Wellington Rideouts - Where next?

[Paladin]

Well I've put the ride on the Calendar, and yeah I have it down for a 9.30am departure time from Shannon, so time could be important :bleh:
calendar link here I hope: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=1964&day=2009-4-5&

I think you'll find that a certain coffee shop in Shannon will have to be visited for a Latte morning starter - especially if MarkS is with us! :msn-wink:

Not that I ever touch the stuff myself! :whistle:

[andy mac]

im sure its the road that heads up to the tv, radio tower.just out of woodville.

whats your plans for sunday.

Previously Marks suggested doing Odlins Rd which is halfway thru the Akatarawa Rd between UHutt to Waikanae. And if we still have any energy make a loop going thru Karapoti.
Or we can come over to the Rapa.

[junkmanjoe]

yea man... lets do that.

where and what time do we meet, will i need to bring my permet.

[pampa]

Aye man don't do it this weekend :bye:

Odhlins road is the more demanding ride I have done so far is quite nice and it can actually be worse than when i did it due to dampness... About 60K of nice bush ride ...

I'm keen to take the G650X over as it will be more enjoyable than the Dakar (which wasn't too bad after all)


Cheers,
Pampa

yea man... lets do that.

where and what time do we meet, will i need to bring my permet.

[junkmanjoe]

What..... but the sun is shining,
come on, on ya bike son...
do you think it will be slipy in there.....:(

[andy mac]

OK let's meet at Shell Rimutaka at 10 ? Only morning showers forecast for Saturday so shouldn't be too wet. Yes bring your Karapoti permit since it weighs nothing. :wacko: And maybe we can have a sneaky look on the way home if we aren't too buggered.

[junkmanjoe]

is that the first gas station on my right coming in from the north.

[andy mac]

Correction - Caltex 1st on right. I've just checked on the mastercard statement. We don't need marks spot tracker in our house, my wife just reads the mastercard statement & sees where I bought gas or food around the country. :dodge:

[junkmanjoe]

are you riding sat or sunday

[Paladin]

OK let's meet at Shell Rimutaka at 10 ? Only morning showers forecast for Saturday so shouldn't be too wet. Yes bring your Karapoti permit since it weighs nothing. :wacko: And maybe we can have a sneaky look on the way home if we aren't too buggered.


is that the first gas station on my right coming in from the north.

I think Andy means the Rimutaka CALTEX, which is where we all usually meet, and yes its on the RHS heading towards Upper Hutt. On your way from Masterton, you will pass two separate right hand turn offs for Akatarawa before you hit the gas station. The Caltex is 200m past the 2nd turn and 400m before the 1st set of traffic lights at Upper Hutt.

If its dry and I can get kiddie cover I may join you, altho am concerned from what I have heard from MarkS et al who have done Odlins, that its very tough going in there and not sure its that advisable without knobbies on! Andy's road tyres and my Trailwings would likley make it VERY challenging from what I have heard!
And having been in Karapoti, I KNOW that will be challenging on non-knobbies if its been wet - LOADS of clay & rock to climb in there!

If I don't come with you;
Odlins Road is the 4wd track heading off to the right opposite the gravel car park at the very summit of the Akatarawa Road. Its not on the maps and not signposted but you'll know you're at the summit! The track starts with a little rock climb just for fun!

Karapoti Rd is 7km up the Akatarawa Rd from Upper Hutt end and is signposted. Follow the valley road in. Once you hit the offroad track at the end of the car park, you want to take a LEFT after the very first stream/river crossing thats about 400m ish into the track from the car park.

[andy mac]

Sailing Saturday, riding Sunday.

[junkmanjoe]

yea yea i know,,, stupid country boys,,,,get lost out of there own back yard.............................:Oops:

[junkmanjoe]

Sailing Saturday, riding Sunday.

can i come on your sail boat.....cool... can ya lean it over so the sail touches the sea....

[Paladin]

yea yea i know,,, stupid country boys,,,,get lost out of there own back yard.............................:Oops:

Well you can find your way back to Masterton from the middle of freekin nowhere in the Wairarapa just by sniffin the wind so don't spose you'll have too much trouble! (Even if you are a country boy! :msn-wink: )

[junkmanjoe]

its all the steel and concret, stuffs with my gps....
so put me out in the paddocks, sheep and shit, and im fine....

[Paladin]

its all the steel and concret, stuffs with my gps....
so put me out in the paddocks, sheep and shit, and im fine....

You'll only barely be touchin civilization by going to the Caltex so you'll be sweet! :2thumbsup

[andy mac]

can i come on your sail boat.....cool... can ya lean it over so the sail touches the sea....

It's not my boat but we race with 9 crew so can organise a ride sometime if you want.
Sails in the water is definitely slow, but s..t happens. Recently we lost 2 crew over the bow (front pointy end) & pulled them in over the stern (back end) while the boat broached (laid over kicking) Are you still volunteering?

Dave, Sunday will be great weather & it is only going to get wetter from now until December. :bleh: So be there or be square :chase:

[Paladin]

Dave, Sunday will be great weather & it is only going to get wetter from now until December. :bleh: So be there or be square :chase:

But but but........

I have a new shiny bike with no knobbies on it!

:crybaby:


:msn-wink:

Personally, now Marks has returned from SPOT world travels, I'd recommend a chat with him about what odlins is like before you go in there on road tyres - I seem to remember the last time they all went in there, the word was it is very tough and the track down to the hut is viciously tough! I could be overstating it but Marks is the man to ask!

If you can find the thread on KB or ADV you'd see pictures!

[junkmanjoe]

yea man im there, can i use the big roundy steery thing in the middle, the wheel.
has it a fixed keel. hows it go, stern, bow, starboard, portside.
is there any barnicles on its bum......:bash:

whats she do 15-25 knots with a southerly up its bum...

[andy mac]

Marks comment -
will come if I still have enough credits with her indoors.

the first part is bumpy but all quite do-able. The second half is doable if you have serious tires.

Still a good ride enen if you only do the first bit

Link to his trip report with Odlins photos - http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8529371#post8529371

Choice :scooter: :scooter:

[marks]

I'm really keen to do this on the klr mainly because the idea of doing the second part on a heavier bike scares the crap out of me (its straightforward enough on a light bike like the DT230). If I can ride the klr down and then up the washouts I will feel like I've jumped a skill level (like getting a different coloured belt in karate)

You'll need a serious back tire to have the traction to get back up the washouts (or be seriously skilled).

The first bit is no more challenging than our first go at Orongorongos gravel wash and is great fun.

I will meet you all at the start of the track at 10.30?
I won't do the karapoti afterwards as I have to be somewhere later in the day.

[andy mac]

Great, Mark you can be our tour guide :laugh:

Meeting at 10 at Rimutaka Caltex or 10:30 at Odlins Rd/summit of Akatarawa Rd.
Return trip to Odlins Hut & Karapoti - finish at Upper Hutt.

Confirmed - marks, junkmanjoe, andy mac
Probably - paladin
Is anyone else keen?

[Pampera]

Yes - I will probably see you at Caltex Rimutuka. If I recall correctly I rode this route using the Pampera on the "Middle Earth" Adventure ride a few years back, going in from the west. If I have the right road it did indeed get pretty challenging in places, albeit nothing a bit of teamwork cannot overcome. This aside, I will still be leaving the BMW parked and plan to ride the Gas Gas!

regards,

Michael M

[Paladin]

....... This aside, I will still be leaving the BMW parked and plan to ride the Gas Gas!

regards,

Michael M

Probably a vey smart idea, as opposed to my idea of going on Odlins with the Trailwings! Having just seen the pics again on Marks old thread, i had forgotten just how loose etc it looked! I suppose if I was real sensible(YES I do have a bashplate now - got black beastie back today!) I'd do some not too challenging stuff to get used to the DR on before attempting Odlins! :innocent:

If it stays dry and I grow some balls I'll be there tho as it looks like I have kiddie cover sorted for Sunday morning! :blink:

(geez my poor new bike is gonna get battered in there!)

[junkmanjoe]

hay matey,, come along if it gets to hairy, we can bail....
or just plung in to..............yeaa harrr..... oh sorry thats the dukes of hazzard.....mmmmm daisy duke......:doh:

[junkmanjoe]

I'm really keen to do this on the klr mainly because the idea of doing the second part on a heavier bike scares the crap out of me (its straightforward enough on a light bike like the DT230). If I can ride the klr down and then up the washouts I will feel like I've jumped a skill level (like getting a different coloured belt in karate)

You'll need a serious back tire to have the traction to get back up the washouts (or be seriously skilled).

The first bit is no more challenging than our first go at Orongorongos gravel wash and is great fun.

I will meet you all at the start of the track at 10.30?
I won't do the karapoti afterwards as I have to be somewhere later in the day.


hi mark
cheers for coming along.
how far in do you think we get in, to the hut,,,

i know its easy going down hill,, just the uppy bit...

[marks]

hi mark
cheers for coming along.
how far in do you think we get in, to the hut,,,

I know its easy going down hill,, just the uppy bit...

I'm sure we can all get to the hut as the first half is all up hill and okish and the nasty bit is all downhill and gravity will take over.

The question will be how easy it is getting back out....

We can try going down and back up the first washout and if thats doable keep going or we can bail at that point.

Its still a great ride even if we only go to the first knarly bit and there is heaps of other stuff nearby to fill in any spare time.

mmmm Daisy Duke :drool:

[junkmanjoe]

sound good.
would have been cool to tag along with you last few days.
next time ask.......you naughty little boy.......
oh and daisys mine....

[Paladin]

hay matey,, come along if it gets to hairy, we can bail....
or just plung in to..............yeaa harrr..... oh sorry thats the dukes of hazzard.....mmmmm daisy duke......:doh:

You've had too many Heinies haven't you mate!!! :2thumbsup

[Paladin]

OK you two can fight over Daisy Duke - that leaves the Toppys waitress all for me then! :2thumbsup

[Paladin]

I'm sure we can all get to the hut as the first half is all up hill and okish and the nasty bit is all downhill and gravity will take over.

The question will be how easy it is getting back out....

We can try going down and back up the first washout and if thats doable keep going or we can bail at that point.

Its still a great ride even if we only go to the first knarly bit and there is heaps of other stuff nearby to fill in any spare time.

mmmm Daisy Duke :drool:

You're not making me think its a good plan to go in there on the Trailwings AND a still fairly unknown new bike mate! :no:

[junkmanjoe]

Oh come on mate, it be okiy is that a word.... is now...

[Paladin]

Oh come on mate, it be okiy is that a word.... is now...

It's just the photographic eveidence of my day I'm worried about! :Oops:

Here's Dave sliding off.
Here's Dave sliding downhill.
Here's Dave sliding backwards.
Here's Dave with DR on top of him.
Here's Dr with huge tank ding.
Here's former DR indicator.
Here's close up of Trailwings tread - yeah never use these , they're shite!


:crazy::crazy::crazy::crazy::crazy::crazy:


:lol:

[junkmanjoe]

i feel you need to take a chill pill there darling.:doctor:

you be fine....

[Paladin]

i feel you need to take a chill pill there darling.:doctor:

you be fine....

OK I'll go sort my self out!

:doobey:

be back shortly! (or maybe not! :laugh: )

[marks]

OK I'll go sort my self out!

:doobey:

be back shortly! (or maybe not! :laugh: )

it'll either be fine or it will be shite in which case it will be easy to bail.

fear not young skywaker

[Paladin]

it'll either be fine or it will be shite in which case it will be easy to bail.

fear not young skywaker

Thx Obi-Wan, I feel so much better now! :whistle:

Well the kiddie care is sorted so I guess only torrential rain tomorrow is gonna get me outta coming with you guys! ;)

[pampa]

Sorry guys I really wanna go but ain't possible for me ... I hope it doesn't rain :whocares:

:shifty:

:nya:

[junkmanjoe]

why not, we need your wisdom....oh great one

[pampa]

Well, basically I'm lilke three days behind at work, need to catch up tomorrow (3 on 1) to get everything ready for Monday, then Sunday is left to help my wifey with the boy cause she needs to study and have a rest. The little fella is very demanding ... :(. Don't get me wrong he is very fun to be with :baby: but well she still needs a rest and it would be unfair for me to bugger off this weekend again :buggerd:

but hey I'm not complaining since have a lot of work and can see a lot of people is having trouble this days ...

Besides .... there are no puddles on Odhlins rd :mad:, just big drops/cliffs, steep uphills with twisties, a lot of clay loose rock, slides ...



why not, we need your wisdom....oh great one

[junkmanjoe]

ummm yip that will do it.
im getting a felling i just might arse up,
shame you might miss it...
till next time my freind.

[Woodman]

hey guys, sorry to hijack your thread, but it looks like I will be riding up to napier for me mums 75th on friday the 17th and back 20th. Was planning on staying the night of the 16th but now have to go to a meeting in chch that day:argh:. Anyway what is a good (easy) route that will take in a bit of gravel etc considering I will be doing it from nelson in a day with a load too.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Balrog]

You sure thats Obi-Wan speaking and not the Emperor whispering in your ear.

Fear not and say cheese :devil2:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=77208&d=1195468700
(It is an awesome ride though, well worth it.)

[Paladin]

You sure thats Obi-Wan speaking and not the Emperor whispering in your ear.

Fear not and say cheese :devil2:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=77208&d=1195468700
(It is an awesome ride though, well worth it.)

Yeah that sounds more bloody accurate! And THAT photo is not helpin Jim goddamit!!!!

I'm actually crapping myself about goin up Odlins on those darn Trailwings mate!
:crybaby:

(note to self: must get new tyres SOON!!!!!) :whistle:

[marks]

hey guys, sorry to hijack your thread, but it looks like I will be riding up to napier for me mums 75th on friday the 17th and back 20th. Was planning on staying the night of the 16th but now have to go to a meeting in chch that day:argh:. Anyway what is a good (easy) route that will take in a bit of gravel etc considering I will be doing it from nelson in a day with a load too.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

how much time will you have between ferry arrival and having to be in Napier?

[marks]

It is an awesome ride though, well worth it.

so get an early night for once and drag your slack arse up there on Sunday :eek:

Imagine how good it would feel to get that whale to the hut and back while keeping the rubber pointing down (and there are lots of pushers and no one will have a camera - honest...).

[Woodman]

how much time will you have between ferry arrival and having to be in Napier?

Well i haven't even booked the ferry yet, but I don't mind getting up early and as long as i get to napier about 7 ish its fine. If I have to i will road it all the way but would rather not, also depends on weather etc cos I am running e09's and if it rains I will have to take it easy on the tar.

is there a route through martinborough to pongaroa pahiatua or something like that.
BTW I do not have a gps.

There may even be a chance that I can get off the plane in Nelson and straight on the bike and cross over on the Thursday night which would give me heaps more scope for a better ride on friday.

Sorry its still a bit vague at the moment.

[marks]

is there a route through martinborough to pongaroa pahiatua or something like that.

this is about the best choice you will get - when you firm up exactly how much time you will have let us know. If its a Friday arvo I might even join you for part of the ride (you said the magic word Martinborough which = Toppy's :whistle:).

[jezzaNZ]

OK then, since I bailed on the Tussock Buster this weekend due to flu, I guess I can get off my ass and come for a ride tomorrow. So where do we meet? UH Rimataka Caltex at 10am? Mark, are you keen to ride over in the morning? Jez

[marks]

OK then, since I bailed on the Tussock Buster this weekend due to flu, I guess I can get off my ass and come for a ride tomorrow. So where do we meet? UH Rimataka Caltex at 10am? Mark, are you keen to ride over in the morning? Jez

I'm meeting the peasants at the top of the Akatawaras (the start of Odlins Rd above Reikeorangi) at 10.30. I was going to grab a coffee at the coffee kiosk on the main rd in Waikanae at 10 before heading up the hill

[jezzaNZ]

Always keen for a coffee so I will meet you at Waikanea for a flat white at 10 if ok with you. Jez

[jezzaNZ]

A bit offtopic but have just changed the oil in the 950 and was daydreaming (not uncommon for me), as you have to take the left tank off to change th oil, the weight difference was quiet considerable without it. Was thinking what it would be like to ride with just a 9 ltr tank with no faring?

Probably much like the 950 SE I would imagine......mmmmmmm.

[marks]

Always keen for a coffee so I will meet you at Waikanea for a flat white at 10 if ok with you. Jez

see you at 10


A bit offtopic but have just changed the oil in the 950 and was daydreaming (not uncommon for me), as you have to take the left tank off to change th oil, the weight difference was quiet considerable without it. Was thinking what it would be like to ride with just a 9 ltr tank with no faring?

Probably much like the 950 SE I would imagine......mmmmmmm.

950 SE :drool:

actually I just drained 10L out of my tank - it weighs a lot and I'll need every advantage tomorrow....:wacko:

[Paladin]

Well the weather has come good for us at least! :2thumbsup

Will see the Rimutaka Caltex guys at 10am!

btw, I invited my mate Phil who recently got a '89 Beemer PD (like Eddies but white tank!). Not sure if he can make it yet but he'd be coming up from Raumati, so Mark & Jezza, you may see him at summit before we arrive or on route! If he calls to confirm, I'll try get him to call you Mark so maybe he can ride up with you guys if thats ok.

It would be his first adv ride - cruel mate aren't I!!!!!! :whistle:

Trying to recruit another one to the fold! ;)

[Woodman]

this is about the best choice you will get - when you firm up exactly how much time you will have let us know. If its a Friday arvo I might even join you for part of the ride (you said the magic word Martinborough which = Toppy's :whistle:).

Cheers mate I will keep you posted on crossing times etc.

[junkmanjoe]

hi all im camping at aslans tonight,
spent the da dy workng at Eddies place, diggin and fixing bikes, eddie took me for a little trip around the welly hills, up to old amo bunkers, sweet.

so weather is good, and aslan says he may be keen to take us in to pram track for a look a in arfternoon,,,,,sweet...
so that be cool.

[Paladin]

hi all im camping at aslans tonight,
spent the da dy workng at Eddies place, diggin and fixing bikes, eddie took me for a little trip around the welly hills, up to old amo bunkers, sweet.

so weather is good, and aslan says he may be keen to take us in to pram track for a look a in arfternoon,,,,,sweet...
so that be cool.

If I haven't completely destroyed my DR on Odlins, can I maybe pretty pleeeease come too, if there's time? :crazy:

I have a permit, honest guv!

[marks]

If I haven't completely destroyed my DR on Odlins, can I maybe pretty pleeeease come too, if there's time?

will you be able to ride in a body cast?

[Paladin]

will you be able to ride in a body cast?

I don't know about Odlins, but Phil may put me in a body cast for inviting him on his first adv ride on Odlins! :(

[pampa]

Hum it may be a bit too much for a first ride ... In my opinion is the most difficult bit I've done. I know I haven't done many but well ...

You don't want to discourage your friend, not till he buys a proper bike ...



I don't know about Odlins, but Phil may put me in a body cast for inviting him on his first adv ride on Odlins! :(

[junkmanjoe]

well i can say aslan can cook a mean meal.

so im feed and keen to attack the track tomorrow,
if you are a good boy you can come with us in the arfternoon,,,

paladin..
c you in the morning

mmmm think i like red wine.....................

[Aslan]

well i can say aslan can cook a mean meal.

so im feed and keen to attack the track tomorrow,
if you are a good boy you can come with us in the arfternoon,,,

paladin..
c you in the morning

mmmm think i like red wine.....................

A pleasure having two of the young bucks join me for a meal and a few lies shared together ....... sounds like I'd turn better up to do the PRAM in the PM tomorrow - leaving Caltex Rimutuka 2pm or be square ..... doh me and my big mouth .... ciao Aslan :niceone:

[pampa]

I may show up ... no promises what's the plan?



A pleasure having two of the young bucks join me for a meal and a few lies shared together ....... sounds like I'd turn better up to do the PRAM in the PM tomorrow - leaving Caltex Rimutuka 2pm or be square ..... doh me and my big mouth .... ciao Aslan :niceone:

[junkmanjoe]

looks like around 2ish at caltex if im right.
cool pampa, i come play in your back yard.......:niceone:

hope we come out of odlins in one piece,,,,,,:eek:

[Aslan]

I may show up ... no promises what's the plan?

Pablo - if you can make it would be grand - 2pm leaving Caltex Rimutuka - hope to see you there Caio Aslan :chase:

[pampa]

I had the bike ready for Odhlins damik hope we do it another weekend as well

http://proyecto-magoo.com.ar/pablo/Pictures/G650X-KutchHardParts/dsc05562.jpg-1024x768.jpg

http://proyecto-magoo.com.ar/pablo/Pictures/G650X-KutchHardParts/dsc05561.jpg-1024x768.jpg

Thanks to KSlider that got 'em cut very cheap

[NordieBoy]

I had the bike ready for Odhlins damik hope we do it another weekend as well
Thanks to KSlider that got 'em cut very cheap

They look cool - Gaspipe style.

Looking at that shift lever...
You're just a KLR rider at heart arn't you :D

[pampa]

:Oi:

They were designed by a guy nicknamed kutch from Advrider. He wasn't going to do them anymore so open up the designs. I tried to buy them from the states but delivery was to expensive...






They look cool - Gaspipe style.

Looking at that shift lever...
You're just a KLR rider at heart arn't you :D

[NordieBoy]

They were designed by a guy nicknamed kutch from Advrider. He wasn't going to do them anymore so open up the designs. I tried to buy them from the states but delivery was to expensive...

Did you read Gaspipe's 650X rallybike thread?
Very good until he went all mental and got another KTM (Jonah Street's ex-Dakar bike).

[Paladin]

Wait til you see the pictures of the carnage from Odlins today! :gob:

Awesome day but geeeeeeeeez it was challenging on the 2nd half of Odlins down to the hut, or more acurately having to come back up from the hut!

AndyMac & I took Junkmanjoe for his first ride over the Pram track afterwards too - funny but the Pram track seemed like a piece of p*ss after Odlins, haha! :rolleyes:

I now totally LOVE my DR, it felt awesome and much more confidence inspiring than the KLX for some reason, sure pulls like a tractor. And it now has several battle scars, but hey its an adventure bike so who cares! :headbang:

And apparently DR's know how to do summersaults!!!!!!! :doh:

[Howie]

:jerry: sonds interesting, so how did the KLR go?

[junkmanjoe]

i r home safe.....just..Mr wind decided he might like to try and blow me off the tuckers,,,, lucky i had spare nickers in my bag...:eek:

will special thanks to mark, for draging us in to crazy land.
great to catch up with fellow bikes.
odlins road is one not to make mistakes on,, yes i finily came a gressa,,, twice,, im sure the pics will surface soon.

i enjoyed my self far to much, and are looking forward to our return trip, one day.

yea funny thing happened, i wanted to have a quick look
at the start of the parm track,,, next thing i know, we are at paraparam, WHAT....
so sorry aslan, i missed you, but i did get to ride the main track,, and some day will return to explore further,,, but nearly got taken by a ktm in full flight,,, yes he shit him self too....
so a great end to a great day.

take my helmet off for two great guys that i spent time with over the weekend..

sorry i have no camera at the moment, so no pics from me.:doh:

[Paladin]

:jerry: sonds interesting, so how did the KLR go?

Looked like Mark was havin a blast on the KLR - will leave him to fill in details, and Jezzas KTM was awesome to watch(&listen to!). Andymac showing what you can do WITHOUT knobbies was awesome as usual, Michael was Mr. Nimble on the GasGas and Joe was his usal Mr. Steady (altho he finally arsed off in front of me, which was a bonus! :msn-wink: ).

Was an awesome day and the "sense of achievement" quote certainly fit the bill when we finally arrived back at the Akatarawa summit car park.

Thanks to Marks for getting it organised and to all the guys for their camraderie, assitance after my offs, and encouragement to go for it!

Battle scarred DR or not, I had a total blast, altho I feel totally knackered now!

[junkmanjoe]

well my first off, has no photo prof, so that one dosnt count,, was more of a, oh crap im not going to make it...

[Paladin]

well my first off, has no photo prof, so that one dosnt count,, was more off a, oh crap im not going to make it...

At least you didn't summersault your bike over your head mate! Do I get the "Off of the Day" Award on your other thread? :devil2:

[junkmanjoe]

check outs marks spot tracker web site, it has tracked in and out of odlins road,, cool toy,

[Balrog]

  :corn:

[andy mac]

:niceone: Top ride today guys. I'm a bit stiff & sore & have pumped arms after those rocky trails. Hard to believe it took 4 hours to go only 37 km, to Waiotauru hut & return. Mind you we all seemed to appreciate the many breathers.

[andy mac]

Going to hut, 2nd half past the tank traps.

[andy mac]

Going to hut, 2nd half past the tank traps.

Wrong, at hut & heading out.

[andy mac]

More heading out of Odlins Rd.

[andy mac]

Michael at Odlins & Dave/Joe in Karapoti.

[jezzaNZ]

Great photos Andy, I had a fantastic day with great riding, great company and great entertainment....thanks to Dave....but seriously I will give you three and a half grand for the DR Dave.....hehe :spanking:

[Aslan]

hiya all you intrepid souls who conquered the track to Odlins Hutt and return today - i salute you all. Jezza you make it look so easy on the Katoom. Dave top man for persisting and grinning at the end of it all.

As for you AndyMac on Tourances on the TA - you amaze me

Sorry to miss seeing you all - Recycled (aka Split Pin on ADV) aka Brian W and I did a sedate traverse of the Pram, detouring out to Orange Hut, back along Hydro Valley Road and home over the Paekaekariki Hill.

Found the limits of the E07 rear in the mud on sections of the Pram - had to feather the clutch to maintain momentuum.

Met a bunch of young bucks riding hard out on MX machines - v.considerate and showed as old fellas courtesy. A great afternoon - thanks for your company Recycled.

Ciao Aslan :banana:

[Woodman]

That looks a great ride, we will definitely have to get ther one day.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=124386&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1238315115

Hey, Thanks for showing us all your new bashplate.:jerry:

[junkmanjoe]

Dave no smoking within 5 meters of the super tanker.......

[Paladin]

Great photos Andy, I had a fantastic day with great riding, great company and great entertainment....thanks to Dave....but seriously I will give you three and a half grand for the DR Dave.....hehe :spanking:

Cool, I was figuring it was only worth three now so sweeeeet!!! :innocent:

Glad to be of service on the entertainment front - spent half the day scared witless but still good fun! :shit:

[Paladin]

That looks a great ride, we will definitely have to get ther one day.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=124386&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1238315115

Hey, Thanks for showing us all your new bashplate.:jerry:

:Oops:

It got a solid testing today I can tell you!

And I now have 4 good dents in the cycleworks pipe, one less mirror, a cracked exhaust shroud plastic, a scuffed front fender; the list goes on & on! I might be challenging you Woodman on fastest time to demolish a bike! :crybaby:

[Pampera]

Yes a thoroughly enjoyable day - thanks very much guys.

I have to say today's effort reminded me how perfect that Pampera is for me, even after six years I am still impressed how masterfully it makes up for my lack of confidence ("caution" I have heard it described as more tactfully).

I am a bit sore. I was well ahead so I don't think anybody saw it but I fell heavily on downhill ruts on our way back to the sealed road after our second stop at the summit. I hope I have not broken my ribs again, cannot even bend over to brush my teeth!

Hope these pictures come through OK. These are a little unfair, day was not all mayhem, but this is what people want to see!

Michael

[Paladin]

Dave no smoking within 5 meters of the super tanker.......

Geez it leaks fumes that bad does it?!!!! :clap:

[junkmanjoe]

there see dave just looks like im resting against the bank, doesnt even look like i stuffed it up big time....:Oops:

that road looks flat in that pic....

but aside the humour,, paladin did a great job of attacking the track, it had its nasty moments, which at one stage i think every one had a small moment or two.

paladins handing skills have improved a lot, scince i have been riding with him.

so keep up the good work mate.

[Pampera]

Oh and kudos to all on "big bikes", which means everybody else on the ride. As my other ride is an F650 Dakar I know how tough it can be, especially after you fall a few times.
Well done those men.
Michael

[merv]

Geez now I do wish I was there, but after pulling a muscle in my back last weekend and finding its still trouble its probably just as well I wasn't there helping you guys pick up bikes.

[Paladin]

Yes a thoroughly enjoyable day - thanks very much guys.

I have to say today's effort reminded me how perfect that Pampera is for me, even after six years I am still impressed how masterfully it makes up for my lack of confidence ("caution" I have heard it described as more tactfully).

I am a bit sore. I was well ahead so I don't think anybody saw it but I fell heavily on downhill ruts on our way back to the sealed road after our second stop at the summit. I hope I have not broken my ribs again, cannot even bend over to brush my teeth!

Hope these pictures come through OK. These are a little unfair, day was not all mayhem, but this is what people want to see!

Michael

Michael, you were SO close to getting THE shot of the DR going over summersault over my right shoulder; you got the start as it went sideways and the finished article in the bush pointing in wrong direction - bloody brilliant stuff! (scared the crap outta me at the time tho!)

:niceone:

[junkmanjoe]

its just something the DR has over the KLR, massive amounts of power ready at the tap,, you just opened your tap to wide, and let it all out at once ....:bleh:

[Paladin]

there see dave just looks like im resting against the bank, doesnt even look like i stuffed it up big time....:Oops:

that road looks flat in that pic....

but aside the humour,, paladin did a great job of attacking the track, it had its nasty moments, which at one stage i think every one had a small moment or two.

paladins handing skills have improved a lot, scince i have been riding with him.

so keep up the good work mate.

awww thx bro! :hug::hug:
I'm trying hard to put into practice stuff you guys tell/teach me - steep freekin learning curve! (and expensive haha!)
Today I really tried hard to pick better lines than I did when we went out the far side of Sutherlands Hut, and Marks was really good today reminding me to slip the clutch to keep my revs up going uphill as I'm now riding a much bigger engined bike, with a very tall 1st gear to boot.

I always REALLY appreciate the encouragement and learning tips and it helps guys - CHEERS!!!!!!! :niceone:

[Paladin]

its just something the DR has over the KLR, massive amounts of power ready at the tap,, you just opened your tap to wide, and let it all out at once ....:bleh:

Have you been talking to my ex-wife? :rolleyes:

In hindsight that particular little climb was one I would have been much better off taking standing up; there would have been less carnage!

[marks]

Well that was heaps of fun - it was easier than I thought it would be and my confidence on the KLR certainly increased - even though I've got a 16T front sprocket on it just tractored up the climbs and the D606's stuck like shit to a blanket.

Thanks Andy for suggesting it - also kudos for riding that T/A on those tires so smoothly - I don't know how you do it.

Dave - you did really good (I'll give you $3600 for the DR)

I don't know about you guys but this sort of 'can I get up that?' sort of riding is the most fun I have adventure riding - just love it.:Punk:

[Paladin]

Well that was heaps of fun - it was easier than I thought it would be and my confidence on the KLR certainly increased - even though I've got a 16T front sprocket on it just tractored up the climbs and the D606's stuck like shit to a blanket.

Thanks Andy for suggesting it - also kudos for riding that T/A on those tires so smoothly - I don't know how you do it.

Dave - you did really good (I'll give you $3600 for the DR)

I don't know about you guys but this sort of 'can I get up that?' sort of riding is the most fun I have adventure riding - just love it.:Punk:

Cheers Mark, much appreciated, as was your advice/input!

I thought the KLR went great today mate! I'm already seeing such a difference to the KLX - these bigger bikes just have a great feel on that stuff! :wari:

$3600, ooh the bids are going up so maybe I'll hold off on selling it heehee! Besides I kinda like it!!!!!!!! :love:

I agree, as challenging as that was in Odlins today, it was wicked fun. Was also made by the fact that everyone was up for havin a go at the hard stuff on the second half; made for a great day!:woohoo:

[Balrog]

Great pics guys, looked like a mission :)

Nice bash plate Dave :niceone:

[Paladin]

Great pics guys, looked like a mission :)

Nice bash plate Dave :niceone:

Yeah mission about sums it up. :clap:

Am well pleased with bashplate, Joe's mate did a crackin job.
Apparently cycleworks pipes also work as a bashplate! :doh:

[marks]

Great pics guys, looked like a mission :)

would have been more fun if you'd been there you slack bum

[Paladin]

would have been more fun if you'd been there you slack bum

Havin now "done" Odlins Rd, I have even more respect for Jim having been all the way down to the Hut on the GS as it must have been seriously challenging coming back up on a huge bike like that!

:first:

:clap:

:2thumbsup

[jezzaNZ]

I agree, as challenging as that was in Odlins today, it was wicked fun. Was also made by the fact that everyone was up for havin a go at the hard stuff on the second half; made for a great day!:woohoo:[/QUOTE]

Onya Dave, it is good buggers like you that get off there ass and get out there outside their comfort zone and give it 110%. It dosent matter about the scratches or dents on your bike or body but the grin on your face when you have achived something you feared you would not succeed at.

Good onya mate. Jez:yes:

[marks]

posted some lies here (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9428497#post9428497)

[Paladin]

Onya Dave, it is good buggers like you that get off there ass and get out there outside their comfort zone and give it 110%. It dosent matter about the scratches or dents on your bike or body but the grin on your face when you have achived something you feared you would not succeed at.

Good onya mate. Jez:yes:





Cheers Jez, appreciate that mate! :niceone:

I think you have hit the nail on the head as to part of what adv riding has to offer and why I love it so much already:

The thrill of overcoming a challenge and meeting your fears head on - puts a great big smile on yer face for sure! Like you & I said when we were chatting out on the track - sure makes you feel alive! :gob:

As I said earlier on this thread, the great thing about being out with the group, is that encouragement and support you get to keep testing your limits and fears. Then what adds on top is that you know everyone there has come thru the same or similar learning curve at some point so there's understanding about what your going through - it helps ALOT!

The other side of it of course is that whatever you're going through personally on these rides, there's also the excellent group dynamic of being out there sharing the experience with a bunch of mates, who you know are all getting that same buzz!

And by the looks of the smiles on everyones faces yesterday when we got back to the summit car park, that buzz was pretty darn big for everyone at accomplishing Odlins all the way to the hut and back!

From the standpoint of the challenge of the track and the buzz from completing it & seeing the same thing in everyone elses faces too, that was probably the most exhilarating ride for me to date! Its a different kind of buzz to those rides where its the scenery thats blowing you away like when we go round the coast, but awesome still the same!

:2thumbsup

[Paladin]

posted some lies here (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9428497#post9428497)

Nice report mark!

Thanks to yourself, Andy and Michael for taking photos; I personally really appreciate the effort you guys put in to capture a record of the day!

:niceone:

Hopefully one day soon I'll have a new camera AND be able to get up the track far enough to help out with the photography!

[junkmanjoe]

yip i was just resting my bike, halfway up that section,, it just need a little one, as you see i did make it by my self.....:wari:

i did reaily want to get to that hut, that was my goal,

can we do it again.....

[Paladin]

yip i was just resting my bike, halfway up that section,, it just need a little one, as you see i did make it by my self.....:wari:

i did reaily want to get ot that hut, that was my goal,

can we do it again.....

Ok I admit it, your offs were minor, you were Mr. Steady-as-she-goes as usual! ;)

Would definitely be fun to go back mate and I'm sure we will! :yes:

[pampa]

...Would definitely be fun to go back mate and I'm sure we will! :yes:

You'd better go back or I'll go by my own :pinch:

[Paladin]

You'd better go back or I'll go by my own :pinch:

Hey happy to go in there with you Pampa - think there's 2 or 3 others who would quite like to have been there y'day too! :msn-wink:

[bart]

Bastards..........how dare you have that much fun without me.

$3700 for the Dog Rooter.

[Paladin]

Bastards..........how dare you have that much fun without me.

$3700 for the Dog Rooter.

Bart, you would have SO loved it in Odlins, it was right up your street mate!
(Oh sorry, I'm not helping am I! :spanking: )

Keep bidding! :msn-wink:

If ya get close I might even reveal the Buy It Now price! :bleh:

[marks]

Bastards..........how dare you have that much fun without me.

$3700 for the Dog Rooter.

problem is - over the last few weekends a dog has been seriously rooting it

I think you should withdraw your bid

and yes you would have been like a pig in shit on Oldins Rd

come down sometime and we'll do a rerun

[Paladin]

problem is - over the last few weekends a dog has been seriously rooting it

I think you should withdraw your bid

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

And I think I should withdraw my nice comment about the KLR going well on Odlins! :bleh:

[junkmanjoe]

You'd better go back or I'll go by my own :pinch:

you cant go buy your self, on your broken down bemer.
you will be scared, and will need your freinds with you,
and we will all be pissed at you, cauz you didnt take us TOO. :wari::wari:

[junkmanjoe]

And I think I should withdraw my nice comment about the KLR going well on Odlins! :bleh:

il give you a empty box of hinys for it mate...
now thats a bargin.....:done:

[Paladin]

you cant go buy your self, on your broken down bemer.
you will be scared, and will need your freinds with you,
and we will all be pissed at you, cauz you didnt take us TOO. :wari::wari:


Oh that's VERY harsh Mr. Joe!!!! :shutup:

[Aslan]

was sorry to miss yesterdays ride to Odlins - not sure I could get my sorry ass there even on the DR - might have to appeal to Michael for a loan of the GasGas or borrow MarkS' DT230 :-)

:rockon:

[junkmanjoe]

Hi Aslan..
yes even i had my moments,, mostly resting...:crazy:

[pampa]

You should be fine most of the ride, over 90% is fine. There are a few parts that are tricky enough but worst case scenario u'll need some help ... end of the day u r unlikely to be alone ...

... it only took 5 to push the Big 1150 over one of the tricky bits but still did it. On the DR it won't be that quite that bad :2thumbsup

Rob told us that it used to be a logging track. It in parts deteriorated due to lack of maintenace and some bits in purpose to avoid undesired people to go (and burn cars for instance).




was sorry to miss yesterdays ride to Odlins - not sure I could get my sorry ass there even on the DR - might have to appeal to Michael for a loan of the GasGas or borrow MarkS' DT230 :-)

:rockon:

[Aslan]

OK - folks you got me I'm up for the re run - schedule permitting of course - as I said elsewhere, enjoyed a nice geriatric meander across the Pram and out via Hydro Rd with Recycled yesterday pm - even stopped to admire the scenery and listen to the sounds of the bush on a couple of occassions - punctuated by the exhaust note of young bucks aboard MX machines going sideways whilst taking air. - yeha oh to be young again :scooter:

[junkmanjoe]

the worst i found was not knowing whats round the next corner,, and weather to gun it or not..., i feel next time in for my self, will be a cleaner run...will thats the plan any way........

[Paladin]

il give you a empty box of hinys for it mate...
now thats a bargin.....:done:

:Oi:

Yeah I know you just lookin for a parts bike - dream on big fella! :oi-grr:


was sorry to miss yesterdays ride to Odlins - not sure I could get my sorry ass there even on the DR - might have to appeal to Michael for a loan of the GasGas or borrow MarkS' DT230 :-)

:rockon:

Aslan, if I can make it down to the hut and back up on my DR, I know you would be able to do it on your DR mate!

:2thumbsup

[Paladin]

OK - folks you got me I'm up for the re run - schedule permitting of course - as I said elsewhere, enjoyed a nice geriatric meander across the Pram and out via Hydro Rd with Recycled yesterday pm - even stopped to admire the scenery and listen to the sounds of the bush on a couple of occassions - punctuated by the exhaust note of young bucks aboard MX machines going sideways whilst taking air. - yeha oh to be young again :scooter:

Nah, that was just MarkS' KLR exhaust you could hear all the way from Odlins Rd!

:laugh:

[Paladin]

the worst i found was not knowing whats round the next corner,, and weather to gun it or not..., i feel next time in for my self, will be a cleaner run...will thats the plan any way........

Next time in I think I might prefer to have some meatier tyres! :whistle:

However, I think you're right Joe; we probably learnt alot from the first forray which will be useful for the next time in there, plus just knowing you have done it once means you should be able to do it again which removes alot of the anxiety - well i hope it will anyway! :crazy:

[Pampera]

Had been thinking for a while that Adventure riding again needed a bike somewhere mid way between the bookends of the Pampera and BMW Dakar - ensuring the toolbox had something perfect for every job.

Bought Merv's late brothers DR350SE today - not every day you get a chance to buy a 14 year old trail bike that has been carefully maintained and used by an adult for its entire life so I jumped at the chance. Electric start, air cooled AND six speed - the closeset thing today is the TTR250 but 2-3 times the price used.

I am sticking with the Pampera but this means I again have something I can ride TO the longer away more trail ride type adventures.

Michael M

[merv]

When are you boys planning the next ride into Odlins, if it is this Sunday I might be able to make it as hopefully my pulled muscle will have stopped pulling by then, but I am away the following two weekends. Your photos tempt me badly as I love that sort of riding, but it would be on my WR I would come, nothing heavier being the wimp (and short arse) I am.

Glad Michael liked the DR350SE, just got to get the deal finalised now and then I can get onto selling some more of my Bro's bikes.

Michael if you are going to keep posting like this are you going to upgrade to broadband?

[andy mac]

Congrats on the new bike Michael. I was having similar thoughts & had just searched the for sale ads with no luck. :doh:

[merv]

Congrats on the new bike Michael. I was having similar thoughts & had just searched the for sale ads with no luck. :doh:

I put it on here for you all to see http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=95766 hoping to save all the tyre kickers that TradeMe might bring and thanks to Michael I am spared that for now.

Anyone want a 1997 Honda XR200RV, not road legal of course as they dumbed them down in more recent times not like in the 80's when XR's were the enduro weapon fully road legal as they had to be then.

[junkmanjoe]

there is a ride this sunday, up to the dams behind shannon.

howie has placed it on the calendar.

[Paladin]

Had been thinking for a while that Adventure riding again needed a bike somewhere mid way between the bookends of the Pampera and BMW Dakar - ensuring the toolbox had something perfect for every job.

Bought the late Neil's DR350SE from Merv today - not every day you get a chance to buy a 14 year old trail bike that has been carefully maintained and used by an adult for its entire life so I jumped at the chance. Electric start, air cooled AND six speed - the closeset thing today is the TTR250 but 2-3 times the price used.

I am sticking with the Pampera but this means I again have something I can ride TO the longer away more trail ride type adventures.

Michael

Fantastic news Michael - nice one mate! :clap:

[marks]

When are you boys planning the next ride into Odlins, if it is this Sunday I might be able to make it as hopefully my pulled muscle will have stopped pulling by then, but I am away the following two weekends. Your photos tempt me badly as I love that sort of riding, but it would be on my WR I would come, nothing heavier being the wimp (and short arse) I am.

Why don't you come to Shannon on Sunday on Howies ride? - especially if you are recovering from a pulled muscle - its should be good laid back fun.

We'll certainly do Oldins again soon - a ride like that keeps your skills sharp :eek:

be good to catch up

[Paladin]

Why don't you come to Shannon on Sunday on Howies ride? - especially if you are recovering from a pulled muscle - its should be good laid back fun.

We'll certainly do Oldins again soon - a ride like that keeps your skills sharp :eek:

be good to catch up

+1 on that. Merv, it would be good to meet you finally!

[junkmanjoe]

think i might gear it up for this sunday,
blow some cobwebs out.....................................

[jezzaNZ]

I should be there also this weekend, was thinking for the next adventure into Odlins I might take the plates off the 950 and put them on the 450 for a day......now your talkin!!!!!!!!!:headbang:

[Paladin]

I should be there also this weekend, was thinking for the next adventure into Odlins I might take the plates off the 950 and put them on the 450 for a day......now your talkin!!!!!!!!!:headbang:

That would be fun to see in action - Do it man!!!!!!!! :2thumbsup

[junkmanjoe]

thats cheating.....
i could put my small tank on for the day...

[Paladin]

thats cheating.....
i could put my small tank on for the day...

That won't help you mate, his 450EXC probs has more power than our two DR's put together! :crazy:

And "half" the weight of a DR! :crybaby:

[jezzaNZ]

Joe, smaller tank definitely as we only did about 40 odd km's on the track, I can probably get about 90km's on the 9ltr tank on the 450 so should be no problem to get there and back from Ppram. Could also look at doing the Pram track on th way home also? Jez

[marks]

Quote from calendar...
"The Plan so far is to meet at the Petrol station at the south end of Shannon, just before you leave Shannon towards Levin ready to leave at 9.30am"

please can we meet at the Horsemans Cafe (north end of Shannon) instead. I have certain medical conditions that can only be controlled by large doses of caffeine.

http://webcoda.com/images/bike/IMG_0564.jpg

I'll be leaving home about 8.45 if anyone wants to keep me company....

[jezzaNZ]

Oh go on then, meet you at the usual place at 8:50am just in case you have a relaps between Ppram and Waikanea......

[junkmanjoe]

I dont know where that is......:(....:weep:......:crybaby:

any toppy titys in there.

[merv]

Yeah seeing I haven't usually come lately where is the usual place? Can I really get up that early on a Sunday?

[marks]

any toppy titys in there.

only saggy ones - this one you go to for the food and coffee


Yeah seeing I haven't usually come lately where is the usual place? Can I really get up that early on a Sunday?

put your mind to it Merv - if we can get up at sparrows fart - so can you :yawn:

Meeting Jezza at coffee kiosk at north end of main road through Waikanae at 8.50

[junkmanjoe]

mark pm me your addy,, i just might cross the akas, and start off with your self.
beat the birdys up in all....
any one done the pram track in the dark.......:nono:


mmmmm saggy mameries...... :doh: just thought of my nana......:sick:

[MXNUT]

mmmmm saggy mameries...... :doh: just thought of my nana......:sick:

Thats just WRONG Joe .... on sooo many levels :Pokey:

No more Heinys for you

[Paladin]

OK, have kiddie cover confirmed for Sunday so I'm a go for this one!!!

Let the DR demolition derby continue! :doh:

Mark & Jezza, I'll meet you guys in Waikenae, if thats ok?

Anyone from Hutt area want to head up to Waikenae together over the Haywards or Akas?

[Howie]

Quote from calendar...
"The Plan so far is to meet at the Petrol station at the south end of Shannon, just before you leave Shannon towards Levin ready to leave at 9.30am"

please can we meet at the Horsemans Cafe (north end of Shannon) instead. I have certain medical conditions that can only be controlled by large doses of caffeine.

I'll be leaving home about 8.45 if anyone wants to keep me company....


No worries Mark. Meeting at the Horseman's Cafe is a good idea, I couldn't remember the name of it. I have updated the Calendar to reflect the new meeting place.


Yeah seeing I haven't usually come lately where is the usual place? Can I really get up that early on a Sunday?

Merv Daylight savings ends this weekend, so you get an extra hour to get up and going.




Meeting Jezza at coffee kiosk at north end of main road through Waikanae at 8.50


Is that on the SH1, or buried in the township? I might meet you guys at it, I am probably staying in Kapiti Saturday night.

Cheers

Paul

[Howie]

OK, have kiddie cover confirmed for Sunday so I'm a go for this one!!!

Let the DR demolition derby continue! :doh:

This one shouldn't have any real difficult bits, So I'm sure you'll be fine Dave.

[Paladin]

This one shouldn't have any real difficult bits, So I'm sure you'll be fine Dave.

No difficult bits!!!! :oi-grr:

I eat difficult bits for breakfast mate! :whistle:

(oh if only that were true! :crazy: )

[jezzaNZ]

Is that on the SH1, or buried in the township? I might meet you guys at it, I am probably staying in Kapiti Saturday night.

Cheers

Paul[/QUOTE]

Paul, it is on the main road just before the New World supermarket on the left hand side traveling north. Mark will park the KLR on the pavement beside it.......I'll have a large skinny flat white, one suggar and easy on the foam thanks Mark......:gob:

[pete376403]

Having a look at my tyre options. Non road legal knobbies, part worn IC Trail Winner that I'm hoping will last most of the way to and from the Brass Monkey, a mostly worn K750 that the KLR came out of the box with and a brand new Kings "thing" that is so hard you could strike sparks off it. Might have to go and have a fossick in the skip behind Motorad or Wgtn M'cycles.

Apart from that I have permission to attend.

[Howie]

Having a look at my tyre options. Non road legal knobbies, part worn IC Trail Winner that I'm hoping will last most of the way to and from the Brass Monkey, a mostly worn K750 that the KLR came out of the box with and a brand new Kings "thing" that is so hard you could strike sparks off it. Might have to go and have a fossick in the skip behind Motorad or Wgtn M'cycles.

Apart from that I have permission to attend.

Sounds good Peter, Be good to catch up with you again.

Cheers

Paul

[Howie]

Paul, it is on the main road just before the New World supermarket on the left hand side traveling north. Mark will park the KLR on the pavement beside it.......I'll have a large skinny flat white, one suggar and easy on the foam thanks Mark......:gob:[/QUOTE]

Thanks for that, Hopefully see you there.

[junkmanjoe]

we beter see you there its your ride....

[Howie]

we beter see you there its your ride....

I will definitely be at the Horseman's Cafe in Shannon at 9.30, but might be at Waikanae coffee stop, as I may leave a bit earlier from Kapiti.

Cheers

Paul

[Aslan]

hi folks - tendering my apologies and wishing you all a great ride - I'm off to the Central Plateau this Sat to a BMWOR rally - via gravel on the leven fiddy - have fun ya all :banana:

[Paladin]

hi folks - tendering my apologies and wishing you all a great ride - I'm off to the Central Plateau this Sat to a BMWOR rally - via gravel on the leven fiddy - have fun ya all :banana:

Aslan, we will miss you AGAIN! Come back SOOOOOOON!!!

Hope you have tons of fun at the BMWOR!!!!

[junkmanjoe]

Ride safe Aslan.
catch up soon mate.

[bart]

See you all at Shannon...........if the weathers nice. If it's shit I'm sleeping in.

I'll tag along until about Eketahuna.

Cheers,
Bart

[merv]

OK I'd better bring the Honda XR250L so there's not too many DRs there.

[Howie]

OK I'd better bring the Honda XR250L so there's not too many DRs there.

Hi Merv, Be good to meet you again, Think I met you on a Sunday road ride a year or two ago. Not sure yet, but there might be another 250 along on the ride, as a work colleague is thinking of coming along if he can sort out the time.

Cheers

Paul

[GSers]

hi folks - tendering my apologies and wishing you all a great ride - I'm off to the Central Plateau this Sat to a BMWOR rally - via gravel on the leven fiddy - have fun ya all :banana:

Me 2, my back yard aswell, enjoy the ride. Taking her indoors away on the good bike which hasn't been out of town since early January to much adventure riding for me. BMWOR RAG Rally short for Ruff As Guts. You know bunk beds, spit roast, alcohol and plenty of lies then head home at a leisurely pace Sunday.
Until next time regards GSers

[Paladin]

Me 2, my back yard aswell, enjoy the ride. Taking her indoors away on the good bike which hasn't been out of town since early January to much adventure riding for me. BMWOR RAG Rally short for Ruff As Guts. You know bunk beds, spit roast, alcohol and plenty of lies then head home at a leisurely pace Sunday.
Until next time regards GSers

Have a feeling it won't be long before there's another one - cya soon! :2thumbsup

[pete376403]

Got a couple of trailwings of tardme (thanks Joe) so I didn't have to go dumpster-diving.

[pete376403]

Anyone from Hutt area want to head up to Waikenae together over the Haywards or Akas?
I'm in Upper Hutt so Akas is a better (more interesting, anyway) option for me.
Rimutex as meeting point? Junkman is coming over from Masterton but he mentioned going via Karipoti

[junkmanjoe]

no worries mate.

[Aslan]

Aslan, we will miss you AGAIN! Come back SOOOOOOON!!!

Hope you have tons of fun at the BMWOR!!!!

thanks Dave & Joe - catch you young bucks out there some time soon - Cheers to two GS' aka GSers as well - look fwd to seeing you and Cathy, Gerard.

I'll probably come up Whangehu Valley or Turakina Valley and back the River Road - ciao Aslan :clap:

[junkmanjoe]

hi aslan, you have a great ride.
i finily got my mate with the bmw650x to come out on sunday for a ride.. so thats going to be good for justin to get out side for the day.

[junkmanjoe]

im doing the aka's will have a newbie bmw.650X with me so ill stay on the easy stuff for him.

[Howie]

hi folks - tendering my apologies and wishing you all a great ride - I'm off to the Central Plateau this Sat to a BMWOR rally - via gravel on the leven fiddy - have fun ya all :banana:


Me 2, my back yard aswell, enjoy the ride. Taking her indoors away on the good bike which hasn't been out of town since early January to much adventure riding for me. BMWOR RAG Rally short for Ruff As Guts. You know bunk beds, spit roast, alcohol and plenty of lies then head home at a leisurely pace Sunday.
Until next time regards GSers

Hope you both have a great weekend, The weather is looking reasonable for the weekend,

[pete376403]

OK so the Hutt Valley/Wainui/Masterton etc people meet at Rimutex? What time?

[junkmanjoe]

i think some where around 8 - am
should be safe, whats it take to do the akas, 25-30mins
be great to have a cupper to start the day... meet mark and jezza at the cafe.
is that right or wrong....

[Howie]

OK so the Hutt Valley/Wainui/Masterton etc people meet at Rimutex? What time?

Mark, jezzanz and a few others seem to be meeting at the coffee kiosk on the left near the new world in Waikanae at about 8.45am, how long does it take to get through the Akatarwa's as you guys could meet up with them. I'm probably going to be up kapiti way for Sat night. if you can come up with a start time from the Rimitaka Caltex I,m sure you would have some company for the ride up.

[pete376403]

I'll be trying for 8ish at Rimutex. Dunno how successful I'll be.

[junkmanjoe]

I'll be trying for 8ish at Rimutex. Dunno how successful I'll be.

we see you there at 8am ish

[Pampera]

Sorry team but I have removed my name from the list of participants for Sunday, due to the soreness of my ribs. I cannot even drive, let alone ride a motorcycle over rough roads. Hopefully I will be healed enough to tackle the following Sunday's challenge.
Regards,
Michael

[Howie]

Sorry team but I have removed my name from the list of participants for Sunday, due to the soreness of my ribs. I cannot even drive, let alone ride a motorcycle over rough roads. Hopefully I will be healed enough to tackle the following Sunday's challenge.
Regards,
Michael


Thanks for letting us know.
I hope they heal in time for next weekend Michael, Catch you on a ride sometime soon.

Paul

[merv]

Sorry to hear it Pampera.

OK I'll be there instead, about 8.50 at Waikanae, got the 250 all gassed and ready to go.

[junkmanjoe]

ive been doing a bit of study on a few maps.
Start of Waiotauru Track at Otaki Forks, this goes through to the Waiotauru hut. we were at the other day.
and joins up with the odlins rd.
wonder if we could add a little trip in to otaki forks, just to take a looky....mmmm yes maybe.... on our way past..

[Howie]

ive been doing a bit of study on a few maps.
Start of Waiotauru Track at Otaki Forks, this goes through to the Waiotauru hut. we were at the other day.
and joins up with the odlins rd.
wonder if we could add a little trip in to otaki forks, just to take a looky....mmmm yes maybe.... on our way past..

Hey Joe, from memory that track turns into a tramping track fairly quickly, and works it way across a couple of slips as well. I also remember a wire rope tramping style swing bridge on it not to far below the Waiotauru Hut. The other thing is Otaki forks road end is fairly well fenced off these days, and has resident Rangers.

[marks]

Sorry team but I have removed my name from the list of participants for Sunday, due to the soreness of my ribs. I cannot even drive, let alone ride a motorcycle over rough roads. Hopefully I will be healed enough to tackle the following Sunday's challenge.
Regards,
Michael

bummer
what did you do?


Hey Joe, from memory that track turns into a tramping track fairly quickly, and works it way across a couple of slips as well. I also remember a wire rope tramping style swing bridge on it not to far below the Waiotauru Hut. The other thing is Otaki forks road end is fairly well fenced off these days, and has resident Rangers.

the ranger comes running when he hears bikes (he has/had a ttr600). If you can ride over a long wobbly swing bridge then go for it :eek:

[junkmanjoe]

oh bugger i guess we go stright passed, you runied it for me.... :doh:

[Howie]

the ranger comes running when he hears bikes (he has/had a ttr600). If you can ride over a long wobbly swing bridge then go for it :eek:

so you've found that out too. :whistle:

[marks]

you can follow our travels on Sunday by clicking here (http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0badEqpMtTsXRAXv8OHaDOPng3fCHc5 1U)

[junkmanjoe]

my self and justin are leaving here at 7am,,,, shit i hope theres not a frost.
mark is the coffie shop easy to find, just up road from akas turn off. on pram side.

[marks]

my self and justin are leaving here at 7am,,,, shit i hope theres not a frost.
mark is the coffie shop easy to find, just up road from akas turn off. on pram side.


when you come out of Akatarawas at main road at Waikane turn right (north) at the traffic lights. 30-40m north of those traffic lights on the left side of the road is a coffee kiosk by a telephone box. There will be a cool black klr parked next it. I will be on the ground next to the klr with my eyes rolled back in my head and body twitching as the caffeine courses through my my veins and life become worth living once more....

[junkmanjoe]

eather that or one of them saggy titty waitress just sat on your face, :lol::lol::lol:

[pete376403]

Might have another rider for company, my brother in law and his DRZ400.
(if his flu is better by tomorrow morning, anyway)

[Box'a'bits]

Looks like I've got permision to come as well. :2thumbsup So will see you at Waikanae.

Mandy is going to watch progress via Mark's spot. So as long as he doesn't crash, we're sweet...

Cheers, Steve

[Howie]

Might have another rider for company, my brother in law and his DRZ400.
(if his flu is better by tomorrow morning, anyway)


Looks like I've got permision to come as well. :2thumbsup So will see you at Waikanae.

Mandy is going to watch progress via Mark's spot. So as long as he doesn't crash, we're sweet...

Cheers, Steve

sounds good, I'll see most of you in Waikanae, at about 8.45 by the sound of it. Bart I assume you are meeting us in Shannon?

[bart]

sounds good, I'll see most of you in Waikanae, at about 8.45 by the sound of it. Bart I assume you are meeting us in Shannon?

Yep. Hit the road soon.

[marks]

So as long as he doesn't crash, we're sweet...

Cheers, Steve

thank you for your concern


I think

[BMWST?]

you can follow our travels on Sunday by clicking here (http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0badEqpMtTsXRAXv8OHaDOPng3fCHc5 1U)

i like how you dual sporters ride as the crow flies and can leap fences and tall buildings iwith a twist of the throttle.Is this cos it just strightlines between signals

[junkmanjoe]

Cheers Howie for a great day out.
dams and road were cool, and marks and a few of us went exploring, that was super cool...

across the wind mills, super cool, man there big,
up to the radio / tv tower, woodville aera. thats the most country ive viewed with my eyes from one place,
just about from east coast to west coast...massive...

sorry as i have not got a new camera as yet, so no pics from me, only memorys.....aaarrrr.

oh i was lucky enough to be invited to ride a KATOOM.
sweet ride..... sexy blue one....mmmmm one day...:drool:

[Eddieb]

The Dams

http://awbovg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1phUgOPugx9hbSBkDP52PPOQYXhyvHxlhrCIx6I4E3CUvuj2V _9InPdhI4d5ceR8xx95M-qfh6A5EtXKF6WJmSB9dK9Puh_739/DSCF1247.jpg

Big isn't big enough a word to describe the windmills

http://awbovg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pB9KvHTavy_B0pYPi50fu-HPkdw3i_3lAn0cXwW2qXhgXI_PcuIpRgEqZC3PouSYbBDzDoJ4 jliW6sdmgCunGWhiUhSYGXscP/DSCF1305.jpg

http://awbovg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pIVVEeZ6l8uTRGyB949wm7XcJT2cMYXV3c3GJSbKW6mgSWjl 6-SnQP41PEib90GAH_x4t5UZhYv4rRx38QZl3oAdEbG-R5J1f/DSCF1300.jpg

You can see Mt Ruapehu in the distance

http://awbovg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pDBp4Fy5c6C9O7TKXOdlf6VA5xOn8SwehJDL5mQWVf2j0aNn qwzYpIpw20hBnLv2dWsrc1NE0RyPjrGQLR-mbWc-bXqRH9A5R/DSCF1333.jpg

http://awbovg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pVgajYkcA1NoSI82469tnpKK7jVk4ZNkDG1YkYKg40zZ84aJ xvPDzB0ddsyzbY-nyR95EiloVUgGZ6pIE6kZwWrKd_vVZlOeI/DSCF1337.jpg

http://awbovg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pR1GEF_EReo4N04BEhnHA0s_9KJLHkg03-RszgM6wJDC196EMetp2rjNs7M_fyql-gDznQ-Zc3q6e76TORr0D3PKkeRMuKIUI/DSCF1344.jpg

There's 112 pics here (http://cid-bb884029fa7d6889.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Riding/2009-04-05%20-%20Mangahao%20Dams%20%7C0%20North%20Range%20Road)

[Box'a'bits]

Eddie, how come you missed these ones???

[Eddieb]

Some of us had our own little adventures too.

The ground wasn't as firm as it looked.

http://awbovg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1prH4sH3Civ2JEeYdKNhk5niYSuoKzTeZxVJNEhKS14LJ5YuC a2H581NOdfS48BpbX6Tn4H-rDIf3FSvcDSo5Zlg/DSCF1263.jpg

http://awbovg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pTyaynrAA4R7EieAl0o7lBu7r_jISPhnesqcKneYCI4PISK9 awHrPVSO-QJ7Xy3ZO9Ee9VeB8KNYc_JGcSzV6DA/DSCF1269.jpg

While dodging one hole in the stream I went front first into another, and almost over the handlebars.

http://awbovg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1px8NQk-kgdWm0XGsQH-BsImQJjJZyiT0zn1R0elAsfJX-27cjKLM3T2mUZk5RahL-eYbgmDxGi5Qh34_2lt8BWg/DSCF1272.jpg

[junkmanjoe]

oh eddie, what the hell you go in there for....
swamp rat.... shite mate... :doh:

[Paladin]

Massive thx to Howie for organising this ride - what an absolutely wicked day out - AWESOME!!!! Great tracks, great group, great weather, good coffee, & I almost had a mishap free day on the new DR - ooh so close but yet so far!!! what more can you ask for!

:banana:

[marks]

looks like Andys taking the dog for a walk

http://awbovg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1px8NQk-kgdWm0XGsQH-BsImQJjJZyiT0zn1R0elAsfJX-27cjKLM3T2mUZk5RahL-eYbgmDxGi5Qh34_2lt8BWg/DSCF1272.jpg

[marks]

I almost had a mishap free day on the new DR - ooh so close but yet so far!!! what more can you ask for!

:banana:

at least you went exploring with the cool guys and found a new muddy slippery track :wari:



thaks Howie - I had a great day.

[marks]

i like how you dual sporters ride as the crow flies and can leap fences and tall buildings iwith a twist of the throttle.Is this cos it just strightlines between signals

I press a button and my current position is plotted - and a line joins the plots.

There is a constant tracking option but it was another $50 US.

[Howie]

Thanks guys for a Great day out, it was good to get out to a few interesting places, with a great bunch of guys for company, although the coffee stops got a bit far apart this afternoon, I've had about 3 since I got home to get the caffine levels back to normal.
I'll probably put my pics up tomorrow as I haven't even uploaded them yet

Cheers

Paul

[merv]

Yeah thanks from me too Howie for organising this ride. Turned out to be a longer day than anticipated, but then we had a lot of "relax" time, my GPS said I did less than 6 hours actual moving time and I was away from home for 11.5hrs. Too late now for me to post any pics.

[Howie]

Yeah thanks from me too Howie for organising this ride. Turned out to be a longer day than anticipated, but then we had a lot of "relax" time, my GPS said I did less than 6 hours actual moving time and I was away from home for 11.5hrs. Too late now for me to post any pics.
Thanks Merv, it was good to meet you again.

Yeah I thought we had a lot of down time, a lot of the people seemed to be in a relaxed cruise mode. Having a look around up at the dams, and wind turbines,which was great for socialising, and I can understand them wanting to have a look around if they hadn't been at either place before. I also enjoyed the day

[Paladin]

at least you went exploring with the cool guys and found a new muddy slippery track :wari:



The rest of 'em need to HTFU! :msn-wink:

That track is going to need exploring further I think, altho I might need a tad more traction! I'm sure I could bin the DR in that dip if I tried hard enuff! :laugh:

p.s. I like your Shannon coffee shop, will have to go back! :niceone:

[GSers]

Massive thx to Howie for organising this ride - what an absolutely wicked day out - AWESOME!!!! Great tracks, great group, great weather, good coffee, & I almost had a mishap free day on the new DR - ooh so close but yet so far!!! what more can you ask for!

:banana:

Good to see you guys had a great time up here and the weather turned it on for you. Great photos.
It was pleased to see you all recognise us as we passed you going past the International Pacific College. Boy where there some funny looks coming our way like who the f@@ks that. We had just come back from up north via some gravel down the Pohangina Valley great day for riding.
Catch up on the next ride
Regards GSers:wavey:

[Paladin]

Good to see you guys had a great time up here and the weather turned it on for you. Great photos.
It was pleased to see you all recognise us as we passed you going past the International Pacific College. Boy where there some funny looks coming our way like who the f@@ks that. We had just come back from up north via some gravel down the Pohangina Valley great day for riding.
Catch up on the next ride
Regards GSers:wavey:

Haha, yeah I only just recognised you as you got to me - I was like " I know that bike - aah its Gerard!" Hope you had a nice ride too mate! CYA soon.

[Eddieb]

Good to see you guys had a great time up here and the weather turned it on for you. Great photos.
It was pleased to see you all recognise us as we passed you going past the International Pacific College. Boy where there some funny looks coming our way like who the f@@ks that. We had just come back from up north via some gravel down the Pohangina Valley great day for riding.
Catch up on the next ride


Haha, yeah I only just recognised you as you got to me - I was like " I know that bike - aah its Gerard!" Hope you had a nice ride too mate! CYA soon.

Haha, I was more, who's that mad bastard waving like he's having a fit? Then clicked who it was.

[junkmanjoe]

paladin what time would you like myself down on sunday, for coastal play

[Paladin]

paladin what time would you like myself down on sunday, for coastal play

Meet point is 8.30am at BP in Wainuiomata, where we all met for the SCAR, for arrival at Orongorongo Station at 9am.

Read the ride thread and calendar post ya lazy b@stard!! I dunno, some mates just take liberties goddammit! :msn-wink:

[marks]

Meet point is 8.30am at BP in Wainuiomata, where we all met for the SCAR, for arrival at Orongorongo Station at 9am.

Read the ride thread and calendar post ya lazy b@stard!! I dunno, some mates just take liberties goddammit! :msn-wink:

be interesting to see if I can get further than 10km from the start point this time.

I'll put the Jardine can back on so you'll know where I am

[Paladin]

be interesting to see if I can get further than 10km from the start point this time.

I'll put the Jardine can back on so you'll know where I am

:clap:


Yeah that can should echo nicely up the river valley - probably get us thrown off for excessive noise upsetting his stock, as the landowner never saw you last time( :devil2: ) - he might have changed his mind about having us back if he had! :nono:

(Then again the KTM roosting in front of him didn't seem to phase him from what I gather! :rolleyes: )

[Pampera]

As expected, looks like the team had a good day out (and I missed it), with the weather and its effect on the views a real bonus. Particularly galling I missed a ride where the coffee and bull stop time equalled ride time - my sort of ride!

Never been on North Range or to the dams although have ridden up the Peak. Looks like you got the full on view. Would have been great to do these with good company.

At least I can console myself knowing I was in no way up to it. Sore ribs ex Odlins Road made me feel a little queasy turning the steering wheel just when piloting the van up the drive on Saturday and then turning it around when I realised I was not fit to drive any further. Here is hoping I am fit for Sunday 12th and that my rest over the weekend will have contibuted to this.

Michael M

[junkmanjoe]

dont bother using big words on me as i never went to school... ( liberties ) you not a very nice person tonight.......

i got my new tube of quick steel fix today,, if you brake your bike this weekend, i might not give you any....

[Paladin]

dont bother using big words on me as i never went to school... ( liberties ) you not a very nice person tonight.......

i got my new tube of quick steel fix today,, if you brake your bike this weekend, i might not give you any....


I promise to be good the rest of the night dad!

:love:

:hug:

:spanking:

[Paladin]

As expected, looks like the team had a good day out (and I missed it), with the weather and its effect on the views a real bonus. Particularly galling I missed a ride where the coffee and bull stop time equalled ride time - my sort of ride!

Never been on North Range or to the dams although have ridden up the Peak. Looks like you got the full on view. Would have been great to do these with good company.

At least I can console myself knowing I was in no way up to it. Sore ribs ex Odlins Road made me feel a little queasy turning the steering wheel when driving the van up the drive and then turning it around when I realised I was not up to it. Here is hoping I am fit for Sunday 12th and that my rest over the weekend will have contibuted to this.

Michael M

Hope you heal quickly mate - we need you out there on Sunday!

[bart]

Thanks for the ride on Sunday Howie. Good to see some new country.

I bailed at Lunch time, as I was expecting to be a lot further north by then. Had places to be.

Here's a few photos.

[bart]

Some more.....

[bart]

I'll figure out how to use this camera properly one day

[Box'a'bits]

That photo of Jezza coming over the bridge is bloody nice. You might want to send him a copy. Pity he's not quite in focus...Then again, he was having problems during the day, so might be an accurate portrayal...

[bart]

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

[junkmanjoe]

hi bart.

gezzz mate, that road up to radio tower, was a bit rutted.
masive view up there, :2thumbsup

[bart]

That photo of Jezza coming over the bridge is bloody nice. You might want to send him a copy. Pity he's not quite in focus...Then again, he was having problems during the day, so might be an accurate portrayal...

Yeah, I took a few there, but they all came out blurry. Hard to get an action shot of a moving object with bugger all light. Still got a lot to learn with this photography stuff :niceone:

I won't give up my day job (just yet).

[bart]

hi bart.

gezzz mate, that road up to radio tower, was a bit rutted.
masive view up there, :2thumbsup

I went over the windmill road on the way home. That's quite an awesome track. Did you guys see the smiley faces I left ya? :rolleyes:

I go up Whariti quite regularly, so didn't bother. Awesome views though eh.

[Box'a'bits]

What some people may have missed was the blokes in a blue car sitting just off the summit to Wharite Peak, sitting looking at the view. :bye: Looked a nice car. Must have been fairly harsh riding it there. Then again :whocares:

[Eddieb]

Nice shots Bart, you make me look good.

That shot of the DR-z and the windmills is nice too.

[marks]

That photo of Jezza coming over the bridge is bloody nice. You might want to send him a copy. Pity he's not quite in focus...Then again, he was having problems during the day, so might be an accurate portrayal...

I'm surprised no one got a photo of him blowing chunks - if I'd felt like he looked I'd have stayed in bed...

[Pampera]

Hope you heal quickly mate - we need you out there on Sunday!

and I need to be there for the good of my mental health!

[Paladin]

I'm surprised no one got a photo of him blowing chunks - if I'd felt like he looked I'd have stayed in bed...

The thing about Jezza is he sure is up for the adventure - fair play to him for getting out there in his state - geez he still screamed by me on the 950A a few times! :clap:


and I need to be there for the good of my mental health!

We ALL understand mate, one of the reasons we all get out there I would dare to say! :2thumbsup

Get some prescription pain killers and come join us! :cool:

[Paladin]

I went over the windmill road on the way home. That's quite an awesome track. Did you guys see the smiley faces I left ya? :rolleyes:



I saw a lovely little donut right where we stopped by that humungous windmill and wondered who had done it! It was a very neat circle mate - you obviously been practicing way too much!

You're such a hoon!

:first:

[Howie]

ok trying out this storing pics on line, so here are a couple of pics.
The meeting point in Waikanae, and a couple of other pics.

Once again Thanks for a great day out. Sorry we didn't get further north earlier Bart, I thought we would have been further through the route as well.



The rest of my pictures should be here. let me know if the link doesn't work for you, as I'm new to online storage.

http://cid-9415698b9c0e45c8.skydrive.live.com/albums.aspx

Cheers

paul

[jezzaNZ]

Great photos guys and thanks to Howie for organising the day. At the end of the day no chunks were blown and a good sleep was had that night so Jezza is agin in the land of the living.......mental not to self....don't ever drink alcohol again:zzzz:.....yeah right....who's up for a beer in town one night this week to talk a bit of shit? Jez

[marks]

posted the usual lies here (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9491436#post9491436)

[merv]

I thought I might have started a new ride report thread too, but frick I haven't got time so here are my pics of the ride.

It was good that I was finally in Wellington on a day that coincided with one of these rides so I thought I'd better get along to Waikanae by 8.45am. I took my XR because it was clean and has a current WOF.

The pics start as the bikes (and riders) gathered at Waikanae before the coffee cart opened.

[merv]

Then next stop was Shannon for morning tea. I'd hoped I'd get some gas too but they were all out of 95 and I didn't think I'd run the aircooled motor on 91.

Then it was up the road to the Mangahao dams which were so dry, as I think was mentioned before, it looked like they'd been drained for maintenance.

[merv]

The average age of the adventurers isn't low that's for sure. Where are all the young guys these day?

Lot of mud in those dams eh. Also we were intrigued to see all the old tree stumps still there that would normally be below the water line.

[merv]

The crew had a good look at the dam.

[merv]

We aprked where the water would normally be.

There's Jezz; what you reckon he doesn't look too good?

[merv]

After telling a few lies to each other we then went and did the Tokomaru Valley Road, and being way behind schedule already decided it was back to Shannon for lunch as there'd be a few hungry bods if we'd waited until we got to Woodville. You'll see the old power station that i took a couple of pics of on the way down.

Yes Pampera, this ride was at a 50% ride, 50% stop rate.

[merv]

Then it was over to North Range Road. I hadn't been over there since I rode it with Zukin (RIP mate).

Those damn Windflow Technologies turbines screech like a plain bearing short of oil, give me the big three blade jobs anyday. Shame given they are Kiwi technology - FAIL.

[bart]

Once again Thanks for a great day out. Sorry we didn't get further north earlier Bart, I thought we would have been further through the route as well.




No worries Howie. I enjoyed that area around Shannon. Have to get in there again some time. Just had other shit to do that afternoon. Too much work and not enough play makes Bart a dull (and very pissed off) boy. :angry2:

[merv]

That narrow part of the road is the best bit.

I didn't even attempt to get a full picture of the big turbines, my lens isn't wide angled enough.

[merv]

The crew were still smiling, that's the main thing.

We made it out to the sealed road near "Beyond the Bridge Cafe" then it was off to Wharite Peak. My GPS said it is 905m high. The road up wasn't so much rutted but covered in rather large rocks, not exactly fine gravel, and the trouble is they grade it so you can't get off the stuff.

[merv]

Great views up there to Palmy, Feilding, Pahiatua and Dannevirke.

[merv]

OK here's my last pic. By then it was past 4pm and getting on 5pm so we abandoned any thought of doing the gravel roads of the 'rapa and I just cruised back on the highway with marks. Ashhurst gas station had prepay so marks said f...em and we gassed up at Linton instead and then coffee at Widlbean in Otaki and then home in the dark - I got home about 7.30pm.

I'm busy the next two weekends so won't be on any rides, but have fun adventurers and I look forward to the next lot of write-ups.

[andy mac]

Great photos guys, I can see what I missed after Shannon.
It's interesting I see at least 3 different wind turbine designs. Obviously someone decided they could improve on the original design or just wanted their market share of the money. We don't ride the same brand of bikes!

[merv]

It's interesting I see at least 3 different wind turbine designs. Obviously someone decided they could improve on the original design or just wanted their market share of the money.


Yeah the older 3 blade jobs on the lattice towers are smaller than the new 3 bladed ones on the tube towers and both of those types aren't too loud, but crikey those twin bladed Kiwi designed ones spin much faster and screech very loudly, I'd say giving wind power a bad name. Perhaps they are more efficient, there'd have to be some reason they were used.