference here is we can easily get to the last crossing by riding 3km off road, the crossing is about 4 feet deep and 30 metres wide and typical high country river, there is a lot of fall in the river so the water is moving quickly and it could go wrong badly. we just need to asses the best way to do it, turning up unprepared would be and epic fail.

unstuck

26th June 2014, 09:06

. we just need to asses the best way to do it, turning up unprepared would be and epic fail.

And not much of an adventure, but each to their own. Have a great trip.:niceone:

RMOTO

26th June 2014, 11:31

And not much of an adventure, but each to their own. Have a great trip.:niceone:

Hi unstuck, thanks for your input. I respect and appreciate your drive to seek adventure, it’s definitely the key to an exciting life.

One of the main reasons behind doing a prerun is because the Grey river exceeds our threshold of unplanned adventure versus risk. Being a seasoned outdoorsman, hunter and flyfisherman who has waded more rugged and remote rivers that I can remember, I fully appreciate the immense power of rivers, especially ones the size of the Grey. Paul and I are going over to make sure we have all the right equipment to get across the Grey River safely because to be totally honest with you, we are both great fans of being alive =) Personally, I’d rather be alive and be called cautious than be dead and be called a dipshit

To the best of our knowledge this is the first time anyone has done this route on adventure bikes so there are still a couple of unknowns in the mix. There will be some things we can’t be sure of until we go and do a quick check first, one thing we can be sure of however is that if Paul and I go in with 6 riders; 6 riders will come out. There is no way we would jeopardise the safety of anyone (even if they do ride a KLR)

I’m sure you’ll see on final video why we are approaching it like we are as it should give you a good perspective of the potential danger. If you stood on the bank of the Grey River where we intend to cross and you saw first hand the level of the challenge, I am sure you would also want to make sure you had all your ducks in a row for a successful crossing.

Make no mistake though, it won’t reduce the fun factor one bit

All the best mate

Josh

unstuck

26th June 2014, 11:44

mattsdakar

26th June 2014, 20:54

I can definitely see your point of view, and am in no way condemning your reasons for doing a recky.:niceone:
I too spend an lot of time(well I should do,but life is getting in the way a bit lately) in the wilderness, and one of the great thrills for me is the unknown, and meeting challenges as they arise. Once had to float a quad bike over a semi flooded river on the coast on a raft made on the spot from driftwood and flax and bits of fishing line.:msn-wink:

Sorry if I came across as negative, that was not my intention. I have been on 4x4 trips that were so organized, it took all the fun out of them. Now I tend to just go places by myself or with a couple of close friends that are like minded, and we have a ball. We too love life, and try to make as many sensible decisions as possible along the way.

Hopefully your trip is a goodun.:niceone:

Hey Unstuck,
I'm pleased that you took the time to clarify your early comments, because you came across as a tosser
Christchurch to Reefton is a long way for six of us to ride only to be stopped at the first hurdle because we were under prepared. This route involves floating and winching of bikes, not your run of the mill day ride on farm roads.
The reason only six of us are going is because it will be a mission thru uncharted grounds and those going are all very competent riders on light weight trailbikes as opposed to heavier adventure bikes.
If the ride goes off with out a hitch you will all see the footage and no doubt others will follow (with the right gear)

unstuck

26th June 2014, 21:14

Hey Unstuck,
, because you came across as a tosser

I do that alot, I seem to be a natural. :msn-wink:

husaberg

26th June 2014, 21:50

Hey Unstuck,
I'm pleased that you took the time to clarify your early comments, because you came across as a tosser
Christchurch to Reefton is a long way for six of us to ride only to be stopped at the first hurdle because we were under prepared. This route involves floating and winching of bikes, not your run of the mill day ride on farm roads.
The reason only six of us are going is because it will be a mission thru uncharted grounds and those going are all very competent riders on light weight trailbikes as opposed to heavier adventure bikes.
If the ride goes off with out a hitch you will all see the footage and no doubt others will follow (with the right gear)

you guys realise there is a snowy river road right? take lots of insect repellent

Trials Rider

26th June 2014, 22:07

you guys realise there is a snowy river road right? take lots of insect repellent

Ha love it, I have been 4WDing, mountain biking and motorbiking on the coast for years, insect repellent..... sometimes I reckon a shotgun would be more use:ar15:

We might even kill some sand flies stick tyre valve in their mouth and blow them up to help float the bikes across the river.

husaberg

26th June 2014, 22:35

if you google the Weat Coast regional council it has the river levels there is a water station up the Waipuna end of the Grey somewhere. When you call in at the Fergusons make sure you ask to see the old Mackey homestead and the Nuggets track.......

Mo NZ

6th July 2014, 07:18

So Did you guys have a go at this?

Trials Rider

6th July 2014, 08:40

So Did you guys have a go at this?

Ok well I wouldn't point the finger at anyone in particular (Josh :lol:) but given there was only two of us and I was all ready to go I got txt at 6.50am saying "I am crook as with a migraine", now I am not the sharpest tool in the shed so I thought I will read between the lines but there was nothing there, Josh was genuinely crook as which was a bastard because I was really looking forward to going over, and those of you who know Josh for him not to go he has either lost his legs or has a migraine, thankfully it was a migraine as he is still walking.

Anyway you probably figured out that no we didn't get there in the end and work commitments have stuffed things up since.

We will get over there and devise a cunning planning to float the bikes over the river and then it will be nail a date for the actual trip.

Will keep you posted

Mo NZ

6th July 2014, 09:54

GPS MAN

6th July 2014, 09:55

Looks like a Great Challenge..

If I were going to be in the country then I would bring the 530 down for this one...

Trials Rider

6th July 2014, 09:58

Yeah. Fair enough. It is a really big bite of the burger and you would be foolish to attempt it 1/2 cocked for sure.
If it was me I would be waiting until February or thereabouts now. Still be an epic trip for sure.

Yes Feb/ March is about the lowest river level over there and warm enough too, and yes it will be a cool trip

JATZ

7th July 2014, 17:08

If I get one of these can I come too :D

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pn_5dMHsCPE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

FWIW the weather was pretty average in Reefton over the weekend.Probably just as well Josh had a headache :devil2:

Trials Rider

7th July 2014, 17:18

If I get one of these can I come too :D

FWIW the weather was pretty average in Reefton over the weekend.Probably just as well Josh had a headache :devil2:

Um, nice bags at the end

umopom

7th July 2014, 17:21

If I get one of these can I come too :D

What an awesome machine - must be Russian? Do they do them in orange? :eek:

Mo NZ

7th July 2014, 17:44

Russian Military camo most likely.
However what a good bit if kit!, I want one.

Padmei

7th July 2014, 19:09

They were bloody amazing! I wonder if the tyres were filled with helium?

RMOTO

27th August 2014, 10:25

Here is the writeup on the outcome of a looksee on the river crossing for the Chasm trip: Remotologging #382 (http://www.remotemoto.com/articles/remotologging-382/)

husaberg

27th August 2014, 19:59

If you have a look it is now about as low as it ever gets strange but true its been an odd sort of year .
http://data.wcrc.govt.nz/cgi-bin/hydwebserver.cgi/sites/details?site=105&treecatchment=2

pete-blen

27th August 2014, 21:48

that river looks fun.... Are those tiny little bolders as slippery
as they look ?

NordieBoy

28th September 2014, 13:58

The Chasm may have claimed a victim :(
http://i.stuff.co.nz/national/10554265/High-river-levels-hamper-search-effort

Trials Rider

28th September 2014, 14:05

The Chasm may have claimed a victim :(
http://i.stuff.co.nz/national/10554265/High-river-levels-hamper-search-effort

Yes it is a timely reminder that the Upper Grey can be nasty

pete-blen

4th December 2014, 20:39

Anymore thought on this ride....
still keen as for this one....

Trials Rider

4th December 2014, 20:46

Anymore thought on this ride....
still keen as for this one....

Yes definitely, Josh went over and had a look at how we were going to cross the river and froze his balls off, it is a February trip when the weather is warm and the river is low (hopefully)

Josh is off GPSing and photoing routes for www.remotemoto.com, I will catch up with him soon and smash a plan together.

pete-blen

31st January 2015, 15:39

Almost feb...
About time we sorted a date & number of riders....
Im thinking 5 or 6 maybe 7 so there enough to man handle
the bikes with ease but not so meany to take to
long to get passed a obstacle... What gear we are
going to require & who brings what so we arn't carrying
double of stuff..
I feel the bikes should be no heavyer than around 140kgs...

So how meany interested partys do we have?
and what dates would suit in late feb early march..

For me pick a date/time/day/place I will be there..
better start putting the TTR back road legal "looks road legal"

RMOTO

31st January 2015, 16:28

Almost feb...

For the initial trip numbers are limited to 6 (mainly for safety reasons) and all the spots have been enthusiastically been taken (you're one of em). We are planning late Feb but will be in touch once Paul and I get together to polish the final river crossing. After that we can report back for those keen to head in.

For the riders in Chch we'll get together and do a practice run floating bikes across a local river

Cheers

Josh

Crim

2nd February 2015, 07:18

For the riders in Chch we'll get together and do a practice run floating bikes across a local river

I am told old, busy and fat for the trip (and according to Josh I have the riding skills of a goat) but…………………… would love to come and watch the practice run - just deciding wether to bring the XC or get the misses to drive out in the car with a chilly bin full of cold ones:laugh:

Night Falcon

2nd February 2015, 07:32

I am told old, busy and fat for the trip (and according to Josh I have the riding skills of a goat)

never underestimate an old goat, I've been out ridden by loads of them in the bay....and on DR's :facepalm:

Trials Rider

23rd March 2015, 20:28

Hi All

I rode the Chasm trip :eek5: on my Gas Gas EC300 in the weekend with 6 others to gauge the possibility of doing this as an adventure bike ride as previously discussed, I made up a 6mm diameter Dyneema rope with butterfly loops ever metre and hand holds, total length 15 metres which proved valuable.

It took me 4 litres of drink :sweatdrop in my camelback, lots of swearing :angry2: and cursing :mad: and over five hours to do 7 kms and then we had to come back :( , so in short is it a suitable ride for ADV bikes, the answer is no no and no :no::no:, it was extremely difficult with 4 guys on rope to pull one 100kg bike up the banks with the bike assisting.

It would F$%king hard to say the least to get ADV bikes through there, especially with luggage on board which would be pain trying to lift your bike with soft panniers etc and the extra weight would be a killer, you would need a powered mechanical winch of some sort to help.

The Nut buster enduro was easier to ride, it was all ride able, this was not and that pulls your energy very quickly :yawn:.

All that said it was an awesome day :woohoo:, extremely challenging, team building :niceone: & team wrecking :cry:, overdose on lollies and munchy bars :wings:, 130 photos and a lot of shit talked and yes early to bed was no argument from anyone.

Would I do it again, I said no on the day but probably yes.

Pics below of a couple of spots, I didn't get photos of some of the tough spots because we were all hands on deck pulling bikes trying to get through but it gives you an idea of what it is like