South Island Passes Ride 2008

[Ruralman]

Many of you will have read or know about the ride a group of us did over all the Sth Island Passes (26 of them) in Feb 07.
This was a great ride with a core group of 5, joined by an Aussie and a yank for a couple of sections and by many other KB'rs for part days or at our night time stop overs.
They were big days with 7-10 hours riding and included all the passes on the main roads as well as the back country ones with my personal highlights being the run through Molesworth and the trip around Lees and Okuku pass led by Plug. One other highlight not involving a Pass was the trip from Nelson to Pelorus bridge over the Mangatapu Track.

What we talked about at the end of that ride and have discussed a few times since is to do the same trip again this coming Feb - but to do it in reverse. The meeting point on day 1 being either Palmerston or Naesby and the first Pass being the Danseys, with the last Pass being Myers and the last night being probably either Waimate or Oamaru or some country pub in that area with enough accomodation.

So who is interested??. The trip will probably be the week after school goes back unless thats a real problem in which case we could probably bring it a bit earlier, but Feb weather seems to give the best chance of a "dry run" (I hope that doesn't bloody jinx us!!)

[Crisis management]

Might be keen, s'long as I can find my passport.

However, how long a trip are we talking here, one week or three months?

[timg]

Might be keen, s'long as I can find my passport.

However, how long a trip are we talking here, one week or three months?

Do they still let norf islanders in?? :dodge:
From memory it was 5 days to cover the passes. There's a couple of excellent threads on the ride (search South Island Passes) with last years itinary and pics etc.




So who is interested
Me! I'll certainly join in for some of the portions close to home & would love to join you folks for the whole ride finances & time allowing. :scooter: Seemed like you guys had awesome fun & a great ride. Cheers, Tim.

[MyGSXF]

Let me know when ya's get up this way again..!!!! :yes: Had a great time joining in with the ride last year!! :banana:

Jen :rockon:

[Ruralman]

Might be keen, s'long as I can find my passport.

However, how long a trip are we talking here, one week or three months?

5 days for the Passes plus 1 day to get home for us





Me! I'll certainly join in for some of the portions close to home & would love to join you folks for the whole ride finances & time allowing. :scooter: Seemed like you guys had awesome fun & a great ride. Cheers, Tim.

Start saving, you'll have a ball. We stayed at backpackers which kept the costs reasonable and saved having to take a tent. Just as well everything was prebooked though because everywhere was choka


Let me know when ya's get up this way again..!!!! :yes: Had a great time joining in with the ride last year!! :banana:

Jen :rockon:

Of course - we're all sleeping at your place this time, taking you up on those offers you made after the 6th drink at that bar in Picton:love::Punk:

[Moki]

Hmmm,

I'll check with SWMBO to see if this qualifies for an excuse to get way for while. Sounds like a blast

[NighthawkNZ]

I and a few of the Dunedin crew may meet yah for a day ride somewhere again... :)

[RedKLR650]

Many of you will have read or know about the ride a group of us did over all the Sth Island Passes (26 of them) in Feb 07.
This was a great ride with a core group of 5, joined by an Aussie and a yank for a couple of sections and by many other KB'rs for part days or at our night time stop overs.
They were big days with 7-10 hours riding and included all the passes on the main roads as well as the back country ones with my personal highlights being the run through Molesworth and the trip around Lees and Okuku pass led by Plug. One other highlight not involving a Pass was the trip from Nelson to Pelorus bridge over the Mangatapu Track.

What we talked about at the end of that ride and have discussed a few times since is to do the same trip again this coming Feb - but to do it in reverse. The meeting point on day 1 being either Palmerston or Naesby and the first Pass being the Danseys, with the last Pass being Myers and the last night being probably either Waimate or Oamaru or some country pub in that area with enough accomodation.

So who is interested??. The trip will probably be the week after school goes back unless thats a real problem in which case we could probably bring it a bit earlier, but Feb weather seems to give the best chance of a "dry run" (I hope that doesn't bloody jinx us!!)

Hi Bruce,

Early Feb would be great for me, but anytime is fine, just let the crew know as soon as you've finalised some dates. Last year I was only able to make the first day, so at least this time I will be able to do it properly :-)

Cheers Stu :scooter:

[young1]

is this ride suitable for big bikes? I don't know the passes at all, how extreme do they get?

[Ruralman]

is this ride suitable for big bikes? I don't know the passes at all, how extreme do they get?

Definitely suitable for big bikes - we had a Tiger, a V Strom 1000 and a GSA1200 on the trip last year. The two of us on the 650's had them working pretty hard on the highway sections!!!
Your big KTM will be ideal, in fact I wish I had one because its probably the perfect bike for a trip like this. If I manage to trade up before then it will be to a Tiger probably.

[young1]

Cool I am definitely keen.

I will look at the details from last years ride when I get home tonight!!

[PeteJ]

As long as it's not the last weekend in January 2008 - riding in Australia - I'm in.

I haven't done any of the southern Sth Is passes since the mid 1970s, and am looking forward to riding in luxury on a bike with more than 5cm of suspension travel...

Cheers

Pete

[Ruralman]

As long as it's not the last weekend in January 2008 - riding in Australia - I'm in.

I haven't done any of the southern Sth Is passes since the mid 1970s, and am looking forward to riding in luxury on a bike with more than 5cm of suspension travel...

Cheers

Pete

Great to hear from you - if you end up being tight for time you could do the Banks Peninsula ones and the Mackenzie country ones on your way down to our start - you'd then finish in ChCh rather than oamaru - still best if you can join with the group for the whole thing though.

[mbazza]

I am a big cry baby. Week after school goes back. Bugger, I have to work then! Very interseted, but cannot do! Have a great time. Cheers.:crybaby:

[fleethaul]

Am talking to the Duck 01 on Skype. he is in Kununurra, WA.
How would a "saddles" ride go, we would both be keen, especially if we cover the "passes" on the way.

[windboy]

I mean beans...

Sounds grand Ruralman; yet another Jafa keen as. :zzzz:

Sounds like a weeks mission for us (huh crisis?). May try to drag gingabiker and surely we wouldn't be able to stop triboy from coming down too... Feb sounds good for me, as long as it doesn't turn onto March.

That's good notice too, gives us plenty of time to get organised. I guess the plan is to camp? Should be wicked. Have you got a limit of people or the more the merrier...?

[Jantar]

Am talking to the Duck 01 on Skype. he is in Kununurra, WA.
How would a "saddles" ride go, we would both be keen, especially if we cover the "passes" on the way.

At first glance a ride that includes all the saddles looks great, but as I looked at the saddles in more detail, (late last night), it would add an additional 4 - 5 days to the ride. One day for the saddles in the Catlins/Southland area, one day for the ones in Fiordland and getting back up to Queenstown. The ones in the Skippers would be most of a day on their own. The Rainbow and Takaka areas add a further day and then there are the ones in Canterbury/South Canterbury and Dunedin. So a combined Saddles/Passes ride would require around 10 days.

I am available for anytime between the 26th Jan and 18th Feb, but I can probably only plan on a passes ride rather than a combined one, and I need to get a leave application in fairly soon.

Shall I start the route and accommadation planning RM?

[Jantar]

Another thought is that we start in Christchurch this time, as it is more centrally located for our Cantabrian and North Island riders.

The route would then be:

Day 1: Christchurch; Weka Pass; Jollies Pass; Jacks Pass; Ward Pass; Dashwood Pass; Weld Pass; Blenheim.

Day 2: Blenheim; Redwood Pass; Taylor's Pass; Nelson; Hope Saddle; Rotoiti; Lewis Pass; Hamner.

Day 3: Hamner; Weka Pass; Evans Pass; Dyers Pass; Gebbies Pass; Burkes Pass; McKenzie Pass; Little Pass; Hakatarmea Pass; Myers Pass; Pig Root; Naseby.

Day 4: Dansey's Pass; Ahuriri Pass; Lindis Pass; Haast Pass; Franz Joseph.

Day 5: Franz Joseph; Arthurs Pass; Porters Pass; Lees Pass; Okuku Pass; Christchurch.

[young1]

My preference for dates would be week of the 11th of Feb or week of 28 January (fits in with work better).

North Island riders it would be good to ride down together?

Closer the start and finish is to Picton makes it easier on us to.

[NordieBoy]

Ohhh...
That does sound tempting...

[limbimtimwim]

I'm keen. Hopefully I'll have developed my gravel and dirt skills a bit by then.

[timg]

Another thought is that we start in Christchurch this time, as it is more centrally located for our Cantabrian and North Island riders.

The route would then be:

Day 1: Christchurch; Weka Pass; Jollies Pass; Jacks Pass; Ward Pass; Dashwood Pass; Weld Pass; Blenheim.

Day 2: Blenheim; Redwood Pass; Taylor's Pass; Nelson; Hope Saddle; Rotoiti; Lewis Pass; Hamner.

Day 3: Hamner; Weka Pass; Evans Pass; Dyers Pass; Gebbies Pass; Burkes Pass; McKenzie Pass; Little Pass; Hakatarmea Pass; Myers Pass; Pig Root; Naseby.

Day 4: Dansey's Pass; Ahuriri Pass; Lindis Pass; Haast Pass; Franz Joseph.

Day 5: Franz Joseph; Arthurs Pass; Porters Pass; Lees Pass; Okuku Pass; Christchurch.

That sound's like a plan Jantar. I'm planning (saving!) on being in for the full trip this time. Happy to kick it off from anywhere.


I'm keen. Hopefully I'll have developed my gravel and dirt skills a bit by then.

That's OK. You can bring up the rear with me - I'm not quick on gravel, or anywhere for that matter! :scooter:

[Ruralman]

At first glance a ride that includes all the saddles looks great, but as I looked at the saddles in more detail, (late last night), it would add an additional 4 - 5 days to the ride. One day for the saddles in the Catlins/Southland area, one day for the ones in Fiordland and getting back up to Queenstown. The ones in the Skippers would be most of a day on their own. The Rainbow and Takaka areas add a further day and then there are the ones in Canterbury/South Canterbury and Dunedin. So a combined Saddles/Passes ride would require around 10 days.

I am available for anytime between the 26th Jan and 18th Feb, but I can probably only plan on a passes ride rather than a combined one, and I need to get a leave application in fairly soon.

Shall I start the route and accommadation planning RM?

That ChCh start finish looks pretty good to me and would make sense to work in with riders from further North.
While when I got to the end of our last Passes ride I could have happily mounted up and carried on, the reality is that the real world starts to need some attention by then so theres a limit to how much more most of us will be able to do - BUT - just out of interest - if we were to add ONE more day, to do some Saddles, where and which ones would you pick and how would that alter the itinerary
Jantar if you can start the accommodation planning again that would be brilliant but I guess we need to make a call on how many days and if we add anything else first.

[Ruralman]

I'm keen. Hopefully I'll have developed my gravel and dirt skills a bit by then.

We were seldom over 130km'hr on the gravel, and cruised around 115-120 much of the time on the seal (following the only bike with a detector) - but they were 7-10 hour days so a well set up bike seat and a bit of time in the saddle to develop "bikers bum" are pretty important.

[Ruralman]

Another thought is that we start in Christchurch this time, as it is more centrally located for our Cantabrian and North Island riders.

The route would then be:

Day 1: Christchurch; Weka Pass; Jollies Pass; Jacks Pass; Ward Pass; Dashwood Pass; Weld Pass; Blenheim.

Day 2: Blenheim; Redwood Pass; Taylor's Pass; Nelson; Hope Saddle; Rotoiti; Lewis Pass; Hamner.

Day 3: Hamner; Weka Pass; Evans Pass; Dyers Pass; Gebbies Pass; Burkes Pass; McKenzie Pass; Little Pass; Hakatarmea Pass; Myers Pass; Pig Root; Naseby.

Day 4: Dansey's Pass; Ahuriri Pass; Lindis Pass; Haast Pass; Franz Joseph.

Day 5: Franz Joseph; Arthurs Pass; Porters Pass; Lees Pass; Okuku Pass; Christchurch.

How much time would it add to your day 2 to include this Takaka hill ride that I have heard about? - I would also quite like to do that Mangatapu track again from pelorus bridge back to Nelson

[Ruralman]

I mean beans...

Sounds grand Ruralman; yet another Jafa keen as. :zzzz:

Sounds like a weeks mission for us (huh crisis?). May try to drag gingabiker and surely we wouldn't be able to stop triboy from coming down too... Feb sounds good for me, as long as it doesn't turn onto March.

That's good notice too, gives us plenty of time to get organised. I guess the plan is to camp? Should be wicked. Have you got a limit of people or the more the merrier...?

Be great to have you guys join us - we used Backpackers last time and that would be my preference again. At that time of year you do need to have booked well in advance because most of them were well packed out, so Jantar will be asking for definite commitment a few months out if he's organizing the accommodation again.

[limbimtimwim]

We were seldom over 130km'hr on the gravel, and cruised around 115-120 much of the time on the sealAt that speed, I hit reserve after 100km. This could be an issue :)

[Ruralman]

At that speed, I hit reserve after 100km. This could be an issue :)

It would be an issue - we were filling up around 240-260km but we'd probably passed quite a few fuel stops. Jantar can probably give you a better idea of minimum range but I would have thought 180-200km for the Molesworth day would be handy and the rest of the time minimizing fuel stops is important just to keep getting through the miles.

[limbimtimwim]

It would be an issue - we were filling up around 240-260km but we'd probably passed quite a few fuel stops. Jantar can probably give you a better idea of minimum range but I would have thought 180-200km for the Molesworth day would be handy and the rest of the time minimizing fuel stops is important just to keep getting through the miles.I don't know how far it goes if I ride it gently, I am wringing the absolute shit out of it 90% of the time.

I have a suspicion if I fit a proper carb, ditch the spark arrestor, butcher the stock muffler, 'fix' the airbox and of course get a larger tank I will be able to manage 200km.

[Jantar]

At that speed, I hit reserve after 100km. This could be an issue :)

That would be more than an issue, it would be a serious problem. 200 km range would really be a minimum, and preferably 240 - 300 km. This is an adventure ride, not a trail ride. But 100 km before reserve does sound extremly short. Even my old PE250 two stroke could manage 160 km.

There are at least 3 sections of the route with over 180 km between fuel stops: Molesworth (190 km), Lees Valley (200 km), Hakataramea (220 km).

[The Duck 01]

:first:Hi to the original tight five, As you might know i'm in WA Australia at the moment but i will be back in NZ after the Moto GP as i'm riding back to Syndey with Fleethual and most likely sending my bike back home.After that the universe will provide and maybe come back to Aussie.So this could mean that the Tiger could well be on the market for sale so Bruce think about it, a fully sorted Tiger for you,only done afew k's around the block and down to the local dairy to pick up some milk.:scooter: If time and money happens i will be on the Passes Ride on something with two wheels.So count me in at this stage.If you want to email me my address is mrtaylor@inspire.net.nz

[Jantar]

Of course you're in Mark, Wouldn't be the same without you there. :scooter:

[hondav2]

Might have to give this some serious consideration, I vote 4 a central Otago start. Cheers Toddy

[windboy]

Not meaning to be pushy but any chance of working out a date for this ride?

I'm planning on flying the whanau to CHCH while we're doing the passes and trying to get one of those crazy $39 AKL-CHCH deals on virgin... :gob:

Maybe a poll as for what weekend in Feb? What ya reckon Mr Ruralman?

Cheers,

[Ruralman]

Poll??? Bugger theres me thinking this could be a dictatorship!! - OK if we must.
I would prefer it to be after the school holidays but there was some interest from a teacher earlier on so a late Jan week might need to be included.

Can you set up a poll Jantar please?
Two of the weeks should be starting Sundays the 10th and 17th of Feb
The Jan date prob should be Sun 20th?

[Jantar]

Poll is at http://www.kiwibiker.zyns.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56099

[mbazza]

[QUOTE=Ruralman;1184738]Poll??? Bugger theres me thinking this could be a dictatorship!! - OK if we must.
I would prefer it to be after the school holidays but there was some interest from a teacher earlier on so a late Jan week might need to be included.

Teacher likes the poll idea and has voted. Thanks. Cheers.

[Laava]

Hi guys, thinking seriously about this one at this stage. Then I will get the furthest from home prize!:niceone:
You fulla's wot 'as done it before, can you give me a ballpark figure as to what it cost you this year?
Thanks, Al.
Oh and I have no preference for timing at this stage.

[Jantar]

I didn't keep an exact record of last year's costs, but it was around $300 for fuel, $130 for accomodation, $300 for food and drink, and $279 to repair the plastic damaged in my fall.

So all up around $1000.

[Ruralman]

Hi guys, thinking seriously about this one at this stage. Then I will get the furthest from home prize!:niceone:
You fulla's wot 'as done it before, can you give me a ballpark figure as to what it cost you this year?
Thanks, Al.
Oh and I have no preference for timing at this stage.

I didn't keep any records so it was freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Laava]

Somewhere between $1000 and free then? I like Ruralmans estimate better.
Count me in then!

[SlipperyOZ]

Hey guys... Ole SlipperyOz here! I will of course be catching up with the mighty Duck01, Fleethaul and Spaanzy at the MotoGP at Phillip Island. I would love to come over to NZ and have another ride with you guys :2thumbsup Anyway how are you Ruralguy? You'll be up to your eyeballs in springlamb soon eh?? Let me know when a date is sorted for this ride you are contemplating.

[PeteJ]

OK, do I trust the poll thread and assume a Christchurch start on 11 Feb?

I'd like to get ferry bookings etc organised asap.

I'll be leaving from Russell, so would anyone else travelling down the NI like to hook up for the journeys to and from Christchurch?

(Sorry, Laava, a furthest from home prize is just going to come my way...)

[Jantar]

Yes, Rural man and I had a little discussion about it over the weekend, and it is 11th February start. I may need to go over the route and change a couple of the overnight points to keep the days of a reasonable length. We are also looking at the organisation if we get too many riders. We may need to split into two groups to prevent it becoming to strung out. So the full details are not yet available.

I'll work on the route and overnight stops after I get back from Aussie in early November. I'll ask for an indication of numbers at that point and I'll be asking for confirmed entries by the second week of January so I can confirm accomodation.

[windboy]

Hi PeteJ, me and at least one another Jafa (gingabiker) will be shooting down possibly on the saturday 9th. Good point on the booking idea, may pay catching a morning ferry on the sunday 10th?

later,

[Zukin]

Hi PeteJ, me and at least one another Jafa (gingabiker) will be shooting down possibly on the saturday 9th. Good point on the booking idea, may pay catching a morning ferry on the sunday 10th?

later,

Whoo hoo new bike aye :2thumbsup

I am still a very definite starter for this trip :)
We might be able to hook up and ride some gravel roads to Welly :2thumbsup
Then maybe stay in Masterton (free accommodation) and head over on the 10th and catch the ferry then and make our way to CHCH

Cheers Scott

[windboy]

Whoo hoo new bike aye :2thumbsup

I am still a very definite starter for this trip :)
We might be able to hook up and ride some gravel roads to Welly :2thumbsup
Then maybe stay in Masterton (free accommodation) and head over on the 10th and catch the ferry then and make our way to CHCH

Cheers Scott

yeah man, nice and agricultural...! loving it so far.

re gravel to wellywood, sounds great depending of how much time we get... South island is the priority for me anyway, trips in the North island I can do any other time...?

[PeteJ]

Whoo hoo new bike aye :2thumbsup

I am still a very definite starter for this trip :)
We might be able to hook up and ride some gravel roads to Welly :2thumbsup
Then maybe stay in Masterton (free accommodation) and head over on the 10th and catch the ferry then and make our way to CHCH

Cheers Scott

Mmmmm, at the risk of making it all complicated, yes, we could do the NI west coast gravels down to say Marokopa, then across the central high country and decide how to go to Masterton depending on the weather. Sounds like a plan to me, but it makes a resonably big day to start 9 days' worth with.

Cheers

[tri boy]

Lanky Trumpy rider carefully lifts his head above the cyber trench to gauge reaction, and a possible team up with wild colonial Jafas.:pinch::shifty:

[Crisis management]

Your head may be out of the trench Brent but has the fog lifted yet?

I "might" be able to make this ride now.........working hard on the High Commander to gain approval!

[Zukin]

Your head may be out of the trench Brent but has the fog lifted yet?

I "might" be able to make this ride now.........working hard on the High Commander to gain approval!


On ya, that man deserves a beer :niceone:

[young1]

I am still interested in this ride, especially as I don't need to get approval from anyone now!!

[windboy]

Your head may be out of the trench Brent but has the fog lifted yet?

I "might" be able to make this ride now.........working hard on the High Commander to gain approval!

awesome news crisis...! :banana:

what's "the drongo" though?

[zeRax]

im also keen~
will read thread again more thorough when i have time ! looks like good numbers huh

[Crisis management]

awesome news crisis...! :banana:

what's "the drongo" though?

The Drongo........ a very long time ago there existed Team Drongo racing, a bunch of spotty neddies with huge opinions of their skills and abilities (unfortunately not matched with reality), anyway, during one of my brief sojourns on the gravel near Riverhead, I was reminded of the aforementioned lack of skills and "drongo racing" came to mind (yet again).
With all the respect an honest tradesman has for his tools, I immediately blamed the bike and thereby christened it Drongo (at least the DR has the right first couple of letters).
So, in short, the Drongo is the bike!

[Ruralman]

im also keen~
will read thread again more thorough when i have time ! looks like good numbers huh

What bike were you thinking of going on? At the risk of being labeled a kill joy,if its the 250 on your profile then you might struggle a bit on the big highway sections (which make up around 1800km of the trip).

[windboy]

The Drongo........

Copy that! thanks for the brief lesson of biking history crisis...

Got out today to the old kicking puhoi gravels, couple of hundred ks; was awesome on the dakar with a brand new tkc 80 on the front. So far I think the extra $$$ for the tyre is almost justified, still need to give them a good scrub to try them harder on the seal.

May have another go tomorrow morning with gingarider, txt me if you're interested... :devil2:

[zeRax]

yea well, i guess it depends how fast u wanna travel, id love to go at blistering speeds but the xr250 would only get 120kmph steady :P

[Jantar]

There is no reason why a 250 wouldn't make it, but there are a few things that you do need to keep in mind.

Last year, we started most days at between 8:00 and 9:00 am and travelled at only slightly above the legal speed limit. But we maintained that 100 - 110 kmh irrespective of how steep the hills were. On the gravel sections we generally rode fairly hard also. Each evening we would get to our destination between 7:00 and 8:00 pm, so they were long hard days. A 250 that is capable of cruising at the legal speed limit will be able to manage that part quite OK.

The real issue with smaller bikes is the fuel range when pushing at these speeds. There are 3 sections with at least 180 km between fuel stops, and one section with almost 240 kms between fuel stops. Most 250s will struggle to maintain both speed and economy on these long gravel sections.

[NordieBoy]

yea well, i guess it depends how fast u wanna travel, id love to go at blistering speeds but the xr250 would only get 120kmph steady :P

I've got a large Acerbis XR600 tank that should fit the XR250 (fits my XR350 rolling chassis) and get about 5000km (no idea on it's size actually) if you need to borrow it :D

[zeRax]

been meaning to send you a pm about that tank nordie, see if can jimmy it up somehow, ill tell u when im coming to nelson next and see if ur avaliable to catch up with :>?

edit: and yes, currently range is pretty balls. usually sit 120-130 and get 150km before reserve :\

[RedKLR650]

I've got a large Acerbis XR600 tank that should fit the XR250 (fits my XR350 rolling chassis) and get about 5000km (no idea on it's size actually) if you need to borrow it :D

I thought the KLR tank was good at 23 litre:cool:, but where can I get one of these supertanks that will give me a 5000km range Nordie ?:lol:

Stu

[Ruralman]

There is no reason why a 250 wouldn't make it, but there are a few things that you do need to keep in mind.

Last year, we started most days at between 8:00 and 9:00 am and travelled at only slightly above the legal speed limit. But we maintained that 100 - 110 kmh irrespective of how steep the hills were. On the gravel sections we generally rode fairly hard also. Each evening we would get to our destination between 7:00 and 8:00 pm, so they were long hard days. A 250 that is capable of cruising at the legal speed limit will be able to manage that part quite OK.

.

You're being a bit PC on those speeds Jantar - I didn't think we could cop a fine this long after the event!!. I seem to remember one particular 650 having to work reasonably hard to keep up(mine) - especially when you get the stretch effect when a group of bikes start passing things and the first ones get away a bit and the later ones have to play catch up to get back in the group.
The fuel range thing is important though - even if it means some having to carry a can - extra stops soak up a lot of time

[philb]

Hi, I have only just joined the KB site but really like the sound of the above ride .By the sound of it you may already have enough people interested.
If not who do I contact to see about joining.
cheers, Phil

[NordieBoy]

been meaning to send you a pm about that tank nordie, see if can jimmy it up somehow, ill tell u when im coming to nelson next and see if ur avaliable to catch up with :>?

No problem.
Come over via Queen Charlotte and the Maungatapu :D

[Jantar]

Hi, I have only just joined the KB site but really like the sound of the above ride .By the sound of it you may already have enough people interested.
If not who do I contact to see about joining.
cheers, Phil


See post #44 in this thread:

Last time round we planned for 5 to 8 riders, and that number was manageable. This year it looks like quite a bit of additional interest, so we may need to make a few changes to ensure that everyone is able to complete it OK. Some ideas that have already been floated are to: increase it from 5 to 6 days and include the Mangatapu track and Takaka hills as options while reducing the riding time each day by around 1 hour; split the ride into two groups of 6 - 8 riders with each group only responsible for its own riders and timetable and having a common get together at the end of each day; etc.

Other ideas of how to manage extra riders are always welcome.

Remember that this ride has no backup, no registration costs etc, but that I will pre book accomadation on behalf of those confirming. If the ride gets too big then we may need to pre plan everything, arrange backup and set an up front all-inclusive fee. I feel that would ruin the feel of it as being a true adventure ride.

[PeteJ]

Just a comment about group riding and me: I prefer to ride away from a group on any road/track other than in the real offroad back country, one of the reasons being that mentioned above - groups are fiendishly difficult to organise.

I have every intention of spending much of my time riding solo on the passes ride, meeting up serendipitously (ie only occasionally and by chance) at fuel and meal breaks, and then properly at the end of each day at our rest places.

If that makes me too much of a weird bastard to participate, then let me know pronto.

[NordieBoy]

Isn't the subtitle of the passes ride "Weird bastards only"?

[Ruralman]

Just a comment about group riding and me: I prefer to ride away from a group on any road/track other than in the real offroad back country, one of the reasons being that mentioned above - groups are fiendishly difficult to organise.

I have every intention of spending much of my time riding solo on the passes ride, meeting up serendipitously (ie only occasionally and by chance) at fuel and meal breaks, and then properly at the end of each day at our rest places.

If that makes me too much of a weird bastard to participate, then let me know pronto.

One the reasons for riding in a group is that we can look out for each other, especially on the backcountry gravel rides where 0800Helicopter doesn't work 'cos your cell phones useless. Some of us actually like talking to each other when we stop for lunch, a drink, or to take a photo or just stop and admire the view.
If you don't want to be part of the group during the ride then just do your own thing totally and if you end up staying at the same place we'll be happy to have a beer with you and talk about the day.
The group wasn't fiendishly difficult to organise - apart from a couple of minor glitches our systems worked very well and very simply. Being a much larger group this time (subject to confirmation) then Jantar's idea of splitting it into two groups functioning as we did last time should work just as well.

What does really piss people off though is when someone joins up to be part of a group ride and keeps fucking off on their own and no one knows where they are, whether they're OK etc etc, whether to wait..... If you are going to do that then its probably better not to join up but do your own thing from the start.

[windboy]

...Some ideas that have already been floated are to: increase it from 5 to 6 days and include the Mangatapu track and Takaka hills as options while reducing the riding time each day by around 1 hour; split the ride into two groups of 6 - 8 riders with each group only responsible for its own riders and timetable and having a common get together at the end of each day; etc......

That sounds pretty reasonable to me. Some of us coming from "overseas" (ie N. Island) want to make the most of the pilgimage and this South Island Passes ride will just be a part of a larger ride around the "mainland"; no need to rush it. Maybe it's time to register who's coming on a calendar thingy...?

later,

[SlipperyOZ]

:lol:
One the reasons for riding in a group is that we can look out for each other, especially on the backcountry gravel rides where 0800Helicopter doesn't work 'cos your cell phones useless. Some of us actually like talking to each other when we stop for lunch, a drink, or to take a photo or just stop and admire the view. Ye and it's especially funny when a group of us stop for lunch while we let the Duck01 keep riding up the Molesworth on his own :2thumbsup :lol: Count me in Jantar unless i tell you otherwise... I need a bike. Might be time for a NZ keeper :cool:

[PeteJ]

What does really piss people off though is when someone joins up to be part of a group ride and keeps fucking off on their own and no one knows where they are, whether they're OK etc etc, whether to wait..... If you are going to do that then its probably better not to join up but do your own thing from the start.

Well, I'd better be forthright about all this, then.

1. My last comment:

It depends how closely to each other you ride in "the group".

I am happy to race - have been doing so successfully in organised race meetings for decades, and still do - but I get scared shitless by riding on the road with people who think they are racing, can't race, and endanger me.

I would have thought that your only concern, given the outline I discerned from above re accommodation, was if someone did not turn up at a planned overnight stay and there was a problem with paying for a non-show.

2. Another matter altogether:

If you are actually planning a more organised run than that, you'd better be thinking about organisers' insurance for bike and equipment damage. How much responsibility do you want to take over and above the usual concerns for any fellow rider?

I am not trying to piss on the parade, but I have been running MNZ sanctioned events since the mid 70s, and am aware not only of all the liability issues but also of the way coroners' inquests go.

[cooneyr]

Well, I'd better be forthright about all this, then.

1. My last comment:

It depends how closely to each other you ride in "the group".

I am happy to race - have been doing so successfully in organised race meetings for decades, and still do - but I get scared shitless by riding on the road with people who think they are racing, can't race, and endanger me.

I would have thought that your only concern, given the outline I discerned from above re accommodation, was if someone did not turn up at a planned overnight stay and there was a problem with paying for a non-show.

2. Another matter altogether:

If you are actually planning a more organised run than that, you'd better be thinking about organisers' insurance for bike and equipment damage. How much responsibility do you want to take over and above the usual concerns for any fellow rider?

I am not trying to piss on the parade, but I have been running MNZ sanctioned events since the mid 70s, and am aware not only of all the liability issues but also of the way coroners' inquests go.

This is not my ride but having organised a couple of long distance rides and having crashed on the Rainbow road earlier this year I am a very concerned at the implication of these comments. I think you need to move away from the road racing in a populated place mentality and think more like a tramper/hunter/climber/outdoorsman mentality where there is no immediate support i.e. much of this ride.

Many of the roads that this ride is traveling are isolated with absolutely no support available. If the group takes the attitude that you are going to do you own thing for the day and only meet in the evening then you are being a little foolish and taking a huge unnecessary risk. Geek speak for you - risk is a function of probability and consequence. Probability may be low but consequence is extremely high especially given the isolation. If anybody crashes or had bike problems they could be left for hours unless there is some sort of group structure.

I crashed and broke my neck back in April and was riding in a group. It took about 10 mins for the rest of the group to find me (I was last in the group) and 3 hours for the chopper to turn up by the time they stabilised me, rode out to get help and the chopper flew in. You dont even need to be in the "mountains" for this to be an issue. Travelling along the west cost there is not a lot of cell reception and basically everywhere you look there is a hiding place for a crashed motorcycle.

Also with respect to the organisation and insurance. Since when has a person who suggested a casual ride for a bunch of mates had to worry about insurance. If you were to go for a ride with a bunch of mates would you expect the person who suggested it to provide insurance for the others on the ride. KB is not a formal club rather a "telephone" for organising these sorts of rides.

/Rant

Sorry for the hijack but having been into climbing and tramping for about 15 years where safety is drummed in I'm kinda tainted and I don't see motorcycling being any different when you are out and about in remote areas.

Back to you Jantar/Ruralman.

Cheers R

[PeteJ]

R - points are accepted - I, too have been a tramper and climber, and competed in plenty of motorcycling events other than roadrace.

But, yes, there are plenty of instances in NZ of formal claims being made against "informal" events organisers. That is exactly why many societies incorporate.

My next beef is this casual acceptance that riders will crash badly. If you accept that is going to happen, then there are consequences. Yes, you must have backup. Yes, you need to have a good look at liability.

Yes, count me out. Because the only reason for riders crashing badly is that they are riding outside their ability to control events. And I am not having one of them take me with them.

[Jantar]

I am happy to race - have been doing so successfully in organised race meetings for decades, and still do - but I get scared shitless by riding on the road with people who think they are racing, can't race, and endanger me.

This is NOT a race. We are on public roads or tracks the whole time and although it is hard riding there is no incentive to be the fastest. Last year it was common to see another rider coming up behind, and just moving to the left and wave him through. Everyone rides at a pace that they are comfortable with, and the only thing we do ask in a group like this is that each rider sights the headlight of the next rider at least once every two minutes. If you don't see another headlight behind you, then stop. If another minute goes by with no headlight then turn aroung and go back. That way no-one is left behind, and even if the TEC has a mishap the whole group will converge on the last known sighting within a few minutes.



2. Another matter altogether:

If you are actually planning a more organised run than that, you'd better be thinking about organisers' insurance for bike and equipment damage. How much responsibility do you want to take over and above the usual concerns for any fellow rider?

I am not trying to piss on the parade, but I have been running MNZ sanctioned events since the mid 70s, and am aware not only of all the liability issues but also of the way coroners' inquests go.

Again, this is an supported ride. No backup etc and in some of the most remote areas of the South Island. It is NOT a race, and there is no similarity at all with MNZ sactioned events.

[Jantar]

My next beef is this casual acceptance that riders will crash badly. If you accept that is going to happen, then there are consequences. Yes, you must have backup. Yes, you need to have a good look at liability.

No, there is no acceptance that riders will crash, or that they will crash badly. We do not accept that at all. I say again, this is NOT a race, it is an adventure ride. We are going into areas of marvelous scenery to see our country. We are not trying to prove any point about who is fastest, or who can manage the trickiest terrain. We'll leave that to the boy racers on the so called Organised Adventure Rides, that are really no more than a trail ride/race.

[windboy]

...We are going into areas of marvelous scenery to see our country. We are not trying to prove any point about who is fastest, or who can manage the trickiest terrain. ...

I'm so in this ride... That's a perfect description of what I wanted the ride to be... Maybe Mr PeteJ has got the wrong idea...? :crazy:

I'm taking 2 weeks off work and family to take in as much of what the South Island scenary can provide, I'm pleased to be able to join a few that know it well and could perhaps point us to the right direction while we're down that way... So looking forward to it...!

later,

[Zukin]

I agree with Jantar and Cooneyr on this too

PeteJ, you need to get out on some of these KB rides, they are very social events!!
I am not a fast rider by any stretch of the imagination, but I have always felt right at home with those riders that possess the ability to ride quicker than me.(and not only are they faster, but can actually ride better with it, I have learnt so much from these experienced riders just by following them and watching them)

They always stop and wait, and make a point of regrouping at obvious places, and count to make sure everyone is accounted for :)

The only issue that I can see arise, is if someone elects to do there own thing and head off in a different direction that the group and not tell anyone, then the group realises that they are missing and heads off to look for them :shit:
Then the panic can set in for the rest of group searching for this person and that is where issues can arise.

As for insurance, what difference does it make if you are out riding with friends on a Sat afternoon? Nothing because that is exactly what it is :)

There is no entry fees, there is no indemnity forms and there is no tour organisers, we all participate in setting the route and coming up with the ideas, it just so happens that this trip was done well last year and we are fortunate to be invited next year :Punk: Thats what mates do :first:

I have not ridden with the South Island riders, but I have met most of them and they are a great bunch of guys and gals, and I can assure you that in the unlikely event that something should happen you will not be left to fend for yourself :)

So if anyone doesn't think they want to join in on a great trip, then I suggest you either pay the $2500 for an organised ride or stay at home

Cheers Scott

[_Shrek_]

Just a comment about group riding and me: I prefer to ride away from a group on any road/track other than in the real offroad back country, one of the reasons being that mentioned above - groups are fiendishly difficult to organise.

I have every intention of spending much of my time riding solo on the passes ride, meeting up serendipitously (ie only occasionally and by chance) at fuel and meal breaks, and then properly at the end of each day at our rest places.

If that makes me too much of a weird bastard to participate, then let me know pronto.

Hiya Pete welcome to the site
i like to ride alone as well but i meet some of these guys when i went down to the PP, we did an adventure ride on the way down & i had only been out riding with 1 of them before & a great bunch to ride with as well

Ruralman, Jantar, Zukin & cooneyr have covered it prety well

i will only be doing a day ride with them when they come up my way
(only if the core group agrees)
Rm & i talked about this & agree that day riders joining in can be a hazard to the group as they have not learnt anything about riding styles etc

if you do decide to go Pete you wont be sorry thats for sure

cheers
keith

[fleethaul]

.....I remember about the first passes ride was the humour. Haven't laughed as much, for 5 days in a row, since who knows when.
Also....
My wife was very impressed with the itinerary, she liked to
know where we were staying at night
and
Considerate riding companions.

The grub was rather good as well.

I'll go again.

[Ruralman]

R - points are accepted - I, too have been a tramper and climber, and competed in plenty of motorcycling events other than roadrace.

But, yes, there are plenty of instances in NZ of formal claims being made against "informal" events organisers. That is exactly why many societies incorporate.

My next beef is this casual acceptance that riders will crash badly. If you accept that is going to happen, then there are consequences. Yes, you must have backup. Yes, you need to have a good look at liability.

Yes, count me out. Because the only reason for riders crashing badly is that they are riding outside their ability to control events. And I am not having one of them take me with them.

Probably the right decision for you - be good to meet up with you at some of the overnight stops if you're around at the same time.

[hondav2]

Im In mate, missed last one ,not the next one. Cheers Toddy

[windboy]

Many of you will have read or know about the ride a group of us did over all the Sth Island Passes (26 of them) in Feb 07.
This was a great ride with a core group of 5, joined by an Aussie and a yank for a couple of sections and by many other KB'rs for part days or at our night time stop overs.....

Hi Ruralman,

Had a quick look at your "passes ride daily updates" from this year's ride, what can I say? Can't wait for feb to arrive... :woohoo:

I was planning on making your ride part of a bigger ride around the "mainland". I'm in the middle of sketching a itinerary, could do with a rough route that your ride is going to cover?

As this time you're kicking it off at CHCH so I guess it may be doing a "loop" going north and then South (rough centre at CHCH)?

Thanks in advance for your help mate, look forward to meeting you.

later,

[Ruralman]

Hi Ruralman,

Had a quick look at your "passes ride daily updates" from this year's ride, what can I say? Can't wait for feb to arrive... :woohoo:

I was planning on making your ride part of a bigger ride around the "mainland". I'm in the middle of sketching a itinerary, could do with a rough route that your ride is going to cover?

As this time you're kicking it off at CHCH so I guess it may be doing a "loop" going north and then South (rough centre at CHCH)?

Thanks in advance for your help mate, look forward to meeting you.

later,

Check out post #18 on page 2
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=55004&page=2

The route will be pretty much the same as this although we will probably come back to Sumner rather than stopping at Hamner on day 2 so the trip through Port Hill passes and Mckenzie Country to Naesby isn't quite as big

[mickeyboy]

Hey pilgrams count me in , if not all the passes at least some. Have a job over the summer as a tour guide so will try and escape and cut loose with you dudes. Lets start in CHCH , why ? cause i live here ! What better reason.

Mick

[windboy]

Check out post #18 on page 2
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=55004&page=2....

Thanks for that ruralman, I must have missed that one before. Reading through the post I realise I need a better map! many of the passes you mentioned don't show in my map (South island kiwi map). Any suggestions on a good south island map showing as many dirt roads as possible? :drool:

cheers,

[timg]

Thanks for that ruralman, I must have missed that one before. Reading through the post I realise I need a better map! many of the passes you mentioned don't show in my map (South island kiwi map). Any suggestions on a good south island map showing as many dirt roads as possible? :drool:

cheers,

This is a good one. Shows good detail. Got it from Whitcoulls. Cheers, Tim

[tri boy]

Hi Ruralman, Jantar,
I'm still keen on this ride. With regards to speed/fuel range, the Scrambler can make the 240km range but I'm not sure if it will be suitable for sustained high speed(120+) on gravel. That seems like quite a pace to be maintaining.
Windboy, Zukin, young1 etc have been on rides with me, and know that it will go %90 of places that the trail bikes will, but I was after your input to see if it is suitable.
Also, re mufflers. It has Triumph closed circuit pipes on that are noisier than the restricted standard ones. Would they be acceptable? It can get a warrant with them on........just:innocent:
Thanks.

[Jantar]

The Scrambler will be suitable for this ride. Last year a Suzuki Bandit came with us, and managed all the tougher passes. The 120 kmh mentioned on the gravel was really only sustained on one section which was long, straight and flat. And even then, it was only because it was so tempting, not because we had to. :D

The only place I would hesitate with the Scrambler is the same section I hesitated on the VStrom (and fell over), but that section is an option as it doesn't involve a pass, just a good steep track.

[tri boy]

Thanks for the info.;)
Unless something unforeseen develops, I'm a definite starter.:clap:
Can't think of a better way to check out Sth Isld passes than riding some with knowledgeable locals.

[NordieBoy]

The only place I would hesitate with the Scrambler is the same section I hesitated on the VStrom (and fell over), but that section is an option as it doesn't involve a pass, just a good steep track.

Your rock is still there :D

[Jantar]

So how about next time you're up there you take a bloody big sledge hammer and reuce that rock to gravel for me. :rockon:

[NordieBoy]

Nah mate, tourists are always saying "We've seen Murderers Rock, where's Jantars Rock".

There's a fortune to be made.

[Laava]

OK then, I'm now calling this one off for me, my circumstances have changed and I will need to be working instead of having fun! :crybaby:I know you guys will have fun tho.:rockon:

[windboy]

... the Scrambler can make the 240km range but I'm not sure if it will be suitable for sustained high speed(120+) on gravel. That seems like quite a pace to be maintaining.
Windboy, Zukin, young1 etc have been on rides with me, and know that it will go %90 of places that the trail bikes will, but I was after your input to see if it is suitable....

don't worry mate, we'll be trailing along breathing the fine south island dust and taking in the scenary... :cool: making sure we don't hit jantar's rock...

[tri boy]

Hopefully Triumph NZ will have made a decision on my front wheel warranty claim by 2008.(3 1/2 weeks, and I still haven't heard a peep).:2guns:
While they dither about with emails to the UK, (because apparently they arn't allowed to think for themselves:scratch:), and all warranty must be approved from the other side of the planet. WTF:angry2:
I have no Scrambler to blat about on.:no:
Me thinks the Consumer's Act will be pulled out of the draw soon.:yes:

[windboy]

So... WTF happened to your front wheel?

[tri boy]

So... WTF happened to your front wheel?

Bit of a story to it.:yawn:
Firstly, two front disc's have failed to correct a pulsing front brake at 50-80 kmh.
Quite spooky on gravel as it also grabs/releases.
Doing a bit of research myself, I've found out it is a common fault on Scramblers/Bonnevilles world wide, and is in relation to poor machining of the hub bore in relation to the axle, and also run out on the disc mount, also crappy discs also crappy Spanish rims. (mine is rusty as fuck around the spoke holes under the rim tape). 7mths old and the chrome is flaking off, just waiting to puncture tubes.
Bottom line is the wheel assemblies are shit, but Triumph UK will not admit it. (Don't worry about peoples safety though:nono:).
So I sit and wait while Triumph f**k about.Will I buy another Triumph?:killingme
Do like the look of the new Tenere though.:woohoo:
Musn't grumble though. I should feel previlaged that the almighty NZ distributors allowed me to purchase such finely made machinery. Tui anyone?

[windboy]

That's bloody pathetic from triumph NZ triboy. That is a safety issue and should correct it first and ask questions later... :angry2: Considering the margin they get, the least they should do is give you another "spanish" wheel in the meantime. I would have pulled the consumer's act card already mate.

best of lucks sorting out that one pal.

later,

[windboy]

This is a good one. Shows good detail. Got it from Whitcoulls. Cheers, Tim

Hi Tim, thanks for the pointer. I was under the impression that the motorcycling atlas was more for on-road rides. I'll have a good look next time i'm in whitcouls man.

Cheers,

[warewolf]

I'll have a good look next time i'm in whitcouls man.... or your LMD.

[Zukin]

Any more updates on this ride yet??

Cheers Scott

[neilmac]

Hi, I have been considering doing the 08 Yamaha Mackenzie safari with NZ Adventures, but am very interested to learn more about this ride, sounds like don't need any special tires, the timing of 1st week school would be good, I was planning to be in Cromwell 5th Feb anyway.

[mickeyboy]

Dudes, Check my Queenstown Rally post on the Adventure Forums. Would be cool if the Passes Trip could make The Quuenstown Rally a planned stopover. Any idea's when you guys woule be in the area ?

Mick

[Cary]

Would be keen to tag along and happy to head down with any N.I riders.

Plan on having a 950/990 Adv or 1150/12 GS by then (haven't decided yet:banana:) Did the Rusty 1000 miler on XT so 7-10 in saddle is all good!

[neilmac]

Hi Ruralman,
I would be very keen to start about 7th Feb would that work??

I could go down with any others from NI/Auckland will probably leave Auck 3rd or 4th Feb as want to be in Cromwell on the 6th for a BBQ.

[Jantar]

The date is set 11th - 15th Feb. See http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=56099 .

I will be working on routes, size of groups, overnight stops etc. when I return to NZ next week.

[Ruralman]

The date is set 1th - 15th Feb. See http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=56099 .

I will be working on routes, size of groups, overnight stops etc. when I return to NZ next week.

I presume that is the 11th Jantar or is it meant to be the 10th?

[Taz]

If I can secure the time off I would be keen on joining the ride as part of my south island tour.

[LISTERJAG]

Hi,
I would be interested in joining your party if there is room.
Listerjag.

[Taz]

Leave secured. I will be a starter on the mighty BMW GS if it's ok by you guys. Cary and I will incorporate this with our South Island tour. Please let me know if there is still room for us as we need to start planning.
Thanks Andy.

[helenoftroy]

I would love to be part of this adventure if its OK?? But understand that there is a huge amount of interest already
Reckon this would be perfect motorcycling for our mighty GS's

[Jantar]

I shall contact everyone who has expressed an interest late this month and give an idea of routes, overnight stays, costs etc.

In order to keep the numbers down we may have multiple groups all starting and finishing at Christchurch but with different itineries.

An example is:

Group 1 heads north anti-clockwise, then south clockwise.
Group 2 heads north clockwise, then south anti-clockwise.
Group 3 heads south anti-clockwise, then north clockwise.
Group 4 heads south clockwise, then north anti-clockwise.

This way we could have 4 times the number of riders as last year without making each group too big.

I'm only hoping that I'll be fit enough for it myself.

[NordieBoy]

Group 1 heads north anti-clockwise, then south clockwise.
Group 2 heads north clockwise, then south anti-clockwise.
Group 3 heads south anti-clockwise, then north clockwise.
Group 4 heads south clockwise, then north anti-clockwise.


And those with digital watches?

[Zukin]

I shall contact everyone who has expressed an interest late this month and give an idea of routes, overnight stays, costs etc.

In order to keep the numbers down we may have multiple groups all starting and finishing at Christchurch but with different itineries.

An example is:

Group 1 heads north anti-clockwise, then south clockwise.
Group 2 heads north clockwise, then south anti-clockwise.
Group 3 heads south anti-clockwise, then north clockwise.
Group 4 heads south clockwise, then north anti-clockwise.

This way we could have 4 times the number of riders as last year without making each group too big.

I'm only hoping that I'll be fit enough for it myself.

we hope you are fit too Jantar :2thumbsup

I wouldn't put too much effort into the different routes until you get the confirmed numbers :)

Cheers Scott

[_Shrek_]

And those with digital watches?

mmmmmmm & if you dont have a watch what then

[mickeyboy]

Dudes when will the passes ride be in the queenstown area.

Mickeyboy

[Jantar]

Dudes when will the passes ride be in the queenstown area.

Mickeyboy

It wont. The overnight stops in the lower South Island will most likely be Naseby and Franz Joseph, and passing through Hawea on the 12th or 14th of February depending on the route taken.

[marks]

Group 1 heads north anti-clockwise, then south clockwise.
Group 2 heads north clockwise, then south anti-clockwise.
Group 3 heads south anti-clockwise, then north clockwise.
Group 4 heads south clockwise, then north anti-clockwise.


you obviously haven't considered the risk of a head on when the groups meet in the middle.

[Jantar]

you obviously haven't considered the risk of a head on when the groups meet in the middle.
No more risk of a head on than there is with any other vehicles.

[NordieBoy]

No more risk of a head on than there is with any other vehicles.

That bad ?

[RedKLR650]

It wont. The overnight stops in the lower South Island will most likely be Naseby and Franz Joseph, and passing through Hawea on the 12th or 14th of February depending on the route taken.

Hi Jantar,

I'm sure you have your reasons for Franz Joseph based on midpoints between other stops etc, but had any consideration been given to either Makarora ( not sure on spelling here ) or the Blackball Hilton ? :rolleyes:

Having stayed at them both in the last 2 months, I can happily report that both are VERY motorbike friendly :apint: and cheap:niceone:, but each is around 200km either way from Franz:doh:

Saying that, it's your game, so will happily stay whereever you decide, but it was just a thought:eek:

Respectfully, Stu :scooter:

[Jantar]

Either Blackball or Makarora would add an extra day to the ride. Franz or Fox are the best options, but Harihari is also possible. Last passes ride, we arrived in Franz at 7:00 pm, so continuing to Makarora would mean arriving at 10:00 pm. Similarly if we departed Blackball (which is off route) instead of Franz, the arrival time at Naseby would be around 10:30 pm.

[RedKLR650]

Either Blackball or Makarora would add an extra day to the ride. Franz or Fox are the best options, but Harihari is also possible. Last passes ride, we arrived in Franz at 7:00 pm, so continuing to Makarora would mean arriving at 10:00 pm. Similarly if we departed Blackball (which is off route) instead of Franz, the arrival time at Naseby would be around 10:30 pm.

Sorry Jantar, didn't mean to tell you your job, was just throwing around ideas..... ( Also didn't realise quite the differences in arrival times ) :pinch:

Looking forward to catching up on this ride if not sooner :apint:

Regards, Stu :niceone:

[tri boy]

Bump.
As usual, an impatient nth islander disturbs the silence.:baby::wait::spanking:

[Club Matrix]

I'm interested to hook up. Just back from Oz, and keen for a ride with more hills. Let me know when you'e ready to count up the definite starters.

[sandmart]

Hi all, I'm just reasonably new to all this but would be very keen for this ride. I am wondering how it is for someone like myself, who is a bit slower on the gravel. Cheers sandmart.:2thumbsup

[Taz]

I'll be making my own way round as i'm taking a bit longer to see the whole island or as much of it as I can fit in. So we may stumble upon you guys at some stage but then maybe not.

[Jantar]

Hi all, I'm just reasonably new to all this but would be very keen for this ride. I am wondering how it is for someone like myself, who is a bit slower on the gravel. Cheers sandmart.:2thumbsup
That shouldn't be any problem. Last year I did it on road tyres, and we had a rider on a Suzuki Bandit road bike, so we were bothn a bit slower on gravel. The secret there is to keep stops short and just ride at your own pace.

I have sent PMs to everyone who has indicated an interest to get confirmation of numbers.

[_Shrek_]

Hi all, I'm just reasonably new to all this but would be very keen for this ride. I am wondering how it is for someone like myself, who is a bit slower on the gravel. Cheers sandmart.:2thumbsup

hiya sm welcome to KB
get in touch with Ruralman or jantar they are the ones organizing it & will put you right

cheers Shrek

[MyGSXF]

we had a rider on a Suzuki Bandit road bike

& a GSX400F for a couple of days.. :Punk:

Malcolm, at some point soonish.. please can you flick me a pm with the finalised dates & days where you will be.. would love to join up with ya'll at Murch, or somewhere near again!!! :woohoo: (need plenty of notice to get my boys organised!! :niceone:)

cheers babe :msn-wink:

Jen :rockon:

[ducatijim]

I have sent PMs to everyone who has indicated an interest to get confirmation of numbers.

Hey, could I have one too please?please please? Malcolm?:cool:

[windboy]

Hi Jantar, ruralman and others,

After asking endless questions to you and getting excited about joining your passes ride I am now officially not going to join you.... :bye:

Since it's a bit of a long way from home and at a reasonable expense I (we really, 2 other jafas) decided to make it a longer trip instead, taking 2 weeks to do the passes ride and a bit more in a much calmer pace too; with camping gear to keep it in a budget.

However, no doubt we will cross each others ways and if that happens on a stopover I'll be more than keen to join you guys for a beer or several. :drinknsin

So thanks heaps for the inspiration and your PM about the itinerary and accomodation details.

Cheers Guys,

[Crisis management]

Jantar, despite a strong desire to be their this year, I have a house renovation to finish and that takes precedence.

Have a great ride Guys, hopefully I can make it down their another time.

Iain

[ducatijim]

This is probably covered elsewhere in this thread, but I missed it. What type of accomadation ( pub/motel/caravan park) are we going to frequent at the overniters on this ride?:beer:

[tri boy]

I'm still in.:scooter: (will take alot of photo's to rub salt into Windboy's and CM's) wounds.:p
If other nth island riders are heading down, maybe Ferry Timetables could be sorted soon.:yes:

[Jantar]

This is probably covered elsewhere in this thread, but I missed it. What type of accomadation ( pub/motel/caravan park) are we going to frequent at the overniters on this ride?:beer:


Backpackers and/or low cost hotels.

[Crisis management]

I'm still in.:scooter: (will take alot of photo's to rub salt into Windboy's and CM's) wounds.:p
If other nth island riders are heading down, maybe Ferry Timetables could be sorted soon.:yes:

You bar steward.......I'm blowing up the service centre at the Bombays and cutting all of you off :angry2:

I can't get to the ride this weekend, or the passes ride, AAAAAARGHHHHH!


These photos better be good and show that bloody scrambler stuck up a tree or something. :bash:

[Racing Dave]

Pardon me butting in, and I think it's a great idea to cut out all the passes in a long ride, but you seem to have overlooked Wilmot Pass. Not many have ridden this one, and it's a bit of a challenge to get there, but good fun to do.

[Jantar]

We did look at Wilmot Pass for last years ride. However unless we want to spend both arms and legs for a special barge trip, the only ride we could get last year would have us over there on a Wednesday, and back the following Wednesday.

I must admit I haven't even enquired for this year's ride.

[Racing Dave]

If you're only planning on riding most of the passes, then you could add a slight challenge by adding Big Pass and Saxton Pass, and a particularly easy Dover Pass. That'll at least bring it up to 97%.

[Jantar]

Big Pass was also on our list for last year. It does not have a road over it, just a farm track, but that wasn't the issue. The land owner would not give permission to cross his land. Saxton pass still has a paper road listed, but DOC will not give permission to go there either.

Where is Dover Pass?

[Zukin]

Dover Pass is on the Main road between Tekapo and Twizel, by the lookout to Mt Cook

[Jantar]

Thanks Scott, I'll check it out. It wasn't listed on any of the maps we used for last years ride.

[RedKLR650]

Thanks Scott, I'll check it out. It wasn't listed on any of the maps we used for last years ride.

It's the point immediately east of the old Mt Cook Lookout layby at the south east end of Lake Pukaki, so I think your route takes you through there anyway

See centre of the map attached

Cheers, Stu

[_Shrek_]

Big Pass was also on our list for last year. It does not have a road over it, just a farm track, but that wasn't the issue. The land owner would not give permission to cross his land. Saxton pass still has a paper road listed, but DOC will not give permission to go there either.

Where is Dover Pass?

i'm pretty sure you don't need permission to go over a paper Rd because it is a public paper Rd

[Jantar]

i'm pretty sure you don't need permission to go over a paper Rd because it is a public paper Rd
Generally correct, but I'm not prepared to pay the court costs to defy DOC. Note how they also close the Molesworth for most of the year, and that too is a paper road.

[ducatijim]

I am going to regretfully have to withdraw from this ride Malcolm, we have reached crisis point with the drought up here and my attention is needed to keep the stock alive. Besides, income dryes up along with the withering grass!!

You guys have fun now, you hear:woohoo:( THAT is like telling the POPE to say his PRAYERS!!!)

Cheers, Jamie.

[tri boy]

Thats a tough call for you to have to make Jamie, but ultimately I guess the farm must come first.

I'm hanging in there Jantar, but hopefully final details re upfront costs, and final ride out groups could be sorted soon, as budgets/time off/ extended ride after the passes, and other details need clearing away shortly.

As a newby to sth island routes, could someone suggest a sensible route down to ChCh that might involve a bit of gravel that will not be on the ride.(Picton - sth).

If i have to do the main road gig, I will hold off on fitting the new tyres until I'm in ChCh. (might even freight them down, and fit them up when I arrive). Just don't want to burn up new TKC's on seal from Waikato-ChCh.

Cheers.

[cooneyr]

.......As a newby to sth island routes, could someone suggest a sensible route down to ChCh that might involve a bit of gravel that will not be on the ride.(Picton - sth).

If i have to do the main road gig, I will hold off on fitting the new tyres until I'm in ChCh. (might even freight them down, and fit them up when I arrive). Just don't want to burn up new TKC's on seal from Waikato-ChCh.

Cheers.

I've been following this thread but not that well. I'm not sure when you are coming to Chch but the Molesworth is your best option for Picton to Chch of the seal. It may be closed by the time you come through though. Contact South Marlborough Doc to check. Other option is to do go up SH63 (Wairau) and down the Rainbow to Hanmer. Can also include what we call Pyrimad Valley, really Ram Paddock Road. Turn south at Waikari and follow the roads around till you get to Mound Road (turn south again) then follow the follow the roads down through to Sefton and jump back onto SH1 somewhere to come into chch.

If you need a place to shoe on some tyres and we are around your welcome to drop by (sorry the house is full at the moment till March/April)

Cheers R

[tri boy]

thanks for the details.:sunny:
I was planning on the 7thfeb to cross the straight, and head down from then.

I will get my A into G now that Clints ride is done.
Hope to meet up with windboy either traveling down, or after the 5passes.:done:

Just got off the phone to Doc. They are reassessing the Molesworth this weekend due to fire risk. Looks like it will close early. I will call them next Tues for an outcome.

[fleethaul]

Yes, Rural man and I had a little discussion about it over the weekend, and it is 11th February start.
.

Due to business commitments I will be a non starter this year. TheDuck01 has agreed to do the building work on a project and subject to council consents we start building that week, that will count him out too.
Have a great trip, last year will take some topping mind you, and ride safe.

Jeff

[Racing Dave]

I guess it all depends on how much importance you place on riding ALL the possible South Island passes, but I think you’ve given up too easily. Considering that with almost no organizational effort you can get to 90% of them, wouldn’t it be worth a little trouble to ride the final three, and complete the set?

Regarding Saxton Pass, have you rung Jim Ward, the manager of Molesworth, and asked him for access? Anyway, don’t worry about DOC, there’s no chance of them even noticing you’re there (unless they read Kiwi Biker, which I doubt), and the most they can do is ask you to leave an area where, in their opinion, you shouldn’t be. The roads in Molesworth are so confusing, I wouldn’t be surprised if, after crossing the Acheron River, you accidentally ventured up the track to the Pass by mistake and found yourselves 5km off track, before realising it and heading back. Sometimes it’s easier to obtain forgiveness rather than permission.

Regarding Big Pass, just 2km to its west is the vehicle track (rough and stony, but rideable) along the east bank of the Tekapo River. I’d never advocate trespassing, but again I wouldn’t be shocked if you made a navigational error and found yourselves briefly on the wrong track, and returned to the river once you realized.

Even Wilmot Pass isn’t hugely difficult to get to. When a mate and I rode our XR250s there a few years ago, we obtained from DOC a concession for access, an agreement from the barge owners to take us on a regular crossing of Lake Manapouri (they leave from Supply Bay, just north of the town, rather than the tourist jetty at Pearl Harbour), and further agreement from the tug captain. I’ve forgotten his name, but he’s a motorcycle rider, and had no issues with us coming over. You also get the chance to ride to the top of Percy Saddle, which is quite an experience. We paid $10 each, for the return journey. I suspect the money went into their morning tea fund, and so it should, as two light bikes made no difference to the barge’s load, and the paperwork is simplified.

It takes some inconvenience to get all these details arranged, but after all, the whole journey is an adventure, and a trip riding over every pass can be achieved if you put your mind to it. Be the first to complete the lot. Good luck.

[windboy]

I guess it all depends on how much importance you place on riding ALL the possible South Island passes, but I think you’ve given up too easily. Considering that with almost no organizational effort you can get to 90% of them, wouldn’t it be worth a little trouble to ride the final three, and complete the set?

Regarding Saxton Pass, have you rung Jim Ward, the manager of Molesworth, and asked him for access? Anyway, don’t worry about DOC, there’s no chance of them even noticing you’re there (unless they read Kiwi Biker, which I doubt), and the most they can do is ask you to leave an area where, in their opinion, you shouldn’t be. The roads in Molesworth are so confusing, I wouldn’t be surprised if, after crossing the Acheron River, you accidentally ventured up the track to the Pass by mistake and found yourselves 5km off track, before realising it and heading back. Sometimes it’s easier to obtain forgiveness rather than permission.

Regarding Big Pass, just 2km to its west is the vehicle track (rough and stony, but rideable) along the east bank of the Tekapo River. I’d never advocate trespassing, but again I wouldn’t be shocked if you made a navigational error and found yourselves briefly on the wrong track, and returned to the river once you realized.

Even Wilmot Pass isn’t hugely difficult to get to. When a mate and I rode our XR250s there a few years ago, we obtained from DOC a concession for access, an agreement from the barge owners to take us on a regular crossing of Lake Manapouri (they leave from Supply Bay, just north of the town, rather than the tourist jetty at Pearl Harbour), and further agreement from the tug captain. I’ve forgotten his name, but he’s a motorcycle rider, and had no issues with us coming over. You also get the chance to ride to the top of Percy Saddle, which is quite an experience. We paid $10 each, for the return journey. I suspect the money went into their morning tea fund, and so it should, as two light bikes made no difference to the barge’s load, and the paperwork is simplified.

It takes some inconvenience to get all these details arranged, but after all, the whole journey is an adventure, and a trip riding over every pass can be achieved if you put your mind to it. Be the first to complete the lot. Good luck.

greetings racingdave,

are all the roads you mention here ridable on your gs1200a?

later,

[Jantar]

....Anyway, don’t worry about DOC, there’s no chance of them even noticing you’re there (unless they read Kiwi Biker, which I doubt), and the most they can do is ask you to leave an area where, in their opinion, you shouldn’t be. ...

Regarding Big Pass, just 2km to its west is the vehicle track (rough and stony, but rideable) along the east bank of the Tekapo River. I’d never advocate trespassing, but again I wouldn’t be shocked if you made a navigational error and found yourselves briefly on the wrong track, and returned to the river once you realized....

This attitude is exactly why we didn't get permission for Big Pass last year. Another group did just as you suggested and left the gates open allowing sheep to get out etc.

[RedKLR650]

I guess it all depends on how much importance you place on riding ALL the possible South Island passes, but I think you’ve given up too easily. Considering that with almost no organizational effort you can get to 90% of them, wouldn’t it be worth a little trouble to ride the final three, and complete the set?
It takes some inconvenience to get all these details arranged, but after all, the whole journey is an adventure, and a trip riding over every pass can be achieved if you put your mind to it. Be the first to complete the lot. Good luck.

Whats with this final 3 bit, there are a few others too inconvenient to add to a ride like this without adding extra days to the ride

A typical example is Flanagan Pass about 10kms up a track off the Glen Lyon road behind Lake Ohau. ( See map )

Maybe you'd like to organise next years effort and "Get them all " ?

Regards, Stu

[tri boy]

So, besides the actual sailing time/date,(probably 8th) this is my proposed route into ChCh to join the ride.
Please correct me if I'm off track.

Picton -Blenheim via hwy1.:sick:
Out through Renwick on 63, to St Anaud. (wanted to try the nthern side of the Wairau and cross over, but by myself this could turn to shit. Fuel up at St Anaud, and head through the Rainbow Road to Hanmer.

Pick up fuel, and take hwy7 to Hurunui, Top up fuel, and head out to Masons Flat to some road that roughly follows the Waipara river, and ends about 8km nth of Amberly.

Head down hwy1 to Amberly, and travel out to Ashley via Sefton, then cross the Ashley rvr and use 71 and 74 into ChCh.


My other idea if I split the ride, was to go Picton-Nelson-Belgrove via hwy6, and park up at Golden Down, Tophouse, or St Anaud? Thoughts?

Q: Split this into a two day ride?

Q: Think I should try the Wairau crossing?

Q: Will the feral locals try to rape me?

[cooneyr]

So, besides the actual sailing time/date,(probably 8th) this is my proposed route into ChCh to join the ride.
Please correct me if I'm off track.

Picton -Blenheim via hwy1.:sick:
Out through Renwick on 63, to St Anaud. (wanted to try the nthern side of the Wairau and cross over, but by myself this could turn to shit. Fuel up at St Anaud, and head through the Rainbow Road to Hanmer.

Pick up fuel, and take hwy7 to Hurunui, Top up fuel, and head out to Masons Flat to some road that roughly follows the Waipara river, and ends about 8km nth of Amberly.

Head down hwy1 to Amberly, and travel out to Ashley via Sefton, then cross the Ashley rvr and use 71 and 74 into ChCh.

Q: Split this into a two day ride?

Q: Think I should try the Wairau crossing?

Q: Will the feral locals try to rape me?

Q1: One long day would easily see it cut. I would guesstimate about 7-8 hours

Q2: Dont try crossing the Wairau. Stones to big and river has potential to be very narsty. Check out this thread (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=63141). I dumped it on a dry section of river bed due to rock size and I ride a trials bike compared to the submarine :bleh:

Q3: Only if you want them too :D

Other points - No fuel in Hurunui. Fill up at Hanmer should be enough to Rangiora or Chch. Why are you going out to Amberly? Do Ram Paddock Road, Mound Road, Mount Brown Road, Douglas Road, Reserve Road, Balcairn Amberly Road, Upper Sefton Road, (through Rangiora), SH71. If your new to the area and the Sth Islnd Passes ride doesnt follow this route, from Rangiora take Oxford Road, Depot Road, Minchins Road, Old West Coast Road. This way you get to see the upper Waimak Bridge. Would add about another 1.5 hours to the ride time though.

Cheers R

[Racing Dave]

I had thought of Flanagan Pass, and there are probably others, too, but after the negativity regarding Big and Saxton I thought I'd get barked at. That happened anyway. Oh, well.

[tri boy]

Thanks for the info cooneyr:cool:
I will take your route advise, as its all new territory to me. Probably will split it into 2days, and enjoy it, since this is just the start.

After the passes ride, I hope to spend about 5-6more days quietly checking out some easy gravel roads, plus the gravel rides around the Marlborough Sounds.
Got to be back in the Waikato on or about the 21st, unless I can shuffle a few more meetings.(getting quite excited about this trip).

Still havn't made a decision on my tyres.:blink:

I will be thrilled if the Molesworth stays open till about 10/2, then I will bypass the Rainbow until the northern run. Fingers/Toes/Testies double crossed.

[Zukin]

Hi Jantar

I will not be attending this ride, I am working on my own tour down there later in the year :blink:

Cheers Scott

[ducatijim]

This attitude is exactly why we didn't get permission for Big Pass last year. Another group did just as you suggested and left the gates open allowing sheep to get out etc.


Well said Malcolm, as a land owner myself, I appreciate being ASKED first, not given an excuse later.

This demonstrates a real bad attitude, which if predominate, will ultimately reduce the likelyhood of access being granted for ALL sorts of offroad activities in the future, and does NOTHING to enhance the already tarnished view of offroaders being 'bad boys'.....some of 'us' have already featured in primetime news on TV recently, carving up the unstable terrain around some old goldfields down ur way.

I applaude your stand.

[tri boy]

Things are flowing quite nicely at my end re this ride. Looks like I might be able to swing about two weeks down sth, so hopefully I will catch up with a few people.
I'm bringing the camping gear down, so if some kind soul will let me stash it at their place while i'm doing the passes ride, it would be appreciated. (ChCh I guess).
Hope to catch up with windboy somewhere, and plan on pitching the tent up in the Marlborough Sounds for a few days. (Deanohit, got any good spots you know of?).
Still got one or two Q's if you please:

5Pases ride, whats the seal/gravel ratio, and the approx seal km's?
(I might leave the E-07 on the rear, and the 1/2 worn TKC on the front. No point in wasting a new set of TKC's if there is heaps of tarmac).

After the ride, can anyone pass on info about other desirable routes?
Old man range, Rise n shine suitable?
Will stop bothering you now. (for a while)

PS If anybody wants to catch up for a coffee, or bevvy at any stage, drop me a pm with mob# and location. :yes:

[awayatc]

I'm bringing the camping gear down, so if some kind soul will let me stash it at their place while i'm doing the passes ride, it would be appreciated. (ChCh I guess).
Hope to catch up with windboy somewhere, and plan on pitching the tent up in the Marlborough Sounds for a few days. (Deanohit, got any good spots you know of?).
Still got one or two Q's if you please:

5Pases ride, whats the seal/gravel ratio, and the approx seal km's?
(I might leave the E-07 on the rear, and the 1/2 worn TKC on the front. No point in wasting a new set of TKC's if there is heaps of tarmac).

PS If anybody wants to catch up for a coffee, or bevvy at any stage, drop me a pm with mob# and location. :yes:

White bay few kms from Rarangi between Picton and Blenheim is nice, (doc) gravel road between Picton and White bay. Tarseal and windy with stunning vistas from Rarangi....
Can't go wrong in the sounds....look on the map lots to choose from.

You can drop off your gear at my place if you want. Drop me a pm (woodend Beach-2km of main drag 6km before kaiapoi)

Just done fair bit of gravel (Mlolesworth- rainbow-taylor-keneperu) on bridgestone trailwings...no grip, barely more then roadtyres...No problem.
Most of the gravel is pretty good, molesworth you can do on a nifty fifty, only a little bit of skill required on Rainbow at the northern end....So you don't have to go all hardcore, up to you. My "slicks" provided me with some entertainment...kept the smile on the dial..:shifty:
( being ablte to do punctures yourself advisable.....:rolleyes:[
Good luck:2thumbsup

[tri boy]

You can drop off your gear at my place if you want. Drop me a pm (woodend Beach-2km of main drag 6km before kaiapoi)



Thats a kind offer. Will probably take you up on it.:sunny:
Will PM some details closer to the ride.:done:

[tri boy]

Inter Islder is booked. 7th/Feb.
marks is gunna join the ride to ChCh, and maybe more.
Jantar, if you can PM some ph#'s, and meeting places to me all should be sweet.:clap:

[timg]

Just one week to go before tri boy, Delphinius, Helenoftroy & I hit the road :woohoo: I've posted a very abreviated version of Jantar's excellent route sheet that should give some idea of where and when we are going and staying. Hopefully some of the local KBers can join in for parts of the ride as we pass :ride: through or for a few :drinkup: bevvies and tell a few lies. PM us for cellphone numbers. Cheers.

Day 1 11.02.08 (424 km)

Meet outside The Marine in Sumner, Christchurch at 08:15 ready for departure at 08:30
Follow SH1 through Amberly, then follow SH7 to Weka Pass. Continue on to Hamner Springs, Jacks Pass, Jollies Pass, Wards Pass, through Molesworth and up the Awatere Valley. Taylor’s Pass, Weld Pass and Dashwood Pass, Redwood Pass then Picton.

Accomadation at The Villa, 34 Auckland St, Picton.

Day 2 12.02.08 (550 km)

Picton to Havelock to Nelson, Hope saddle, Braeburn track, Murchison & Springs Junction. Head East over Lewis Pass & Weka Pass to Christchurch.

Accommodation at: The Marine, 26 Nayland St, Sumner.

Day 3 13.02.08 (618 km)

From Sumner to Evans Pass, Dyers Pass & Gebbies Pass.
Head to Motokarara, Coes Ford, Leeston, Rakaia, Geraldine, then Fairlie.

Follow SH8 to Burkes Pass, McKenzie Pass, Little Pass, Hakataramea Pass, Meyers Pass, to Oamaru. Back roads to HW85 over the Pig Root to Kyeburn then Naseby

Accommodation at: The Royal Hotel Naseby

Day 4 14.02.08 (606 km)
From Naseby over Danseys Pass, Ahuriri Pass, Lindis Pass, Tarras, Hawea,
Makarora, Haast Pass, to Franz Joseph.
Accommodation at Glow Worm Cottages 27 Cron St, Franz Joseph.

Day 5 15.02.08 (525 km)

Franz Joseph through Ross to Hokitika, Arthurs Pass, Porters Pass Springfield, Sheffield, Oxford, Lees Pass, Okuku Pass to Rangiora, then Sumner where we started from. :banana:

[tri boy]

Just a quick update on progress so far.
Marks and myself managed to take in Pt Underwood ride, Molesworth, and Rainbow, with a few added tracks thrown in for good measure.
A couple of enjoyable nights were spent at "Top House", just out of St Anauad while the weather settled a bit. (a reallycool ghost named Sydney sat on my bed on the first night.:gob:
We headed for Picton to meetupwith the sth crew, and so Mark could cross the strait to attend to some workissues.
Hopefully the weather will hold, so I can take in some rides further sth.:yes:
Will probably shoot back down the Molesworth toaccess the sthern region.
But now its time for a beer, and a chat with a few Backpackers.;)

[SDU]

Hope everyone is having an awesome time. And Helen is behaving herself:bleh:
I was working in the weekend otherwise it would have been good to meet up in sumner b4 the ride kicked off.:drinkup:

[marks]

Ja reallycool ghost named Sydney sat on my bed on the first night.:gob:

sure Brent - try and blame that stain on a ghost


whatever...

[helenoftroy]

Hope everyone is having an awesome time. And Helen is behaving herself:bleh:

The cheek of it!!!!:devil2:I always behave!!!

timg and Delphinus headed off from St Albans Monday morning on the big adventure

They had fantastic weather heading thru the Molesworth (Jack evidently had a wee off & Tim a puncture)and are in Picton tonight- not sure if Tri boy is joining them today...

Theyre back to ChCh Tuesday night and are at the Marine,Sunmer if anyone wants to catch up with them

I will head off with them Wed morning heading south:woohoo:

[MyGSXF]

They had fantastic weather heading thru the Molesworth (Jack evidently had a wee off & Tim a puncture)and are in Picton tonight

Ah crap.. lost track that this was on now.. :doh: txt sent & will hopefully catch up with them on their way through here tomorrow..:Punk: ahh.. today! :shifty:

[Jantar]

Today should see them going through Nelson, down to Lake Rotoroa and the Braemar track, then sealed roads back through the Lewis Pass to Christchurch. An easy day after yesterday.

[MyGSXF]

Just spoke to Jack.. heading out shortly to meet them on the road.. :ride:

[Ruralman]

Just spoke to Jack.. heading out shortly to meet them on the road.. :ride:

A wee off??? - does this mean he's buying me a new rainsuit??? Hope he's OK. He texted me about the puncture but didn't hear about the other! When did they make it to Picton?

[MyGSXF]

Home again.. met Jack & Tim 3/4 way up the Whangamoa's.. didn't recognise Jack on the XT :shutup: was busy lookin out for the bumblebee Triumph :doh: but recognised Tim! :rolleyes: anyway.. quick u-turn & soon caught up.. very cool to be able to ride into town with them! :Punk: Escorted them home for a coffee & chat.. where they exchanged a couple of stories of their escapades thus far.. :whistle: apparantly, there IS a "Jack's Pass".. which is now thoroughly christened.. by Jack!! aye Jack.. :msn-wink: then back on the road. :scooter: I had to be home by 1.45 for an appointment, so only went as far as the Kawatiri Junction turnoff, where I bid the boys a faretheewell :bye: & headed for home again. Sounded like they were having a great trip thus far.. enjoying a cruisy ride & taking in the scenery! :yes: Tis raining heavily now, so I hope they missed it their direction! :blink:

[tri boy]

Crikey,
It sure can rain down this way. I went a seperate way from timg and Delphius this morning, as I'm trying to minimise the amount of tarseal riding to save the rear TKC.
Planned on heading up Hwy70 near Kaikura for some hill work. Not bloody likely! The hills dissapeared under a low cloud cover and rain from 50km nth of Kaikura, all the way to Sumner.
Still a cool ride, and the bags and wet weather gear held out well.
Had a looksy at the water running out of the Hurunui and another river, and it looks like a heap got dumped up in the hills.
Fingers crossed for better weather, but Thrs through to Sat is looking sleazy.
Nevermind, at least I brought rain to the parched hills. No need to thank me........:done:

[Jantar]

Today they are due to head across the three passes on Banks Penisula, through Geraldine and Fairlie to Burks Pass, into the hills over McKenzie Pass, down Haldon road to Little Pass, then over Hakataramea Pass and Meyers Pass to the east coast. Down to Palmerston, over the Pig Root, and I'll meet them at Naseby. :ride:

[RedKLR650]

Hi all,
Got a call from timg last night wondering if I'd like to catch up with the fearsome foursome this morning for a few km's of todays leg of the passes ride..... :hug:

Sprinted up to Fairlie only to find they had stopped for a long lunch..... :drool:

Finally got away from the Old Library refreshed and ready to go around 1.30pm, with first stop being Burkes Pass, although Triboy left us at the turnoff to Rollesby road ( which leads to McKenzie Pass ) in order to save some tire wear on those dreaded knobblies....:2guns:

We trundled up the pass with an obligatory photo opportunity in front of the B/P monument, then back down the hill to try and catch the elusive Triboy.....

Another brief photo opp at the monument to McKenzie's capture ( he was a sheep rustler ), on the lower side of the high altitude McKenzie Pass, before crossing a small stream and heading down the long straight shingle to the Haldon Arm road :sweatdrop

( Apologies for date appearing on images, using new P+S camera and didn't realise it was putting the date on images ) :angry2:

0001 Burkes Pass Monument Photo Opportunity
0004 Helenoftroy heads up Rollesby Road
0006 Delphinus at McKenzie Pass peak
0011 Group shot at Monument to McKenzies Capture
0014 Triboys Scrambler leaving the stream at the McKenzie monument
0015 KLR in front of Delphinus leading timg down to the Haldon Road......

[RedKLR650]

Haldon Road leads to Little Pass where we met up with a shepherd on the exact location of the pass, where after a brief chat we turned around and tied to beat the grader back to the corner, as the freshly graded shingle nearly caught a few out ( including myself ) just after leaving the seal at the bridge on the way up..... :gob:

After turning into Haka Pass Road, we stopped for another photo op at the summit :zzzz:

0021 Delphinus just past the grader on Haldon Road
0024 Triboy attempting to round up sheep.....
0025 Discussions of drought with a shepherd at Little Pass
0028 Timg on Haka Pass Road
0032 Todays team at the Haka Pass Summit :done:
0033 Haka Pass summit sign

[RedKLR650]

0034 Mt Cook from Haka Pass
0035 Timg and the Tranzalp
0036 tri boy
0037 helenoftroy
0038 Delphinus
0041 tri boy taking the scrambler the most direct route.....

[RedKLR650]

0044 Delphinus passing the KLR........ :shit:
0045 .........closely followed by helenoftroy and timg
0047 Helenoftroy rounds a corner near cattle creek.......
0054 ...... only to later discover her missing number plate ( luckily found
by timg ) :sick:
0055 Delphinus says his goodbyes before skipping Meyers pass to head south
0056 The rest of the crew saying their goodbyes..... :love:

[RedKLR650]

After Haka we headed East into Meyers Pass minus Tri boy who headed directly south to save tire wear again ( sort of defeats the purpose of riding really ?? ) After Meyers we had a fun seal ride ( apart from when Helen went on a wee detour by herself up a shingle road by mistake ) to Waihou forks where timg and myself headed north to get through Waimate before they shut the gates, leaving Delphinus and Helenoftroy to head south to Oamaru and Palmerston hopefully ending up in Naseby:cold: for the evening where they were expecting Jantar to turn up for a beer :drinkup:

Thanks for a great day out team, and nice to meet another 3 new faces from the KB site :msn-wink:

Ride safe:Police:, aand hope the rest of the passes ride goes well.....

0058 The remaining crew at the historic bridge in Meyers Pass
0060 Spot the bikers......
0064 Delphinus waiting for the others to catch up......
0065 Helenoftroy leading timg in catchup.....
0066 Delphinus arriving at the Waihao Forks Corner......
0069 Followed by Helenoftroy.....

[clint640]

Nice Pics, good to see the passes crew are going well!

Have Fun
Clint

[Transalper]

The river in the middle of the Lees Valley run is up about 5.85cumecs and dropping slowly so may be an interesting crossing.
I am txting them to try get an idea of when they think they will be through Oxford and i may try join them there for the home run... even though the forcast isn't great.
Hope they check their phones next time they have a signal.

[tri boy]

Quick update on the wandering Waikato dude.
Tonight I will park up in Cromwell after doing some of the Dunstan rds, and the awsome Thompson Gorge. (even got the scrambler to the top of Bendigo peak:shit:).
The weather has closed in a bit. (1/2 a Mars bar Malcohlm:bleh:), and the Lake level is too low to put the scrambler on the Earnslaw, so i will reassess the route this evening.
Loving this ride. :headbang:

[Transalper]

Is anyone other than Helen still riding the route then?

[timg]

Well that was an awesome wee adventure. With tri boy deciding to stay in Picton to conserve his tyres, the two intrepid adventurers (timg & delphinus)stayed at helenoftroy's ready for a prompt start on Monday morning. Thanx for the bed & tucker. :niceone: On arriving at Hanmer someone decided he needed another breakfast. Having departed from Jantars excellent route sheet we discovered that Jollies Pass Road does not lead to Jollies Pass! After a wee 'challenge' section Plug would have been proud of we were back on course. I think that was the only navigational error we made. The breakfast man had a wee incident at the very appropriately named Jacks Pass. Incident at Jacks Pass – sounds like a new Robert Ludlum novel. Despite the weather elsewhere we has a glorious day going thru Molesworth.
Going thru Redwood Pass Road I scored a puncture that tore the tube badly. Fortunately I was carrying a spare tube borrowed from XF650 and there was time to change it and get to Blenheim in time to pick up another spare. Picton and the end of a pleasant day's ride. Great to meetup with tri boy.

Tuesday saw tri boy head for Christchurch and a soaking while we took the longer way around. MyGSXF came out to meet us and escorted us to Nelson for a coffee and then on out, leaving us when the road turned to gravel again. A bit of rain over Lewis Pass saw us stop to get the wet weather gear on, but it cleared around Hanmer for a crusy ride to Sumner. Sorry Lemans, we were out feeding our faces when you called around :(

Molesworth
Awatere Valley
Bugger
Camp KB

[timg]

On Wednesday helenoftroy joined us for the rest of the ride so our tour of two was now four. After a buzz along the Summit Road and the long stretch across the Canterbury Plains with foreboding overcast skies we met RedKLR650 in Fairlie for lunch. As we headed to the Hakataramea the weather got better and better until we were stripping off the extra layers making for an awesome ride through, but not without it's losses. Seems some bikes just keep dropping things: Delphinus a jersey, tri boy a sandal and helenoftroy a number plate :) tri boy took a short cut over Danseys Pass to avoid the next seal section. At Meyers Pass I had to head for home leaving helenoftroy & Delphinus heading for Ranfurly via some Oamaru back roads and the Pig Route.

Thanks Jen, Rik & Stu for looking us up and your company. tri boy, Delphinus and helenoftroy are great riding companions maintaining an easy relaxed pace over a nice mix of wonderful roads. Great ride, great company, and a big thanks to Jantar for the planning & organising. Roll on next year, I might be able to do all of it next time!

Delphinius and helenoftroy should be in Oxford around lunchtime tomorrow (Friday) if any of the Canterbury crowd want to catch up for the final leg thru Lees Valley. PM me for a contact ph#.

The Wednesday crew: tri boy, RedKLR650, helenoftroy, timg & Delphinus

[timg]

Is anyone other than Helen still riding the route then?

Delphinus is doing the whole ride, others are doing bits to fit around other commitments;

Monday: Delphinus, timg
Tuesday: Delphinus,timg & MyGSXF
Wednesday: Delphinus,timg, tri boy, helenoftroy & RedKLR650
Thursday: Delphinus, tri boy, helenoftroy & oldrider
Friday: Delphinus, helenoftroy & Transalper?

[oldrider]

Well, Delphinus and Helen of Troy arrived and had a coffee and a wee snack this morning and then the four of us set off over the Lindis Pass to Hawea.

The weather was great and we had a very enjoyable ride over.

We left D & H at the Hawea service station as they set off for Franz Joseph via Haast Pass and Fox.

The weather ahead of them looked like it was going to be kind to them, it will be interesting to hear what it was actually like.

Mrs O/r and I rode on into the mountains at the back of Wanaka and Glendhu Bay, to visit our younger son and his family.

We rode home after the evening meal and had an exceptionally interesting experience as we approached Omarama.

It was approximately 9:40pm it was as black as the inside of a cow over Omarama and the pressures in the air were up and down and our ears began to pop and we were both feeling quite weird!

Suddenly all hell broke loose and we witnessed one of the most intense forked lightning displays either of us have ever seen.

It was as scary as hell, great forks dancing all around us and the night filled with blinding light then as black as pitch, then just as suddenly it was teaming with rain.

This carried on right through Omarama and on to sailors cutting, then it all stopped and cleared up.

There are not a lot of tall things alongside the road around here to attract the lightning and sitting tall (Mrs O was sitting taller than me!) and it left us both sort of trying to squat lower onto the seat and be smaller!

It sure was nice to cross the Otematata saddle and see the lights of home glowing down in the valley, home sweat home, yes!

The whole day was really enjoyable, the bike ran like gem and the company was good, what more can we ask for.

Hope the rest of the day was as good for Jack and Helen. Cheers John

PS: Had my camera in my pocket and never even thought to take a pic! :doh:......:spanking:

[Transalper]

Tiss persisting down here in ChCh, the big river in Lees Valley is up to 9.51cumecs and climbing, I don't think any motorbikes will be crossing it today.
To do both passes in there it could be a case of riding in and back out from each end... lol, I wonder what they will decide when they/we? get a look at it..

[Crisis management]

Great write up(s)? guys & gals, I can only sit here seething with envy! If it's any help its raining here as well.

Enjoy the ride next week all of you, and please spare a though for us keeping the wheels of industry turning!

Cheers Iain.

[Jantar]

Stromfrau and I headed down to Naseby to meet up with the group on Wednesday evening. The route I sent them on should have seen them arriving at Naseby around 6:00 pm. Stromfrau and I arrived just after 6:00 but no sign of any bikes. We checked into the hotel and orederd our first beer, and before we had our first sip we heard a bike arrive. It was Triboy, and only 5 minutes after the time I had expected.

However when I asked hi where the others were, I learned that they had split up in the Hakataramea and Triboy took the short route. From that I figured that HelenofTroy and Delphinus wouldarrive at around 7:30 pm. We checked with the Hotel manager as to when the kitchen would close, and figured there was plenty of time for the others to arrive so we could all oreder dinner together. The beer was pleasant and the evening was warm.

When 7:30 came and went, then 7:45, then 8:00 and no sign of any other bikes we started getting worried. By 8:30 we figured we would order dinner for ourselves, and the hotel manager said that they would shut down the main kitchen but leave the fryers etc on, so that the two latecomers could still get something to eat.

By 9:00 pm we were really getting worried and started ringing around to see if anyone had heard anything from them. At 9:30 they finally arrived, having stopped for a 2 hour dinner in Oamaru.

On thursday morning they headed off into improving weather for the ride up the west coast.

[SDU]

Thanks for the great reports & piccies of the tour, it is good to hear that everyone is having a good time- bit of adventure for most.
Hey TA glad you checked out the river levels- amazing how much water we've had in a day or two- seems more than what we had all winter!
Would luved to have met up at oxford but work gets in the way. Have fun.
Is everyone going to end up at the Marine tonight ?

[Transalper]

Just looking at the map, both Lees Pass and the Okuku Pass are on the same side of the big river so if they go in from the Loburn end they can get both then back out the same way.
Okuku Fox Creek, the big one, is now flowing about 11.67cumecs and still climbing.
Had txt reply this morning from Helen but since then all this rain is washing away my enthusiasm.

[Transalper]

And for my last post here today, Phone call from them, they still at Hokotika, having a slow day and will skip Lees Valley today with the weather like it is, go finish it another time.
A sensible call in my opnion... and I get to stay warm and dry too.:sweatdrop

[tri boy]

Quick update. got out of Cromwell this morning as I could see a break in the weather, (plus got sick of being ripped off for fuel/accom/food), that place is unusual for it's charging system. All the Bulls must be in on the game.
Did a tarseal run throgh Hasst pass etc, and have made it to Hokitika a little damp, but missed most of the wet.
Hope to take in some back roads in this area and Murchison. Might even give Nordies Mangatapu track a go if the weather settles.
The days are starting to wind down now.:cool:

[helenoftroy]

back safe and sound.

Will post more from work tonight

Pleased were not on the bikes today-very,very wet in CHCH:cold:

[tri boy]

So after a relaxed night in Hokitika (eating pizza, and watching "I am Legend" at the local cinema), the morning saw the scrambler heading to Lake Brunner on some gravel roads, and a chance meeting with Mike Britten near Bell Hill, (he was waiting for some trail bikes to turn up) convinced me to tackle the Porika track on Fatty.:laugh:
The fact that it had been pissing down for a day or two, and that it wasn't really Scrambler terrain totally slipped my mind.
And also a chance meeting with puttytat at Springs Junction(who gave me a cautious "have a go" sealed the deal. Cheers Clint:niceone:
So up Mangles valley we went. At the start of the track, tyre pressures dropped, I had a quick slurp of H2O, and up we went.:devil2:
Twas a challenge for sure.But in the end the scrambler got through without hitting the deck, so all was good.
Wet slippery, steep tracks with alot of expossed rocks is the best wat to discribe it. But I got through.:woohoo:

tomorrow should have me having a coffee with Nordie Boy, and maybe a shot at the his favourite haunt.:banana:

PS marks. I'm back in St Anaud this evening, but not staying at Top House.
One night sleeping with a spook is enough.

[chanceyy]

great write up guys & thanks for the pics :D


Brent .. sounds like your having an absolute blast :)

[NordieBoy]

tomorrow should have me having a coffee with Nordie Boy, and maybe a shot at the his favourite haunt.:banana:

The Maungatapu would be almost unrecognisable to anyone who has been over it recently...

1st photo is about 3 corners past the first bridge on the Nelson side and near the first pylon track and the 2nd photo is the famous and very rocky Jantar's Rock section...

[Jantar]

It looks like its been bulldozed into a road.

[twotyred]

looks almost suitable for the family Volvo... :weep:

[NordieBoy]

It's actually slower now as the surface is softer too.

A couple of rains and it should bog up real nice :D

Mid winter and it should be fun again :woohoo:

I think this will be the track maintainence done for a few years now.

[grogan]

Looks like an awesome trip you guys !:cool:

[MyGSXF]

AWESOME write up's & pics guys!!!!! :Punk: Looks like a total blast was had by all.. :first: despite the weather but... :eek:

ps: just added a couple of pics to my post, from the other day.. ;)

[helenoftroy]

Adventure on my days off(part time work rocks:2thumbsup)

After Delphinus & I left RedKLR & timg at Waihoa Downs we cruised to Oamaru and had a long yummy tea.Sorry to be a worry being late to Nasby Jantar & Stromfrau:doh:we were just enjoying Trotters George and the Pig Root-great roads.Swapped bikes for a while,Jack discovered the DR had some cobwebs that needed removing:devil2:(can it Really go that fast??)and I found his Givi screen buffeted the wind directly onto my visor......

Thursday we headed over Danseys Pass on a purfect road(just damp)awesome riding:2thumbsupCruised into Kurow petrol station.Attendant walks over talking on phone"you guys off to visit John?have a chat"!!
A short time later coffee & food with Oldrider(John)and Mrs O/R then off to Hawea.Delphinus & I rode some shingle at Tarras.Goodbye to the georgeous Tiger & our two riding friends and in beautiful warm sunshine we headed for Makaroa.Had a refreshing swim in Lake Wanaka on the way past..............

[helenoftroy]

Fantastic ride through the stunning Haast,stopping to offer a bit of help to an English couple struggling with a flat tyre.

Through to Franz and the weather stayed good.One of us had an early night and the other was a bit late cause there were Glow worms that couldnt be found and a blonde Brit with Baileys and hot chocolate....

Torrential rain all night-but had stopped by the time we departed in the morning(Friday) but roads were very wet.Delphinus just made it to Ross for fuel:gob:I was planning senarios for when he ran out.........

We consulted with Transalper when in Hokitika and made decision to not attempt Lees & Okuku Passes.Timg also keeping us informed on rain/river conditions.Thanks guys.Jack happy to come back to complete his ride.

Old Christchurch Rd(gravel)next,she proved a bit of a challenge!!Raining,wets on and we struck wet mud,clay then followed the grader thru deep wet fresh shingle.The XT had a close inspection of the new gravel but it was all my fault eh Jack:devil2:

Rain eased & on thru Arthurs & Porters Passes.Snow on Porters ,she was cold:cold:Both bikes running rough and protesting.Down thu Oxford(rivers were very high...)and home for hot showers and baths.

Thank to all you guys who joined us and Especially Jantar for his expert organisational skills.Awesome scenery,new and exciting roads.We live in a great country.

Good on you young Delphinus for doing the whole ride(nearly) and for putting up with me.
I really enjoyed your company you are a fine young gentleman:hug:

[NordieBoy]

tomorrow should have me having a coffee with Nordie Boy, and maybe a shot at the his favourite haunt.:banana:

It was very muddy and slippery...

A couple of... incidents... later we were icecreaming at Pelorus and came back through the Rai with all the traffic in the world.

Here's the Scrambler getting some TLC after...

[SDU]

Great write up peoples! Wanna see the dirty, spills & thrill piccies too:p
Glad everyone having a ball bugger about lees valley but there is always another day eh!
Way to go with the scrambler!

[NordieBoy]

Great write up peoples! Wanna see the dirty, spills & thrill piccies too:p

No spill photos sorry...

[Jantar]

Great write up Helen,

Now we wait for Jacks story about the Blonde Brit. And what about that other young lady from Christchurch who seemed keen on him? :whistle:

[cooneyr]

Did anybody happen to carry a GPSr with them on this ride? I'm really keen to get hold of any data I can for my new web site (see my signature):D

Cheers R

[oldrider]

From 32 prospective entrants down to 1 and finally a DNF!

2008 will not go down as a good year for KB Passes ride records, will it! :( John.

[marks]

Hanging out at marks house tonight. Sweet run to the ferry through the Rai Valley and a play with a Subaru Imprezza around Queen Charlotte drive.:scooter:
Havn't decided the final route home yet, but might do the Wanganui River Rd for old time sake.
My ride although not steadfast to the Passes ride, turned out to be exactly what I was craving.
Photos will get posted once I make it home.
Great to meet those along the way.:yes:

This should of been posted under tri boys user, but marks wanted all the glory.lol(plus i'm dumb).

[Jantar]

From 32 prospective entrants down to 1 and finally a DNF!

2008 will not go down as a good year for KB Passes ride records, will it! :( John.
It certainly will not. But :2thumbsup to Jack, and those who did part of it. I won't organise one for next year, So the next one will be 2010 then every 2nd year.

[marks]

2008 will not go down as a good year for KB Passes ride records, will it! :( John.

this is not Tri Boy - that plonker has gone to bed....:zzzz:

I would have thought that a group of people riding a fair chunk of the South Island safely (except for Tri Boys camera) and having a lot of fun doing it would have to be considered a complete success? (it motivated me to get off my butt and do the Molesworth and Rainbows because I had Tri Boy there to hold my hand)

seems to me that the basic concept of the passes ride is slightly flawed simply because the tarmac to dirt ratio is so high. each to their own....

[NordieBoy]

seems to me that the basic concept of the passes ride is slightly flawed simply because the tarmac to dirt ratio is so high. each to their own....

It's an adventure ride, not a dirt adventure ride.
The Dusty Butt was a dirt adventure ride and the Tasman Dust Buster will be too.

There has to be some rides for the more road biased bikes/riders out there.

Hopefully I'll be on the next passes ride.

[cooneyr]

..... Tasman Dust Buster ........

Speaketh more of said ride???????


Hopefully I'll be on the next passes ride.

Me too.

Cheers R

[marks]

There has to be some rides for the more road biased bikes/riders out there.

nah

screw them

main roads/state highways are evil

[JATZ]

"Tasman Dust Buster will be too."

This sounds interesting :yes:

[tri boy]

Home safe. Will sort through some pics tomorrow.
Kanny's B/day today, so I need to gift wrap something for her.:whistle:

[marks]

Home safe. Will sort through some pics tomorrow.
Kanny's B/day today, so I need to gift wrap something for her.:whistle:

won't take long to wrap something that small

[Jantar]

nah

screw them

main roads/state highways are evil

So are you saying that a ride over every pass that has a road over it should miss out all passes on sealed roads (13 out of 26)?

[helenoftroy]

It's an adventure ride, not a dirt adventure ride.
The Dusty Butt was a dirt adventure ride and the Tasman Dust Buster will be too.

There has to be some rides for the more road biased bikes/riders out there.

Hopefully I'll be on the next passes ride.

Well said:niceone:

Its an awesome adventure and I hope I get to do the whole thing next time.

Sure a fair portion of seal is riden but Jantar had added twisty bits and gravel fixes between the passes.

A mix of bikes can take part.The DR did just fine,no screen and stock seat.I was well pleased with how she went(only missed the old GS occassionally......:bye:)

[marks]

So are you saying that a ride over every pass that has a road over it should miss out all passes on sealed roads (13 out of 26)?

I suppose what I am really saying is that I don't enjoy riding on main roads and that for me the idea of going long distances on main roads just to 'tick a box' when I have traveled over a certain pass doesn't push my buttons.

Tri Boy and I rode from Picton to Hamner Springs and then St Arnaud and only traveled about 20km on main roads. That is what pushes my buttons.

Each to their own (which is my polite way of saying that 'you're all allowed to be wrong if you want to :)')

[tri boy]

I understand where marks is coming from with regards to the sealed passes.
I think the term "passes" may have different meanings to different folks. Either way, it was still a good time had down sth. (although, those deep sthern folk sure do rool their "r"s):lol:
Anway, I can't be arsed writing up a seperate ride report related to my wanderings, so I will post a few pics instead.
Twas good to meet a few more KBers. timg,helen, delphius, jantar, puddytat,redklr, etc.
Thanks to Chancey and marks and nordieboy for the accom along the way also.
Sorry if I've forgotten anyone.....and on with some pics.

Molesworth. Hot, and hotter that day.

[tri boy]

Some Rainbow shots.

[tri boy]

St Anaud accom and region.

[tri boy]

The ride sth was wet. But meeting up with timg etc was cool.:yes:

[tri boy]

Haka, and Dansey's passes.

[tri boy]

Otago and Rough Ridge Region.
Avoiding the weather fronts became a game of "Cat n Mouse" over the next five days.

[tri boy]

Thompsons Track. (aka Rise n Shine).

[deanohit]

Gee mate, looks like your haveing an absolute ball down there! :first:
Good on ya.

[tri boy]

Old Gold workings on the Thompsons. (went for a fossick but found nil).
The weather started to close in again, so I got off the hill, and headed for Cromwell.

[tri boy]

After a night in Cromwell, I headed for the West coast to avoid rain via Hasst pass. The Coast turned on a blue sky, but rain caught up as I travelled to Hokitika. This bloke had little to say.

[tri boy]

Meet puddytat at Springs Junction, and he cautiously said to have a go at the Porika track.:2thumbsup
Also had a chat to Mike Britton on Bell Hill Rd, and he said the same. Lake Brunner was moody but magical.:cool:

[tri boy]

Spent another night in St Anaud before heading over to Nelson to meet up with Nordieboy, and have a crack at the Mangatapu.
Had one little spill, but fortunately no real damage, bar the camera screen. I think Fran was surprised at how the maintenance areas had packed up so quickly. The digger driver needs some lessons in correct fill material.:spanking:
A night at Frans and then back to marks in the Nth island to pick up some gear. And home to Kanny.
All up. Not a bad way to spend a couple of weeks.:2thumbsup

PS Anyone want to clean my bike?:blip:

[Crisis management]

PS Anyone want to clean my bike?:blip:

What, you didn't fall in any of those fords this time!!!!! :gob:

Wonderful pics Tri-boy and the rest of you, I'm signing up now for the next one!

[NordieBoy]

PS Anyone want to clean my bike?:blip:

You got it dirty again?

Do they do a waterblaster that'll fit in a saddlebag and run off an accessory socket?

[warewolf]

Do they do a waterblaster that'll fit in a saddlebag and run off an accessory socket?Be easier to carry a snorkel and mask and $6 for the car wash...

[timg]

Well said:niceone:

Its an awesome adventure and I hope I get to do the whole thing next time.

Sure a fair portion of seal is riden but Jantar had added twisty bits and gravel fixes between the passes.

A mix of bikes can take part.The DR did just fine,no screen and stock seat.I was well pleased with how she went(only missed the old GS occassionally......:bye:)

Yup, I'd agree with that whole heartedly. All sorts of adventures for all sorts of folks, and this one suited me & my bike. I really enjoyed this ride. Interesting mix of roads, mostly interesting regardless of them being seal or gravel. The only boring bit really was Thompsons Track across the plains, but you gotta cross 'em somehow or take more time avoiding them. I'll be back again for more. Cheers.

[mbazza]

Great ride and write ups, thanks. Wish I could have been there!
Jack, the Yammy looks good and would have appreciated getting out there!
Cheers.

[cold comfort]

Definitely suitable for big bikes - we had a Tiger, a V Strom 1000 and a GSA1200 on the trip last year. The two of us on the 650's had them working pretty hard on the highway sections!!!
Your big KTM will be ideal, in fact I wish I had one because its probably the perfect bike for a trip like this. If I manage to trade up before then it will be to a Tiger probably.

Just emerged from a mountain of bike mags/reviews to conclude a Tiger is on the "must have" list. Providing i can sell my Bandit and cough up another $10k for the purchase, can i come too Bruce?:yes:

[Jantar]

A bandit did the 1st passes ride. :niceone:

[Ruralman]

Just emerged from a mountain of bike mags/reviews to conclude a Tiger is on the "must have" list. Providing i can sell my Bandit and cough up another $10k for the purchase, can i come too Bruce?:yes:

I presume you're talking about the new model at that price Mark? - its not really a gravel / backroad bike any more but a great bike in all other respects going by the reviews.
You might be interested in a 2001 Black Tiger like mine in at MCR at the moment - its only got 19000km on it and looks spotless. It doesn't have panniers but then the price is only around $11K

[helenoftroy]

Just emerged from a mountain of bike mags/reviews to conclude a Tiger is on the "must have" list. Providing i can sell my Bandit and cough up another $10k for the purchase, can i come too Bruce?:yes:
Woo hoo -another convert maybe??

There are some ever so exciting bikes out there - Tiger, KTMs,Africa Twins etc etc

Lifes for living....:2thumbsup

[cold comfort]

I presume you're talking about the new model at that price Mark? - its not really a gravel / backroad bike any more but a great bike in all other respects going by the reviews.
You might be interested in a 2001 Black Tiger like mine in at MCR at the moment - its only got 19000km on it and looks spotless. It doesn't have panniers but then the price is only around $11K

Yeah, cheers for that Bruce. I saw that while browsing the net for Tigers. Plan to test ride when i get a chance as have been away until today. The new one would still handle the gravel better than the Bandit or the Multistrada by all accounts.