Brass Monkey Adventure

[mickeyboy]

Pilgrims, a few of us are planning to travel down the friday of the monkey via "the gravel" probably go via blackforest station , benmore dam then into omarama and private farm road through Dunstan Peaks to St Bathans.
Will be great day , keep in touch , any North Island boys coming down are welcome.We will leave from Chch at 9.30am from Shell Templeton Main South Road, couple of k's past Hornby , heading south. Get there a bit earlier so u can gas up and meet the boys. Hook up with Plug or Crispy , they will be there.

I will meet up with you at Geraldine, as i have work in Timaru that week. TXT me on 027-2080361 if you need any further information.

We have full permission to access both roads, the only fly in the ointment will be weather, if it snow's , there is a possiblilty that we won't get through. I have to check Thurs nite as to the status. I will text Crispy and Plug if any changes. See you at Geraldine.

UPDATE !! WE WILL MEET UP AT THE HALDON ARM ROAD / HAKATRAMEA TURN OFF BETWEEN 12.00 and 1.00pm FRIDAY FOR THOSE COMING FROM DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS.



Regards Mick

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/images/smilies/scooter.gif










l

[paturoa]

Whole bunch from up north - check out their posts - there are some dirty boys in there!

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=45135

[Transalper]

I'm a fan of the Black Forest and missed out on the Omarama to St Bathans road last year for our return run because we had no permisson and since PLUG and co are talking about Thursday departures I might try hook in with this but my bed on Friday night is supposed to be at Nasbey so we'll see what developes in the next couple of weeks and proberbly finalise my plans with people at the video night on Sunday 27th (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=49323).

[Sidewinder]

boys and girls , a few of us are planning to travel down the friday of the monkey via "the gravel" probably go via blackforest station , benmore dam then into omarama and private farm road to st bathans.
Will be great day , keep in touch , any North Island boys coming down are welcome.We will leave from Chch 8 ish.



regards mick
l

Why do you guys have to be in Christchurch... I love gravel, but am stuck around Hamilton

[PLUG]

I'm keen to hook up with you guys Mick ... Can you make it to the sunday arvo bike porn video on the 27/5 ??? ... will be good to see you & ya mates along there ...

[cooneyr]

Would love to go to the Monkey but not this year - I put myself out of commission unfortunately.

Cheers R

[mickeyboy]

Plug u hardcore ADV MAN Great man , keep in touch.
Mick

[zeRax]

whens all this happening, got my brand new honda xr250l and brand new gear head to toe, and it really really needs to become well used

[PLUG]

Queens brithday weekend ...

[zeRax]

and when is that

[PLUG]

and when is that

ask ya mummy ...

[zeRax]

im asking you ...

[Transalper]

1 to 4 June this year, Queens Birthday is allways the first Monday in June. You'll find it on most New Zealand calenders.
Rally info..http://brassmonkeyrally.org.nz/first.html

[Ruralman]

You guys got permission organised for this ride? - there have been some issues up there according to Oldrider and theres at least one pissed off landowner and possibly more locked gates. Don't just expect to turn up and get through.

Is see there was an adventure ride to the Brass advertised in the ODT yesterday as well - presume they are going via the Dunstan Trail etc - it did say 200-1200cc bikes with road legal knobbies

[oldrider]

You guys got permission organised for this ride? - there have been some issues up there according to Oldrider and theres at least one pissed off landowner and possibly more locked gates. Don't just expect to turn up and get through.

Is see there was an adventure ride to the Brass advertised in the ODT yesterday as well - presume they are going via the Dunstan Trail etc - it did say 200-1200cc bikes with road legal knobbies

That happened over Christmas to Easter, some jerks used a 4x4 and a chain to unlock a gate or two and some bikers of sorts cut a section of fence out behind a pylon to give themselves unfettered access during their holliday stay in the area!

It may have quietened down now but the owners of Te Akatarawa Station were a little vexed last time I was talking to them.

Most (about 28km) of the Black Forest road is on their property, Black Forest has only got about 3 or 4km and that is what they charge you for.

The combination locks are the same at each end for the runholders, road contractors and TransPowers convenience, as far as I am aware you should have permission from both ends!

There are three different runholders you have to get permission from to go across from Omarama to Saint Bathans, that track is called the "Omarama Saddle" it is just a farm track with a few creek crossings but can be tricky with the weather at any time of the year.

Mickyboy knows his way round there anyway, he knows the drill.

Have fun, see you all at the Brass I hope. Ride safe! :yes: Cheers John.

[Transalper]

Hey Mickey, you planing to pitch ya tents Friday night at the Rally?

[mickeyboy]

Friday 1st of June we leave from Chch after we do breakfast together

[mickeyboy]

Dudes , I will get all that sorted ok , I know the Farmers and have been there b4 , the blackforest guys are cool and the other Farmers are fine 2 deal with.

We will have a great time and the country is stunning !

Mickeyboy

[mickeyboy]

Transalper ! I'm staying in Ranfurly in a warm apartment ! mate done than tent stuff but you go ahead and enjoy the ground mattress !

Mick

[mickeyboy]

Dudes, Ive put the word out and we have permission from both landowners.
We need to check the weather Thursday night , if there has been snow then both roads will be impassable. If so we will do the Haka and Dansey's or whatever we decide. The plan is "fun" and "relaxed" we have all day and all night.

Mick

[chrispy3334]

Hey Mickey I'm with ya mate (but can we turn the heat pump down to 20 deg this time) lol


Chrispy

[dmc]

Yeah it was to hot last year, lol


Hope you have crap weather and a boring time :shake:


:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[mickeyboy]

Yeh, the heat pump was cranking last year ! Have you got the Gudge and Archie tuned on the ride ?

Me

[PLUG]

Is see there was an adventure ride to the Brass advertised in the ODT yesterday as well - presume they are going via the Dunstan Trail etc - it did say 200-1200cc bikes with road legal knobbies

any more info on this rm ... just thinking about places to hunt out & explore on the Saturday

looks like the padlocks will be off ... could head on down to Moa Creek & see if we can get right through to Clarks Junction ... Serpentine could be worth a look as well ... & there's always Thompson Gorge/Rise & Shine Rd ... so much choice ... so little time ...

[Ruralman]

any more info on this rm ... just thinking about places to hunt out & explore on the Saturday

looks like the padlocks will be off ... could head on down to Moa Creek & see if we can get right through to Clarks Junction ... Serpentine could be worth a look as well ... & there's always Thompson Gorge/Rise & Shine Rd ... so much choice ... so little time ...

I'll check out this Sat ODT - I think the advert said details at bike shops (maybe just Dunedin shops?). I'll be through Dun again soon and will go in and grab one if thats the case.
I was in through the Serpentine back in Feb in a 4WD trip - its frigging high up there. You'd certainly need the road legal knobbies if there was any moisture around. I've never done that Thompson/Rise and Shine trip either. I was thinking of planning a trip through there and include the Nevis as a 2 day adventure ride weekend next summer. Jantar is hatching some plans too I think so something will happen!

[mickeyboy]

Plug, You suss Saturdy out, The serpentine would be cool as. Bike Rider mag want me to submit an article on the Adventures.

Me

[cooneyr]

any more info on this rm ... just thinking about places to hunt out & explore on the Saturday


Plug, You suss Saturdy out, The serpentine would be cool as. Bike Rider mag want me to submit an article on the Adventures.

Me

Pete,

Reminded me about this on the vid night. I've been through twice so may be able to help with some info. As a starter the route is in the ken sibly books.

I've got some suggestions for other places to look into as well. Was thinking about it before I offed.

Cheers R

[PLUG]

Plug, You suss Saturdy out

get ya self along to the dvd bike PORN arvo @the cashmere club on sunday 27 & we can suss options ... see meeting & events for details

[cooneyr]

P is referring to this (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=49323)

Cheers R

[mickeyboy]

plug, text me ur mobile 027-2080361.

mick

[mickeyboy]

Plug, what time does the vid start.

mick

[Transalper]

P is referring to this (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=49323)

Cheers R


Plug, what time does the vid start.

mickIf you'd clicked cooneyrs link you'd know everything there is to know about the video afternoon. We'll be there at 3pm.

[mickeyboy]

Bruce, Have replied to your email, any news on the advertised ride ?

Mick

[chrispy3334]

how was the waimak mickey ? The new gear ? :scooter:

[Ruralman]

Bruce, Have replied to your email, any news on the advertised ride ?

Mick

Yeah its in todays paper again and it says to contact any Dunedin Bike shops for entry/details - it doesn't mention any cost so I'm not quite sure how/what it is. They do emphasize the value of road legal knobblies which has me a bit wary because I don't run tyres quite that grippy and I'm not going to try wrestling a well loaded Transalp through muddy rutty stuff with my tyres.
Once I know the route then I might be able to make a call based on the weather on the day - or just cruise up SH8 with some of the others from around here
A phone call to any Dunas bike shop should get you something faxed through but I'll try to get in there one day this week and get the details and post on here.
Cheers

[mickeyboy]

primo mate ready for the paris dakar, the sidi's are the bioz as well.
How u going

[warewolf]

OK, count me in.

I'll be down to CHC on Thursday night.

[mickeyboy]

Colin, The Team is leaving from Shell Templeton 720 Main South Road 9am.

Meet up there , I'll meet you guys in geraldine as I have work in timaru that week. My mobile is 027-2080361 if u need to get hold of me.

Thanks Mick

[Transalper]

Colin, The Team is leaving from Shell Templeton 720 Main South Road 9am.

Meet up there , I'll meet you guys in geraldine as I have work in timaru that week. My mobile is 027-2080361 if u need to get hold of me.

Thanks Mick
So the talk of breakfast first is off then? Yay i can sleep in.

[warewolf]

Cheers, I am staying with Plug on Thur night.

If he doesn't know where Templeton is then we're f@cked before we even get started!

[mickeyboy]

Yeh Trans brek in geraldine might be the biz ! Warewolf , if you hit the jungle juice hard on Thurs night Plug might get lost !

[Ruralman]

Went into Honda Otago on my way home today to find out about this adventure ride to the Brass thats been advertised - while the route isn't being released until the day I was taken through it and it looks like a fantastic trip which I'll do quite happily without putting knobblies on the T/A unless theres a torrential downpour. Most of that country is so dry at the moment it will take quite a bit of rain to change things.
They are charging $20 per head, it goes through several private properties and good 4WD tracks as well as having a lot of gravel miles. Without trying to describe in detail the actual route the following sums it up (I wasn't given a copy to keep so this is from memory):

Leave from Honda Otago 9am Sat
Leave Dunedin via the Leith Valley (onto Gravel quite quickly)
From Waitati a loop through Silverpeaks forest roads (normally locked gates)through to eventually join Ramrock road which goes from Waikouaiti through to Nenthorn.
Over some farm tracks from Nenthorn - Moonlight and to the Taeiri river and then gravel roads through to Hyde for coffee stop.
I think it then does the highway section over the Hyde hill which would be a shame to miss just for a bit of gravel, and then goes through farm trcks and gravel roads to Waipiata, Ranfurly and a fuel up.
Got a bit lost after that but its basically more gravel and farm roads from Ranfurly to the Brass.
All the way through there are opportunities to opt out of sections if your tyres aren't up to it or whatever.
By the look of all the planning thats gone into it the $20 is money well spent.

The route is also all on relatively low country so won't be affected so much by extreme weather and snow - but it is winter and anything is possible so you know the rules.

So thats the guts of it - who is interested?? I'm definitely a starter although getting what needs to be done around here and stil getting to the start by 9 will be a challenge.

[Transalper]

I'd be interested if we can get up early enough to travel from Naseby to Dunedin in time... but that's a heck of a backtrack. I'm sure it will be discussed on Sunday but... man we'd have to get up early, leave Naseby in the dark?

Google map directions estimate 2 hours via Palmerston.
See here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&saddr=Naseby+new+zealand&daddr=462+Princes+St+Dunedin+New+Zealand&sll=-45.069641,170.174789&sspn=0.224529,0.4422&ie=UTF8&t=h&om=1&z=9).

I haven't ridden the Pig Route in years, always seem to be on Dansys Pass instead.

[cooneyr]

I'd be interested it we can get up early enough to travel from Naseby to Dunedin in time... but that's a heck of a backtrack. I'm sure it will be discussed on Sunday but... man we'd have to get up early, leave Naseby in the dark?

Google map directions estimate 2 hours via Palmerston.
See here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&saddr=Naseby+new+zealand&daddr=462+Princes+St+Dunedin+New+Zealand&sll=-45.069641,170.174789&sspn=0.224529,0.4422&ie=UTF8&t=h&om=1&z=9).

I haven't ridden the Pig Route in years, always seem to be on Dansys Pass instead.

Man the chch fullers are going to cover some miles doing all this plus travelling there and back. Extremely jealous of you all - anybody keen for next year?

Cheers R

[mickeyboy]

thanks ruralman for the details.

[Ruralman]

For those of you staying around Naesby etc on the Friday night, you could enquire to Honda Otago about joining the adventure ride from the Hyde coffee stop if you can't get to Dunedin for the 9am start

[Transalper]

For those of you staying around Naesby etc on the Friday night, you could enquire to Honda Otago about joining the adventure ride from the Hyde coffee stop if you can't get to Dunedin for the 9am startThanks RM, it's a thought, but the Silverpeaks forest roads (normally locked gates) bit sounds attractive to me too so if we go i think we'll be trying to do the whole thing. We'll hopefully have a better paln A and B sorted at tomorrows video thing, i dont know what the others are think about this as yet, they did say they wanted to play on the Saturday.

[denefoster]

Anyone coming down from Wellytown for this ? I'm trying to organise some work in Christchurch on Friday, but might not be able to sort that out. If not, I'll probably knock off early on Friday and at least break ground on the south island Friday night..

[PLUG]

from all the various discussions/options yesterday @ the bike PORN arvo

there will be riders coming from different direction with the AIM of ALL meeting up @ the HELDON/HAKA turn off between 12 & 1pm on Friday arvo ... there could be as many as 15 of us heading through Black Forest

So ... those from Ch-ch who want to ... meet @ the BP Rolly 8.00, leaving 8.15 ... flat track it down to Temuka then hang a right & on to Pleasant Point ... gas/food & on to Albury ...

Albury is the meeting place for those coming from Timaru, @ around 10.45 with the AIM of heading out of there 11.00 ... this gives us plenty of time to have a bit of a poke around & make our way over MacKenzie's Pass to the designated meeting point ...

what say you mickyboy ...

[chrispy3334]

Hey Plug so the 9.30am meet at the Shell has now changed for you guys ? You leaving earlier n meeting at Roly ?

[mickeyboy]

Thats cool Just be at tbe Haka Haldon intersection before 1pm , we head for black forest at 1pm ok boys !

[PLUG]

Hey Plug so the 9.30am meet at the Shell has now changed for you guys ? You leaving earlier n meeting at Roly ?

That was mickyboys post/time ... mick said yesterday that he will be leaving from Timaru on Friday morning ... suspect those leaving from there (shell tempelton), @ that time, will be black topping it all the way to the meeting point ...

the 8.00 @ the BP Rolly is if you want to take the long way & make some dust from Albury through to the meeting point ...

[chrispy3334]

Ok sweet as we will hopefully all hook up at the Haka :yes:

[The Pink Panther]

i belive rolly is rollston ??

[Transalper]

i belive rolly is rollston ??
I'd assume yes is the answer to that.

[RedKLR650]

Pilgrims, a few of us are planning to travel down the friday of the monkey via "the gravel" probably go via blackforest station , benmore dam then into omarama and private farm road through Dunstan Peaks to St Bathans. UPDATE !! WE WILL MEET UP AT THE HALDON ARM ROAD / HAKATRAMEA TURN OFF BETWEEN 12.00 and 1.00pm FRIDAY FOR THOSE COMING FROM DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS

Hi all,
I'm a bit concerned re your timing of the meetup on Friday.:wait: It's only 2.5hrs from the centre of Chch to The Haldon / Haka Road intersection travelling by car at the legal speed limit, :scooter: :scooter: so that should be closer to 2hrs 15 on bikes, :ride: maybe even less. :slap: So why the 1pm start as it's totally dark :cold: by just after 5.30 and you've still got a fair bit of ground between there and St Bathans via the farm raods etc ????:soon:

Just curious...... Stu :scooter:

[RedKLR650]

Anyone coming down from Wellytown for this ? I'm trying to organise some work in Christchurch on Friday, but might not be able to sort that out. If not, I'll probably knock off early on Friday and at least break ground on the south island Friday night..

Finish work Thursday, catch ferry Thursday and get as far as Kiakoura Thursday night, and you'll still make the start on time on Friday :-)

Cheers, Stu

[mattsdakar]

Hey Stu,
Assuming the weather is all good on Friday, I'm still keen to ride back with you to Timaru from St Bathans, think Christchurch is a bit of a stretch so will stay the night with my brother in Timaru.
Rgds Matt

[Ruralman]

I presume from the traffic in here that no one is planning on joining up on the adventure ride from Dunedin to the Brass?? Barring some unexpected hitch or a weather bomb I'm still planning on doing this ride so if anyone else is send me a PM or something so we can meet up.
cheers
Bruce

[RedKLR650]

Hey Stu,
Assuming the weather is all good on Friday, I'm still keen to ride back with you to Timaru from St Bathans, think Christchurch is a bit of a stretch so will stay the night with my brother in Timaru.
Rgds Matt

No problem, give me a buzz on Thursday sometime to confirm though as not wanting to be the bearer of bad news, but weather :sunny: looks like it's going to crap out for Friday :no: ( see link below )

http://www.metvuw.co.nz/forecast/forecast.php?type=rain&region=nzsi

I'm very keen on this ride, but can't see much point of spending a day getting wet :cold: and potential bike damage :nono: :oi-grr: on the slippery farm tracks :eek: just for the sake of a ride :scooter: :scooter: if I'm just going to turn around and return home at the end of it. I'd rather wait until a fine weekend and have another bash at it :Punk:

I'm on 0274 342 372

Cheers, Stu :scooter:

[Transalper]

mmm, looks like i'll be living in me warehouse jacket and rubber overbootys all weekend.
Better double check the spare gloves are packed too.

[mickeyboy]

Dudes , Shall we say we depart from the HAKA turn off Midday ?
That way we have plenty of time to stop for photo shoots etc.
Give me some feedback you buzzard heads !

Mick

[RedKLR650]

Dudes , Shall we say we depart from the HAKA turn off Midday ? That way we have plenty of time to stop for photo shoots etc. Give me some feedback you buzzard heads ! Mick

Could the CHCH ones please post the earliest time that they would be able to leave CHCH as the starting time will be totally revelant to them

Cheers, Stu

[PLUG]

Dudes , Shall we say we depart from the HAKA turn off Midday ?
That way we have plenty of time to stop for photo shoots etc.
Give me some feedback you buzzard heads !

Mick

I'm OK with that ... meet @ the BP Rolleston ... (it's right next door to the BP Rolly) 7.30 ... out of there 7.45 ...

Hook up with the Timaru lot @ the Albury pub 10-10.15 ... out of there 10.30

Have spoken with the COD council ... everything is unlocked ... it all gets locked up for winter on Tuesday 5 June ... so everything in that area is our play ground for Saturday ... how hard & how long does everyone want to play ??? ... check ya maps out & we will sort it out on friday

[RedKLR650]

I'm OK with that ... meet @ the BP Rolleston ... (it's right next door to the BP Rolly) 7.30 ... out of there 7.45 ...

Hook up with the Timaru lot @ the Albury pub 10-10.15 ... out of there 10.30

Have spoken with the COD council ... everything is unlocked ... it all gets locked up for winter on Tuesday 5 June ... so everything in that area is our play ground for Saturday ... how hard & how long does everyone want to play ??? ... check ya maps out & we will sort it out on friday

What's the COD council ?

And what area does that refer to ?

Stu

[Transalper]

i'll hazard a guess at Central Otago District Council... am i right?

Shoot i don't even know if their is one by that name, but the letters fit.

I'm umming and arring the helmet cam for this trip, haven't tried it on the DR when packed before but i looks like i can have a tent, bed roll, sleeping bag arrangement or... a helmet cam, video recorder in backpack, spare batterys and the necessary tapes,chargers etc.
At this stage with Plug and co staying on site Saturday i think i need the tent etc more than the camera gear.

No Camera Up side: i get a stress free ride with out the distraction of trying to get myself in a position to get the odd good shot.

No Camera Down side: with crap weather expected the potential for fun mud shots is high and i'll miss them all.

[PLUG]

i'll hazard a guess at Central Otago District Council... am i right?

bling to that man ...

[Ruralman]

Looking at tonights forecast I don't think the weather will be as bad as you guys are fearing - maybe the odd shower but nothing too serious

[paturoa]

Ride safe you lot and get dirty. I'm off in the morning and will see you there.

[alfonz]

hey t/a theres plenty of room in my tent if you want to take your camera instead of your tent

[Transalper]

Cheers Alf, i'll have a little think on that, i'm a bit used to my own space, but that might be a good plan since it's only one night.

[RedKLR650]

hey t/a theres plenty of room in my tent if you want to take your camera instead of your tent

Alfonz, if we didn't know you better, that would be a very dodgy sounding thing to say to a big burly biker like Carl :love:

Cheerrs, Stu :scooter:

[cooneyr]

Cheers Alf, i'll have a little think on that, i'm a bit used to my own space, but that might be a good plan since it's only one night.

I've got a bivy bag that will take up about half the space of your sleeping bag in your panniers. You'd have plenty of your "own space" though - not! If it rains or snows though its kinda hard to keep things dry and you have to be comfortable sleeping with material directly on your face i.e. not claustrophobic.

Cheers R

[RedKLR650]

Looking at tonights forecast I don't think the weather will be as bad as you guys are fearing - maybe the odd shower but nothing too serious

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but forecast doesn't seem to have improved...... :sunny:

May not be P###### down , but will be bloody greasy on those pylon access roads :slap:

Checkout

http://www.metvuw.co.nz/forecast/forecast.php?type=rain&region=nzsi

or ( Timaru is closest city to base this forecast off )

http://home.nzcity.co.nz/weather/weatherdetail.aspx?wc=Timaru

Hope to see you all there :Punk: :yes:

Stu :scooter: :scooter:

[cooneyr]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but forecast doesn't seem to have improved...... :sunny:

May not be P###### down , but will be bloody greasy on those pylon access roads :slap: ......

By my expert reading of the metvuw site I reckon you will get showers and a total of about 10mm over Friday. Will be annoying but keep the dust down and make things slippery enough to be fun.

Have fun guys. Wish I was going too. :crybaby:

Cheers R

[The Pink Panther]

got pinky going last night am back in the chase

[far queue]

Have a great time guys and good luck with the weather.

[RedKLR650]

Have a great time guys and good luck with the weather.

Radio weather says it's already raining in Omarama :shit:

Here in Timvegas, forecast still crap, barometer is going down faster than a punctured tire and it's still dark, but can see the stars currently, so at least the sky is clear for the moment :sunny:


Cheers, Stu :scooter:

[NordieBoy]

So is it cold enough to shiver the rain off a Brass Monkey yet?

[Jantar]

No, its still quite warm. 10:25 pm and still 8.3 C outside.

[RedKLR650]

So is it cold enough to shiver the rain off a Brass Monkey yet?


MattsDakar and I both did todays ride but turned around and skipped the Brass due to work tomorrow:innocent: . We returned via the Danseys in the dark, aided by a full moon :sunny: ( where's warewolf when you need him ? ) 460km today, nearly all of us, myself included, had a spill of some magnitude, most at low speed due to parallell ruts and lots of mud :-) The river crossing at the end proved tricky with water OVER top of the 21'" front wheels, and one of the KTM's trying to cross, ending up with a water filled engine. :shit: Most other bikes were pushed across by 4 men up to their thighs in the water. :Punk: A good team effort.....

Pix coming soon, Stu :scooter:

[PLUG]

hurry up with 'em pictures Stu ... no frost over nite, clear fine day ahead ... off hunting tracks & trails off the old Dunstan Rd today ... bring it on

[RedKLR650]

hurry up with 'em pictures Stu ... no frost over nite, clear fine day ahead ... off hunting tracks & trails off the old Dunstan Rd today ... bring it on

OK, here goes......

A few of the Chch adventure boys decided a while back on a bit of an offroad adventure heading down the direction of the brass monkey. The general idea was to meet at Albury ( near Fairlie ), proceed to Black Forest Station on the shores of Lake Benmore then to proceed through the farmland on the pylon access road to the Benmore dam itself.....

I met up with the Chch fellas at Albury at around 11, :sunny: andwe headed through the beaut shingle curves :love: of the Mackenzie pass on the way to the meeting point at the Haka Pass / Haldon road intersection where we were to meet with Mickeyboy and others. :Punk: Mackenzie Pass monument provided the opportunity to get the wet weather gear on until we got to the shelter of a bridge over a dry riverbed on the Haldon Road

A billy was brewed :not: by the guy on the wee 500, and the rain finally stopped just before mickeyboy arrived......

Then the adventure began...... :Punk: :Punk:

Pix attached from Part 1.....

[RedKLR650]

MattsDakar and I both did todays ride but turned around and skipped the Brass due to work tomorrow:innocent: . We returned via the Danseys in the dark, aided by a full moon :sunny: ( where's warewolf when you need him ? )

Oops, just heard from Matt, picked up a $230 ticket :scooter: heading through Timaru.... :shit:

[RedKLR650]

After Mick arrived we headed up the road, with a quick photo op at the Haldon Station sign...... :scooter:

[RedKLR650]

:scooter: We then headed on past the Haldon school, much to the delight of the kids playing outside:Punk: , and made our way down the road to the Black Forest Homestead where we collected the fees :third: for the property owner before setting out on the really fun part of the day....... :bye:

[RedKLR650]

The farm tracks gradually transformed into a surface made up of large sharp rock fragments, so going was a bit slower than anticipated, :dodge: when one of the crew on the smallest and oldest bike in the team ( Jules on a TT500 ) :scooter: had a bolt come loose resulting in the back brake drum rotating and breaking the lever linking to the back brake pedal :shit: After a quick repair he made good time with only a front brake and on some bloody steep sections too !! :shit: Eventually we came within sight of the main lower section of the great Lake Benmore.......

[RedKLR650]

We eventually got to the Dam, locked the gate back up for the farmer:nono: , and meandered our way to Omarama :bye: for some fuel for both man and machine.....:scooter:

[RedKLR650]

Mick decided some tire photos were in order to show Dunlop how they were wearing. We then headed south out of Omarama and took the first left to the end of the shingle road which took us onto the path shown on the maps. A dirt track turned to large rutted rocks up over the ridge, then back to slippery deeply rutted clay tracks. Apart from Matt ( Mattsdakar ), I think we all ( myself included ) had a wee liedown while still on the bike :shit:

No major damage though and we were all having lots of fun until........

[RedKLR650]

........ the river crossing. Yep, right at the southern end of the track was a fast flowing river about 700mm deep at the shallowest point we could find. On the other side was one of the KTM's which tried and failed, tipping over and swallowing a bit of water. After inverting it on land, and some mechanical work, they managed to empty most of the water out of it, and quickly got it re-started. As for the rest of us on the wrong side, it was quickly decided that a 4 man escort :chase: was required and each bike was pushed across with 2 men on each side to hold it against the current. As you can imagine, it was getting dark, and with everyone wet up to their n@*$:doh: , the fun was going out of that leg. The crew then split up at the end of the road, with some heading to the Brass, and Plug and a crew heading for Naseby and the warmth of a warm cabin. Matt and I headed back North due to work committments on Saturday, so we decided on a South to North traverse of the Danseys in the dark, aided by a full moon. We stopped for a Pie and drink at the Danseys Pass Pub ( Bloody nice place and people, must head back there...... :love: ) and then pushed on through the pass to Duntroon, hung a right towards Oamaru, taking 7 mile road back to SH1 and just made fuel in Timaru before Matt's Dakar was about to run dry of fuel. I've since learned Matt got stuck with a $270 ticket :shit: not long after leaving my place, but considering earlier high speed parts of the ride, that may not have been so bad.....

Thanks for a GREAT day out guys, catch you all again next time :yes:

And please feel free to add the names and fill in the bit's I've missed out anyone else that was there

Cheers, Stu...... :scooter:

[RedKLR650]

And in case you were wondering, I don't have any shots of the river crossing, as my camera was left on the other side with my gear while I took my bike across, :bye: and by the time I swam back to retrieve it, :nono: all the bikes were over. I do know that lots of others have got pix, some if some could be posted that would be great, Cheers, Stu :scooter:

[windboy]

And in case you were wondering, I don't have any shots of the river crossing, as my camera was left on the other side with my gear while I took my bike across, :bye: and by the time I swam back to retrieve it, :nono: all the bikes were over. I do know that lots of others have got pix, some if some could be posted that would be great, Cheers, Stu :scooter:

Big thanks for sharing those images with all of us mortals that couldn't make it to the brass (hopefully next year).

I'm impressed Stu as I remember your reply when I asked if you were doing the brass as well as the WWWWW ride at the end of June:


To be honest, probably not, I get very few free weekends in my occupation as a wedding photographer, so prefer to spend those that I do have actually riding rather than sitting in a tent drinking all day :beer:

Cheers, Stu

Mega thanks for posting all those wicked photos man, looks like your red KLR came out much better than a mighty KTM Adventure!

later,

[RedKLR650]

Big thanks for sharing those images with all of us mortals that couldn't make it to the brass (hopefully next year).

I'm impressed Stu as I remember your reply when I asked if you were doing the brass as well as the WWWWW ride at the end of June:


Mega thanks for posting all those wicked photos man, looks like your red KLR came out much better than a mighty KTM Adventure!

later,


Sorry there windboy, I think you misunderstood, I didn't actually go to the brass, I just did the ' Travel to the brass ' Ride yesterday, but came straight back last night, 460km total. Have been working all day in the office back here, that's why the pix took so long to get on the site :-(

Cheers, Stu :scooter:

[windboy]

:doh: :doh: :doh: :doh:

Well thanks for clarifying Stu. BTW, the route that you took in this ride is always opened to the public or is it just cause of the brass? Looks bloody epic...

[RedKLR650]

:doh: :doh: :doh: :doh:

Well thanks for clarifying Stu. BTW, the route that you took in this ride is always opened to the public or is it just cause of the brass? Looks bloody epic...

Neither, both routes were only available to us by private arrangement with the farmers concerned by one of the other guys on the ride. One farmer charged a token $5 for access, the other free, but neither way is public access at any time :bye:

Cheer, Stu :scooter:

[laRIKin]

Stu, I would also like to thanks you for sharing those pic's of the boys on the trip so far.
Looks like fun wish I was there as well.
But had other commitments this weekend.

[NordieBoy]

Sweet pics.
I was a bit suspect of the TT550 not having blinkers but it's actually on the exempt list but should really have a proper horn :D

So Stu, how does the KLR like the motard disc and fork brace?

[RedKLR650]

Sweet pics.
I was a bit suspect of the TT550 not having blinkers but it's actually on the exempt list but should really have a proper horn :D
So Stu, how does the KLR like the motard disc and fork brace?

The fork brace was invaluable on a ride like this as you are constantly fighting the handlebars trying to twist the front wheel up out of a rut etc, :ride: and trying to miss the biggest of the gnarly rocks. :dodge: As for the 320mm front disc, I'd reccomend it to anyone with an adventure bike and an ineffective standard front disc :scooter:

You would have enjoyed the ride Fran, Cheers, Stu :drinknsin

[cooneyr]

Awsome pics Stu! :Punk: Sounds and looks like you all had an wicked ride. Keen to see pics of the river crossing!!!!

Spoke to P and TA this morning and apparently it froze last night but the sun came up nice and early this morning.

Got my bike back this morning. Thanks for looking after it Nordie!

Cheers R

[far queue]

OK, here goes......Pix attached from Part 1.....Excellent work there, top shots and great write up :first:

[mattsdakar]

Oops, just heard from Matt, picked up a $230 ticket :scooter: heading through Timaru.... :shit:

Thanks for spilling the beans Stu!

How about that Danseys Pass crossing by moonlight eh, that was one of the highlights for me.

Cheers fella

[SDU]

:rockon: Awesome piccies!
Looks like a great ride was had just bloody freezing

[RedKLR650]

Thanks for spilling the beans Stu!
How about that Danseys Pass crossing by moonlight eh, that was one of the highlights for me. Cheers fella

Sorry about spilling the beans, but you still have the honour of being the only one of the unlucky 13 to not have a wee lie down on your bike during the offroad sections..... :sick:

And as for the Danseys, that's where mutual peer pessure has it's good points. I wasn't keen on stage two of the mountain crossing :nono: due to time constraints yet that was the part I ended up enjoying the most, and you were considering the main road :scooter: when I pushed for Danseys, yet that's the part that you enjoyed the most, so as 2 individual riders, we both would have missed out on a couple of great rides :-)

Thanks for an enjoyable day :yes:

Cheers, Stu :scooter:

P.S. Carl was just here and I gave him copies of the videos and photos I took to add into his videos :zzzz:

[PLUG]

nice shutter & words work there stu ...

[RedKLR650]

nice shutter & words work there stu ...

:love: Aw shucks Pete, stop it....... :confused:

And rumour has it, you were apparently seen waving your camera around:innocent: quite a lot, so I'd be keen to see the river crossing :oi-grr: pix that I missed out on due to my camera then being on the WRONG side of the river :doh:

Cheers, Stu

[PLUG]

And rumour has it ...


you been reading the womans day again ...

i'm a complete techno dork ... will have to catch up with CR & let him do his majic with me camera ... ryan ... HELP!!!

[Transalper]

Well i had a fairly good ride back after visiting Stu today with the excepton of one small (read big) scare... after stopping in Ashburton for a Subway. I put my camera bag on the footpath behind my bike and proceeded to dig up a jersey from a pannier to put on. Once wrapped up and on my way i realised i wasn't wearing the backpack and remembered where i left it... oh crap. A quick u-turn and a couple of not so road rule friendly minutes later i was back just in time to save it from a guy going for a sub who was taking an interest in it.
He may have been a good Samaritan and handed it to the shop, i don't know, but with my video camera, helmet camera and last days ride tape in it, it was such a relief having it back i was buzzing all the way home.

[RedKLR650]

Well i had a fairly good ride back after visiting Stu today with the excepton of one small (read big) scare... after stopping in Ashburton for a Subway. I put my camera bag on the footpath behind my bike and proceeded to dig up a jersey from my a pannier to put on. Once wrapped up and on my way i realised i wasn't wearing the backpack and remembered where i left it... oh crap. A quick u-turn and a couple of not so road rule friendly minutes later i was back just in time to save it from a guy going for a sub who was taking an interest in it. He may have been a good Samaritan and handed it to the shop, i don't know, but with my video camera, helmet camera and last days ride tape in it, it was such a relief having it back i was buzzing all the way home.

Wow Carl, that really was kucky. I wasn't worried about my 2Gig of memoery sticks in your bag.....:nono:

No, really...... :shit:

as for those not so friendly road rule minutes, a ticket would have really ruined the day :shutup:

All good, Cheers, Stu :scooter:

[Transalper]

yeh, i might have had trouble noticing the red and blue lights untill at Subway again.
Your cards were safe in the Topbox.

[cooneyr]

Plug came to visit last night so I've got a few pics of his from the ride to put up here. Looks like you fullas got to travel through some interesting terrain. Also heard a few stories of broken, flooded and seized bikes. Not a bad effort by the sounds of it.

Anyway enough dribble, pix time. Going to try putting the pixs inline with the text. If it is a pain in the arse let me know and I'll go back to the usual and attach them.

Seems the KTM Adv had a bright idea when it got out of bed in the morning. Either that or its enjoying the tickeling its owner is giving it!
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/Brass07/DSC02456s.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Heading up from Omarama over Omarama Station.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/Brass07/DSC02472s.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

The infamous creek crossing - a mere puddle it looks!
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RedKLR650 taking the plunge.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/Brass07/DSC02484s.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Essentials just above the water line.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/Brass07/DSC02485s.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Made it with janglies still jangling.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/Brass07/DSC02486s.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Transalpers bike emerging.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/Brass07/DSC02491s.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Whats this a mighty KTM 990 AdvS on its back begging for mercy? A spark plug spanner is a good idea aye? (thought you didnt get any pics Stu?)
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Nearly done getting a valve open to drain the water.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/Brass07/DSC02495s.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

A different 990 getting a fang on wet grass.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/Brass07/DSC02499s.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Opps too many pics in this post to rest are in next post.

Cheers R

[cooneyr]

Second installment of Plugs pix.

Mick and co bailing after reaching Paerau on the Saturday.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/Brass07/DSC02501s.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Getting snowed on on top of the Old Dunstan 1 track. Sounds like the jeep driver was lucky these 5 journeymen turned up.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/Brass07/DSC02504s.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

The motley crew at Oldriders house for a cupper (yer right!)
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/Brass07/DSC02507s.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Port Hills from the Brothers Road. That cow likes you P - I can tell.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/Brass07/DSC02513c.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

What? Beemers dont have "isssssuuuuessss"!!! Kiwi bodging at its best.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/Brass07/DSC02515s.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Southern Alps (my guess is the Ben Ohau Range) viewed through Mackenzie Pass with Albury in the foreground from Brothers Road.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/Brass07/DSC02523s.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Cheers R

[PLUG]

Cheers R ...

[RedKLR650]

Cheers R ...

Excellent photos Pete, somehow that river doesn't look as deep :shit: ( Or cold :cold: )as I remember it on the day :innocent:

Great shots, do you have any more ??

Stu :yes:

[PLUG]

do you have any more ??
Stu :yes:

na mate, thats them ...

for me it wasn't the depth of that stream crossing (done deeper) it was the size of the rocks in the bottom of the stream combined with the swiftness/volume of the water going through the channel that rung my alarm bells ... hit one of those rocks in the bottom wrong upsets balance/momentum of ya bike & the volume/swiftness of the water takes over & everything gets a dunking ...

if ya look hard enough at the picture of us on the top of Dunstan 1 you will see flakes of snow ... on the ride to the top it turned from rain to icey sleet to snow when we got up there ... the wind speed was up making the chill factor real brass monkey stuff

[oldrider]

na mate, thats them ...

for me it wasn't the depth of that stream crossing (done deeper) it was the size of the rocks in the bottom of the stream combined with the swiftness/volume of the water going through the channel that rung my alarm bells ... hit one of those rocks in the bottom wrong upsets balance/momentum of ya bike & the volume/swiftness of the water takes over & everything gets a dunking ...

if ya look hard enough at the picture of us on the top of Dunstan 1 you will see flakes of snow ... on the ride to the top it turned from rain to icey sleet to snow when we got up there ... the wind speed was up making the chill factor real brass monkey stuff

Pardon me for asking.....................but where are the pics???? :dodge: John.

[Transalper]

Pardon me for asking.....................but where are the pics???? :dodge: John.
mmm, i see them, they are embedded in the posts between the writing. If you don't see them i'd wonder if you somehow have them blocked. Or maybe they are still loading if on a slower connection.
Attached pic is how i see them (the first one anyhow)

[cooneyr]

Pardon me for asking.....................but where are the pics???? :dodge: John.


mmm, i see them, they are embedded in the posts between the writing. If you don't see them i'd wonder if you somehow how them blocked. Or maybe they are still loading if on a slower connection.

Was wondered if this was going to cause grief. Those that are on slower web connections will probably find that they take a while to load. Shouldn't be any different to opening them from an attachments other than things happen in a different order and they are part of the text section of the post.

Cheers R

[oldrider]

Was wondered if this was going to cause grief. Those that are on slower web connections will probably find that they take a while to load. Shouldn't be any different to opening them from an attachments other than things happen in a different order and they are part of the text section of the post.

Cheers R

No it isn't causing me problems now, my puter was blocking me from seeing them! :angry:

That ford has always been deep on the upstream side, not the first, wont be the last to try that side, so don't worry about it! :no: Thanks for the pics, John.

[Transalper]

<embed width="563" height="489" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://vid180.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid180.photobucket.com/albums/x154/transalpernz/2007Brass2007_Stu_Pushing.flv"></embed>

[windboy]

Going to try putting the pixs inline with the text. If it is a pain in the arse let me know and I'll go back to the usual and attach them.


video attachment

Thanks cooneyr and transalper for sharing the photos and video. Will definitely make an effort to get my arse there next year.

Cheers,

[paturoa]

You guys definetly had more fun than me! Those pics and stories are awesome.

[PLUG]

A different 990 getting a fang on wet grass.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/cooneyr/Brass07/DSC02499s.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
Cheers R

this bike did the beach racin, track & street racin @ the Burt 06' ... it lined up for the speedway but they wouldn't let'em race because they deemed it would have an unfair advantage ... it'll be doin the same come 07'

it's a rock spittin, growlin, rorin beast & mickyboy it's pilot

[mickeyboy]

that aint mickeyboy riding, it's Simon who came on the trip with his XR650 !

[dmc]

yeah the suit isn't pimp enough for you hey mick.

[cooneyr]

Thanks cooneyr and transalper for sharing the photos and video. Will definitely make an effort to get my arse there next year.

Cheers,

I'm hoping to make it next year too! Didnt go this year - those pix are from Plug.


this bike did the beach racin, track & street racin @ the Burt 06' ... it lined up for the speedway but they wouldn't let'em race because they deemed it would have an unfair advantage ... it'll be doin the same come 07'

it's a rock spittin, growlin, rorin beast & mickyboy it's pilot

All on the knobbie tyres or was there some flashy tyre iron work between races?

Cheers R

[dmc]

TKC's for the beach, street and track on pirelli scorpion's

2 sets of wheels.

[PLUG]

yeah the suit isn't pimp enough for you hey mick.


didn't want to show a pic of you in THAT "suit" on it mick ... anyone who looked at would think you bat for the otherside ... we don't want that do we !!!

[mickeyboy]

Plug !! take it easy !!

[RedKLR650]

Hi All,

For those of you that didn't get this by email, here's a link to a video I made up from video clips and photos of the Friday leg of the ride :scooter:

It's only 320x240 pixel and I put the fades a bit close together:dodge: , so the quality isn't 100% but you get the idea :yes:

Hope you all like it

Click on the link below and let me know what you think :Punk:

http://message2.myvideowebstream.com/view/?id=VNF0R8TSQKTI9887WP89

Cheers, Stu

[NordieBoy]

It's only 320x240 pixel and you put the fades a bit close together, so the quality isn't 100% but we get the idea.

:woohoo:

Good stuff.

Tend to think flash based stuff like youtube works better though.
Took some fiddling to get it to work in Linux - Does the second vid just play in windows or do you have to download it?

[paturoa]

For those of you that didn't get this by email, here's a link to a video I made up from video clips and photos of the Friday leg of the ride :scooter:


That was excellent!

I was a little worried when you started to get your gear off at the beginning and happy you stopped at the T shirt!

I'm glad I didn't tag along with my SV - lol

[pete376403]

Possibly we may have encountered your group on the Haka - us being a black 950 KTM, blue 650 DR and a blue/white Dakar (me on the Dakar some way back from the other two) the Dak was borrowed as I'm (still!) waiting for my 08 KLR to turn up. We stayed at Naseby on friday night (Royal hotel) and a splendid time was had by all. We'd planned on doing some off roading saturday but this was flagged away after the rain started (yeah I know, softcocks)
The attached pics are somewhere on the Haka, somewhere on Danseys and a nice car in downtown Naseby

[RedKLR650]

Possibly we may have encountered your group on the Haka - us being a black 950 KTM, blue 650 DR and a blue/white Dakar (me on the Dakar some way back from the other two) the Dak was borrowed as I'm (still!) waiting for my 08 KLR to turn up.

Are you still waiting for you 2008 KLR ?:sick:

They have one at the local agent here in Timaru :gob:

Stu :scooter:

[pete376403]

FUGGGITTT!!!!!! - Sawyers are gonna get a rocket from me tomorrow. Bastids!!!!!!:mad: :mad:


(definitly the 08, new fairing etc?? What colour??)

[RedKLR650]

FUGGGITTT!!!!!! - Sawyers are gonna get a rocket from me tomorrow. Bastids!!!!!!:mad: :mad:
(definitly the 08, new fairing etc?? What colour??)

Well don't get too mad just yet, I have yet to view it myself, but was talking to a guy the other day who was raving about it. I'll check in the morning. Personally I prefer my more 'rough'looking version - end of an era really :nono:

Cheers, Stu

[pete376403]

Well don't get too mad just yet, I have yet to view it myself, but was talking to a guy the other day who was raving about it. I'll check in the morning. Personally I prefer my more 'rough'looking version - end of an era really :nono:

Cheers, Stu

If it was just looks - yeah, but the brakes now work, and so do the lights. There's a few tests of them (08s) on the net, eg
http://motorcycle.com/mo/mckaw/07_08_KLR_Intro/index.motml all have nice things to say

[RedKLR650]

If it was just looks - yeah, but the brakes now work, and so do the lights. There's a few tests of them (08s) on the net, eg
http://motorcycle.com/mo/mckaw/07_08_KLR_Intro/index.motml all have nice things to say

Using the latest technology, and the things learned from 20 yrs of the old model, I'm not disputing that technically it's a great bike, but why make it a blousey version of the KLR?:nono: , why not build a new bike and call it something new and leave the other model to those of us who like to customise our bikes ourselves. A Supermotard front disc like I've fitted on mine will still pull up better than the new brake :-) :shit:
If you look on the Jangles jangling pic above this post, you can just see the disc on mine, along with the fork brace which dramatically improves handling :dodge:

as for lights, that's an easy fix.... :sunny:

But, no point in squabbling, each to their own. I prefer a bike that really can go off road, has suspension travel, and won't break the bank for panel repairs if you do have an off. Some people just prefer bikes that look smarter :-)

I'll check in the morning and take a pic and post it on here :Punk:

Cheers, Stu