DB1k 08 - aka Dusty Butt 08

[zeRax]

so guys, i got the tyres on, a 21 front and 17 rear, it really is a matter of stoping, swearing, then 10 deep breaths, gonna do both tyres once a day to get semi ok at it, it is a steep learning curve i think, second tyre, after some more, um, thoughtful process was alot better, as much as a bastard the 17 was i still got it on alot easier once i attacked it right.

lube helps alot, specially with those old hard tyres i think, and my levers are really small, so once i get them nailed, i should be fairly confident,

just dont want to be that guy that gets a flat and cant deal with it(notthatidmindhelpinganyoneelse, andanyofyouwouldntmindeithernodoubt)

i promptly went and drank much tequila afterwards and now am home yay

[zeRax]

hey does $270 sound ok for 2 mt70's and 2 hd tubes fitted sound ok , but me taking the wheels in.

?
actually im that boozed i cant remember if i ordered mt70's or mt21 rally's, thou they wouldnt last sfa on the road by the looks :o,. relp~

[cooneyr]

hey does $270 sound ok for 2 mt70's and 2 hd tubes fitted sound ok , but me taking the wheels in.

?
actually im that boozed i cant remember if i ordered mt70's or mt21 rally's, thou they wouldnt last sfa on the road by the looks :o,. relp~

How much did you have to drink - 4am??? :whocares:

The MT21s last OKish on the road if you run them at higher presures. At around 20psi on the Dr650 they melted but at around 30 psi they are not to bad. $115 for the front, $135 for the rear and $25 for each tube i.e. $300 is about the norm so $270 is pretty decent.

Cheers R

[zeRax]

cool. thanks dude, argh, up early, so much i wanna do onthe xr

[NordieBoy]

My brother is getting hold of his mate (former top cross country racer) who has Speargrass Station (5 min past St Arnaud and on the way to the next checkpoint) and if it works out ok then there'll be free accommodation in and around the shearing shed with showers, power, lights and BBQ :D

Stay tuned...

[Alpha Solo]

Nice work Nordie!

[cooneyr]

Plug has pulled the plug. Plug can fill in the details more but most likely that Plug wont be joining us for the DB1k this year. He decided to check out the scenic route when on Lees Valley ride today. See post 37 and on in this thread (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=63090).

Cheers R

[Zukin]

Hell Plug

I was looking forward to meeting you, but at least I still can one day
That looks like an impressive fall you had:gob:

I am glad that you are ok :yes:

Cheers Scott

[Balrog]

.. but most likely that Plug wont be joining us for the DB1k this year. ...
Cheers R

Thats bad news Pete, was looking forward to catching up.

[Transalper]

Of course now we'll just have to do the first route for a 3rd time so Plug can catch up later in 08.
So now I've printed the route sheet as per post 130 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=1315943&postcount=130) and made the 3 small changes as in post 217 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=1349148&postcount=217) so as soon as I've stuck em together I'm ready to go.

My impending holiday meens patchy internet between now and DB day so see you all then.. if not before. And a reminder that some of us are planing a run over the Maungatapu the afternoon before to get ourselves ready and shingleised.

[cooneyr]

.......And a reminder that some of us are planing a run over the Maungatapu the afternoon before to get ourselves ready and shingleised.

As Transalper said some of us are thinking about a run up the Mangatapu and back on the arvo of the 4th. All are most welcome to come and find out what the Mangatapu is like (or just go for a ride).

Meet at the DB1k start (carpark) at 2pm.

Cheers R

[Balrog]

I'll be a starter for some Mangatapu practice

:)

[Alpha Solo]

Riding up that day and will be up for it too!

[Lugzy23]

What time are people who are comming from christchurch likely to be heading through Blenheim? Just thinking that would be good to meet then ride to Nelson together.

[Transalper]

who rides from Chch to Nelson via Blenheim?

[Alpha Solo]

Planning on heading up there with Mattsdakar
(and anyone else who wants to tag along!)
from Chch to hanmer then Nelson via the Rainbow.

Been out fixing the bike up some more today, got the whole thing packed down to the minimum required etc!

:crazy:

[NordieBoy]

Right...
The 2-dayer overnight in St Arnaud is at SpearGrass Station about 5 min out of St Arnaud in the direction of the next checkpoint.
Ian has said it's ok to camp around the shearing shed but there are going to be lots of sheepies and lambies around there MAAAAAAing all night.
He's got some alternatives including one a km away across the river by the hayshed that should be quieter.
Whichever it is, it should be signposted with fluro green/red arrows but if we meet up at St Arnaud and then ride out tgether it'll be no problem.

[Skinny_Birdman]

Right...
The 2-dayer overnight in St Arnaud is at SpearGrass Station about 5 min out of St Arnaud in the direction of the next checkpoint.
Ian has said it's ok to camp around the shearing shed but there are going to be lots of sheepies and lambies around there MAAAAAAing all night.
He's got some alternatives including one a km away across the river by the hayshed that should be quieter.
Whichever it is, it should be signposted with fluro green/red arrows but if we meet up at St Arnaud and then ride out tgether it'll be no problem.

That sounds awesome Nordie! Good work.

[marks]

sorry Guys

I'm going to have to pull out.

Hope you all manage to enjoy yourselves even though I wont be there...

[Zukin]

Thats a shame Marks I was looking forward to catching up

Cheers

[Balrog]

sorry Guys

I'm going to have to pull out.

Hope you all manage to enjoy yourselves even though I wont be there...

Sorry you're not coming marks. Hope its nothing serious.

:stoogie:

[cooneyr]

Been doing a bit of riding with El Scooto (Bro) over the past couple of days. Went north through the Rainbow, east over the Mangatapu and south through the Molesworth. The Rainbow is in better than average condition, the Mangatapu is fairly rutted but the surface is firm and has good traction. The Molesworth is another story though. The Awatere Valley end is pretty badly corrigated, the section south of the Molesworth Homestead has had river gravel put on it (firm but few to many large stones to get pinch flats on) and the southern section has been graded so is very loose and very very dusty. Still nothing like a challenge though aye :niceone:

Thanks all for updating the Calender. 6 Days to go!!

Cheers R

[warewolf]

Hey.. when are you lot looking on getting to Nelson??? :wait: I am looking to do new years at my place again.. :drinknsin had a ball last year!!! :whistle: & of course the Nelson street Racing in on, on the 2nd Jan too!!! :banana:Reminder, here's the calendar event:

Nelson New Years eve Parteeee!! (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=1517&day=2007-12-31&)

[Lugzy23]

For those who are doing the run over the Mangatapu on Friday what time do you think you will be at Pelorus Bridge? Thinking I might meet you there.

[Zukin]

For those who are doing the run over the Mangatapu on Friday what time do you think you will be at Pelorus Bridge? Thinking I might meet you there.

Hi there

Looking at the template from last year, it appears it will take about 50 minutes from Nelson to Pelorus??
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53774&d=1171511766

So I would give or take 15 minutes either side of that
So anything from 40 minutes to 1 hour :yes:

I guess that should help??

See you tomorrow

[cooneyr]

For those who are doing the run over the Mangatapu on Friday what time do you think you will be at Pelorus Bridge? Thinking I might meet you there.

They should take about 1 hour to get over the Mangatapu from Nelson to Pelorus. Given the leaving time of around 2 we should be in Pelorus around 3 ish.

Cheers R

[Zukin]

Hey all

I am about to leave the Sunny Hawkes Bay for Sunny Nelson

I will be on the ferry with TA, so I look forward to meeting with him :2thumbsup
I hope you all didn't do what I did yesterday, I injured my shoulder, still very sore :weep:
But it should be ok for DB, It is ok when I am riding (tested on the gravel yesterday) just the rough stuff gave it a bit of agro (but there inst too much of that :))

**Mental Note - Do not drop bike so I don't have to pick it up :rolleyes:

I will catch up with you all tomorrow for the practice run over Maungutapu

Cheers

[Lugzy23]

Roger, see you there at 3.

[XF650]

It looks like I will probably trailer my bike via ChCh up to the DB, to do some work stuff on Monday & travel back via Blenheim on Tuesday.
So if anyone & or their bike needs a ride either way just ping me a message.

[Alpha Solo]

Test rode the DRZ with all the gear on for the DB today, nearly came off at 90kph on riverbed gravel - must be the new seat cover Ive made with memory foam....
:msn-wink:

still absorbed the bumps so speed should be up

:devil2:

Dusty Butt 2008 - bring it on!!!

:niceone:

[cooneyr]

......I hope you all didn't do what I did yesterday, I injured my shoulder, still very sore :weep:
But it should be ok for DB, It is ok when I am riding (tested on the gravel yesterday) just the rough stuff gave it a bit of agro (but there inst too much of that :))......

Thats a bugger, hope things improve. I met your mate Christian today. Was up at St Arnaud today getting sunburnt and saw this KLE rider looking at a map book so went to talk to him about where he was going and suggest some roads/tracks. Got talking a bit and he said he had to be back in Nelson by the end of the week for a 1000km ride. The penny dropped and I asked him if he was Christian, he looked at me like "how the hell do you know my name" then I explained who I was. Have told him about the BBQ (seems he didnt know about it) so we will hopefully see him on the Friday night.

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

The 2-day support Toyota Smurf is all go and Shane has been along to the Nelson Motorcycle Centre and picked up some spare tubes/levers and even has some old tyres in case someone does a BusaJim and it'll be easier to replace the tyre.
There'll be room for tents and spare gear in there as well.
Chances are the overnight will be at the Speargrass Station shearing shed (Speargrass Road - 6km past St Arnaud on the left) now as weening should be over by then and the sheepies moved off around the farm.

DB2K8-2D - Motto: Rough, tuff and ready - Pass the brie and crackers will you?

[zeRax]

hey cooneyr and or zukin could u send me cell number to catch up, basically, im getting up at 5;30 am friday to go to work early so i finish around 2;45

then i gotta get so much crap done, then ride over to nelson, stay at my gf's sisters place, then meet up with ya'll in the early hours, few things i wanna catch up on, cheers, or can flick a text to 027 3413441

-
kyle

[timg]

Good luck guys. Knock the b'stard off this time around, eh? :woohoo: Cheers, TG

[NordieBoy]

I'm nervous, are you nervous?

[MyGSXF]

Had a great time at the pre ride bbq last night.. thnx Colin & Marianne!! :banana: Awesome putting a few more faces to names :msn-wink: & catching up with some old ones again!!! :Punk:

Safe trip everyone & look forward to the ride reports & piccys!!!!!!!! :shifty:

Jen :rockon:

[GurlRacer]

I just got a message from my old man (Zukin) saying his riding buddy and him made it :D

Looks like I'm the first to post up, probably coz of the time zone, it's mid afternoon here :) (Although, the txt did wake me up coz I was having an afternoon nap... bloody teenagers haha)

So a BIG congrats to my Dad, and also to Jim! And all the other riders that completed it :D Apparently, he's "Bloody sore, but bloody happy" so there we go :D Congrats again guys!

[Transalper]

Yeee ha.... done and dusty.
Funny, but it's my legs that are soreist, more than my butt.
Cooneyr, Warewolf and I got to the finish at 1:30am after departing aboput 5:45am.
We were the second group back, Ian on the big tanked XR650 and MattsDakar were first in about an hour, maybe more (i'm not sure) ahead of us, and yep I herd BusaJims group came home about 3am.

The two dayers are already through Murchison for the first time and apparently had a good bacon breky this morning.

[magicfairy]

BusaJims partner here. They were the last group to arrive in Nelson at 3am. Busajim, Zukin (Scott) and Kyle on a 250(zeRax ?) Scott and Jim sleeping like babies right now, happy but exhausted. I met them in Murchison earlier in the day, spirits were good and it was HOT
So all the one dayers made it (Ill let them update you on some slight route changes some made) :woohoo::woohoo:
AFAIK there were no punctures, no major incidents.

[magicfairy]

Yeee ha.... done and dusty.
Funny, but it's my legs that are soreist, more than my butt.
Cooneyr, Warewolf and I got to the finish at 1:30am after departing aboput 5:45am.
We were the second group back, Ian on the big tanked XR650 and MattsDakar were first in about an hour, maybe more (i'm not sure) ahead of us, and yep I herd BusaJims group came home about 3am.

The two dayers are already through Murchison for the first time and apparently had a good bacon breky this morning.

Big Ups to all you guys who did this, it was a VERY long day. And huge thanks to Ryan for all his hard work... he's gotta be pleased all his chickens are home and inside 24 hours.(that might be a bit premature, there is still the 2 dayers)
Thanks to Colin for the BBQ, and commiserations Pete, you would have made it this time for sure.

[warewolf]

Ah well, done and DUSTED!!! :Punk:

'twere an excellent but hard day that lived up to its name: DUSTY! Although the BUTTS needed a different description.

Thanks to everyone involved: planners, riders, supporters... it was more than just the riders that made it a great ride.

Some highlights:

Getting to Hanmer by 12:30pm rather than 5:30pm
Pulling a nail out of my tyre at Murchison at 8:20pm, to find it had only gone sideways into the tread and not punctured the tube
Palmers Rd... fast, pretty & fun
Confirming my way through the trees and overgrowth of Sherry River Rd at night by the hint of dust left behind by Ryan and Carl
Graham Valley Rd up to the Flora car park at night. The concreted climb was probably the steepest part of the ride
Knocking the bastard off! :clap:

After ascending the nth pass/saddle/mountain I wondered how much climb/descent we do. Anyone with a GPS track that could produce those numbers easily? Or even a profile of the route?

[NordieBoy]

We're baaaaacccckkkk!

[NordieBoy]

Anyone with a GPS track that could produce those numbers easily? Or even a profile of the route?

Nope. The Legendd dosn't record altitude :(

[NordieBoy]

This is how close our Tail-End-Charlie was to the last rider for both days.
Including the Porika.
We'd stop to take a breather and he'd pull in as the last rider arrived.

A couple of small falls and a lost sump bung (details to follow) were the only problems except for the last hours rain.

[XF650]

Wow, what an awesome ride. The best thing I have ever done on a bike.
The gravel, the dust, the scenery, the dust, the great company, the dust, the sore butt (& did I mention the dust?).
I can only admire the fortitude & skill of the 1 dayers who knocked the DB 1000 off in one hit, well done you guys.

A big thanks to:
Coonyer & others for organising the Dusty Butt 1000
Nordie for leading the 2 dayers
Smurf support team

[Lugzy23]

Hi everyone
Managed to make it back to Blenheim last night after a very slow trip over the hill. It had luckily stopped raining water and instead was raining bugs, I havent seen that many in the headlights for a long time. Good thing I was wearing a dirt bike helmet so could take advantage of the free protein.
Back to the D.B, that was a great trip. Im in much the same condition as the other guys, somwhat sore. A big thanks to the organisers, Cooneyr and two dayer Nordie, to the landowners at Speargrass for the campsite and the support car driver, you guys made the trip alot more comfortable cause I didnt have to carry a topbox. Also thanks to my fellow riders, always makes it better with a good bunch of guys to ride with (and share food when the shops at St Arnaud are closed). Thanks to anyone else I have left out. Will try and get some photos up at some stage.

[cooneyr]

Bit slow getting on KB but is really good to see that all enjoyed the ride. Really enjoyed knocking the b'std off and was surprised at how "good" I felt at the end, though I did decide to stay another night in Nelson. Really pleased to hear that there were no major incidents (keen to hear more from the 2 dayers).

Couple of points about the route - the Molesworth was pretty crapy to ride where it had been freshly graded (the bit that had been graded for a while was improving as vehicles used it), and the Porika was in pretty crap condition.

Big thanks to all involved in the ride (as others have said). The attitude and enthusiasm of all including supporters made for an awesome day. :clap::2thumbsup

Cheers All.
R

[zeRax]

Big thanks to you cooneyr for organising, thanks warewolf for the barbe, glad i got over for it before the ride, big thanks to busajim and zukin for letting my 250 butt drag along

[XF650]

These are a bit hazy - seems mounting camera pouch on handle bar isn't such a good idea.
1. Altimarlock @ 1693m
2. Girls from Middlehurst Station selling food, drink & even icecream
3. Lunch in the much appreciated shade in Molesworth
4. Smurf showing off @ Kawatiri

[JATZ]

What an awsome ride, thanks Ryan ,Colin ,and Fran for the work you guys did puting it together and the barby. Congrats. 1 dayers, you guys gotta be slightly mad to do that in 1 day. Roll on DB1K 09

[Transalper]

....Congrats. 1 dayers, you guys gotta be slightly mad to do that in 1 day....:crazy: it still hurts in places, and i got stairs to climb to get in to my place:doh: :thud:

[Zukin]

Just a quick note to say I made it back to Hawkes Bay tonight, rolled in at about 8.30pm after a wet and windy ride back in the North Island
At least my bike doesn't need a wash now :pinch:

What a ride

I will post a report when I recovered and add a few photos that I did manage to take on the way :)

But I just wanted to say a huge thanks to all those people that help set this up, and I was glad to be a part of it that successfully knocked it off.

To Cooneyr, Warewolf, TA, MattsDakar and Ian, thanks for everything and to my riding buddies for the day (and the night) BusaJim & zeRax, we actually managed to have a lot of fun during the day.

Cheers Scott

[clint640]

Good effort you lot! Looking forward to more stories & pics.

It looks like I'm going to be en-route to Sweden during this years Grand Challenge, So I reckon I'll be a starter for the next Dusty Butt fer sure.

Cheers
Clint

[Skinny_Birdman]

Back to work :doh: where the internet is...
Awesome ride, though I can still feel it in my neck and arse. Brilliant roads, I was pretty nervous about taking the Tranny up the Porika, after nearly binning it on the way down (oh, so that's why Transalper had two extra teeth on the rear sprocket). When I checked my cellphone found that TA had advised the Tranny and the mighty KLR not to try going up it... I guess that'll be the last time I say to anyone "Yeah TA took the Transalp heaps of places I wouldn't go on it.":first:
As eveyone says, big thanks to Ryan for organising the ride, TA for selling me a kick ass adventure bike to do it on, Fran for jacking up the two dayer, Colin for the barby, Fran's bro's for the sweep vehicle, Mrs JATZ for carting my gear around, and the rest of you for helping to make it so much fun. Can't wait for the photos.

Cheers
A

[mattsdakar]

Ooooooh my aching butt!!
I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling this way considering my Dakar seat (sheepskin equiped) is considerably more comfortable than others especially my riding partner on a XR650

The Dusty Butt could also be named the longest day, 17.5 hours from go to wooh!!!
Loved every minute of it thou and so pleased that no one experienced any offs considering the average speeds maintained.
Well done to everyone, and a big thanks to Ryan for his organising and to Warewolf for the BBQ and providing a bed for a few of us.
Looking forward to next year!!

[Balrog]

Hey All

Great ride, had heaps of fun.
I have a few photos, but won't be able to post them until we get back to
Wellington on Friday.
Bit dissapointed that we didn't make it back up the Porika.
We stopped at the start of the track, but it was pitch black and I really didn't
think I would be able to get enough traction to get the GS to the top.
( daylight I'd have given it a go ). I just had visions of holding everyone up while we tried to pick the big beasty up.

Zukin, Zerax - great riding with you guys. You both have a great sense of humour and made the ride all the more fun.
Thanks Ryan and co for all your hard work in organising the ride. It was fantastic and a great adventure.

Congrats to everyone for having a go :)

We came back down thru Rainbow yesterday, rained the whole way.
GS has a blow fork seal, happened on the way down ( flesh wound, won't slow us down :) )

Jim

[Transalper]

....I was pretty nervous about taking the Tranny up the Porika, after nearly binning it on the way down.....When I checked my cellphone found that TA had advised the Tranny and the mighty KLR not to try going up it... I guess that'll be the last time I say to anyone "Yeah TA took the Transalp heaps of places I wouldn't go on it.":first:....
:niceone: yeah, it was just the way some of you heavier bike riders were talking about the Mangatapu and Porika in the lead up to the trip I thought you were trying to minimise the big risks so thought you'd go around the Porikas return run for sure. I'm in no hurry to go that direction over it again, it's far from impossible but does in my opinion offer a huge chance of damaging yourself or your bike.
I had no doubt the Transalp and KLR could get over as I've seen the 1150GS do it but the question was will it take more than one go and involve scratches and bruises which like i said I thought you guys were trying to minimise the risk of.

Respect to everyone who went over it and equal respect to busajim for his risk management choice on the biggest bike in order to complete the trip.

[Zukin]

Dusty Butt 2008

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/RideNZ/DustyButt0802/photo#5152892031023628002"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/RideNZ/R4LAAEMavuI/AAAAAAAAAb0/3epTevBQMu8/s800/P1060307.JPG" /></a>

So here I was on the eve of the Dusty butt, with good intentions to get to bed early and to get a good nights sleep, so I had plenty of energy in the tank to tackle what could be up to 24 hours in the saddle of the trusty GS.
So we packed the bikes and double and triple checked everything, so they were ready to go in the morning.

Then we proceeded to the Dusty Butt BBQ (thanks Warewolf), where I met for the first time many of the South Island KB’ers that I had talked to numerous times, but had never actually met.
It was a good social evening, with adventure bikes scattered in Warewolfs driveway and spilling onto the road, the talk of course evolved around Bikes and adventures and the Dusty Butt!

We left there and headed home for a bit of R&R, as the start time was 5.30am!
So I had swallowed a cold ale, and then went to bed, but do you think I could sleep!
The nerves were outta control, have I got everything? Will I get up Maungatapu ok? Etc my mind was doing 100 miles an hour!!

I managed to get a few hours sleep, before my alarm was blaring in my ear at 4.30am
It was time for Dusty Butt, something I had spent so much time preparing for, it had consumed me for the last few months, but as I would discover later in the day, it was time and preparation well spent!
Breakfast, toilet, smoke and we were off into the darkness

We met at the I site carpark and were the first to arrive.
Our riding team for the day was the first to arrive, followed closely by Cooneyr.
We decided to head off into the dark for Maungatapu ahead of the faster riders as we didn’t want to hold them up if we fell over, so we got a 15 minute head start.

We entered the track in the dark and proceeded up the Maungatapu track (which is in good condition), with lights blazing and the 3 riders of Jim, Kyle and I riding in formation.
We didn’t have any trouble and made good progress up the track and down the other side.
As we headed down it was remarkably light, and we had good views towards the Marlborough Sounds.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/RideNZ/DustyButt0802/photo#5152890184187690466"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/RideNZ/R4K-UkMaveI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/dv7P3RXArf0/s800/P1040289.JPG" /></a>

There was a little mist in the air, which kept us cool, but acted as a magnet for the dust as I was at the back, so by the time I had arrived at Pelorus, I was already covered in dust!!
We were at the Pelorus bridge when we could hear this big thumper howling down the road, sure enough it was Ian on his fire breathing monster, he can sure ride well, he would of left 15- 20 minutes after us and arrived soon after we did.
Then it was a quick tarseal ride through Havelock and onto Onamalutu, and a great gravel road/track through the forest.
It was here that we wondered if the rabbits and hares had somehow been mating with sheep, because they were suicidal! As soon as you got close to them they would run towards your front wheels.

We made good time through here and then back across the road to follow the Wairau river to Tuamarina and then back to Blenheim for our first stop for fuel and liquids, it was already hot and we knew Molesworth was going to be hot and dusty.
While we were stopped in Blenheim this is where we saw the other riders for the first time.

We were off again this time for Taylor’s pass and onto the Awatere Valley, where our next part of the ride would take us to the top of Mt Altimarloch, riding to a height of 1696m!
It was a good ride up, but in the back of my mind I was thinking about the problems they had last year with punctures on this track, so I was cautious, scanning for sharp rocks that were laying, waiting for their chance to inflict serious damage to my tyres.

As we neared the top, we passed MattsDakar and Ian coming down, these guys were on a mission, and were obviously way superior riders compared to me.
We made the top and stopped for a 5 minute breather, when the 3 riders of Warewolf, Transalper and Cooneyr arrived shortly afterwards. We took the obligatory photos and then it was time to head back down the mountain and onto Molesworth.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/RideNZ/DustyButt0802/photo#5152890489130368530"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/RideNZ/R4K-mUMavhI/AAAAAAAAAaM/9Y1vpTYNu7A/s800/P1050294.JPG" /></a>

The road into Molesworth was like a super highway, with 4wds every few hundred meters apart, which created quite the dust storm.
Most of them were courteous and would pull over as we approached them.
By the time we reached the Rangers Cabin at Molesworth we were well and truly Dusty.
A quick stop here for the 6 riders that managed to stay within view of one another, it was here that we decided to ride together to open the many gates on route to Hanmer Springs.
The dust in here was something else, the grader has recently been in there and had pushed the edge of the road into the middle, and all that was left was a very fine powder on the side of the road, right where we were riding. It was unbelievable; you honestly couldn’t see anything else! So we spread out here for a while.

It was then over Jollies Pass to Hanmer, where the temperature had soared to over 32 degrees, it was 12.30pm when we arrived at the fuel stop to fill up both the bikes and ourselves, before heading through Rainbow and Porika.
We said farewell to the 3 faster riders, and headed off from Hanmer not long after.

The road into Rainbow was in the best condition I have ever seen it in, we didn’t have to dodge the thousands of potholes that are often scattered across the road, and this made up some time.
It was still hot but not as hot as Molesworth.
Following the river meant we also managed to have a cool breeze which certainly helped.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/RideNZ/DustyButt0802/photo#5152890927217032770"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/RideNZ/R4K-_0MavkI/AAAAAAAAAak/S__QWch7h84/s800/P1050297.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/RideNZ/DustyButt0802/photo#5152891094720757330"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/RideNZ/R4K_JkMavlI/AAAAAAAAAas/H-s1cSZelMY/s800/P1050298.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/RideNZ/DustyButt0802/photo#5152891249339580002"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/RideNZ/R4K_SkMavmI/AAAAAAAAAa0/1G6V4qfgvpE/s800/P1050299.JPG" /></a>
As we got closer to Rainbow station the more bees and wasps appeared, so it meant riding with the visors down, which I didn’t really like too much.
But it was either a nice cool breeze on the face or a sting and a swollen face.
It was at the Northern end that I noticed we had been riding for 10 hours and had covered 500km, so that was about ½ way.
But the second half to me didn’t seem as long?

[Zukin]

We rode through St Arnaud and onto Porika, which was a good little track that I normally enjoyed, but boy was I in for a shock!
The first section was great, normal, but when we started the descent into Rotoroa things changed quickly to a very rough and loose descent. I was completely locked up and even the blips on the throttle to get the back wheel back didn’t seem to help, so I resorted to just letting the bike go and riding it out. I stalled it twice but without incident, and I was sure glad to see those hairpin corners as I knew these were easy.
We had all stopped at the bottom to take on a drink as I was sweating coming down there!

Then it was off to Murchison via the Braeburn which was in good condition, I was actually starting to enjoy the ride now, except that my gloves were biting into my hands and creating a blister which was starting to get uncomfortable.
We arrived in Murchison at approx 6.30pm and took on some food and liquid and refuelled the bikes.
Our team had out very own support rider (MagicFairy) who was there to meet us as we rolled in.
She gave me some plaster to put on my hand and I used some duct tape to give it some comfort, it worked it didn’t give me any further grief.

Then it was farewell to MagicFairy and we would not see her until the wee hours of the morning, then onto Maruia Saddle, which was in great condition, I really enjoyed the next few hours of riding.
We were in the saddle when we passed Ian and MattsDakar, I gave them a big thumbs up and I received the same back, these guys were on a mission, they were about 2 hours ahead of us at that point!
Then it was South to Palmers road and a very dusty Blackadder Road!!
We made Springs Junction and proceeded to Palmers Road, another road I have never been down, this is where we saw the 3 riders of Warewolf, Transalper and Cooneyr heading back.
Palmers road was…..WOW
Fast, fun and with the odd ford that would just appear from nowhere to keep the concentration levels up.

We made it to the end and then turned around and headed back, I must say the trip back was faster than it was on the way down, we arrived back at Murchison at 9.30pm and light was fading very fast!!

The last fuel for the trip and the last food and we were off on the last section.
By the time we arrived in Braeburn, it was black!! Lights a blaze and the speed reduced somewhat.
Somehow I ended up on Navigation duties, which was good that I didn’t have to follow the dust at night.
When we reached the bottom of Porika it was late and we decided as a team not to attempt Porika at 11.00pm in the dark, we knew we would have trouble with traction on the way up, so the only way would be too physically man handle the bikes up, but time would then probably be against us.
So we ended up riding out the road.

From here the roads were all new to me, and I had no idea where we going or where we where.
This was real adventure stuff
Pitch Black, no idea where we were, totally reliant on our navigational experience.
It worked!! We didn’t get lost, no wrong turns where we had to back track, it was great.
The best part was the time seemed to fly past!

The ride up Mt Arthur was steep, but in the dark I don’t think I realised just how steep it got, but when we reached the top the view of the night sky was incredible, a fitting tribute to the ride, there were many stars ahead of us, and then here we were also managing to stay with reach of the other stars.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/RideNZ/DustyButt0802/photo#5152891425433239170"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/RideNZ/R4K_c0MavoI/AAAAAAAAAbE/zLK4n_fP9_s/s800/P1060301.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/RideNZ/DustyButt0802/photo#5152891537102388882"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/RideNZ/R4K_jUMavpI/AAAAAAAAAbM/nVo-8W2rgSg/s800/P1060302.JPG" /></a>

It was onto the last section, it was foggy in places and made riding that little bit harder, but we weren’t in a race, all we had to do was finish!

It was 2.30am when we rolled into Nelson, tired, exhausted, and sore and with very Dusty Butts.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/RideNZ/DustyButt0802/photo#5152891743260819122"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/RideNZ/R4K_vUMavrI/AAAAAAAAAbc/-w4OrdPOPPM/s800/P1060304.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/RideNZ/DustyButt0802/photo#5152891842045066946"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/RideNZ/R4K_1EMavsI/AAAAAAAAAeY/wGdIYz90gqU/s800/P1060305.JPG" /></a>

It was an experience I will not forget in a hurry, and although almost 22 hours in the saddle is a very long time, I don’t regret it, and am looking forward to the next chapter!

I commend the other riders, I am no where near the same league as them, I am not physically fit like them, but mentally I was prepared and that is what got me through.
zeRax, what a machine, he completed the Dusty Butt on an XR250, not built for comfort or speed, he did incredibly well, and I think his decision to ride with us was a good one as we could keep and eye on him and likewise he could keep an eye on us.

After it was all finished, I realised just how big this accomplishment was!
It is a story that we can tell our grandchildren one day

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/RideNZ/DustyButt0802/photo#5152892593664343858"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/RideNZ/R4LAg0MavzI/AAAAAAAAAcc/xHIAGUWC2Bs/s800/P1060312.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/RideNZ/DustyButt0802/photo#5152893310923882386"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/RideNZ/R4LBKkMav5I/AAAAAAAAAdo/JpgsFp2gHrE/s800/P1060318.JPG" /></a>

To all the 2 day riders, your ride was a HUGE accomplishment too, many riders I know would not attempt that ride in 2 days, congrats on finishing and to Nordie for keeping them all in check!
As a One day rider, the only difference between between us and you is the fact that we were a little more insane (or stupid)

Some useless info

We took 21 ½ hours
Our actual riding time was 16.50 hours
Our moving average speed was 58.2kmh
There were 8 bikes on the Dusty Butt 1000k ride that did it in One day
They all finished
There was
3 & a ¼ BMW’s (Ian’s Honda had a BMW headlight)
2 Honda’s
2 Suzuki’s
1 KTM

Cheers Scott

[cooneyr]

Well written Zukin. It is indeed an achievement and experience to be proud of.

What I am most pleased about is that you managed to navigate unknown roads in the dark and didn't get lost!

Cheers R

[Zukin]

Was I the only one who didn't get much sleep the night before? :blink:

I was nervous as hell and don't mind admitting it :buggerd:

[Zukin]

Oh and by the way the GPS really helps!!

I wish I sold them and got commission for each one I sold :niceone:

I will continue to work on a North Island version, but with a few differences :msn-wink:

[cooneyr]

Was I the only one who didn't get much sleep the night before? :blink:

I was nervous as hell and don't mind admitting it :buggerd:

:whistle: took me a while to get to sleep :sweatdrop

Cheers R

[tri boy]

A great effort by all.:yes:

[Zukin]

Oh yeah

While I was on the ferry on the way home I put this together :laugh:

The Dusty Butt – in less than 350 words

We’re back at home now where all is serene
The skies are clear and blue and the hills are shiny green

Is it really true, did it happen last week
Did we join that group of insane riders and an adventure with them seek

It’s a memory now and a good one at that
Minds full of laughter, scenery and so much chat

A 1000km adventure ride is a must for you to do
As long as a Jim, Kyle and Scott are part of the crew

Those rough tracks of Ryans another like it, I never want to see
For it was at that point, that the reason for power became clear to me

Without an agenda, and places to visit
I rode over gravel and rocks and hoped not to ditch it

I watched and I waited to lose my way
Among the stones and grit, and the layers of clay

No matter what it was, I tried to ride the GS in an expert way
And away I went again to enjoy the rest of the day

But clever was I for I watched where I went
And not once did I stray where danger was hell bent

We loved the hills, the trees and those rivers too
We loved the way every corner seemed to hold a brand new view

The planning was careful, quite cunning and so clever
For the way we blended with others will stay with us forever

We had such a great experience, and shared a joke or two
There was even laughter from each member of the crew

And how we laughed when we had finished at quite a late hour
And the Bacon and Eggs that we did devour

Yes we’re home again now and loving that as well
So all that remains are some extra lines to tell

Ryan you’re a master at the things that you do
So remember to include me in any trips that are new

[cooneyr]

Zukin, not sure if you are interested or not but - what about an article on the DB1k for Kiwibiker? Get a few more of the photos from others and stick something together. Your two post report would be bloody good start, just write it for others who were not involved i.e. change the perspective? English is not my strongest subject so best defer this task to somebody more eloquent.

Cheers R

[warewolf]

Yeah, good stuff Zukin!


Zukin, not sure if you are interested or not but - what about an article on the DB1k for Kiwibiker?Kiwi Rider, you mean? I reckon this would be good for Trail Bike Adventure magazine, too - poem and all!

[cooneyr]

Yeah, good stuff Zukin!

Kiwi Rider, you mean? I reckon this would be good for Trail Bike Adventure magazine, too - poem and all!

Opps - yep thats what I meant. TBAM is a good idea as well.

While it is fresh in every bodys mind if you have any corrections to the roll chart can you please let me know ASAP. I might as well make a few corrections now and have this chart sorted as a resource for the future.

Track logs (even if they are 2d) would be much appreciated as well. I can use them to improve the roll charts as well.

Cheers R

[Zukin]

Zukin, not sure if you are interested or not but - what about an article on the DB1k for Kiwibiker? Get a few more of the photos from others and stick something together. Your two post report would be bloody good start, just write it for others who were not involved i.e. change the perspective? English is not my strongest subject so best defer this task to somebody more eloquent.

Cheers R

Yes good idea
When others post their reports and pics up I can stitch it together, and then request the high res images that will be needed for publication.

We will have to consider using real names as well, so anyone that doesnt want to have their name used let me know now or forever hold your peace :lol:

[JATZ]

Great write up Zukin, I dont feel so bad now knowing all of you gave the porika a miss, took Ally and I about 2 1/2 hrs to get up it last time I did it, had to push the bike up the worst bit(road tyres are now in the back of the shed)
Once again Congrats.

[GurlRacer]

After it was all finished, I realised just how big this accomplishment was!
It is a story that we can tell our grandchildren one day


Yeah right! :laugh:

Nice report Dad, and thanks for sending it to me :p Didn't know you could write poems either! :D

[Zukin]

Hi all

When you post your pics and/or trip reports can you link them or post them in here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=64527) so I dont miss any

Cheers Scott

[Jantar]

Damn, Zukin. I've just tried reading your write up, but on my slow dialup connection everything just locks up with too many embedded images. Would it be possible to put a thread with your report without the images? so us one in the outback can read it?

[warewolf]

Would it be possible to put a thread with your report without the images? so us one in the outback can read it?Put the button on your toolbar that toggles image download and/or turn off auto-download of images. If you want to see them, right-click and choose download.

[Balrog]

Hi All,
Here's some of the pics I managed to take.

- BBQ at Colins
- Riders Briefing
- Riders Listening
- Blenhiem Refuel ( bike and bod )
- Arriving top of Mt Altimarloch
- ZeRax and Zukin

[Balrog]

- Ryans team arrives
- View From the Top
- Molesworth Ranger hutt. Its starting to warm up now.
- Discussing gate opening tatics
- ZeRax and Zukin refueling at hamner
- ZeRax leaves St Arnaud

[Balrog]

- Whoo Hooo, end of Palmer road. That was a blast
- Palmer road Moo shed
- Leaving Westbank road
- Top of Maruia Saddle on the way back.
- Kawatiri junction. 1st its chilly, then hot, then really hot. Now its Cold!!
- and dark

[Balrog]

- Back in Murch, dazed but happy
- Why its called the Dusty Butt
- Its supposed to stop stones. Apparently it stops bugs as well.
- Handsome devil and his trusty steed
- MagicFairy and I do the Molesworth a couple of days later.
- But my arse had not yet recovered and made me pay :)

[Zukin]

Hi Jim
Great photos

But in that last one you look dead :blink:
You werent like that after Dusty Butt :apint:

[magicfairy]

He had PTSD - Post Traumatic Sitting Disorder. Didn't know his butt was still tender till the next long ride. :crybaby:

[Zukin]

Does anyone else have any high res photos from DB1K08?

I am putting together the final touches to an article and need some good images :)

BusaJim and Nordie, if I see any pics I like that you have taken can I use them for the article?
I will need to get them in high res (over 1mb)

Cheers Scott

[NordieBoy]

Does anyone else have any high res photos from DB1K08?

I am putting together the final touches to an article and need some good images :)

BusaJim and Nordie, if I see any pics I like that you have taken can I use them for the article?
I will need to get them in high res (over 1mb)

Cheers Scott

No problem.

[Balrog]

Does anyone else have any high res photos from DB1K08?

I am putting together the final touches to an article and need some good images :)

BusaJim and Nordie, if I see any pics I like that you have taken can I use them for the article?
I will need to get them in high res (over 1mb)

Cheers Scott

Hey Scott

No Problems on using the pics.
My original versions are all 5 mega pixel ( 2592*1944 ).
Let me know what ones you'd like and I'll email the originals to you.

I have other ones, but they are just different angles of the ones I posted.

Cheers Jim

- post dusty sticker :)

[Transalper]

Bit of a video from our scouting run over the Porika track from Lake Rotoroa out to SHW63.

Livevideo here. (http://www.livevideo.com/video/176A6BAC793A406DBF24E334A5ABEEB9/the-porika-track-2007.aspx)
Youtube version here. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SKIsFWYKcg)

[cooneyr]

Just though I'd let the rest of you lot know that the article Scott wrote about the Dusty Butt has been published in Kiwi Rider. The article and photos have almost inspired me to do it again even after saying never again earlier this year.

Nice pics all who contributed.

Cheers R

[twotyred]

how fitting,well done KR and all involved.

[NordieBoy]

You have to do it again now.
You need to run in the new bike.

[JATZ]

Somewhere down central otago way plz, for the next one, I can think of one or two tracks to do

[cooneyr]

You have to do it again now.
You need to run in the new bike.

Well yes this is true.


Somewhere down central otago way plz, for the next one, I can think of one or two tracks to do

I'll have to see about that. I'd have to ride it first over a few days to put together the roll chart and that needs a bike and time. Neither of which I have at the moment.

Cheers R

[GurlRacer]

I would love to ride it, knowing how much Dad loved it! But I know I have not the skill yet, and I probably wont for at least 5 years!! But, in saying that, I will come down (I have a lot of friends in that area), so will act as a support person/coffee biatch if you guys want to :)

Thanks for all your support and yes, Mum and I have read the article in this months Kiwirider. Awesome pictures too! Thanks to all the Dusty Butt guys, Dad wouldn't shut up about it! :lol:

[JATZ]

I would love to ride it, knowing how much Dad loved it! But I know I have not the skill yet, and I probably wont for at least 5 years!! But, in saying that, I will come down (I have a lot of friends in that area), so will act as a support person/coffee biatch if you guys want to :)

Thanks for all your support and yes, Mum and I have read the article in this months Kiwirider. Awesome pictures too! Thanks to all the Dusty Butt guys, Dad wouldn't shut up about it! :lol:

I'd only riden on gravel maybe half a dozen times when I did the first one, so it can be done by noobys, 'course I don't think I could have done the 24hr job,maybe next time

[cooneyr]

I would love to ride it, knowing how much Dad loved it! But I know I have not the skill yet, and I probably wont for at least 5 years!! But, in saying that, I will come down (I have a lot of friends in that area), so will act as a support person/coffee biatch if you guys want to :)

Thanks for all your support and yes, Mum and I have read the article in this months Kiwirider. Awesome pictures too! Thanks to all the Dusty Butt guys, Dad wouldn't shut up about it! :lol:

You are more than welcome to come along when we next have ago. Would be great to meet you. There is no date for this the 09 running yet but I'll let you know when something is sorted.

Cheers
Ryan

[zeRax]

looking forward to it !

[NordieBoy]

The article and photos have almost inspired me to do it again even after saying never again earlier this year.

Nice pics all who contributed.

Good write-up.

5 out of 11 photos are mine :D

[Lugzy23]

Guessing that its this months edition?

[426crasher]

Yep the August issue

[mazz1972]

Any plans for Dusty Butting again in 2009? I have a group of chaps here from Horowhenua/Kapiti who are interested after reading the Kiwirider article.

Have printed off the ride reports & photos for them to look at, since they are so keen.

Ryan you did a fantastic job with all the planning and mapping. I printed off the six maps from this post (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=1348460&postcount=216) - two of them printed out a different size to the other four (probably due to my printer settings) but get the general idea.

Your maps are quite different to my AA maps, yours have some place names on that mine done (& vice versa) - which brand maps did you use?

Cheers
Maree

[cooneyr]

Any plans for Dusty Butting again in 2009? I have a group of chaps here from Horowhenua/Kapiti who are interested after reading the Kiwirider article.

Have printed off the ride reports & photos for them to look at, since they are so keen.

Ryan you did a fantastic job with all the planning and mapping. I printed off the six maps from this post (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=1348460&postcount=216) - two of them printed out a different size to the other four (probably due to my printer settings) but get the general idea.

Your maps are quite different to my AA maps, yours have some place names on that mine done (& vice versa) - which brand maps did you use?

Cheers
Maree

I'm thinking about organising another run but no firm ideas on date yet. Best time to run it is around the summer solstice - more light. It took between 17 and 22 hours (3 different groups did the 1 day run last year) and the dust is a pain in the dark so best to do it when as much light as possible. I was planning on putting together an Otago based route but I don't have much time for that at the moment and there seem to be a few who are interested in doing to original route. I might start a new thread with a poll about this in a couple of weeks.

The post you have linked to is the Plan B route that we didn't end up using and I never made a roll chart for it. The original route maps are here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53727&d=1171482770), here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53728&d=1171482770), here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53729&d=1171482770), here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53730&d=1171482770), here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53731&d=1171482870) and here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53772&d=1171511766). If you go to the first post of this thread and work you way though the links you can find the detailed maps as well.

Now that I'm into GPS's a bit more I should make up a route file for viewing in google earth and using with a GPS.

The maps are a mixture of the NZ 262 (1:250,000) and 260 (1:50,000) series topomaps which is why they have heaps of detail. The 260 series maps are the most detailed topomaps for NZ. I have all of these for the south island electronically which is really handy.

Keep and eye out for the new thread about the 2009 run - DB1k 09.

Cheers R

[twotyred]

............

[cooneyr]

............

Thats ^ not what you origianlly posted :D


Dusty Butt 1009???

DB = Dusty Butt
1k = 1000 and also the k = km (well it does in my little world :doctor:)
so we have DB 1000 km

09 = 2009

Not sure that everybody got this earlier in the year either.

Cheers R

[zeRax]

come on ryan, theres gotta be another one, infact every year, make it happen please sir ! :D

[warewolf]

DB = Dusty Butt
1k = 1000 and also the k = km (well it does in my little world :doctor:)
so we have DB 1000 km

09 = 2009

Not sure that everybody got this earlier in the year either.Perfectly logical to me.

twotyred is probably used to 'puter shortcuts like SQL2K5 for SQL 2005.

[NordieBoy]

DB1k09 of course...

[cooneyr]

DB1k2k9?????? :blink:

Give me a week or so and I'll put up a thread about the 09 run.

This time next week I'll be having a beer or two after having handed in my Masters research report meaning the end of 4.5 years of part time masters study. 24,5000 word report so far and counting. :bash:

Cheers R

[Padmei]

Well done R
Might have to start earning brownie points:yes:

[JATZ]

Well done R
Might have to start earning brownie points:yes:

Convince mrs Padmei you need a support crew.

Hmmmmm, wonder if I could handle the 1 day job next time

[NordieBoy]

Convince mrs Padmei you need a support crew.

Hmmmmm, wonder if I could handle the 1 day job next time

You might even have to re-fuel...

[JATZ]

You might even have to re-fuel...

Just once :clap: with maybe a little sip more to make sure

[mazz1972]

I'm thinking about organising another run but no firm ideas on date yet. Best time to run it is around the summer solstice - more light. It took between 17 and 22 hours (3 different groups did the 1 day run last year) and the dust is a pain in the dark so best to do it when as much light as possible. I was planning on putting together an Otago based route but I don't have much time for that at the moment and there seem to be a few who are interested in doing to original route. I might start a new thread with a poll about this in a couple of weeks.

The post you have linked to is the Plan B route that we didn't end up using and I never made a roll chart for it. The original route maps are here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53727&d=1171482770), here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53728&d=1171482770), here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53729&d=1171482770), here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53730&d=1171482770), here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53731&d=1171482870) and here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53772&d=1171511766). If you go to the first post of this thread and work you way though the links you can find the detailed maps as well.

Now that I'm into GPS's a bit more I should make up a route file for viewing in google earth and using with a GPS.

The maps are a mixture of the NZ 262 (1:250,000) and 260 (1:50,000) series topomaps which is why they have heaps of detail. The 260 series maps are the most detailed topomaps for NZ. I have all of these for the south island electronically which is really handy.

Keep and eye out for the new thread about the 2009 run - DB1k 09.

Cheers R

Thanks for that R, the topo maps are awesome, way better than road maps. I'll print the maps & relevant bits off to show the lads. There's about 5 of them really keen so will keep an eye out for any news for an 09 ride.

Congrats on completing your masters :niceone:

Cheers, M

[NordieBoy]

Hey R, check out on your maps from Wakamarina over the hills to Onamalutu.
There's supposed to be an accessable track that would cut out all that seal work.
It's the old gold trail or something.

May be good to test on one of the Nelson Rideouts soon and get a GPS track for ya.

[Padmei]

Are you talking about the one that gets MTBed over cos if it is I don't think you can take a moto on it. I think it's DOC. I did it a couple of times last year & is an excellent down hill.

[NordieBoy]

We stayed last night up Wakamarina Road and the owner of the chalet told us about it.

Hmmm...

[cooneyr]

Hey R, check out on your maps from Wakamarina over the hills to Onamalutu.
There's supposed to be an accessable track that would cut out all that seal work.
It's the old gold trail or something.

May be good to test on one of the Nelson Rideouts soon and get a GPS track for ya.

Pic from the topos attached. There is two routes between Wakamarina and Onamalutu but both a shown as walking tracks and looking at the contour lines I'm thinking is trial's bike territory or worse. One route is over Mt Royal and the other is via Fosters Clearing.

Feel free to have a look and prove me wrong but I don't think this is a goer.

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

We drove to the end of the road today and it'd be a nice ride anyway.
May have a chance to check it out this weekend.

[Padmei]

We rode MTBs across from Fosters clearing. Very tight for a moto, grouse MTB though - about 50 downhill switchback corners

[Lugzy23]

Isnt there a swing bridge at the end of the Wakamarina Road that would make getting a bike accross all but impossible?

[MXNUT]

I'm thinking about organising another run but no firm ideas on date yet.
Keep and eye out for the new thread about the 2009 run - DB1k 09.


I have read the ride reports on last years run with great interest and disscussed the ride with other local riders.
Looks like you have a great area at the top of the south island ideally suited to this type of ride. The problem for us is that to come all that way and try and complete the ride in one day is that we would not get to see much of the route we are riding due to time contraints and riding in the dark etc.

What about a two day option for soft adventurers like us.
There must be a camping ground/accomodation half way round perhaps, so we could enjoy more of the ride without having to go hard out ???.

Just a thought.

[cooneyr]

I have read the ride reports on last years run with great interest and disscussed the ride with other local riders.
Looks like you have a great area at the top of the south island ideally suited to this type of ride. The problem for us is that to come all that way and try and complete the ride in one day is that we would not get to see much of the route we are riding due to time contraints and riding in the dark etc.

What about a two day option for soft adventurers like us.
There must be a camping ground/accomodation half way round perhaps, so we could enjoy more of the ride without having to go hard out ???.

Just a thought.

There will almost certainly be a 2 day run as well as the 1 day run. Last year the 2 dayers stayed at a shearing shed just south of St Arnard which is approx 1/2 way. The other option is to crash the camping ground at St Arnaud.

Nordie - any chance of getting the same digs as last year or is there other options that would work????

Cheers R

[XF650]

The 2 day option this year (led by Nordie) was ideal for those of us who were just sight-seeing or simply not tough enough for the 1 day ride. It was a fantastic trip but still nowhere near the achievement of the 1 dayers.

[zeRax]

>_< thinking back, argh, few dodgy moments, im really suprised i never had a bad off, get so tired, lack of visibility, my really really really crappy lighting, the amount of corners i nearly went straight through when it was pitch black...


i REALLY wanna do it all again, so bad ;O. CHOMP CHOMPING at the bit!

[NordieBoy]

Same accommodation is probably sweet but what date are we looking at for '09?
They had only moved the sheep away a day or two before we arrived last time.

I'd like to do the DB in one day as a challenge but I know I'll have more fun on the 2-dayer.

[cooneyr]

Same accommodation is probably sweet but what date are we looking at for '09?
They had only moved the sheep away a day or two before we arrived last time.

I'd like to do the DB in one day as a challenge but I know I'll have more fun on the 2-dayer.

Lets leave this along till I start the new thread.

Cheers R

[mazz1972]

I think my lot would be up for the 2 day option.....

[Padmei]

I think there would be quite a bit of interest for the 2 day option - makes it a good weekend away. The alloy butt crew can tell us what its like when they finish :2thumbsup

[cooneyr]

The 2009 run thread is over here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=80862).

Cheers R

[Cross Rider]

Sounds good :D

How many would be in for a Dusty Butt 1000 - Daylighter?
Run in parallel starting at the same place/time but overnighting at St Arnaud and doing the 2nd half in daylight on the 6th?

Gives people who try the 24hr run a chance to finish if they have problems on the first day and may get more riders along as well as effectivly tail-end-charlie'ing the 24hr ride.

Either way, I'm in :woohoo:

Keen as well.

[cooneyr]

Keen as well.

See this thread (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=80862) for the 09 run (this thread is for the 08 run that has been and gone). Put your name on the calendar linked on the first page - just had a look at the calendar and see you've beaten me too it.

Keep and eye on the adv sub-forum for some rides around Canty if your keen to join in.

Cheers R