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cooneyr
4th December 2006, 08:53
Following a weekend at St Arnaud we decided to check and see if the Rainbow Road was open as an alternative route home and given Far Queue's troubles i.e. not being allowed though at the beginning of Nov. Turns out there is people in residence at the house near the gate 20 km from the St Arnaud end from the 1st December to 1st weekend in March and the road was open.

Not supprised that road wasnt open in November. There has obviously been a lot of rain as most of the fords ar the St Arnaud end have had to be dozered out due to the 1-2 m of gravel built up. There are a few slips on the eastern end of the Wairau Gorge that have obviously moved due to the river cutting away the toe. The road over these has been repaired by dozer (still onsite).

Overall the road is the roughest I have ever seen (been through about 5 times) hence is slow. We came though in a short wheelbase 40 series landcruiser with trailer in around 4 hours. This vehicle is not the most comfortable so modern 4x4 would be faster and I recon a bike would manage two hours.

Attached a few pics. Some might recognise the trailer's origins. The chasis of the trailer is about 200kgs buy itself (i'm a larger guy and couldnt lift the bare chasis by myself.

Also saw a Moto Guzzi 1000cc enduro near the St Arnaud end. No idea what model other than red body work with light green 1000 under pilion seat. He didnt stop so didn't get to check it out. Any ideas?

Cheers
R

PLUG
4th December 2006, 11:27
Farrrrr tooooo many wheels for this forum

merv
4th December 2006, 11:48
Trailer looks like the arse end of an old Jeep or something.

cooneyr
4th December 2006, 12:26
I know too many wheels but though you guys might like the info given Far Queues bad luck. Thinking of taking the bike that way when I go to NN at xmas. Much more interesting than the highway.

Trailer is mid 60's military trailer that was build to go behind the series two landy 109's and skippys. Pick one up for the stage 1 109 v8's that I got from the surplus sales in 2000. Decided to keep it as it is a bloody solid trailer for carting firewood/bikes you name it when the V8 got to espensive to run i.e. 1l per 5km. Has a pintle hitch i.e. two rings so hugh movement for off roading without popping a tounge of a ball.

Cheers
R

truckit
4th December 2006, 14:46
im through there alot and yes its in a state, and as for comfort i would keep the fj40 over my k104 kw as for comfort:gob: godbless the air seats...

i will keep you dudes posted ...we have keys for the gates all year round :third:

cooneyr
4th December 2006, 15:32
im through there alot and yes its in a state, and as for comfort i would keep the fj40 over my k104 kw as for comfort:gob: godbless the air seats...

i will keep you dudes posted ...we have keys for the gates all year round :third:

Its a BJ40, the FJ's have the air intake/filter on the other side incause you cant tell the differance. :bleh: :dodge:

I'm guessing you dont take the KW k104 through ?????? Air seats are damn nice though. Spent a summer driving for wilders (oooh i mentioned "that" name) in the so called maori mack (nissan V8) mostly, but would get a "modern" hire scania something occasionally which was plush by comparison.

Anyway I digress. Anythoughs anybody on the Guzzi, assuming it is one? What other transverse v twin enduro/dual sports are there?

Cheers
R

far queue
4th December 2006, 19:33
Thinking of taking the bike that way when I go to NN at xmas. Much more interesting than the highway.When are you planning to go to/from NN?

PLUG
4th December 2006, 21:08
[QUOTE=truckit;847230
i will keep you dudes posted ...we have keys for the gates all year round :third:[/QUOTE]

... handy man to know is truckit ...

Ghost Lemur
4th December 2006, 22:38
I'd definitely be keen for a day trip up there (and back some other fun road?) sometime over summer.

cooneyr
5th December 2006, 07:24
When are you planning to go to/from NN?

Prolly up Dec 23d and back Jan 6 or 7th. Will try ride rainbow both ways.


I'd definitely be keen for a day trip up there (and back some other fun road?) sometime over summer.

It would be a pretty big day but guess it could be done Rainbow and back. Think it would be pushing it a bit to do Molesworth and Rainbow even if you start and end in Hamner. There is a 50kph "speed limit" on both roads now courtesy of DOC.

Cheers
R

Zukin
5th December 2006, 07:37
Prolly up Dec 23d and back Jan 6 or 7th. Will try ride rainbow both ways.



It would be a pretty big day but guess it could be done Rainbow and back. Think it would be pushing it a bit to do Molesworth and Rainbow even if you start and end in Hamner.
Cheers
R

You can easily do it in a day?
Leave Blenheim and go through Molesworth, then up into Rainbow :)


There is a 50kph "speed limit" on both roads now courtesy of DOC.

Who is going to police that?:shifty:

cooneyr
5th December 2006, 07:54
You can easily do it in a day?
Leave Blenheim and go through Molesworth, then up into Rainbow :)


Who is going to police that?:shifty:

I make it 400km from hamner through Molesworth, wairau then rainbow and back to hamner. Then need to add 150kms either way between Chch and hamner. Guess it could be done in a day but with stops it would be a long one.

It this a challange???? If we add about another 300km we could turn it into a 1000km adventure ride. Chch, hamner, molesworth, Blenhiem, Mangatapu, Nelson, 88 valley, St Arnurd, Murcheson, Mariua Saddle, Murcheson, Braeburn Track, Porika Track, St Arnurd, Rainbow, Hamner, Chch is about 935 km relatively straight line from Topo map. Not sure how far in reality!!! Think I might need a sheepskin for that one. Who's keen :shit: :shutup:

Cheers
R

Transalper
5th December 2006, 08:36
I've got a mate on a BMW R100GS who likes to pull me along on big trips and we have done the Christchurch, Molesworth, Rainbow, Christchurch run. Yes it was a big day, but if you're ride fit and don't stop for photos or smokes or anything then it's dooable. If memory serves correctly, we started extra early and returned in the dark.
I have also done Christchurch, Rainbow, St Arnaud, Rainbow, Christchurch in a day, that was a shorter run. PLUG and i left Chch around 6 i think and had breakfast and warmed up in Hamner then on we went. PLUG was catching a ferry that day and so we parted ways at St Arnaud and I got gas, lunch and had a look at the lake then went back the way we came. I enjoyed that run better except the bit where i had to stop near Lake Tennyson and fix a puncture. The flat (my first) set me back a bit so by the time i rode over Jacks Pass on the way home it was dark again.

Ghost Lemur
5th December 2006, 08:36
I make it 400km from hamner through Molesworth, wairau then rainbow and back to hamner. Then need to add 150kms either way between Chch and hamner. Guess it could be done in a day but with stops it would be a long one.

It this a challange???? If we add about another 300km we could turn it into a 1000km adventure ride. Chch, hamner, molesworth, Blenhiem, Mangatapu, Nelson, 88 valley, St Arnurd, Murcheson, Mariua Saddle, Murcheson, Braeburn Track, Porika Track, St Arnurd, Rainbow, Hamner, Chch is about 935 km relatively straight line from Topo map. Not sure how far in reality!!! Think I might need a sheepskin for that one. Who's keen :shit: :shutup:

Cheers
R

Sounds fun. Insane, but fun. It could be like a dualsport version of the Grand Challenge.

PLUG
5th December 2006, 09:40
It this a challange???? If we add about another 300km we could turn it into a 1000km adventure ride. Chch, hamner, molesworth, Blenhiem, Mangatapu, Nelson, 88 valley, St Arnurd, Murcheson, Mariua Saddle, Murcheson, Braeburn Track, Porika Track, St Arnurd, Rainbow, Hamner, Chch is about 935 km relatively straight line from Topo map. Not sure how far in reality!!! Think I might need a sheepskin for that one. Who's keen :shit: :shutup:

Cheers
R

I'm in ... with daylight saving no worries, providing we hit the road early ... floated this idea a few months back in conversation ... if i remember rightly it went quiet & got a few queer looks before the subject was quickly changed ...

cooneyr
5th December 2006, 09:52
Sounds fun. Insane, but fun. It could be like a dualsport version of the Grand Challenge.

Insane appeals to me in a stange kinda way :wacko: :crazy: Just for kicks the trailer at the beginning of this thread had all my garrage tools/paint/oil etc and a modern F&P oven we have been given for our house. Not the kinda thing you would "normally" take though the Rainbow for the hell of it.


I'm in ... with daylight saving no worries, providing we hit the road early ... floated this idea a few months back in conversation ... if i remember rightly it went quiet & got a few queer looks before the subject was quickly changed ...

I think we had better think this over some :drinkup: more but I'm up for a serious challange.

Cheers
Ryan

PLUG
5th December 2006, 10:36
I think we had better think this over some :drinkup: more but I'm up for a serious challange.

Cheers
Ryan

... careful you don't think yourself out of it ... it would be a hoot & you know it ... a dusty iron butt of sorts ... bring it on ...

cooneyr
5th December 2006, 13:32
... careful you don't think yourself out of it ... it would be a hoot & you know it ... a dusty iron butt of sorts ... bring it on ...

I've had a play at lunchtime. I recon I've got a route that should be around 1020km that we could complete in around 18 hours with nine 20 min stops including fuel at some. If we left chch at 5am we could be back around 11 and wouldnt be too early or late for getting past key holders at Rainbow and Molesworth.

Route and my time and distance calcs attached.

Talk more in weekend Plug.

Cheers
R

PLUG
5th December 2006, 14:04
... when do they close the Molesworth ??? ...

far queue
5th December 2006, 14:28
Prolly up Dec 23d and back Jan 6 or 7th. Will try ride rainbow both ways. Probably too early for me. I’m probably not heading up until sometime after the 5th. But it’s all up in the air still at the moment.


Who is going to police that?:shifty:My thoughts exactly


Yes it was a big day, but if you're ride fit and don't stop for photos or smokes or anything then it's dooable.What? Plug not stop for a rolly - having a bit of a Tui moment there were you.


... if i remember rightly it went quiet & got a few queer looks before the subject was quickly changed ...I still feel that way. 18 hours in the saddle – no thanks.


... when do they close the Molesworth ??? ...
Have a look here (http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/openpage.aspx?id=35131)

Zukin
5th December 2006, 14:32
Now this sounds like (I was going to say fun, btu probably not the right word) a challenge
Depending when it was, I think I would be keen

You can get a permit for Molesworth all year round, unless there is a Extreme fire danger in place at the time

Cheers Scot

cooneyr
5th December 2006, 14:37
I still feel that way. 18 hours in the saddle – no thanks.

Comm'on where is you self tourture sprit. I know already I'm going to regret ever bring this up but worth a squirt I recon :Punk:

Molesworth till april and Rainbow till has people at house near gate till march. I recon this is a late feb trip when weather settled or maybe early march. Just get key from homestead for rainbow.

Cheers
R

PLUG
5th December 2006, 14:41
I still feel that way. 18 hours in the saddle – no thanks.

... soft cock ...

Transalper
5th December 2006, 14:49
The Molesworth Flyer quotes "The Acheron Road is open 7 am–7 pm from December 28 to April 1, but may be closed without warning due to weather conditions or fire danger."

Zukin
5th December 2006, 14:49
What the heck I am in if its early March :) Feb I cant do as I am riding round NZ then :)
But good practice :bleh:

But could you start it in Blenheim?

Transalper
5th December 2006, 15:09
I kinda remember running out of enthusiam on some of the bigger day runs ive done like Chch-Kaikoura-Picton-Queen Charlotte Dr-Nelson-Murchison-Lewis-Chch, ran out a steam by Murchison, but happy to do the Rainbow both ways any given Saturday or I suppose I could do a Sunday if it had to be that day.

PLUG
5th December 2006, 15:10
... hay FQ ... Zukin is a paramedic ... he'll be able to rub something on ya saddle sores :rofl:

far queue
5th December 2006, 15:11
Comm'on where is you self tourture sprit. I know already I'm going to regret ever bring this up but worth a squirt I recon :Punk: I'd rather do it over a couple of days and take the time to enjoy the view, and get a few pics.
... soft cock ...Wouldn't be much else after 18 hours in the saddle. All the concentration would be on the sore arse.

Zukin
5th December 2006, 15:13
... hay FQ ... Zukin is a paramedic ... he'll be able to rub something on ya saddle sores :rofl:

I am not a paramedic :) just know first aid
But you are welcome to rub your own cream on your butts :laugh:

far queue
5th December 2006, 15:20
I am not a paramedic :) just know first aid
But you are welcome to rub your own cream on your butts :laugh:
I think I'd need 1st, 2nd and 3rd aid. And we agree - you ain't rubbing anything of mine - well, maybe if you wear a nice skirt ... nah probably not even then :D

Transalper
5th December 2006, 15:21
I guess i'm trying to say i'd prefer a cabin somewhere around half way, but i'm proberbly dum enough to go either way (with or without a stop over).

And i'm keen as to just do the Rainbow both ways again soon (but not on the 16th Dec, going to Lake Ohau for the night then... by order of J.)

Ghost Lemur
6th December 2006, 15:51
I'm keen either way. A 2 dayer would have added benefits of not being in a rush, taking pics, etc. The 1-dayer would have the bragging rights though.

Meh, being a novice I should be more inclined towards the 2-dayer, but always been one who's enjoyed diving in the deep end and trial by fire.

This subject certainly requires further discussion over a few cold ones.

warewolf
6th December 2006, 20:26
Sounds fun. Insane, but fun. It could be like a dualsport version of the Grand Challenge.Piece of piss. Read Grand Challenge 2006...My Ride (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=795801&postcount=10).

But I agree with those who'd prefer to take their time and soak it up.

However if it has to be done, I reckon going to Anatori (southern-most point on the north-west coast) would help to kick the kays up. And you'd have to do Takaka Hill twice...damn shame.

I would be seriously into doing a Saddle Sore 1000 (Grand Challenge by another name) on as much dirt as we could muster. That truly would be a challenge!


I guess i'm trying to say i'd prefer a cabin somewhere around half wayIf Nelson counts as half way, then people can doss at my place.

NordieBoy
7th December 2006, 19:24
Yep, plenty of places to stay in Nelson with lockable gargres.

cooneyr
8th December 2006, 06:42
Strangely enough this thread has gone rather quite????????

Must be too much of a ride for even the experienced guys (or should I say those who know better). lol

Seriously - Plug, TA, WW is this something we should have a go at or are we just kicking shit?

Cheers

R

warewolf
8th December 2006, 07:07
Seriously - Plug, TA, WW is this something we should have a go at or are we just kicking shit?If you knew me better you wouldn't bother asking! (and if you are fishing, the fish have just jumped into the boat!)

A question/taunt like that was the trigger for the first Grand Challenge.:yes:

I am well keen and will do some more research over the summer. There's this road on the map, see, and I want to go check it out... :scooter: :rockon:

cooneyr
8th December 2006, 07:17
If you knew me better you wouldn't bother asking! (and if you are fishing, the fish have just jumped into the boat!)

A question/taunt like that was the trigger for the first Grand Challenge.:yes:

I am well keen and will do some more research over the summer. There's this road on the map, see, and I want to go check it out... :scooter: :rockon:

gobble gobble - the first fish bit. Though you might be keen WW :innocent:

It might absolutely knacker me in the process but I'm keen to give anything ago once. Took a table, chairs, tableware to the top of Mt Rolleston for a formal diner once - took 8 hours to do a 4 hour trip.

Cheers
R

PLUG
8th December 2006, 10:31
Seriously - Plug, TA, WW is this something we should have a go at or are we just kicking shit?

Cheers

R

... hell yeah ... I'm captured by the idea/thought ... may be we could start the loop in Blenhiem/Nelson & get rid of the 3hr Chch/Hanmer there & back boring black top bit ...

cooneyr
8th December 2006, 11:29
... hell yeah ... I'm captured by the idea/thought ... may be we could start the loop in Blenhiem/Nelson & get rid of the 3hr Chch/Hanmer there & back boring black top bit ...

Fair call - Chch Hamner stretch is just a transport section anyway.

Will have another go at a possible route at lunchtime.

Should start a new thread for this I recon.

Cheers
R

Transalper
8th December 2006, 12:20
TheTourist want's an escort up the Rainbow on Sunday.
I will see what J wants to do and how i feel at the end of Saurdays thing, maybe i'll do the Rainbow there/back run, leave him and u-turn at St Arnud.
It'd be a test/warm up for ya.

Zukin
8th December 2006, 12:44
... hell yeah ... I'm captured by the idea/thought ... may be we could start the loop in Blenhiem/Nelson & get rid of the 3hr Chch/Hanmer there & back boring black top bit ...


I agree with that too :)
Might attract a few more North Islanders:dodge:
The crazy ones anyway....like...........Clint640 :laugh:

Ghost Lemur
8th December 2006, 12:57
Other benefit of a Blenheim start is some of the Wellington crew may be tempted to join in the fun.

Are you all coming to the movie and drinks on Thursday? If so we could discuss options of the few quiet ones even peruse some maps if someone has some to bring along.

cooneyr
8th December 2006, 13:38
TheTourist want's an escort up the Rainbow on Sunday.
I will see what J wants to do and how i feel at the end of Saurdays thing, maybe i'll do the Rainbow there/back run, leave him and u-turn at St Arnud.
It'd be a test/warm up for ya.

I'm would be keen - but I'm on special leave pass for sat and wont be able to get sun as well.


Are you all coming to the movie and drinks on Thursday? If so we could discuss options of the few quiet ones even peruse some maps if someone has some to bring along.

I was thinking along the same lines but was going to talk to others this WE. Will organize some maps to talk over.

Cheers
R

NordieBoy
8th December 2006, 19:07
Nelson start/finish?
Hmmmmm......

:D

Transalper
8th December 2006, 20:07
Nelson start/finish?
Hmmmmm......

:D

Obviously for the Chch riders, the trip would start the day before.

Fluffy Cat
9th December 2006, 18:47
Hey just moved to Nelson these roads look good, would my XRV750 be able to do this stuff?.

NordieBoy
9th December 2006, 19:26
My Gilera Nordwest did the Rainbow and Mangatapu and it's got a 160x60x17 rear and 120x70x17 front.

The XRV would have no problems at all.

cooneyr
10th December 2006, 08:04
Hey just moved to Nelson these roads look good, would my XRV750 be able to do this stuff?.

Piece of cake on the XRV.

Keep in touch over here
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=40142

That goes for any others wanting to catch up first week of Jan. Keen to meet some of the nelson crew.

Cheers
R

mattsdakar
17th December 2006, 15:03
I will be a starter if I get enough notice to secure leave from day boss and night-time boss!!!

Aslan
17th December 2006, 21:34
I had earlier planned to ride to Waikaramoana and the E Cost of the N.Island over the period 28-30/12. I'm now considering riding South to Hanmer via the Rainbow and returning to Picton via the Molesworth instead during this time period.

I've travelled through both these stations previously - they're great scenery - big country and great gravel roads.Last did the Rainbow in March this year.

Anyone know what the fords in the Rainbow are like currently? Cheers Aslan. :scooter:

cooneyr
18th December 2006, 07:20
Anyone know what the fords in the Rainbow are like currently? Cheers Aslan. :scooter:

A dozer went through the Rainbow around the end of November. The track was washed out in places but is fine now. The fords at the St Arnaud end have been cleared back to the concrete bases however some of the concrete is missing (has been for years) so pick your line across. As long as there is not too much rain should be fine.

Cheers
Ryan

Aslan
18th December 2006, 09:26
A dozer went through the Rainbow around the end of November. The track was washed out in places but is fine now. The fords at the St Arnaud end have been cleared back to the concrete bases however some of the concrete is missing (has been for years) so pick your line across. As long as there is not too much rain should be fine.

Cheers
Ryan


Thanks Coonyer aka Ryan. I plan to travel South from St Arnaud to Hanmer on Thursday 28/12 before heading back to Picton the same day - tenting in the Molesworth on Thursday 28/12 - prolly Acheron or the Homestead.
Cheers Aslan aka StephenO :mellow: