Dusty Butt 1,000km adventure ride

[NordieBoy]

My gravel problem is that I've never done the "rear wheel steering" thing.
If either wheel moves around a bit I panic.
Do I lean the bike through the corners like on dirt or keep the bike upright?
I'm thinking something like a Mitas E09 would help the confidance and grip levels on the front and the E07 rear should be fine.

Got another E07 front on order as this one is getting near the end of it's usefull gravel life.
The previous tyre owner must have been running it far too soft and it's cupping badly.

[Transalper]

...
Do I lean the bike through the corners like on dirt or keep the bike upright?Check this out (http://www.africabiketours.com/GravelRiding.html)... It's gravel riding in Africa, most of it sounds about right and works me. As always some will be subject to opinion.




The previous tyre owner must have been running it far too soft and it's cupping badly.Lower pressures are often good on gravel. I let some air out of the E09 rear half way through the Molsworth on the ride and it helped get more of the power to the ground especially noticable on exiting corners. The rear had been spinning up to easily without driving me froward before that. The front was about right already.

I'd be approaching your friendly neighborhood warewolf for a bit of guidance in person if you really want to get some idea of whats what, but don't push too hard all at once and scare yourself off.

[cooneyr]

My gravel problem is that I've never done the "rear wheel steering" thing.
If either wheel moves around a bit I panic.
Do I lean the bike through the corners like on dirt or keep the bike upright?
I'm thinking something like a Mitas E09 would help the confidance and grip levels on the front and the E07 rear should be fine....

I recon this bit helps heaps (from TA's link), especially the keep the body upright and lean the bike into the corners - "When cornering on gravel roads, slow down before the corner, keep the body upright and lean the bike into the corner, accelerate slightly; look at the exit of the corner. Don’t look right in front of you."

This makes it much easier to control a slide should it occur. If the bike moves don't tense up or panic as it doesn't help - hard to get over this though. I was running a Dunlop D605 front (first Pic) and Shinko R244 rear on the DB 1K with no problems at the speed I was traveling. I think tyre profile (worn out square profile MT21 wasn't nice - wouldn't tip in easily) and skill is more relevant on the gravel roads although for me a more aggressive rear tyre does tend to help with drive out of corners. I'd say practice and get use to bike moving before getting new tyres - but do whatever works for you.

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

I would prefer to tip the bike under me but that's when the front washes :(
Of course the answer to that is "more power" but that is also the problem :D

Oh well, back to installing the DynoJet kit...

[far queue]

Would have been a great scenic trip with a few more keen attendees if we had two days and accommodation half way at St Arnaud waiting for us.Yes please


I really want to see If I can do the 1000km in a day. Minimal stops and fast as possible.No thanks

[warewolf]

My gravel problem is that I've never done the "rear wheel steering" thing.
If either wheel moves around a bit I panic.
Do I lean the bike through the corners like on dirt or keep the bike upright?TA's link is okay but all too brief. That's why I was suggesting a proper training course.

The trick is to understand that the bike will move around, and that this is NOT a bad thing. In a nutshell, you steer with your feet (which at least slightly tips the bike on its side but can be a lot more) and always balance the bike. If you are balanced and in control of the bike, it does not matter if you have firm unyielding contact with tar, or are drifting on tar or gravel, or all locked up on gravel. A standing position gives you best control. On loose surfaces, locked brakes cause the snow-plough effect which stops you faster than at the point of lock-up, the latter being a tar technique.

When I get on the throttle, the bike is being driven/steered by the rear tyre so it matters less what the front is doing... and the bike suddenly handles. The front is floating over the bumps, the rear driving through them, working the shock.

We'll talk offline, way too much to put in a message.


The previous tyre owner must have been running it far too soft and it's cupping badly.More tyre is always better off-road. Sometimes you have to run low pressure to get grip at the expense of tyre life. But in that case, a chunkier tyre might have been a better choice in the first place.

[cooneyr]

TA's link is okay but all too brief. That's why I was suggesting a proper training course.

Yer but how much is it going to cost and what am I likely to get from it. If it gives me the skills to go 10-15 kph faster and costs $500 is it really worth it? The whole point of adventure riding is to have a look around the place. I'm getting pretty comfortable at speed on gravel now anyway and find that when I wick it up I don't have time to look around. Things like the DB you have to keep it moving but on general adventure rides I tend to like to slow down a bit so I can look around and maybe crank it over a fun section or two.

I learned/am learning pretty fast just from trying to keep up with others. Is is really worth the $ or are the better spend just doing it and learning that way?

Can you tell I'm not sold on the idea yet :innocent:

Cheers R

[Zukin]

I learned/am learning pretty fast just from trying to keep up with others. Is is really worth the $ or are the better spend just doing it and learning that way?

Cheers R

You are probably a good rider on gravel now, and I think that 99% of other adventure riders will slow down to stay with you, not you trying to keep up with them?
Has anyone else noticed this?

[cooneyr]

You are probably a good rider on gravel now, and I think that 99% of other adventure riders will slow down to stay with you, not you trying to keep up with them?
Has anyone else noticed this?

I guess that is what makes it adventure riding and not long distance gravel road racing.

In saying that there are times when the people I ride with (including myself) do wind it up (somewhat) - we just wait for those who are choking on our dust further down the track. In my mind if you don't, you might as well not bother to travel with anybody else as you are not going to get the the social interaction side. The trick for me in those situations is to determine how often to stop.

Did I get what you were meaning Zukin?

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

Just done the Maungatapu-Rai-Nelson loop.

Tried pushing the bike down a bit more and...

It works :D

Before I stopped pushing it down if the front moved :o
This time I intentionally pushed it past that level in each corner and it worked nicely with rolling the throttle on from the apex (or just after).
The back whilst not power-sliding was sliding.
The front tyre was fine.

The bike felt planted and this was with 32psi rear and 30 front.

It was a matter of getting past my comfort zone, going through the uh-oh zone and ending up in the hey-this-works zone.

Now to work out when to start rolling the throttle on.

DynoJet wise, I could go back to my old setup without a second thought.
More bottom and top ends. The middle was better as well.
Booked the Dyno tomorrow so we'll see if it can be sorted.


Can't wait 'till the DustyButt part 1b to show off my mad gravel riding skillz :D

[PLUG]

Just done the Maungatapu-Rai-Nelson loop.

Tried pushing the bike down a bit more and...

It works :D

Before I stopped pushing it down if the front moved :o
This time I intentionally pushed it past that level in each corner and it worked nicely with rolling the throttle on from the apex (or just after).
The back whilst not power-sliding was sliding.
The front tyre was fine.

The bike felt planted and this was with 32psi rear and 30 front.

It was a matter of getting past my comfort zone, going through the uh-oh zone and ending up in the hey-this-works zone.

Now to work out when to start rolling the throttle on.

Can't wait 'till the DustyButt part 1b to show off my mad gravel riding skillz :D

good on ya nordy ... i compair it to a waltz ... ya bikes ya dance partner ... hold it tight & ridged & ya toes get stood on ... hold it gental & sence the flow ... you'll dance better than you ever imagined

[Balrog]

Hey Guys

What do you mean by pushing down?
Do you stand up straight and just lean the bike under you, rather than
leaning with the bike?

On a different topic, got my front tyre replaced today.
The tube inside didn't have a mark on it.
Awesome repair job Plug, the old patch on the inside worked a charm.
Its all re-packed for next time

:stoogie:

[Transalper]

... i compare it to a waltz ... ya bikes ya dance partner ... hold it tight & ridged & ya toes get stood on ... hold it genital & sense the flow ... you'll dance better than you ever imagined
Nicely said, i can see myself repeating that quote myself sometime soon.:mega:

[PLUG]

Hey Guys

What do you mean by pushing down?
Do you stand up straight and just lean the bike under you, rather than
leaning with the bike?

:stoogie:

fucked if i know ... what ever it is, it's workin for NB ... sounds impressive though

[NordieBoy]

What do you mean by pushing down?
Do you stand up straight and just lean the bike under you, rather than
leaning with the bike?

Yep, body upright - bike leaning.
At this point it's seated but standing and corners will come...

[PLUG]

On a different topic, got my front tyre replaced today.
The tube inside didn't have a mark on it.
Awesome repair job Plug, the old patch on the inside worked a charm.
Its all re-packed for next time

:stoogie:

just quietly, i was pertty pleased with the out come ... gave me self a pat on the back for that ...

[NordieBoy]

But did you really have to do it nekid?

[PLUG]

But did you really have to do it nekid?


arrrr... so that was you making all those rustling noises in the bushers ...

[cooneyr]

just quietly, i was pertty pleased with the out come ... gave me self a pat on the back for that ...

Rightly so - was a good effort and well though out.


Yep, body upright - bike leaning.
At this point it's seated but standing and corners will come...

Body upright and bike leaning works really well for me. If the bike decides to slide then feels much more controlable. Well done Nordie. I now understand better why motard, motorcross and enduro riders want narrow seats that extend onto the tank.


But did you really have to do it nekid?

Just dont ever share a room with him!!! :shutup: :dodge: :innocent:

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

DynoJet wise, I could go back to my old setup without a second thought.
More bottom and top ends. The middle was better as well.
Booked the Dyno tomorrow so we'll see if it can be sorted.

Well that was surprising...

Run#2 Is pre-dynojet.
Run#3 Is DynoJet kit - Needle 4th from top, 160 main, open airbox lid.

Running much richer but more power and torque...

[warewolf]

Running much richer but more power and torque...$ for DynoJet kit, $$ for increased fuel consumption, reduced fuel range, < 1hp gain.

Worth it??

[NordieBoy]

More importantly a lateral expansion of 500-1000 rpm in the torque.

So far it's worth it just for the increased bottom end, it feels so much better grunting up that steep bit on the Maungatapu before the first bridge.

The SuperTrapp is falling apart so I've put the standard pipe back on and will re-dyno next week - probably needs leaning off a bit.

Looks like I'm running the same settings as "El Toad Man" on AdvRider.

Yet to find out how far on a tank - 300km so far.

[warewolf]

Good stuff. You also might get gains on part-throttle settings, in terms of better response etc, that won't show up on a full-throttle dyno chart.

[Transalper]

....anyone else... would that suit you guys?... Saturday 31st March?
Once cooneyr has a more definite confirmation i'd be prepared to go with that... restart the routesheet at St Arnaud if the sun shines or reguardless?Update... Sorry Nordie, neither Cooneyr or I are going to be able to do the last butt this weekend.
Got a few distractions here at home to blame:whocares: .

[NordieBoy]

Forgot about this weekend :o
Also forcast for a bit of the wet stuff.

[NordieBoy]

Good stuff. You also might get gains on part-throttle settings, in terms of better response etc, that won't show up on a full-throttle dyno chart.

Yep, the needle profile is very different.

[NordieBoy]

Hmmm, let's see if this works...

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[warewolf]

Schweet!

:scooter:

[far queue]

Cool pics :niceone:

[PLUG]

nice gie-tar pickin there nordy

[NordieBoy]

Geologic by James Wilkinson.
He plays with Rua and Hampster.

I'll see him at Easter and ask if I can use some of his stuff :D

[NordieBoy]

Speaking of Easter...
If it's fine I have permission* to get away for a day and do some riding.
Where to go?
I'll be based at the Boys Brigade Camp at Wipara.

*Sort of...

[PLUG]

Speaking of Easter...
If it's fine I have permission* to get away for a day and do some riding.
Where to go?
I'll be based at the Boys Brigade Camp at Wipara.

*Sort of...

... i'll be doin the other cheek ... head norf to mut-now (Motunau) & out to the coast ... then hang a right & head up towards the Hurunui river mouth ... along the way you will come across some sheep/cattle yards on ya right ... hang a right there (limestone Rd 4wd track) onto a paper Rd that cunningly descised as a farm track ... this brings you out in the Blythe Valley ... right there & ya on ya way towards the Hurunui river ... chase the map up to Gore bay & on to Cheviot ... then ya can sneek out the back of shuv-it on to Randon Spur Rd ... nuva paypa Rd ... from there ya can go L or R, depending on what you want to do/time ... OR ...

You could head out to Lake Sumner from Waipara, that another good ride ... up hiway 7 to Waipara, hang a L & on to viagraville [hard-on] (Hawarden) & follow the sign posts to Lake Sumner ...

[cooneyr]

... i'll be doin the other cheek ... head norf to mut-now (Motunau) & out to the coast ... then hang a right & head up towards the Hurunui river mouth
Once you have left the coast on the way back inland then turn right.


... along the way you will come across some sheep/cattle yards on ya right ... hang a right there (limestone Rd 4wd track) onto a paper Rd that cunningly descised as a farm track
You need to head to stonyhurst road then turn LEFT into limestond road (farm track) at the stock yards


... this brings you out in the Blythe Valley ... right there & ya on ya way towards the Hurunui river ... chase the map up to Gore bay & on to Cheviot ... then ya can sneek out the back of shuv-it on to Randon Spur Rd ... nuva paypa Rd ... from there ya can go L or R, depending on what you want to do/time ... OR ...

You could head out to Lake Sumner from Waipara, that another good ride ... up hiway 7 to Waipara, hang a L & on to viagraville [hard-on] (Hawarden) & follow the sign posts to Lake Sumner ...

I'll not pick any more holes P :innocent:

Cheers R

[PLUG]

I'll not pick any more holes P :innocent:

Cheers R

... like any good transport engineer, ya fillin in the pot holes ...

[warewolf]

For the Easter break, I'll be based at Patarau on the west coast. Might do some exploring of the Aorere goldfields if anyone is interested in joining in the fun.

[PLUG]

For the Easter break, I'll be based at Patarau on the west coast. Might do some exploring of the Aorere goldfields if anyone is interested in joining in the fun.

what day ... busy Fri & Sat ...

[far queue]

Sounds like Easter's going to be busy. I'm doing a day ride up to Blenheim for the airshow on the Sat or Sun depending on the weather. But I'd be keen to get out on the DR for a day sometime over the weekend too.

[Transalper]

.. But I'd be keen to get out on the DR for a day sometime over the weekend too.Geeez... does yours still run, as in not all rusted and seized thru inactivity while you've been lovin the Duke.

[far queue]

Geeez... does your still run, as in not all rusted and seized thru inactivity while you've been lovin the Duke.Yup. Now that the dust is getting damped down a bit I need to show it I still care.

The Duc is the "Sexy Italian Redhead" :love:
The DR is the "Dirty Girl" :shifty:

They both have their good points :devil2:

[warewolf]

what day ... busy Fri & Sat ...Make it Sun or Mon? Come out to Patarau and camp the night??

[Transalper]

... OR ...
You could head out to Lake Sumner from Waipara, that another good ride ... up hiway 7 to Waipara, hang a L & on to viagraville [hard-on] (Hawarden) & follow the sign posts to Lake Sumner ...You could include the Pyramid Valley in that one too. Head South for a moment then inland through the Valley and up toward Hawarden then turn left and to the Lakes. One of my older Youtube videos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L-jx88JAy8) is done in winter mostly around the 4x4 that starts at Lake Taylor and goes on to Loch Katriene. The puddles in the video are probably empty at the moment.
Funny, J and I were just thinking about another trip through there... the other ride Plug mentioned involving Gore Bay is a really good one I want to repeat soon too.

[PLUG]

Make it Sun or Mon? Come out to Patarau and camp the night??

hmmmm ... get back to ya

[cooneyr]

Make it Sun or Mon? Come out to Patarau and camp the night??

Sorry not for me. I'm due back in Chch on Sunday. Next summer when i have plenty of time I'm keen to do a run over that way for a couple of days - anatori, aorere, bainham (and further south), wharariki, cobb, clifton, totaranui etc etc

Cheers R

[Transalper]

DB07... part 1...in to the darkness... about the first 5minutes of the edit...to be continued.......
Wm8HjpDFiRk



or rough 9mb DivX version here (http://www.fileden.com/files/2006/9/8/208927/2007DustyButtSTART1_agk192xQ60.avi) (DivX version6.4) (save target as)
If you have DivX and still can't play the video then you probably have an outdated version.
I get mine here... the K-Lite Codec pack (http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_Lite_Codec_Pack.htm) including Media Player Classic and DivX 6 Pro for encoding too.

[PLUG]

pretty good quality shit there TA ... i'll have a copy when ya have a finished cut ... what was it ... $30 ... cheap @ twice the price ...

[NordieBoy]

My bike sounds sweet :D

RIP SuperTrapp :(

[NordieBoy]

Did a route reversal and backtracked the Dusty Butt from Nelson up to Mt Arthur today.
The Dovedale Hill and Jacobs Ladder are sweet, hardpack dirt with a dusting of gravel.
The run up to Mt Arthur is severely washboarded in sections but still fun.

Should be good for you guys next weekend :(

[cooneyr]

Thanks for the info nordie. Hopefully the weather is good on Sat and we can see something from Mt Arthur car park!

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

10 or so cars in the carpark and a dozen or so people walking around.
Not much to see from the car park - just trees :D
Back 300m down the road is good and so is a bit further on.

[Transalper]

It's a nice day in St Arnaud today... See the webcam below..

Ignore the time on the photo, it is actually up to date with in the last 20 minutes. I check by watching the sun set there yesterday.
http://www.snow.co.nz/clients/nelsonlakes/webcam.asp

[PLUG]

... "let the journey begin" ... John Mitchell, after his sacking as AB's coach ...

[NordieBoy]

... "let the journey begin" ... John Mitchell, after his sacking as AB's coach ...

"let the journey begin" again...


Still want to have a go at it as a one dayer some time :D

[Transalper]

"let the journey begin" again...


Still want to have a go at it as a one dayer some time :D

Molsworth opens again about 27/28 December, by then the Rainbow gates are already open. No keys needed then. So sometime close to either side of New Years will be done.

[PLUG]

Still want to have a go at it as a one dayer some time
:D


... me 2 ... how does 31/12/07 sound ... there's only 1 better way of seeing the old year out than doooing the DB in full ... that i know of anyway ... how bout you ... dawn start though ... back in time for a couple of quiet ones ... NOT !!!

[cooneyr]

... me 2 ... how does 31/12/07 sound ... there's only 1 better way of seeing the old year out than doooing the DB in full ... that i know of anyway ... how bout you ... dawn start though ... back in time for a couple of quiet ones ... NOT !!!

You know my answer to that suggestion BRING IT ON

unless the wife has other plans

Cheers R

[PLUG]

BRING IT ON

unless the wife has other plans

Cheers R

... get in first ...

[cooneyr]

... get in first ...

yes dear :dodge:

(Was waiting for that responce)

Cheers R

[PLUG]

You know my answer to that suggestion BRING IT ON

Cheers R

... i think we scared nordy away ...

[NordieBoy]

Takes more than that to scare me.

Eeek!
Sorry, gravel flashback.

Are the Nelson Street Races going to be on next year?
They were on Jan 2nd this year.
We're away 'till the 2nd anyway.
Now watching the port races with a few of the KB crew and then doing the Dusty the next day...
Or on Friday the 28th...

[PLUG]

done & dustered ... of sorts ... 11hrs from St Arnard to the finish in Nelson ... fitness & endurance of both the mind & body will be required to do it in one hit ...

BusaJim, TA & i just crused along stopping regurally to drink in the surroundings we were in, man there is all sorts of variety to the roads travelled & the enviroment we were in ... seems a shame to blast through it all in one hit ... but ... IT NEEDS TO BE DONE

we didn't have coonyr (Ryan) along for the other cheek ... on the way up Friday through the Rainbow, he had an off on a real prick of a corner that nessecated getting the rescue chopper in ... cracked left shoulder blade & cracked C1 (i think) vertebra ... the one at the base of the head/top of the spine ... seems he's a very luck man that will live to ride another day ... his DR came through it better than him, but both will be up & at it soon ...

don't hurry the recovery process CR, i want me riding buddy back as good as new ...

[Balrog]

- Test pack on the Friday
- Getting ready to go on the Saturday Morning
- Tyre pressure adjustment
- Porika track over looking the lake
- Transalper's have I, haven't I got a puncture test
- Top of the Maruia Saddle on the way down

[Balrog]

- At what we thought was the end of Palmer Road
- Back at the end of Howard Valley Road on the way back
- Transalper coming in to land
- Group shot Still at Howard Valley road
- Top of Mt Arthur
- Back at Starting point

[Balrog]

MagicFairy and I turned up at base camp ( TopHouse )at around 1pm on the Friday.
Plug & Transalper turned up at around 5pm with the news that Cooneyr had taken a nasty tumble and was being choppered to Nelson.
This was some sad news but we decided to complete the mission with the aim of getting into see him at the end of the ride.
Friday night was a laugh, with Plug being the chef cooking up a mean spag bol and Transalper trying to smoke us all out of the motel with a nice steak.
Played zilch dice game all night.

Started off on the ride about 7:30 in the morning, temperature was nippy so everyone was wrapping up warm and switching of every heating device their bikes had. Weather was good though, a few dark clouds in the sky but otherwise fine.

Down the Howards valley, up and over the Porika and down through the Breaburn was fantastic.
Nice narrow bush tracks with native bush surrounding you all the way.
Pulled into Murchesion and Transalper discovered a staple sticking out of his tyre. After a bit of debate about pulling it out or leaving it in, we decided to pull it out and then spent 10mins seeing if it went down.
All good, tyre stayed up ( 50psi and a high speed test run to confirm ) and we were off again.

Maruia saddle was another great piece of road, riding through the native bush, loved every minute of it. Down the Westbank road and on down Palmers to the bottom. At the end of Palmers road was a bridge that was blocked off by a rope. We all stopped for a break thinking this was the end of the road.
About 10mins later when we were about to head back, the farmer came along an removed the rope ( must have been for moving the cows ). We had a quick look at the route sheet and discovered that we still had another 10k to go down the road, so we shot over the bridge and had a good blat through some really fun, dirt roads with lots of little fords.

Then it was back up the same roads to Murchesion. Another short break to consume red bull and eat pies and then it was back over the Porika track.
Going up the Porika track was probably the hardest part of the ride, as it was pretty steep and rocky, but lots of gas and keeping my eyes closed got me to the top :)

After that it was up through Sherry River through some really nice forestry roads ( with funny signs mumbling about permits or something ) and then up the road to Mt Arthur.

It was up Mt Arthur where I had the scariest moment of the ride.
Due to circumstances outside my control I had to use the long drop. Whoooaa I never signed on for something that hideous.
Anyway, after that traumatic experience it was back down the Mt Arthur road, with Transalper free wheeling down the hill due to petrol concerns and then back through Thorpe to Wakefield and then the clean run back into Nelson.

We arrived at the Carpark at around 6:30pm. Parked up for a few pics and then headed up to the hospital to go see Cooneyr.
Then it was a very dark ride back to St Arnaud were MagicFairy ( aka the support crew ) had a nice feed of bacon, eggs, sausages, bake beans and Heineken waiting .

Excellent :stoogie:

[PLUG]

MagicFairy and I turned up at base camp ( TopHouse )at around 1pm on the Friday.
Plug & Transalper turned up at around 5pm with the news that Cooneyr had taken a nasty tumble and was being choppered to Nelson.
This was some sad news but we decided to complete the mission with the aim of getting into see him at the end of the ride.
Friday night was a laugh, with Plug being the chef cooking up a mean spag bol and Transalper trying to smoke us all out of the motel with a nice steak.
Played zilch dice game all night.

Started off on the ride about 7:30 in the morning, temperature was nippy so everyone was wrapping up warm and switching of every heating device their bikes had. Weather was good though, a few dark clouds in the sky but otherwise fine.

Down the Howards valley, up and over the Porika and down through the Breaburn was fantastic.
Nice narrow bush tracks with native bush surrounding you all the way.
Pulled into Murchesion and Transalper discovered a staple sticking out of his tyre. After a bit of debate about pulling it out or leaving it in, we decided to pull it out and then spent 10mins seeing if it went down.
All good, tyre stayed up ( 50psi and a high speed test run to confirm ) and we were off again.

Maruia saddle was another great piece of road, riding through the native bush, loved every minute of it. Down the Westbank road and on down Palmers to the bottom. At the end of Palmers road was a bridge that was blocked off by a rope. We all stopped for a break thinking this was the end of the road.
About 10mins later when we were about to head back, the farmer came along an removed the rope ( must have been for moving the cows ). We had a quick look at the route sheet and discovered that we still had another 10k to go down the road, so we shot over the bridge and had a good blat through some really fun, dirt roads with lots of little fords.

Then it was back up the same roads to Murchesion. Another short break to consume red bull and eat pies and then it was back over the Porika track.
Going up the Porika track was probably the hardest part of the ride, as it was pretty steep and rocky, but lots of gas and keeping my eyes closed got me to the top :)

After that it was up through Sherry River through some really nice forestry roads ( with funny signs mumbling about permits or something ) and then up the road to Mt Arthur.

It was up Mt Arthur where I had the scariest moment of the ride.
Due to circumstances outside my control I had to use the long drop. Whoooaa I never signed on for something that hideous.
Anyway, after that traumatic experience it was back down the Mt Arthur road, with Transalper free wheeling down the hill due to petrol concerns and then back through Thorpe to Wakefield and then the clean run back into Nelson.

We arrived at the Carpark at around 6:30pm. Parked up for a few pics and then headed up to the hospital to go see Cooneyr.
Then it was a very dark ride back to St Arnaud were MagicFairy ( aka the support crew ) had a nice feed of bacon, eggs, sausages, bake beans and Heineken waiting .

Excellent :stoogie:

... hair hear ... thanks MF ...

[far queue]

we didn't have coonyr (Ryan) along for the other cheek ... on the way up Friday through the Rainbow, he had an off on a real prick of a corner that nessecated getting the rescue chopper in ... cracked left shoulder blade & cracked C1 (i think) vertebra ... the one at the base of the head/top of the spine ... seems he's a very luck man that will live to ride another day ... his DR came through it better than him, but both will be up & at it soon ...Shit, that's not good news. Where is he now? Still in hosp somewhere or at home?

[Transalper]

Hospital now but expecting to be home early this week as an out patent of Burwood. No doubt we'll see him online in a day or two when he's back.

[SDU]

Hospital now but expecting to be home early this week as an out patent of Burwood. No doubt we'll see him online in a day or two when he's back.

Shit! Not good I Hope you are right T & we see him back real soon.
RC get well & heal well fast.

PS like the bike T

[warewolf]

Sorry to hear about Ryan, will try to visit him tomorrow before he heads off home.

Sounds like the other cheek was as rosy as the first one, good stuff!!

[laRIKin]

Bugger.

Get well soon Ryan.

[RedKLR650]

My sympathy goes out to you Ryan. I'm currently sitting here with a broken thumb and mashed finger and a damaged bike after a car driver decided that give way signs could be ignored, and pulled out in front of me when I was 1/2 way around a corner. All going well I'll be close enough to repaired to complete the Southern Cross as planned later in the month. Here's to your speedy recovery. Best of luck, Stu

[SDU]

My sympathy goes out to you Ryan. I'm currently sitting here with a broken thumb and mashed finger and a damaged bike after a car driver decided that give way signs could be ignored, and pulled out in front of me when I was 1/2 way around a corner. All going well I'll be close enough to repaired to complete the Southern Cross as planned later in the month. Here's to your speedy recovery. Best of luck, Stu


Ouch! Some people can't see past there own arses!:angry:
Hope you heal well too!

[NordieBoy]

I'm currently sitting here with a broken thumb and mashed finger and a damaged bike after a car driver decided that give way signs could be ignored, and pulled out in front of me when I was 1/2 way around a corner.

Bugger, so that big front disc and fork brace didn't help then :D

Oops, I mean :(

[RedKLR650]

Bugger, so that big front disc and fork brace didn't help then :D Oops, I mean :(
Well Fran, personally, when I'm leaning over way past 45 degrees, 1/2 way round a sweeping corner at 100kph, touching either brake isn't really an option I'd consider. :dodge: I opted to sit up straight, and just miss the rear of the car which then put me onto slippery grass which was of no braking use at all :scooter: before I hit and broke a farmers concrete fence post in half.... :angry: Some of the parts to repair the bike just arrived from America today, :yes: hopefully the other bits by the end of the week so I can put it back together over the weekend. :innocent:
I think some drivers wear blinkers !!! :gob:

[RedKLR650]

Ouch! Some people can't see past there own arses!:angry: Hope you heal well too!
Thanks for that. Do you ever get down my way ( Timvegas ) on the DR ? Stu:scooter:

[NordieBoy]

Well Fran, personally, when I'm leaning over way past 45 degrees, 1/2 way round a sweeping corner at 100kph, touching either brake isn't really an option I'd consider. :dodge:

Where's your sense of adventure?

Didn't know the KLR's could do 100kph around corners :innocent:

[RedKLR650]

Where's your sense of adventure?
Didn't know the KLR's could do 100kph around corners :innocent:

Beautiful Sweeping corner on very sticky tires, so if I was being honest, it could have been a TAD over 100kph..... :innocent:

As for sense of adventure, give it a try and get beck to me with the results, I'd be keen to hear ( and see :gob: ) the outcome :Punk:

Cheers, Stu :scooter:

[cooneyr]

Hi Guys,

I'm one lucky SOB. Seems that next step in the process of breaking the C1 vertebrae is rather more long term - i.e. 3 months is very short term. Basically too fast and distracted for a corner, that went off to the left immediatly after a crest that had about a 1m deep ditch immediatly on the side of the road. Nobodys fault except my own - cant blame any cagers for this one.

I was released from hospital yesterday and am in NN with the inlaws till our flight back down to chch tomorrow morning. Got first outpatient visit at Burwood tomorrow arvo.

I'm in a SOMI (Sterno Occipital Mandibular Immobilizer) brace which is one brace short of a Halo (screws into the skull jobie) thanks to the cracked shoulder blade i.e. would have a halo if it wasnt for shoulder. I look a bit like the attached picture although slightly less attractive (no I dident get anything else adjusted while in Hospital). Got this on for around 6 weeks then in a soft more common neck brace for another 6 weeks at this stage anyway.

Have been writen up for 6 weeks off work i.e. while SOMI on. Slowly building up tolerance to being upright (get uncomfortable cause of brace) but will have to see how that goes. I'm not one to sit around doing nothing and 80% pay is not that attractive but have to make sure I give thing time to heal as well.

Bike faired rather better. Current diganosis - rather bent handle bar (got bruise on thigh to explain), missing starter switch i.e. needs new rhs switch block and moose bark busters have pinched front brake hose so new hose. Other than that the front forks appear straight but will need re setting in tripple clamps. Got it currently at suzi shop in NN for good look over (check frame not bent etc etc) to make sure nothing else - fingers x'd. One tough DR.

Seems I'm not the only one who has had issues with keeping the rubber side down - all the best with the recovery Stu! Atleast you can blame somebody else.

Thanks all for the comments and texts of support. Great be associated with such a caring part of the community.

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

No thanks.
Everyone knows the DR's can't get above 70-80kph.
Something to do with the wind resistance of the huge grin.

:D

[RedKLR650]

Hi Guys,
I'm in a SOMI (Sterno Occipital Mandibular Immobilizer) :doctor: brace which is one brace short of a Halo (screws into the skull jobie) thanks to the cracked shoulder blade i.e. would have a halo :innocent: if it wasnt for shoulder. I look a bit like the attached picture although slightly less attractive :wacko:

Well I presume that attached shot was of your room-mate in Nelson ;-):drool:

Better send us pix of your Burwood friends too.......:grouphug:


Seems I'm not the only one who has had issues with keeping the rubber side down :scooter: - all the best with the recovery Stu! :violin: At least you can blame somebody else. Cheers R

This time :-) Unlike road bike riders :scooter: , at least we realise that sooner or later, we are expected to crash:doctor: , otherwise they wouldn't fit adventure bikes with crash bars :Police: !!!

[Transalper]

Hi Guys,

I'm one lucky SOB. ....
Thanks all for the comments and texts of support. Great be associated with such a caring part of the community.

Cheers R
Glad to see you back online, hope to catch you at home soon.

TA.

[far queue]

I'm one lucky SOB.I'd say so.


I'm in a SOMI (Sterno Occipital Mandibular Immobilizer) brace which is one brace short of a Halo (screws into the skull jobie) thanks to the cracked shoulder blade i.e. would have a halo if it wasnt for shoulder.That looks like an uncomfortable fecker. I assume you've got it on 24/7.


I look a bit like the attached picture although slightly less attractive (no I dident get anything else adjusted while in Hospital).Cor, you sure you don't want to get some of those adjustments done? The boys'll thank you for it :yes:


Thanks all for the comments and texts of support. Great be associated with such a caring part of the community.It could easily be any of us in that position mate. Rest up, get well, and if you need a hand with anything just yell out.

[warewolf]

Take care fellah, do what you gotta do to get better best!

Sing out if I can help with any bike arrangements etc in town. Going to the Suzuki place tomorrow for a WOF so will take a squiz at the mighty bruised DR.

[SDU]

Thanks for that. Do you ever get down my way ( Timvegas ) on the DR ? Stu:scooter:

Been past your way recently a bit but on the V11 mainly /4wd.
Thinking of selling the DR as I don't get the time for trailriding, & I'm taking the V11 out more. If I do sell I'll eventually buy a smaller/lighter trail/adv bike to hit the dirt with.

[SDU]

Hi Guys,

I'm one lucky SOB.

I'll say you're Lucky you don't have to share a room with IL4:Pokey: :dodge:

I've heard that man can...:innocent:



Have been writen up for 6 weeks off work i.e. while SOMI on. Slowly building up tolerance to being upright (get uncomfortable cause of brace) but will have to see how that goes. I'm not one to sit around doing nothing and 80% pay is not that attractive but have to make sure I give thing time to heal as well.
Thanks all for the comments and texts of support. Great be associated with such a caring part of the community.

Cheers R


Heal well R & don't be in a rush to do too much too soon.

[NordieBoy]

It'll buff out...

[NordieBoy]

Looks like the major damage is to the front end and it's not really major at all.
The stock bars bent up fairly easily by the looks but the scuff-tape protected the rest of the bike :D

It should heal quicker than Ryan tho.

[mattsdakar]

Hey Ryan,
Pleased to hear you are on the mend, sounds like it could have been a lot worse. I'll drop some videos in for you to view as I'm sure you will have plenty of down time on your hands

Rgds Matt

[cooneyr]

Well I presume that attached shot was of your room-mate in Nelson ;-):drool:

Better send us pix of your Burwood friends too.......:grouphug:

Unfortunatly not a room mate and I'm not in burwood. Pitty though - would been a much more interesting time in hospital.


Glad to see you back online, hope to catch you at home soon.

Cheers TA. I'm really really keen to see the vid a pics you and P took so I "engineer" the corner. Really want to figure out what it is about the terrain that meant I missed it i.e. each crash has three parts, environment, vehicle and driver. Driver is an idiot, vehicle was fine, what did the environment to do contribute?


That looks like an uncomfortable fecker. I assume you've got it on 24/7.

Cor, you sure you don't want to get some of those adjustments done? The boys'll thank you for it :yes:

The brace is a bit of a bugger but given the option I'll keep wearing it. Was told at burwood that could take if off to sleep but I think I'll give it a week or so more yet.


Sing out if I can help with any bike arrangements etc in town. Going to the Suzuki place tomorrow for a WOF so will take a squiz at the mighty bruised DR.

Thanks for the offer of help. Really depends on the outcome of the shops look over. Got inlaws up there who can help also.


I'll say you're Lucky you don't have to share a room with IL4:Pokey: :dodge:

Went into Burwood yesterday and saws the pics on the walls. Those guys are amazing! I felt like a bit of a fraud walking in there.


Looks like the major damage is to the front end and it's not really major at all.
The stock bars bent up fairly easily by the looks but the scuff-tape protected the rest of the bike :D

What you doing perving at my bike.:angry: :innocent: LOL. Really does look like it will all be minor fixes but getting the full once over to make sure. Interesting where the bars bent in relation to the Moose bark busters. The stiffened the bars up heaps. Though about alloy bars and bark buster mounts to the top tripple clamps but given the bruise to the leg would rather have the bars bend.


Hey Ryan,
Pleased to hear you are on the mend, sounds like it could have been a lot worse. I'll drop some videos in for you to view as I'm sure you will have plenty of down time on your hands

Cheers dude. Videos all good although from previous experiance they just make me want to get back out there more!


Thanks for all the comments guys.
Cheers R

[Zukin]

Hey there

Hell dude :gob:

Well at least you will on the mend and ready for better adventures soon!
Keep fit and take care

All the best
Scott

[PLUG]

Cheers TA. I'm really really keen to see the vid a pics you and P took so I "engineer" the corner. Really want to figure out what it is about the terrain that meant I missed it i.e. each crash has three parts, environment, vehicle and driver. Driver is an idiot, vehicle was fine, what did the environment to do contribute?


Cheers R

enviroment ... with a bit of rider throwen in for good measure ... it's a prick of a corner ...

nice down hill flowing approach ... looking ahead, down the valley to where the road crosses the river ... getting into the groove & twisting the right wrist ... all of a sudden ya hit with a blind brow & on the other side ya need to hang a tight left on an off camber corner ...

for good measure, on the out side of the corner, is a spring feed swampy creek, thats been dug out & the tailing built into a bank on the far side ... that's why the road does what it does ... to miss the spring ... OPPPP's ... it's a prick of a corner

i've had 2 close calls meself on that particulr corner ... did i tell ya it's a prick of a corner ... sorry for no warning ... but wasn't sure where it was, other than on the Rainbow side of island saddle ...

[cooneyr]

Hey there

Hell dude :gob:

Well at least you will on the mend and ready for better adventures soon!
Keep fit and take care

All the best
Scott

Cheers Scott. Working on it. Its a week now since the off and things are pretty decient really.


... it's a prick of a corner ...

I'll second that!


i've had 2 close calls meself on that particulr corner ... did i tell ya it's a prick of a corner ... sorry for no warning ... but wasn't sure where it was, other than on the Rainbow side of island saddle ...

Not your placed to warn of these things, but the evidence gathering that you and TA did will be very interesting for a geek such as myself.

Being a transportation (and traffic in a previous job) engineer I'm keen to to start having a look at this. Really dont want SH1 type signs in there though - something much more subtle and in keeping with the environment that does the job would be the way to go. It is a private high country gravel road and I'd like to see it stay that way.

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

but wasn't sure where it was, other than on the Rainbow side of island saddle ...

Well that narrows it down a bit :D

[NordieBoy]

Being a transportation (and traffic in a previous job) engineer I'm keen to to start having a look at this. Really dont want SH1 type signs in there though - something much more subtle and in keeping with the environment that does the job would be the way to go. It is a private high country gravel road and I'd like to see it stay that way.

Something simple like a bright red arrow on a post (enduro style).
Actually that would be 2 or 3 arrows indicating a hazard.

[PLUG]

TA & I spent a couple of hours with Rayn today ... remarkable shape, is how i'd discribe 'em ... considering its only been nine days ... he's gunna be one frustrated ferker very soon ...

[cooneyr]

TA & I spent a couple of hours with Rayn today ... remarkable shape, is how i'd discribe 'em ... considering its only been nine days ... he's gunna be one frustrated ferker very soon ...

Thanks for comming around guys. The vid that TA and director P put together was really sobering and interesting to watch. Finally got to see the colour of the chopper that picked me up! You dont want to be any taller than me and need to be choppered out to NN. I had my head against the rear bulkhead and toes touching (slightly bent back towards my head) the windscreen - I'm only 6'1"!

P gave me a few photos of the second half of the DB and I thought some might be interested in the west coast style vehicle radiator blind to warm the engine faster on a cold day!

Cheers R

[magicfairy]

Thanks for comming around guys. The vid that TA and director P put together was really sobering and interesting to watch.

Yep, you are a lucky boy, although you probably don't feel it right now. A lot of those folks in Burwood would give a million dollars to swap places with you right now.

Big thanks for all the DB work, hopefully you will get to complete it before too long.

MF

[Balrog]

Hey All

Anybody else going to complete the other cheek in the near future?

Ryan hows the old body coming along, everything going ok?

Pete, Carl you guys got any pics from the ride?

:stoogie:

[cooneyr]

Hey All

Anybody else going to complete the other cheek in the near future?

Ryan hows the old body coming along, everything going ok?

Pete, Carl you guys got any pics from the ride?

:stoogie:

Enough of the old rubbish!. I'm doing OK. Still a little sore at times and find sleeping a tad rough but have got into a groove and only 3 weeks tomorrow to go!!!!!!

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

Speaking of old rubbish...
Ryan's bike is still up here :rolleyes:


< dire straits >
I want my, I want my, I want my DVD...
< /dire straits >


Itching to finish the ride off.

Or it it just these winter pants liners?

[Transalper]

No pictures, i don't cart a still camera out when i got the helmet cam on.

He wants his...he wants his... he wants his DVD:shutup:

don't they all:blank:


Nordie, let me know when u decide to go for part 2, if the wind blows the right way i may go again... there's a couple of bits i'd like to record again.

[cooneyr]

Speaking of old rubbish...
Ryan's bike is still up here :rolleyes:


Oi - if it is old rubbish then what is yours???? Not like I'm in any hurry for it though - well maybe in about 3-5 weeks depending on what happens when I take the brace off. I should give the Suzi guys another ring and see where things are at though.

Cheers R

[Balrog]

Nordie, let me know when u decide to go for part 2, if the wind blows the right way i may go again... there's a couple of bits i'd like to record again.

Yeah I could be in for another run at the second half. There were some really
nice roads that I'd like to go down again.

Good to hear you're on the mend Ryan :)

[NordieBoy]

Oi - if it is old rubbish then what is yours???? Not like I'm in any hurry for it though - well maybe in about 3-5 weeks depending on what happens when I take the brace off. I should give the Suzi guys another ring and see where things are at though.

Cheers R

Mine is new rubbish :D
No bits of swamp hanging off mine.

[NordieBoy]

Just need to find a time that the Katoom can make it too.

[warewolf]

I'm not back in town until late Sunday; will touch base with you next week once I get a minute to do a forward calendar.

[NordieBoy]

Hmmm, just a thought...
When the tracks open back up again...
A reverse circuit Dusty Butt (Ttub Ytsud?) in 2 days would work nicely.

[Transalper]

it would need to be two days if reversed to get the Molsworth in during the 7am to 7pm window.

DB1 is now cut down to an hour, hope to be previewing it for feedback shortly, then if no more changes are needed it might be ready to burn... for a price.

Speaking of price, had to put a camera in for $serviceing$ today, started me thinking what it's been costing to do all this recording. Between the cost of tapes (which i archive back to after the edit) and DVDs and all the hardware involved, of which some seems to be showing signs of wearing out, it has started taking its toll.

[cooneyr]

Hmmm, just a thought...
When the tracks open back up again...
A reverse circuit Dusty Butt (Ttub Ytsud?) in 2 days would work nicely.

Ttub Ytsud what - would be find if you could pronounce it - I can't speak Russian. I recon if we ran it over two days we would get a couple of extra candidates. Will see how things are later in the year.

Cheers R

[cooneyr]

it would need to be two days if reversed to get the Molsworth in during the 7am to 7pm window.

DB1 is now cut down to an hour, hope to be previewing it for feedback shortly, then if no more changes are needed it might be ready to burn... for a price.

Speaking of price, had to put a camera in for $serviceing$ today, started me thinking what it's been costing to do all this recording. Between the cost of tapes (which i archive back to after the edit) and DVDs and all the hardware involved, of which some seems to be showing signs of wearing out, it has started taking its toll.

There is always a cost and at a minimum we should be covering your out of pocket costs.

Cheers R

[far queue]

A reverse circuit Dusty Butt (Ttub Ytsud?) in 2 days would work nicely.Yes please :yes:


I recon if we ran it over two days we would get a couple of extra candidates.Pick me, pick me. It was always the one day thing that kept me away. I'd rather do something like this over 2 days and enjoy the ride and the views a bit more.


Will see how things are later in the year.I'll be doing the Rainbow to the Nelson Rally at the beginning of November as I missed out last year due to a slip. When does it open again? Somewhere just before then doesn't it?

[cooneyr]

Yes please :yes:

Pick me, pick me. It was always the one day thing that kept me away. I'd rather do something like this over 2 days and enjoy the ride and the views a bit more.

I'll be doing the Rainbow to the Nelson Rally at the beginning of November as I missed out last year due to a slip. When does it open again? Somewhere just before then doesn't it?

Though you might be a starter. I think that the Rainbow is open 1st December to first weekend in March. I know I put the details on KB somewhere but cant find at the moment. Ahh here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=846638&postcount=1) they are. Yep 1st December to first weekend in March.

Cheers R

[far queue]

Though you might be a starter.Yep, and I've got lots of range now too, which "someone" told me I have get out and use.


Yep 1st December to first weekend in March.Sooooo, what's the story with earlier than 1/12 then? 'Cos I had permission for early November until the hill fell on the road! Is it that you need special permission before 1/12 and then ordinary permission after that? :scratch:

[NordieBoy]

I think it's key and non-key access.

[RedKLR650]

Ttub Ytsud what - would be find if you could pronounce it - I can't speak Russian. I recon if we ran it over two days we would get a couple of extra candidates. Will see how things are later in the year. Cheers R

Having just completed the Southern Cross :done: on the trusty KLR ( 4760km in 5 days :whocares: ) I've found that the bad thing about endurance events is that you miss all the good scenery. :shit: A 2 day Dusty Butt would def see me as a starter.:shutup: Also good for all participants to catch up on the evening between to trade stories and lies :innocent:

Cheers, Stu :scooter:

[cooneyr]

Yep, and I've got lots of range now too, which "someone" told me I have get out and use.

Sooooo, what's the story with earlier than 1/12 then? 'Cos I had permission for early November until the hill fell on the road! Is it that you need special permission before 1/12 and then ordinary permission after that? :scratch:

Yep lots of range or is it lots of spare fuel for others???? "Helloooo mate so how much for a couple of litres?" LOL

Yep you need to contact the Rainbow station and get a key before you go if outside times mentioned. I think you have the phone number but PM if you need it.

Cheers R

[Balrog]

This will be fun, but don't forget the current dusty butt days have been around

18hrs for the first half
11hrs for the second half

So thats still hauling arse all day for two days.
I reckon the scenic butt would have to be a four day event :)

- Mangatapu, Onamalutu, Port Underwood, Taylor pass
- Molesworth, Black Birch Range, Rainbow
- Porika, Maruia saddle, Palmer Road & back
- Sherry River, Mt Arthur, Westbank Road

[cooneyr]

Well if people didnt get punctures the first day would have been shorter! LOL. about 350 kms a day is a pretty good length from previous experiance so three days? Camping at Molesworth and Springs Junction?

Cheers R

[Transalper]

You loose a lot of potential riders (including me) and i guess gain a few others when things start going more than two days... except at easter and maybe in the week between Christmas and New Year when i have holidays that i can plan for.

[far queue]

Labour Weekend = October 20, 21, 22
Canterbury Anniversary = November 16, 17, 18

Just a thought ...

[NordieBoy]

2 days :D

[Transalper]

Labour Weekend = October 20, 21, 22
Canterbury Anniversary = November 16, 17, 18

Just a thought ...
Molsworth closed those dates... easter too.
You'd have to mess with the route, maybe find a way round the Molsworth, would proberbly add quite a bit of sealed road in to the mix doing that.

[warewolf]

Yep lots of range or is it lots of spare fuel for others???? "Helloooo mate so how much for a couple of litres?" LOLBTDT. One road ride (Triumph RAT?) we made some impromptu route choices that pushed the limits of the remaining fuel, knowing that the KTM SuperTanker could be used as a backup. In the end it helped three bikes get to the next fuel stop under their own steam. :scooter:

[Balrog]

Well if people didnt get punctures the first day would have been shorter! LOL.

Cheers R

It wasn't a puncture, it was a vicious assault by a GS eating rock

:)

[NordieBoy]

Those TKC80 eating rocks were following us all day (and night) :D

[alfonz]

the dusty butt was designed to be done in one day that is the challange that ryan had in mind although some had puntures etc one day is the dusty butt :scooter:

[NordieBoy]

Yeah but...
The qualifying event for the one day Dusty Butt could be completing the 2 day Dusty Butt.

Just like the Coast to Coast but harder.

OR...

The 1 day and 2 day take off at the same time in the same direction (or staggered start) -> Maungatapu.
2 day overnights in St Arnaud along with any 1 dayers who have been delayed/dropped with punctures etc and caught up by the 2 dayers.
Then everyone can get together at the end for lunch on the 3rd day.

[cooneyr]

The Dusty Butt was intended to be a one day challange. It was expected to be a difficult 17 (make that 20+ with hindsight) hour ride. Nordie is right though in that I think we need to have two rides. A two or three day scenic ride - would suggest two days as easier to ride sunlight hours than taking time of work - and a one day flat out ride.

I think most are tending towards a two ish day ride so that they can see the country side and socialise. This is fine and I think most would enjoy it. If there are a select few who want to try and complete the 1 day challange then we should organise that as well.

No offence to anybody but I think the 1 day participants need to be confident and capable high speed gravel riders who are well prepared. The participants need to be able to ride non stop for a min of an hour at a time i.e. basically only stopping for fuel. This would be a personal challange ride rather than a see the scenery and socilise trip.

Both trips would be best run in the middle of summer when daylight hours are longest, the wx is good and both the Molesworth and Rainbow are open. I would suggest early Jan i.e. maybe straight after the Nelson Port races?

Cheers R

[PLUG]

The Dusty Butt was intended to be a one day challange.
If there are a select few who want to try and complete the 1 day challange then we should organise that as well.
This would be a personal challange ride rather than a see the scenery and socilise trip.
I would suggest early Jan i.e. maybe straight after the Nelson Port races?
Cheers R

count me in ...

[RedKLR650]

The Dusty Butt was intended to be a one day challange. It was expected to be a difficult 17 (make that 20+ with hindsight) hour ride. Nordie is right though in that I think we need to have two rides. A two or three day scenic ride - would suggest two days as easier to ride sunlight hours than taking time of work - and a one day flat out ride.
No offence to anybody but I think the 1 day participants need to be confident and capable high speed gravel riders who are well prepared. The participants need to be able to ride non stop for a min of an hour at a time i.e. basically only stopping for fuel. This would be a personal challange ride rather than a see the scenery and socilise trip.
Cheers R

Work ( wedding photography bookings ) permitting, count me in for both. The 2 day could be better first as a bit of a recon ride :scooter: to suss out any dodgy corners just over rises as Ryan discovered:bye: , with the 1 dayer soon after while the route is still fresh in our memory. Even the top rally drivers are still allowed a recon run first :gob:

Hopefully you lot consider me qualified as a high speed gravel rider, and as for the non stop riding, having just completed the Southern Cross ride I don't think that's too much of a problem :zzzz:

Cheers, Stu

[RedKLR650]

BTDT. One road ride (Triumph RAT?) we made some impromptu route choices that pushed the limits of the remaining fuel, knowing that the KTM SuperTanker could be used as a backup. In the end it helped three bikes get to the next fuel stop under their own steam. :scooter:

Out of curiosity Colin, just how many litres does the KTM supertanker hold, and roughly how far can you get on a good run ? :scooter:

Cheers, Stu

[warewolf]

Out of curiosity Colin, just how many litres does the KTM supertanker hold, and roughly how far can you get on a good run?Recent models are 25.5L. Range is typically around 500km of mixed riding, up to 570km on my best economy (slow road cruising on GC), down to 440km on the worst (two-up on Molesworth/Rainbow).

It's not overly huge for the class but is large for a dirt- or sprots-bike.

The older bikes had a 28L tank, plus the 660 Rallye has twin 10L side pod tanks, for a total of 48L. All that fuel has forced a rule change in the Dakar race recently: they reduced the range required of the bikes in order to reduce the fuel weight.

[Balrog]

No offence to anybody but I think the 1 day participants need to be confident and capable high speed gravel riders who are well prepared. The participants need to be able to ride non stop for a min of an hour at a time i.e. basically only stopping for fuel. This would be a personal challange ride rather than a see the scenery and socilise trip.

Cheers R

So what are we saying here?
That the ride is limited to fast riders only or that we just won't try to keep the group togeather and its every man for themselves once it starts?

:stoogie:

[warewolf]

So what are we saying here?
That the ride is limited to fast riders only or that we just won't try to keep the group togeather and its every man for themselves once it starts?The original (and only, as far as I'm concerned) intent of the Dusty Butt 1000 was to be a gravel/adventure version of the Grand Challenge (1000 Miles in 24 Hours): a personal challenge. Really, you should only ride with others that ride at your pace; that is, go when you go, stop when you stop. Faster riders can stop for longer, slower riders have to spend less time stopped. That's just the nature of the event, and it works well.

Harsh but true.

Whilst the route Ryan came up with was a beauty and lends itself to a much less rushed social ride, any plans in that direction should not carry the Dusty Butt name. Hey, I'm all for doing it as a social ride at a more modest pace, but then it won't be a Dusty Butt, but rather just another fantastic adventure ride.

My 2c.

[edit: and the name was inspired by these chaps: The Iron Butt Association (http://www.ironbutt.com/). Plenty of useful long-distance riding tips there.]

[Balrog]

Sorry that probably didn't come across that well. :o

Ryan's right about the riding criteria, and I think warewolfs ride plan would be fine.
The fast guys should probably just go for it and not wait around.
That would give them the best chance of completing it.

Maybe riders might be interested in forming different speed groups.

[cooneyr]

Sorry that probably didn't come across that well. :o

Ryan's right about the riding criteria, and I think warewolfs ride plan would be fine.
The fast guys should probably just go for it and not wait around.
That would give them the best chance of completing it.

Maybe riders might be interested in forming different speed groups.

I think this is the only way to do it unfortunatly.

Cheers R

[PLUG]

The original (and only, as far as I'm concerned) intent of the Dusty Butt 1000 was to be a gravel/adventure version of the Grand Challenge (1000 Miles in 24 Hours): a personal challenge. Really, you should only ride with others that ride at your pace; that is, go when you go, stop when you stop. Faster riders can stop for longer, slower riders have to spend less time stopped. That's just the nature of the event, and it works well.

Harsh but true.

Whilst the route Ryan came up with was a beauty and lends itself to a much less rushed social ride, any plans in that direction should not carry the Dusty Butt name. Hey, I'm all for doing it as a social ride at a more modest pace, but then it won't be a Dusty Butt, but rather just another fantastic adventure ride.

My 2c.

[edit: and the name was inspired by these chaps: The Iron Butt Association (http://www.ironbutt.com/). Plenty of useful long-distance riding tips there.]

... make that 4c ...

[PLUG]

So what are we saying here?
:stoogie:

practice ... practice ... practice ... the more ya ride the faster ya get ... hunt out them loose surfaces GSjim & make some dust/mud ... you'll be good to go, come the new year ...

[warewolf]

Sorry that probably didn't come across that well.It's fine. "Ride at your own pace" is another way of saying it.

It's a hare-and-tortoise game. The GC is run to encourage you to finish, the average speed required is something like 68km/h. On tar that's relatively easy, but in gravel and, let's face it, snotty 4wd tracks like Maungatapu, Porika and the like, that's a real challenge. So the average speed has to come from somewhere else... such as short stops.

On the DB 1st half, we kinda had quite a lazy day, with some quite long stops, not including the puncture repairs. Watching the clock on the GC you wouldn't do that. Get gas, drink/munch and off again. I ride the GC with a mate who is a bit slower. He sets the pace on the straights, the time of the stops etc. I ride at my own pace through the twisty bits, then to let him catch up either dawdle along the straights or stop at the next intersection. We'll pass some fellahs on the road, then they'll pull in to gas up after us, leave before we do, then we pass them again. We'll finish pretty close to them. :scooter: Meanwhile the fast guys have had dinner & beer and are in bed before we finish. :second:

The DB is a different animal to the GC. Things like opening gates poses a time problem in itself, particularly once you add in waiting or even co-ordinating other riders coming through... or gates swinging closed on bikes coming through :shit: :innocent: Therefore I suggest for consideration doing a DB as 800km in a day, to pull it back to a hellishly long day ride. Figure 50km/h average, 16 hours, yeah it's still a toughie on lots of gravel. It's not supposed to be done at race pace (and recons not necessary) but rather a long steady ride.

But hey, it's been an interesting exercise, huh? :rockon:

[Transalper]

The original (and only, as far as I'm concerned) intent of the Dusty Butt 1000 was to be a gravel/adventure version of the Grand Challenge .....
[edit: and the name was inspired by these chaps: The Iron Butt Association (http://www.ironbutt.com/). Plenty of useful long-distance riding tips there.]I'd have to agree with that too.

Perhaps a two day event if run with the same route sheet might be called the 'Scenic Butt' or the 'Dusty something' (i don't know.. blouse??) or... the DB Adventure as apposed to the DB Challenge... what ever.

Now I'm off to have a better look at that iornbutt website thanks warewolf.

[Transalper]

... Therefore I suggest for consideration doing a DB as 800km in a day, to pull it back to a hellishly long day ride. Figure 50km/h average, 16 hours, yeah it's still a toughie on lots of gravel....:niceone: 800km has a much more doable feel or sound to it, i think i'd like that. (of course i as most do, want another crack at the original 1000km too now we've all got a little hindsight:crazy: )

[cooneyr]

I'd have to agree with that too.

Perhaps a two day event if run with the same route sheet might be called the 'Scenic Butt' or the 'Dusty something' (i don't know.. blouse??) or... the DB Adventure as apposed to the DB Challenge... what ever.

Now I'm off to have a better look at that iornbutt website thanks warewolf.

Wifey suggested the DB Challange and DB Adventure names last night. I'm stubborn though and though we should keep the Dusty Butt name associated with the 1 dayer so didnt write up here.

I recon we could start a Kiwi biker annual two day south island scenic adventure ride - about 400-500 km each day so as to make it a decient adventure but with time to socialise over a 10 hour day. Not sure what we could call it though - maybe SIKAR (pronounced sick-ar) i.e. South Island Kiwi biker Adventure Ride. Could be open to all comers though.

This way we could use the one day Dusty Butt route over two days or come up with something entirely different as we felt fit. There doesnt seem to be any organised/annual upper south island two day adv rides and there is plenty of terrain on offer.

Any thoughs on something like SIKAR? Anybody want to help organise/promote?

Cheers R

[Zukin]

Also as part of the "Original" Dusty Butt, if we get enough entries from the North Island that will compete in the 1000km DB, we could make it a North vs South Island Challenge.
Not in teams but say for eg there were 3 North Islanders and 3 South Islanders then add these riders times up for the duration of the event, the best combined times wins the challenge?

Of course there will be more SI than NI riders, so maybe a draw out of the hat the night before?

Just a thought
A challenge within a challenge if you know what I mean :yes:

[Transalper]

Z... that would encourage racing and extra risk taking on public roads. Personally i do not think it's a good idea and would not want to be included in that area.

Names... Dusty Butt and two day soft arse... or the Dusty Butt and... the Upper South Overnighter:blink:

[cooneyr]

Z... that would encourage racing and extra risk taking on public roads. Personally i do not think it's a good idea and would not want to be included in that area.

Names... Dusty Butt and two day soft arse... or the Dusty Butt and... the Upper South Overnighter:blink:

We wouldnt want racing through the Rainbow now would we! I agree with TA on this one.

Cheers R

[timg]

I recon we could start a Kiwi biker annual two day south island scenic adventure ride - about 400-500 km each day so as to make it a decient adventure but with time to socialise over a 10 hour day. Not sure what we could call it though - maybe SIKAR (pronounced sick-ar) i.e. South Island Kiwi biker Adventure Ride. Could be open to all comers though.

This way we could use the one day Dusty Butt route over two days or come up with something entirely different as we felt fit. There doesnt seem to be any organised/annual upper south island two day adv rides and there is plenty of terrain on offer.

Any thoughs on something like SIKAR? Anybody want to help organise/promote?

Cheers R

Hi Ryan,

I like the sound of that - would be a starter depending on dates/work etc. Cheers, Tim.

[NordieBoy]

Names... Dusty Butt and two day soft arse... or the Dusty Butt and... the Upper South Overnighter:blink:

DB Lite.

:D

[warewolf]

competeDon't go there, sister!


DB Lite.GROAN

[Transalper]

DB Lite.

:Dhmmm, no :nono: no, R said he thought we should keep the Dusty Butt name associated with the 1 dayer and didn't want an overnighter to have a related name
:slap:

[alfonz]

I'd have to agree with that too.

Perhaps a two day event if run with the same route sheet might be called the 'Scenic Butt' or the 'Dusty something' (i don't know.. blouse??) or... the DB Adventure as apposed to the DB Challenge... what ever.

Now I'm off to have a better look at that iornbutt website thanks warewolf.

gee you post something and it takes off :yes: you could do what the coast to coast does as colin said a 1 or 2 day event say the two day start frist and the one day the next day so you all finish at the same time i know from my frist DB it was abit of a let down not finishing it in one day so i would want to finish it next time so would opp for 2 day just to finish

[NordieBoy]

hmmm, no :nono: no, R said he thought we should keep the Dusty Butt name associated with the 1 dayer and didn't want an overnighter to have a related name
:slap:

No no no...

"DB Lite" is the whole name. It dosn't stand for anything :rolleyes:

I even have the sticker worked out.

[Transalper]

Doesn't look like a bear can does it?

[NordieBoy]

No but think along the lines of th "old" DB logo with the D and B back to back in gold... :D

[cooneyr]

No but think along the lines of th "old" DB logo with the D and B back to back in gold... :D

Tis ammusing but doesnt do it for me - conitations are not quite right for the modern day and our changing attitudes to drink driving. Maybe back in you older fullas day (i.e. all of you cause I'm the young wipper snapper by comparison) :dodge: :dodge: :dodge: :dodge: :innocent: :shutup:

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

:D

I don't drink at all.

Dusty Butt 1000, 1000km in 1 day - Are you man enough?
DB Lite,1000km in 2 days - Are you mouse enough?

[timg]

:D

I don't drink at all.

Dusty Butt 1000, 1000km in 1 day - Are you man enough?
DB Lite,1000km in 2 days - Are you mouse enough?

Definately mouse!!

[NordieBoy]

Oh yeah :D

[Transalper]

Bit of a Video, drinks and meal afternoon/evening happening Sunday 27/5/07 3pm to 8pm.
See here for more info...
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1043458#post1043458

[RedKLR650]

While you were all enjoying yourself on the DustyButt, I had to work most of the day, but just before sunset I managed to get away for an hours exploring in a local forest. Had the Oregon Scientific Actioncam strapped to my leg when a wallaby ran out in front of the bike.... see attached video :scooter:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1049954#post1049954

Hoping to see you all in Chch for the video evening :whocares:

Cheers, Stu

[cooneyr]

Though this would be the best place given the other discussion on this thread about my crash.

I'm out of the brace, dont have to wear any other brace, no physio, just get on with life.

Allowed to ride the bike/play sport etc etc again in 6 more weeks when bone has healed better and muscles better. I've got quite a lot of movements but side to side is limited but in time should be OK.

Thanks for all your help and support over the past 6 weeks.

Cheers R

[RedKLR650]

I'm out of the brace, dont have to wear any other brace, no physio, just get on with life.
Cheers R

Wahoo !! :rockon:

Beers at your house soon then:doctor:presuming that your drinking arm isn't paralised after all the dramas :apumpin:

Seriously, that's great news Ryan, as it could be any of us in your position, so hoping we all stay right way up over winter ready for the real serious riding challenges of summer again :Punk: :stoogie:

Cheers, Stu :scooter: :scooter:

[PLUG]

Wahoo !! :rockon:

Seriously, that's great news Ryan, as it could be any of us in your position, so hoping we all stay right way up over winter ready for the real serious riding challenges of summer again :Punk: :stoogie:

Cheers, Stu :scooter: :scooter:

ditto ... lookin forward to doin the dusty with ya both this coming summa ...

[Transalper]

...I'm out of the brace, dont have to wear any other brace, no physio, just get on with life.....
Glad to hear it, so you wont be selling your bike then. This is good news, if i were a drinking man i say this calls for a drink :drinknsin

Cheers
TA.

[NordieBoy]

Bugger :(

Anyone know how to wind back the odo on a '98 DR650?


Ummm, I mean... Excellent news!

[far queue]

I'm out of the brace, dont have to wear any other brace, no physio, just get on with life.Excellent news, good to hear it.

[cooneyr]

Thanks for the comments guys. Looking forward to getting back on the bike. :yes: :Punk:



Bugger :(

Anyone know how to wind back the odo on a '98 DR650?


Oi you. Maybe I should charge a privilege to store fee! See you on Queens Bday to collect it.

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

My shed ramp was slippery and I had to take a run-up at it :D

[Balrog]

Good to hear you're on the mend cooneyr.
Six weeks ... thats around cold kiwi time. Could be a good test run :scooter:

Is your bike all fixed or still requiring phisio?

:)

[cooneyr]

Good to hear you're on the mend cooneyr.
Six weeks ... thats around cold kiwi time. Could be a good test run :scooter:

Is your bike all fixed or still requiring phisio?

:)

Thanks J. I get the impression that the bike is getting some physio so should be in fine shape by the time I get it back - thanks Nordie. :D

I'm only allowed to start riding in 6 weeks so ColdKiwi might be a little bit far for a first run. No idea how neck muscles will handle the wind loading yet so will have to ease them back into it.

Cheers R

[warewolf]

I'm out of the brace, dont have to wear any other brace, no physio, just get on with life.Great news! :scooter:

[alfonz]

good to hear you are up and about look forward to riding on another adventure with you go hard but carefully

[RedKLR650]

:Offtopic: Hi all. for some reason when I click on the Adventure bike video evening in Chch link, my computer throws a wobbly and explorer shuts down !!! :no: Anyway, just a big thank you to Plug, Cooneyr, Transalper and the team that organised the video evening, with Ryan's exploits covered from every angle :oi-grr: A great afternoon / evening with some great rides covered. My only disappointment was that there was no formal introductions done as by the time I left I still didn't know who half the people in the room were :eek:

On another note, good to see a new kiwibiker sign up, especially so as she rides an adventure bike. With a login name like ' The Mistress ' :devil2: maybe we'd all better watch out.

Justine ( her real name ) seemed to enjoy her afternoon of crashes and mayhem, and as her little red 650 Funduro has yet to fully experience the joys of serious off roading, she was pleased to note that even the most experienced of you lot all still managed to have the odd spill, sometimes at the most unlikely moments :shit: :niceone:

So be nice to her guys, and she may just come along on a few rides with you all

Cheers, Stu :scooter:

[cooneyr]

Bump - so I can find it more easily when referencing it in the new DB 08 thread

R

[alane]

From the NAKI--:rockon:--What,ll I bring-----Decisions---decisions.:shit:
(1)No---suspension not good enough.(@ Mangles valley)
(2) Comfy---but a bit "wisseee" somehow.:rolleyes:
(3) Both Yammies have done most of the track.(Red 'uns a Xv1000TR1)adventurecruiser.:2thumbsup:2thumbsup
(4)No "Bertha,s" still in Bundaberg AU.:no:

[JATZ]

From the NAKI--:rockon:--What,ll I bring-----Decisions---decisions.:shit:

Ahhhh Dude..... bring your glasses :D
Did you look @ the dates on those posts ?
Next ones being sorted over here http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=102051

[alane]

Aw! well!!!-----guess I,ll get the "Dickoftheday award".:shifty:-------Too late @ night.
Don,t think the pics came out anyway----can anyone see em???????:whocares:
Wus my first post Might be my last.:shutup:

[NordieBoy]

Aw! well!!!-----guess I,ll get the "Dickoftheday award".:shifty:-------Too late @ night.
Don,t think the pics came out anyway----can anyone see em???????:whocares:
Wus my first post Might be my last.:shutup:

You can only go up from here :D:Punk:

[Padmei]

Aw! well!!!-----guess I,ll get the "Dickoftheday award".:shifty:-------Too late @ night.
Don,t think the pics came out anyway----can anyone see em???????:whocares:
Wus my first post Might be my last.:shutup:

I dunno if we'll allow you back - mistakes are NOT tolerated around here:Police:


(well actually they are allowed & quite often displayed many times in photos around here)

[alane]

I dunno if we'll allow you back - mistakes are NOT tolerated around here:Police:


(well actually they are allowed & quite often displayed many times in photos around here)

JEEEZ!!!!!--------COPS--:no::weird::shit:----can you get demerit points???????

googled Click clack---did,nt relize they,re made in Palmy.:niceone::niceone:
The 0.6 ltr is the one to get is,nt it???

[junkmanjoe]

Hay alane

i wouldnt trust eather of them, NordieBoy or Padmei, them southern lads....
trust me i know them....:done:

JMJ

[Eddieb]

Hay alane

i wouldnt trust eather of them, NordieBoy or Padmei, them southern lads....
trust me i know them....:done:

JMJ

So he should trust a Wairarapa boy instead of 2 Southern boys? Dunno if those rapa boys are any more reliable

[Woodman]

what about a southern lad who grew up (debatable) in the wairarapa???

[NordieBoy]

what about a southern lad who grew up (debatable) in the wairarapa???

Does he play the banjo?

Or ride a KLR?

[Padmei]

Padmei, them southern lads....


JMJ

Thanks Joe:niceone: As a JAFA that's the nicest thing anyones ever said to me:msn-wink:

[alane]

looks like I started some,itt:laugh: