42 traverse

[Crisis management]

Sunday 2nd March for the traverse

Details as below:

I'll be staying at Kinloch so can meet people at either Taupo or Turangi, I suggest 10 am at Turangi as a general meeting time / place.

Down state highway 47 to Kapoors road (carefully not marked on my map, but I'm sure we can figure it out) onto the traverse and let mayhem ensue! :2thumbsup

Thru the track (about 2 hours offrd?) to Owhango for a beer and a bit of lunch then back again for all the bits we forgot to fall off at.

Assuming it stays dry, this should be suitable for any adventure bike and if there has been a bit of rain then bring the "fuck off" (to quote BD) knobblies.

Expressions of interest would be nice, I'm going regardless and I'm sure with a bit of help anyone can get thru......

Post on here and nearer the time we will confirm meeting places etc.




Previous stuff for historical, hysterical?? reference......

Anyone done the 42 traverse track between Taurewa and Owhango in the central plateau?
I'm looking at a trip down that way in a month or two and it looked quite do-able on average sized bikes (an aquaintance claims to have done it on an airhead R100) so any info would be welcome.

Any volunteers to assist would also be welcome...its a bloody long way to walk out by all accounts!

Right, don't be shy, spill the beans guys.

[Zukin]

Yep it is good (most of the time) the creeks can get up a bit......

BUT....yes it is a big BUT


The bridge at the Owhanga end had washed away in the floods and last I was there (maybe 2 months ago) it had not been replaced :(

It may of been repaired by now :confused:

Cheers

[Grahameeboy]

Yep did it a few years ago after a lot of rain and it was guttery as.

[skelstar]

Awesome on a MTB. Did it twice in 5 days. Mint.

[shaneh]

I've done it on a quad with some friends who rode MTBs. I had a bike rack fitted to the tow bar on my quad (yep, it's a proper quad, not some nancy pants city quad) and so could take a MTB and rider up the hills for them to ride down again. Should have been charging. Ride was about 2 yrs ago, easily accessible, good fun. Might be up for it again.

[Crisis management]

Zukin, according to DOC the bridge has been repaired, november ish, however I understand there was an accessible ford a couple of hundred metres down from the bridge.
Sounds doable guys, any takers?

[Wellyman]

Yes. and its a bit tough in places... but doable, I have done bits of it.
WM

[Jorja]

Anyone done the 42 traverse track between Taurewa and Owhango in the central plateau?
I'm looking at a trip down that way in a month or two and it looked quite do-able on average sized bikes (an aquaintance claims to have done it on an airhead R100) so any info would be welcome.

Any volunteers to assist would also be welcome...its a bloody long way to walk out by all accounts!

Right, don't be shy, spill the beans guys.

Will mention this to Frosty. He is really into his dirt bike at the moment and if he can get away would probably love to do it.

[dino3310]

would love to iain BUT you know the story.
would be an awesome trip.

[OV Lander]

Guys, am often in there with the 4x4. Track is in good condition, and to be honest - is a bit teadious in a club truck because it is in such good nick.

HOWEVER - as pointed at earlier the the bridge at Owhanga is out, with not simple 'drop into the river' options. big and very steep drop into a fst river with an impossible climb out. That said, the bridge is right at the end of the track, just yards before the tarseal. This means that the track can be completed from the Tongariro end, and done again to get out - a sort of 2 for 1 deal!

As far as I understand, DoC have 'no budget' for any repair attempt, and I believe that given DoC's track record of restricting public access they are quietly happy for the track to be unpassable and to see it gradually fall into disrepair (my 2c anyway).

[Lucy]

Guys, am often in there with the 4x4. Track is in good condition, and to be honest - is a bit teadious in a club truck because it is in such good nick.

HOWEVER - as pointed at earlier the the bridge at Owhanga is out, with not simple 'drop into the river' options. big and very steep drop into a fst river with an impossible climb out. That said, the bridge is right at the end of the track, just yards before the tarseal. This means that the track can be completed from the Tongariro end, and done again to get out - a sort of 2 for 1 deal!

As far as I understand, DoC have 'no budget' for any repair attempt, and I believe that given DoC's track record of restricting public access they are quietly happy for the track to be unpassable and to see it gradually fall into disrepair (my 2c anyway).

Yep, last time I read about it in the local rag, the bridge was out, and a couple of mountain bikers were told that, and that they shouldn't do it, but they did it and ended up needing to be rescued!

Didn't realize they were never going to fix it though. I also didn't realize you were allowed to ride it on motorbikes! Sounds way more fun than pedalling.

[Crisis management]

Right, looks like I better double check the state of the bridge then...
I like the idea of there and back on the track tho if the bridge is still out.

[curious george]

watch out for cyclists. Last I did it the guys on motorbikes were going far to fast to stop if there was somebody in the way.
It looks a long way to get choppered out of.

[clint640]

Hi Mate, I might be up for a trip in there, I've only ever been in a little way from the Ruapehu end & would be keen to do the rest, in & back is no problem I reckon. Keep me posted as to when.

Cheers
Clint

[ducatijim]

Keep me posted too Ian, its not very far from here and I have wanted to go there for a while now, but want to take 'buddies' :yes:

[marks]

might be a nice little outing for the WR

[Crisis management]

Ok guys, sounds like a ride is in order....I would like to do this in late feb probably (building work going on at home and the High Commander might not let me out before then).
I'll find out the state of the Owhango bridge and post up some dates in a week or so...

[chris]

During summer you'll have no problems. The creek crossings can come up a bit after rain but nothing too major. It's really not difficult on a dual purpose with the right tyres fitted. Just remember though, it's two way, most people using it seem to think it is one way! Also, four wheel drives will be on it during the summer and it can get narrow in places, be careful

[marks]

I would prefer to do it both ways as I would have to park a car/trailer at one end - and I'd rather do an 80km ride than a 40km ride followed by lots of boring road...

or is their something I'm missing here?

[bvaut]

As said all before, no worries with the track, however, just be careful for 2 way traffic. The last time I did it we had to call out two helicopters as we had a major head on with some loose nuts on bikes going the other way. They pasted our lead rider and didn't button off collecting the next rider full on, pretty ugly stuff:doctor:. Ther are plenty of side trips off this road with some east to difficult stuff as well. If you were thinking of tasking trail bikes then be carefukl where yuo park at the eastern end as some low life will want to break into your car. See the framer to the north or the outdoor pursuts cente further north for parking. Enjoy.

[Crisis management]

Doc at whakapapa confirm the bridge is open, so it can be one way (or both Marks), must admit the thought of there and back sounds good, it's only 46 kms one way so should be a good way to fill in a day!

[clint640]

Doc at whakapapa confirm the bridge is open, so it can be one way (or both Marks), must admit the thought of there and back sounds good, it's only 46 kms one way so should be a good way to fill in a day!

Sounds like a good plan, maybe lunch & a frosty beverage at the Owhango Pub before turning back?

Cheers
Clint

[ducatijim]

Sounds like a good plan, maybe lunch & a frosty beverage at the Owhango Pub before turning back?

Cheers
Clint


Now youre talking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:beer:

[Aslan]

sounds interesting guys - will watch with interest and commit if able to once the date is determined - cheers Aslan:cool:

[young1]

Let me know when you plan to do it as it might be worth me putting the DR on the trailer and taking it over?

[Crisis management]

Ok guys, after much debate, I have to put this off until March. I need to get these renovations finished before I wander off for a weekend so can't do anything until then.

It may be better if someone else (thats one of you lot) picks a date and organises this so it actually happens. I know from past experience that anything to do with builders, plumbers and painters drags on far longer than planned and I would hate to have you lot waiting for me, you might get grumpy!

Just to summarise the ride:
Its 46km one way and rideable by most adventure bikes (I believe) as I know someone who rode an R100GS thru.
So, its a there and back again ride with a pub in the middle, sounds like 6 - 7 hours tops.
The bridge is repaired at Owhango so there are no major obstacles.
Do it when the weathers good otherwise streams will rise and clay will turn greasy.

Up to you lot!

[Crisis management]

BUMP!

Looks like the last weekend in Feb or first in March, I'm just confirming some accomodation in Taupo and the sunday would be free for doing the traverse!

Updates to follow (hopefully):confused:

[K slider]

Hi I'm keen to have a go my bro is in the turangi search and rescue so I will ask him what its like no {bridge etc}
Cheers Pete.

[Bass]

BUMP!

Looks like the last weekend in Feb or first in March, I'm just confirming some accomodation in Taupo and the sunday would be free for doing the traverse!

Updates to follow (hopefully):confused:

Bugger!!!
Last weekend in Feb is the Westpac run.
First weekend in March is the Mission concert.
I'm committed to both.

[Cary]

Does bike have to be wof & reg to do this road/track??

[offrd]

Does bike have to be wof & reg to do this road/track??

Should be no problem if you go thru and double back to your car and trailer, Plenty of non road legal 4x4,s use the track year round.:2thumbsup

[offrd]

I might go and have an explore around down there this weekend if its not raining...:2thumbsup

[Mort]

I did it a year ago... (there & back was about 4 hours).. It was great but its best to get an early start and avoid MBX-ers... Oncoming bikes are a real danger.... apart from that its great.

[offrd]

Cool as!

It might be Toke, Taupo, Turangi, Over the saddle, Thru the 42, Down to Taumarunui for lunch, Back to turangi, Taupo then Toke and report track conditions for those further away so you know what to expect...

Anyone close-ish that may like to cover some km is welcome....

Will look into the weather.....

[offrd]

Track is open and a great ride! http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=66796

[Crisis management]

Right, I'm finally organised....Sunday 2nd March for the traverse, I'll update the first post but details as below:

I'll be staying at Kinloch so can meet people at either Taupo or Turangi, I suggest 10 am at Turangi as a general meeting time / place.

Down state highway 47 to Kapoors road (carefully not marked on my map, but I'm sure we can figure it out) onto the traverse and let mayhem ensue! :2thumbsup

Thru the track (about 2 hours offrd?) to Owhango for a beer and a bit of lunch then back again for all the bits we forgot to fall off at.

Assuming it stays dry, this should be suitable for any adventure bike and if there has been a bit of rain then bring the "fuck off" (to quote BD) knobblies.

Expressions of interest would be nice, I'm going regardless and I'm sure with a bit of help anyone can get thru......

[offrd]

Cool as, 10am on the 2nd sounds good! Sugest Shell Turangi to meet up? Easy to find, Just on the side of SH1

Kapoors rd has or when i went past it had no road sign! :argh:

2 hours should be about right but i would allow a bit more for the return, Some of the bits i went down, looked like they could be fun on the way back up! :wacko:

It was dry and i had no problems on the E-07's, If wet there will be a few slippery bits for sure! :clap:

It might not be my place to put this in but i am going to anyway...

Please guys do not come all geared up for a motor-x style high speed crossing and return, Many of the corners are blind and other users include MTB's 4x4's and walkers going in both directions. I for one do not want to be involved in a serious rescue effort or to have to use my "Basic life support" skills....

[Crisis management]

I for one do not want to be involved in a serious rescue effort or to have to use my "Basic life support" skills....[/SIZE]

Good point and worth reiterating (my new, big word for February!), however I think we're safe there, all the people I have met riding adventure bikes are doing it for fun and enjoyment rather than an adrenalin buzz.


Nana Riders rulz!!!!! :scooter:

[clint640]

Alrighty, I think I've got that weekend free, I'll have to check. I'm probably only a starter if it's dryish though as we're heading to the South Is the following Friday & I wont have much time to be swapping tyres back & forth.

Cheers
Clint

[ducatijim]

I should be in for that date Ian:2thumbsup

I may go up to the Maungatepopo camp for the Saturday nite, and then meet up with youall at the track start, that way I get some 'practice' in for my Ozzi trip- both camping and riding heavy!!:beer:

Oh, good luck finding a KDX- no- you can't have mine; $ wouldn't part me with it!! You will REALLY enjoy 1 of these if you find a good 1!!!!!!!!:2thumbsup

[Crisis management]

Ok guys, looks like we have enough volunteers to make it a fun day, lets hope the weather dries out a bit before the end of the month (sorry Jamie) or it might be a bit more fun than anticipated.....I better check how much tread is left on the TKCs!
Lets confirm numbers a couple of days out.

Iain

[ducatijim]

>>>>>>>>>>Wanted: KDX 200.....call me!!! No, don't, just bought a KTM200EXC..... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Oh, so we've gone all 'orange' then have we???? KDX only good for broken arsed cockies???:eek5:

Next youll be suckin up to ole Oscar I bet, and trashn anything not out of Austria?

Green is the new BLACK!:clap:.......enjoy.......................... ............:rockon:

[K slider]

I'm keen but it depends on the insurance co rebuilding my bike after a head on.

[offrd]

I'm keen but it depends on the insurance co rebuilding my bike after a head on.

:argh: Not good!

[Tenere05]

Hi Crisis - I have been thinking about doing the 42nd so may well be up for a meet on the 2nd. I ride an XT600 Tenere so might not be a nimble as guys on smaller bikes. I attempted Thomsons Track last winter, a great day but got thoroughly beaten by that one, still we did manage to ride out (witha little help from a guy on foot) I am in Taupo so drop us a line if you decide to go ahead. Cheers Dan

[offrd]

Hi Crisis - I have been thinking about doing the 42nd so may well be up for a meet on the 2nd. I ride an XT600 Tenere so might not be a nimble as guys on smaller bikes. I attempted Thomsons Track last winter, a great day but got thoroughly beaten by that one, still we did manage to ride out (witha little help from a guy on foot) I am in Taupo so drop us a line if you decide to go ahead. Cheers Dan

Dan, You will fit in fine with my BMW so no problem there! :niceone:

Thompsons in the winter..... You are game! even i am not that mad! :pinch:

Pretty sure the ride is all go! :chase:

[Kaituna]

Hi, I will try to come for this one if the weather is clear. Sounds like it will be fun.

[Crisis management]

I ride an XT600 Tenere so might not be a nimble as guys on smaller bikes.

Not so small bikes, you'll fit right in......DR650s, GS650, KTM640. Hang on, your the one on the "small" bike. :bleh:

Be great if you can come along (and any others), it's always good to meet other bikers and my intention is always to enjoy the social side of riding somewhere different, good company and good scenery, is there anything else better? :scooter:

[Oscar]

>>>>>>>>>>Wanted: KDX 200.....call me!!! No, don't, just bought a KTM200EXC..... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Oh, so we've gone all 'orange' then have we???? KDX only good for broken arsed cockies???:eek5:

Next youll be suckin up to ole Oscar I bet, and trashn anything not out of Austria?

Green is the new BLACK!:clap:.......enjoy.......................... ............:rockon:

There's nought wrong wid KDX200's.
Great scoot.

[Crisis management]

There's nought wrong wid KDX200's.
Great scoot.

I'd agree that they were value for money but the examples I looked at (3-4 years old) all were showing signs of wear and really needing a freshen up, suspension & running gear mainly, the engines & frame were ok.
Consequently, I decided to spend a couple of grand more on the KTM as it was better spec'd all over and gives me a bike that I can hold on to longer (assuming I actually develop some off road skills).

I'll stick some green electical tape on it to keep you and Ducati Jim happy .......

[ducatijim]

I'd agree that they were value for money but the examples I looked at (3-4 years old) all were showing signs of wear and really needing a freshen up, suspension & running gear mainly, the engines & frame were ok.
Consequently, I decided to spend a couple of grand more on the KTM as it was better spec'd all over and gives me a bike that I can hold on to longer (assuming I actually develop some off road skills).

I'll stick some green electical tape on it to keep you and Ducati Jim happy .......


Sheeesh....dudes, I was only kidding! Oscar will be able to tell I'm sure, that I am a CLOSET Katie fan, you know.....I would have 1 if the fuckn cows haddn't gone dry and all I can afford is a kwaka!!:doh:

No, really, I was lucky to score a 1 year old, 13hrs, example that had been 'blinged' by its 1st owner, so all I had to do was go out and posture & pose a little!!:cool:

[young1]

BUMP!

Wanted: KDX 200.....call me!!! No, don't, just bought a KTM200EXC.....



Welcome to the team!! The world IS orange.

[Oscar]

Sheeesh....dudes, I was only kidding! Oscar will be able to tell I'm sure, that I am a CLOSET Katie fan, you know.....I would have 1 if the fuckn cows haddn't gone dry and all I can afford is a kwaka!!:doh:

No, really, I was lucky to score a 1 year old, 13hrs, example that had been 'blinged' by its 1st owner, so all I had to do was go out and posture & pose a little!!:cool:

When did they stop selling KDX200's?
Did they continue to make the KDX220? - I really liked those.

[Oscar]

Welcome to the team!! The world IS orange.

I have two KTM's and I'm ashamed to say neither is orange.
My 950 is silver and my 640 red.
I do have the long term loan Kiwi Rider 950SE at the moment though, and it's very orange.
I'm not plannimg on giving it back any time soon...(they'll havtae catch me).:laugh:

[NordieBoy]

When did they stop selling KDX200's?

2006?
My brother picked up one of the last ones as an upgrade from his 2005 Husky WR250 :clap:

[warewolf]

When did they stop selling KDX200's?
Did they continue to make the KDX220? - I really liked those.The 220 is a really popular bike in Aus, along with the Yam WR200. Back in the day many of my riding mates had an uber-sports or sportstourer, plus an unregistered ring-ding chosen from the above. The KDX200 almost didn't exist.


2006?
My brother picked up one of the last ones as an upgrade from his 2005 Husky WR250 :clap:They're still being advertised and still sitting on shop floors. Didn't know they'd stopped production, that really would be a shame.

I considered going for a KDX myself, but figured I'd spend too much time & money trying to bring it up to Euro specs. Plus I didn't want to buy new and didn't want an old hack I'd have to fix. Eventually scored a near-new 200EXC at a bargain price.

...and found myself racing in the same class as Nordie's bro, each time he laps me I try to watch and learn! :lol:

[marks]

2006?
My brother picked up one of the last ones as an upgrade from his 2005 Husky WR250 :clap:

don't get me wrong - I love the little green dingers but how could a kdx200 be regarded as an upgrade from an 05 Husky wr250?

wouldnt the husky be better in every respect?

[NordieBoy]

don't get me wrong - I love the little green dingers but how could a kdx200 be regarded as an upgrade from an 05 Husky wr250?

wouldnt the husky be better in every respect?

Well... Yes.

Unless you only want to trail ride and not do competitive XC racing anymore.

[warewolf]

Unless you only want to trail ride and not do competitive XC racing anymore.Nordie's bro is competitive at club level even on the KDX. :doh:

[Crisis management]

Right, now to get back on topic and the final plans are:

42 Traverse:
Obviously it has been a little wet recently but the forecast looks ok for the rest of the week (as much as forecasts can be reliable) so I am still keen on this trip.
Meeting at the Shell Petrol station in Turangi at 10.00am Sunday 2nd March aiming to leave by 10.15 to do the traverse from the State Highway 47 end to Owhango (for a beer) and back again.
This should take 4 to 6 hours.

Safety:
If the track proves too daunting (wet & slippery) we will obviously make a call and turn around.
I expect that this will be a decision made with everyones safety in mind, and, that should some of the group wish to continue, thats ok, but I will take the responsibility for escorting any that want to turn back out (this assumes I am not the one wanting out first!).
Hopefully that is clearish?

Alternatives:
Realising that there may be some debate about doing this track given the recent weather I have an alternative plan.
To the west of Taupo is Pureora Forest Park which has tracks/roads thru to the geographical centre of the North Island. Looks like 30 odd Kms of track / gravel roads. This is an established tourist route and is suitable for all weathers.
Just south of this (@ 40km) is Piropiro flats which is more forestry roads and 4wd tracks open to the public. This could be well worth a look.

Note: I have to call DOC and confirm these alternatives are avilable but I will do that tomorrow and post up about that.

I would like confirmation and contact details (cell phone) by PM of any that are coming as I am away from the computer from friday night and some final decision making may be required given our recent glorious weather! :cool:

[offrd]

Well i am in! Will PM shortly.

Puriora has many gravel roads, All pretty useable. However going off the main roads in the area when wet is going to be harder than the 42.. trust me i lifted, dragged and carried my RMX many places in that puriora clay muck!

[Crisis management]

Sounds good offrd, good advice about Pureora, thanks! Roll on the 2nd then.

[Aslan]

Hi - I'm planning on doing this ride this coming Sunday with Iain (aka Crisis Management) et al.

Anyone else intending to ride up to the Turangi meeting point this Saturday 1 March?

I'm thinking of coming up from Wellywood via Whanganui National Park or Turakina Valley Road. I'd hope to travel one of these two routes when travelling North and the other when returning home on Sunday - God willing.

Anyone else interested in riding along. I'd be travelling fairly sedately on my little DR350. Cheers Aslan - looking forward to Sunday :scooter:

[cooneyr]

If any of those going on this ride have a GPS please take it with you and save a track file of the route. Please send it to me afterwards for this web site www.advroutes.org.nz. Email is advroutes@gmail.com. :niceone:

Really keen to get this track on the site, I want to do it myself when I get to the NI one day.

Cheers R

[Crisis management]

Unfortunately I can't help with anything more than a pencil & paper, hopefully someone else can.
I'll remind anyone that looks vaquely intelligent about it on the day.

[Bass]

Two words guys - "weather forecast"

[offrd]

Two words guys - "weather forecast"

Saturday

Rain spreading to all North Island areas, possibly heavy in the north and west. Rain over the South Island with heavy falls likely in Buller and Nelson, easing to showers over the southern half of the Island.

Sunday

North Island, Rain easing to showers in most places, but further rain with possible heavy falls for Bay of Plenty,Gisborne and Hawkes Bay. South Island, rain easing to showers in Canterbury and Marlborough, becoming fine for Nelson and the west coast, and a few showers for Otago and Southland.

[ducatijim]

I might stay home and polish my helmet...........................................

[Crisis management]

One (or two) words....Adventure ride!

I've just had a consult with offrd, as at least he has been down the traverse recently, and the consensus is that even in a bit of rain it is worth a go.
I understand the concern about the weather but as long as it isn't torrential I believe it is do-able by most riders. It's not a race and I intend to take all neccessary care, worst case, we turn around after doing some of it.


Right, I'm going to be at the Traverse on sunday, hopefully with some of you others! :Punk:

[offrd]

One (or two) words....Adventure ride!

I've just had a consult with offrd, as at least he has been down the traverse recently, and the consensus is that even in a bit of rain it is worth a go.
I understand the concern about the weather but as long as it isn't torrential I believe it is do-able by most riders. It's not a race and I intend to take all neccessary care, worst case, we turn around after doing some of it.


Right, I'm going to be at the Traverse on sunday, hopefully with some of you others! :Punk:

Yeah i will be there!:scooter: Indeed it is not a race and i have seen photos of bigger bikes on much worse tracks like the makariko i think it was called.! :shit:

The Nat park end to Owhango is the easy way to do the 42.

With my new E-09's i have more concern about the seal if its raining, but then again i can just ride the fire breaks if it gets too slippery. :bash:

[offrd]

I might stay home and polish my helmet...........................................

S o f t . . . . . :yes:

:dodge:

[marks]

With my new E-09's i have more concern about the seal if its raining, but then again i can just ride the fire breaks if it gets too slippery. :bash:

I had an E09 on the back of my 660 and it was fine in the wet (didnt like wet white lines - but then what does?) it also lasted really well and had good bite off road.

[Trouser]

Did the traverse on a mountain bike last tuesday and the track is is very good condition. There a two or three places of bare clay that might be slippery when wet but overall it's a great track. We started at the Mountain end towards owhango as there is more downhill. The aussie bar tender at owhango is good value.

[idleidolidyll]

Awesome on a MTB. Did it twice in 5 days. Mint.

i've been talking about riding it for years and i've got just the ti singlespeed to do it on

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/images/attach/jpg.gif

[idleidolidyll]

'course i'm old and fat so it'd be a slow ride

[offrd]

I had an E09 on the back of my 660 and it was fine in the wet (didnt like wet white lines - but then what does?) it also lasted really well and had good bite off road.

Yes i found that out the other day on the wide white stripes under braking! :whistle:

Saved it, so :rockon:

[Aslan]

One (or two) words....Adventure ride!

I've just had a consult with offrd, as at least he has been down the traverse recently, and the consensus is that even in a bit of rain it is worth a go.
I understand the concern about the weather but as long as it isn't torrential I believe it is do-able by most riders. It's not a race and I intend to take all neccessary care, worst case, we turn around after doing some of it.


Right, I'm going to be at the Traverse on sunday, hopefully with some of you others! :Punk:

Hi Crisis management - I'm planning on coming barring crazy storm conditions - recall we did the Whanagamomona / Kiwi Road ride in continuous rain conditions last winter.

I'm planning to stay at Raurimu on Sat night so would expect to meet you all at the start of the track on Highway 47 if that makes sense. Do you have an anticipated time to be at the start of the track?

Also, if anyone is interested I'd be keen for an attempt on Fisher's Track (near National Park) on Saturday afternoon.

Cheers - Aslan :scooter:

[Crisis management]

Aslan, the current plan is 10.00am at Turangi so I suppose 10.30ish at Kapoors? road on SH47.
Fishers track sounds good, I can't do it saturday but I had it as a fall back if the traverse proved too "technical". The info I have on Fishers suggests it can be slippery when wet and warns of quicksands and bogs if you venture off the track. The track's about 8km long and sounds like a bit of fun, hope you get to do it!

[Aslan]

Thanks Crisis Management for info about Fisher's Track - in the event I nose in there Sat PM it will be with caution.

Have just received larger gas tank (Clarke) from the US for my little DR so am about to fit that in anticipation of the weekend.

Please PM me your cell phone number Iain so that I can confirm plans for Sunday based on the actual weather. At this stage I'm committed to setting off for Raurimu on Sat AM. Cheers Aslan aka Stephen O :apint:

[tri boy]

Have a good ride people.:Punk:
Me and Kanny are off to the Trump Rally at Lk Okataina. Weather might be a bit rainy, but Sunday may clear.
At least the weather should limit the amount of traffic on the crossing.:msn-wink:

[clint640]

Sorry guys, I'm going to have to pass on this one, the logistics of getting tyre/chain/sprockets/packed/organised for our Sth Is trip in a week, visiting GreerADV in Waikato, helping mates with the race truck as promised.... have all got a bit too complicated. Have Fun!

Cheers
Clint

[Crisis management]

Sorry you can't make it Clint, have a great south island trip and maybe we will get to meet at Kawhia?

[K slider]

Cant come as insurance co cant make mind up, anyway collar bone not healed yet.
Have a great ride guys.

[Aslan]

Cant come as insurance co cant make mind up, anyway collar bone not healed yet.
Have a great ride guys.

K slider aka Pete - sorry you're not fully recovered from the Makairo - thanks for sorting my rear wheel bearing Pete.

I'm heading out at 8am going up the Whanganui River Road to Raurimu today is the plan. Hope to meet up with those of you coming from the North on Sun AM. Cheers Aslan

PS thanks to Tri boy and Clint640 for the best wishes to us doing this ride. Hope to see you both at the CCA here in Wellywood :2thumbsup

[offrd]

Due to increasing bad weather, consistant rain and wind it has been decided after phonecalls between Aslan, Crisis Management and myself that this adventure is postponed.

The area was evaluated today and is believed to be too slippery and unpredictable to be safe due to this track being so isolated and no evacuation or escape routes available (other than air ambulance!:doctor:) No phone coverage etc etc..... I even talked to the :Police: who would not lend me their 4x4 for a rescue should it be needed.....

Please notify any others that had thought of going.

[clint640]

Probably a good call, I'm looking down the lake from me mum's place in Taupo right now & the weather looks like arse around the mountain.

Will definitely be at the CCA Aslan, We're all registered & paid for already!

Cheers
Clint

[tri boy]

Good call guys.
No need to push the safety boundaries, just for the hell of it.
48hrs of constant light/heavy rain at Lake Okataina over the weekend often had me thinking about your cancellation option.
Avoid the big spills, and ride another day.:Punk:

[Aslan]

thanks offrd, clint640 and tri boy for your comments - I was disappointed we didn't tackle the 42nd traverse but believe it was the right decision.

Had a good ride to and from Raurimu where I spent Sat night - travelling via the Whanganui river road (more of it is being sealed grrrr) and back via Turakina Valley Road.

The little DR350 was a lot of fun.

On Sat PM i travelled over Fisher's Track and was pleased to be on the little DR and not my 1150GS.

Following are some pics I took on Fisher's track yesterday afternoon. I had the front of the little DR wash out once in the slippery conditions. :Oops:

cheers Aslan

[marks]

I'm sorry you guys didn't get to go. I drove down today from Tauranga to Raumati and from the desert road the weather to the west looked absolutely diabolical.

So when are you going to reschedule to then huh?.

[Aslan]

I'm sorry you guys didn't get to go. I drove down today from Tauranga to Raumati and from the desert road the weather to the west looked absolutely diabolical.

So when are you going to reschedule to then huh?.

for me Marks - I think the 42nd will have to wait to next summer. Note to self 'must get back up on Takapari Road in the Manawatu before winter' :scooter:

[offrd]

Hmmm i hear :mobile: a little 650 did the 42 on sunday........ Not mine, Mine was seen outside a pub in taupo :drinknsin

Someone may post some pictures if we are lucky!

:scooter:

[Crisis management]

Just got back from taupo.....
Thanks for posting up the postponement offrd, the forecast was crap and I thought it safest to cancel, of course sunday was fine!!! so after a period of whinging & tyre kicking I went for a ride to see what the track looked like.

I'll post a full ride report when I have a moment of two but suffice to say it wasn't too bad, I said hello to one bush, but generally the track was in good condition and I pottered through in 2 hours.

Definately on to do it another time now I have a better understanding of the conditions there.