XF650
23rd November 2008, 01:20
MarkS & I spent the last 3 days exploring some of the 4WD tracks around Reefton. We have a combined age of 100yrs & we both suffer from RSI so it was never going to be a race. But we still surprised ourselves with how well we coped with the knarly bits. Mark rode his well equiped KLR650 while I took the DT230. My camera batteries quickly went flat so Mark became the official photographer, which mean't many stops for that essential pic. This suited me well because I have no real idea on how to properly use a camera anyway. However we both appreciate history of the old mines plus the stunning scenery & tracks to get to them.
We were sometimes limited by carrying too much gear plus the lack of bash plate on the DT was a concern (starter is exposed underneath), so we erred on the side of caution on two occasions where turning back looked the pussy but still better option in the circumstances.
I met up with Mark in Murchison after he had ridden down via the Mangatapu, where we crashed with some friends for the Tuesday night. Wed morning we rode the New Creek track from Lyell to as far as the Mackley River, then in the afternoon we rode most of the Waitahu track.
Thursday was spent enjoying the Big River ride then Friday we tackled Napolean Hill. This was the highlight even though it was the most difficult. The hill descent is bloody steep, rutted & no turning back - we were told 4wd's & quads often have to winch up it. I drowned the DT & had all the drama of getting it going again. Valuable lesson - when riding rivers one should carry enough oil for a change out. But the tunnel rides & gorge scenery still made it all very worth while. Getting lost for two hours in Mosquito Creek down to the Grey River sapped our energy for any more rides that day - continuous boulders that were slippery when wet or could pinch a tube when dry. Saturday back to Murchison via Maruia Saddle, where Mark headed to Picton via Porika etc.
Some of my few pics:
1: the bikes on New Creek track - many interesting side diversions to pylons
2: the Mackley - next time with a bash plate
3: hitch hiker in the Waitahu - I'm surprised there were any wildlife around after the noise of the KLR Jardine pipe
4: the odd bog
We were sometimes limited by carrying too much gear plus the lack of bash plate on the DT was a concern (starter is exposed underneath), so we erred on the side of caution on two occasions where turning back looked the pussy but still better option in the circumstances.
I met up with Mark in Murchison after he had ridden down via the Mangatapu, where we crashed with some friends for the Tuesday night. Wed morning we rode the New Creek track from Lyell to as far as the Mackley River, then in the afternoon we rode most of the Waitahu track.
Thursday was spent enjoying the Big River ride then Friday we tackled Napolean Hill. This was the highlight even though it was the most difficult. The hill descent is bloody steep, rutted & no turning back - we were told 4wd's & quads often have to winch up it. I drowned the DT & had all the drama of getting it going again. Valuable lesson - when riding rivers one should carry enough oil for a change out. But the tunnel rides & gorge scenery still made it all very worth while. Getting lost for two hours in Mosquito Creek down to the Grey River sapped our energy for any more rides that day - continuous boulders that were slippery when wet or could pinch a tube when dry. Saturday back to Murchison via Maruia Saddle, where Mark headed to Picton via Porika etc.
Some of my few pics:
1: the bikes on New Creek track - many interesting side diversions to pylons
2: the Mackley - next time with a bash plate
3: hitch hiker in the Waitahu - I'm surprised there were any wildlife around after the noise of the KLR Jardine pipe
4: the odd bog