Makairo Track - Pahiatua - Sat 13 December 2008

[Aslan]

Hi - at the risk of appearing to 'horn in' on marks post under 'wellington rideouts where next' I'm creating a new thread here for a ride that's been mooted for this coming Sat - correct Mark?

I'm planning to return to the Makairo this coming Saturday 13/12 and plan on linking with other interested riders at Pahiatua 10.30am on Saturday AM as suggested by marks over on the 'wellington ride outs where next?' thread.

Others keen to ride up together from Wellington - I suggest we meet at Caltex Rimutuka at 8.15am for an 8.30am departure.

My plan is to do Makairo, ride on to Waihi Falls and return to Wellington by 5pm.

I'll post an event in the calendar for Sat 13/12 so folk can register their intentions.

Cheers Aslan

[marks]

sounds like a great ride - I'll be there :)

I'll ride up via Shannon (nice coffee) and the Pahiatua track and in the interests of a harmonious home life will be home sometime Sat evening....

[Balrog]

Count me in to.

:2thumbsup

[magicfairy]

Count me in to.

:2thumbsup

You think you'll be able to move your arms by then Jim?
I don't remember approving this ride...wouldn't you rather be Christmas Shopping?

[Aslan]

You think you'll be able to move your arms by then Jim?
I don't remember approving this ride...wouldn't you rather be Christmas Shopping?

I can relate to your comment totally - I had a 'to do' list of domestic bliss items to be completed yesterday so that this coming Saturday became acceptable :clap:

[Aslan]

hey people who plan on doing this little adventure - (marks and balrog aka busa jim) can we agree to be leaving Pahiatua by 10am? If yes I'll upodate the calendar post

[Eddieb]

Hmmm, I wanna go. How many GS picker uppers are going?

I presume Jim will be on his GS.

[Balrog]

Yep, I'll be taking the GS :)

Not overly keen on a really early start. :zzzz:

[marks]

Hmmm, I wanna go. How many GS picker uppers are going?

C'mon Eddie - I'll make sure I've got a fresh set of batteries in the camera :)


Yep, I'll be taking the GS :)

What??? you're not going xmas shopping:gob:


Not overly keen on a really early start. :zzzz:

I second that - as it is I'll have to leave about 8ish - or I wont get my coffee in Shanon :yes:

[magicfairy]

What??? you're not going xmas shopping:gob:


He's crap at Xmas shopping anyway. Only wants to buy himself toys...like toy helicopters from DSE to fly round the lounge and scare the dog.

But whines and moans cos he "doesnt know what to get Marie for Xmas" and makes me give him lists of things I want. Not much surprise in that. :no:

[Balrog]

Hey, Don't give away all my trade secrets. :)

Anyway, how can you pass up a remote controlled helicopter that can be flown inside.
How cool is that. :Punk:

[Aslan]

He's crap at Xmas shopping anyway. Only wants to buy himself toys...like toy helicopters from DSE to fly round the lounge and scare the dog.

But whines and moans cos he "doesnt know what to get Marie for Xmas" and makes me give him lists of things I want. Not much surprise in that. :no:

LOL Marie - sound like my approach to buying my wife Christmas / Birthday gifts.

Jim - check out the gift dept at Kirks - has worked for me in the past

On the meeting time - we leave Pahiatua at 10.30am OK :soon:

[Eddieb]

... Only wants to buy himself toys...like toy helicopters from DSE to fly round the lounge and scare the dog.
So he's a normal guy then...:Pokey:


But whines and moans cos he "doesnt know what to get Marie for Xmas" and makes me give him lists of things I want.
Yep, he's a normal guy





P.s, I've got one of those infra red helicopters , the're very cool.

[pampa]

Hey, Don't give away all my trade secrets. :)

Anyway, how can you pass up a remote controlled helicopter that can be flown inside.
How cool is that. :Punk:

VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY COOOL. How much?
I mean shame on u a grown person playing with helicopters, I want it for my son :chase:

[bart]

I had one of those helicopters. Took me about 10 minutes to break the back rotor. Been trying to rebuild it out of a beer can. Ran out of number 8 wire.

Oh, and for the ride thing.........count me in.

[Aslan]

I had one of those helicopters. Took me about 10 minutes to break the back rotor. Been trying to rebuild it out of a beer can. Ran out of number 8 wire.

Oh, and for the ride thing.........count me in.

you gonna convince Hugh to join you Bart? Will be good to catch up - see you Sat - cheers Stephen O :banana:

[Re-cycled]

Well, I have put my name on the list and have a couple of others interested. But the forecast for the whole East side is for rain & southerly winds on Saturday. Personally I am not intersted in going in there if it is wet. Do you have a contingency bail out plan ??

[marks]

Do you have a contingency bail out plan ??

turn the alarm off and pull the covers up

If Saturdays is shit I'm happy with Sunday

[Aslan]

turn the alarm off and pull the covers up

If Saturdays is shit I'm happy with Sunday

Sounds a reasonable idea - let's review Friday night and or first thing Sat AM - cheers Aslan

[Balrog]

Sounds like a plan to me :niceone:

I can bring the rescue chopper :cool:

[KiwiKat]

linking with other interested riders at Pahiatua 10.30am on Saturday AM as suggested by marks over on the 'wellington ride outs where next?' thread.

Others keen to ride up together from Wellington - I suggest we meet at Caltex Rimutuka at 8.15am for an 8.30am departure.

My plan is to do Makairo, ride on to Waihi Falls and return to Wellington by 5pm.Cheers Aslan

Watch out for the cross traffic from the Coast to Coast ride, over that way all afternoon.

[K slider]

Iff sunday I might be able to go as Jim knows this ride has some deamons for me.

Take no notice of Pampa he got rid of his wife for a while to avoid Xmas shopping.

[Aslan]

would be great to have you along Pete - cheers S:soon:

[mazz1972]

Hey, Don't give away all my trade secrets. :)

Anyway, how can you pass up a remote controlled helicopter that can be flown inside.
How cool is that. :Punk:

Ours just spins round in circles & crashes...

Hope y'all have fun! We are doing the Coast to Coast ride.

[marks]

Ours just spins round in circles & crashes...
Sometimes my trailbike does that


Hope y'all have fun! We are doing the Coast to Coast ride.

You should be coming with us and getting those spotless bikes all filthy :yes:

[mazz1972]

You should be coming with us and getting those spotless bikes all filthy :yes:

I'm sure Craig will join in one of your adventures sometime if he can fit it in - we have six trail rides to organise/run January-May and that takes up a lot of weekends. You'll have to dust off your WR or DT sometime and taste some of our dirt :ride:


Sometimes my trailbike does that
There's always the peewee track if you just wanna do the circle thing :baby:

[Aslan]

hi - planning to leave Caltex Rimutuka at 8.30am tomorrow and the servo on first on left on enterining Pahiatua from the South at 10.30am.


Looking forward to a fun ride - cheers Aslan :niceone:
weather map for those concerned here - hey it's an adventure ride!

http://www.metservice.co.nz/default/index.php?alias=farmwairarapa

[marks]

given that the forecast is crap for tomorrow and fine for Sunday is there a reason we aren't delaying?

Is there anyone who was going who cant go if it changes to Sunday?

getting wet is not high on my list of fun activities

[Aslan]

mark_s and others - I'm relatively indifferent as to which day - having done this track twice in mid winter and appalling conditions both times; Sat appeared relatively OK to me.

There are some who can only do Sat and some who can only do Sun - regret I didn't run a poll to start with - and also the reminder that one can't please everyone all of the time - I'm a very slow learner :spanking:

I'm inclinded to go ahead as advertised even though I have to back in Wellywood by 5pm on the logic that if Sunday is the better day of the two at least I can spend that doing couple things with my wife in the run up to Christmas - cheers to all S :niceone:

[Re-cycled]

I guess I am responsible for most of the confusion here, having raised the question of possible bad weather and bail out plans. Then on further thought found the alternative of doing it Sunday not especially convenient.

So I consulted a couple of off-roading gurus who reminded me there is nothing in the route itself that would make it unduly hazardous in the wet, and also pointed out the forecast for Saturday has improved from what was being predicted earlier in the week.

All weather riders can proceed on Saturday; those lacking waterproof kit might prefer to form a splinter group and go for it Sunday (or wait a couple of months for the ground to dry out again)

[Aslan]

I guess I am responsible for most of the confusion here, having raised the question of possible bad weather and bail out plans. Then on further thought found the alternative of doing it Sunday not especially convenient.

So I consulted a couple of off-roading gurus who reminded me there is nothing in the route itself that would make it unduly hazardous in the wet, and also pointed out the forecast for Saturday has improved from what was being predicted earlier in the week.

All weather riders can proceed on Saturday; those lacking waterproof kit might prefer to form a splinter group and go for it Sunday (or wait a couple of months for the ground to dry out again)

so for the avoidance of doubt - some us intend proceeding tomorrow as previously planned and welcome the company of any others who want to come Saturday. To those keen on the Sunday (likely better weather option) - have a great ride - cheers S :calm:

[bart]

Harden up. The weather forecast for this region is wrong 90% of the time. It was supposed to piss down today, but it didn't amount to anything. I had my 14 month old son outside helping me change my front sprocket this afternoon. That's how bad the weather was.

[Aslan]

Harden up. The weather forecast for this region is wrong 90% of the time. It was supposed to piss down today, but it didn't amount to anything. I had my 14 month old son outside helping me change my front sprocket this afternoon. That's how bad the weather was.


like the attitude Bart - see you at Pahiatua - God willing - for the 10.30am off - fuelled and good to go! cheers S

PS I think the service Station - first on right coming from the South is Shell Pahiatua. Others - cepting Mark_S c u at Caltex Rimutuka for an 8.30 departure - cheers here's to a safe and fun ride

:msn-wink:

[Balrog]

Here's the MetVuw link (http://www.metvuw.com/forecast/forecast.php?type=rain&region=nzni&noofdays=2)

I'll be stopping in Pahiatua for more than petrol.
Coffee and food at the Black something cafe.

I'll have to catch you guys up if you're in that much of a hurry

Jim

[Aslan]

ok jim c u - i'm leaving now:rockon:

[Aslan]

home safely after a great day - weather overcast, not too hot - the odd spot of rain in the Wairarapa on the way out to the track - great company and a lot of fun - thanks to all who came on the ride - sorry to have to head home early. cheers Aslan - will post my pics later :scooter:

[bart]

I made it home safe also. Awesome day guys. One of the best rides yet. Almost convinced to buy a bigger bike. That seat is no fun.

[GSers]

Well guys just put the bike back in the garage till next time. Get the other one out tomorrow for the BMWOR Xmas do, great riding weekend. Bart thanks for your local knowledge and maybe you could move up to one of those medium weight adventure bikes with a better seat. And to all the rest thanks for your company great day. Until next time ride easy.
Regards GSers

[magicfairy]

Sounds like you had a great day.

Jim (Busajim) won't want me to tell you.. he ran out of gas close to home, had to push the mighty beast about 1 k to a gas station. :sweatdrop

Still recovering

[marks]

Sounds like you had a great day.

Jim (Busajim) won't want me to tell you.. he ran out of gas close to home, had to push the mighty beast about 1 k to a gas station. :sweatdrop

Still recovering

thats so sad to hear


:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[GSers]

Sounds like you had a great day.

Jim (Busajim) won't want me to tell you.. he ran out of gas close to home, had to push the mighty beast about 1 k to a gas station. :sweatdrop

Still recovering

I hope you got the photo to post
Regards GSers:scooter::Oops:

[Eddieb]

Wicked ride thanks guys, that was tight and hard going on the big bikes though and I had a few 'moments' where I thought I was down the bank, including where it was only handful of throttle that saved me.

1) Gerard (GSer) coming through the bush
2) Stephen (Aslan)
3) The 1200GS
4) The 1200GS 'gracefully' crossing some felled trees

[Eddieb]

1) Stephen crossing the same logs
2) 4 generations of GS, R1100, R1150 Adventure, R80, R1200
3) BusaJim's GS tries to go it's own way
4) Many hands still don't make a GS light work

[Eddieb]

1) We saw some great views
2) Waihi Falls left
3) Waihi Falls right
4) The resting weary travellers

[merv]

Great ride guys, wish I'd been with you.

[Balrog]

Hey all,

Had a great day yesterday, excellent company and a really good ride.

As MagicFairy has already kindly pointed out I ran out of gas on the way home.
Playing the see how far I can get on 1 tank game.
Well not far enough :doh:

And I've got a big lump on my leg, right where my shin protector would have been if I'd bothered to put them on :brick:

Fantastic day though, had a blast. The Makiro always delivers a bit of an Adventure.
I was one tired puppy when I got home yesterday, just glad i don't have a really heavy bike ... eh Mark :bleh:

Heres some of my pics

[Balrog]

A few resting and travelling shots

[Balrog]

Few More, quite hard to get good action shots on this track.
Its so narrow

[Balrog]

Arriving at the top of the track.
Last two pics are of the track as it starts to snake its way down the hill.

The big ruts are about to be discovered

[Balrog]

After bravely throwing the GS down the bank to highlight the trickiness
of this part, some planning was requried.


Forming a battle plan
Which needed some rework
Many hands make light work
Gerard brings his beasty thru
And makes it
out the other end

[Balrog]

The GS collected a few twigs on the way thru

[marks]

just glad i don't have a really heavy bike ... eh Mark :bleh:

I would just like to clarify some things here.....

Light = dt230.drz400 etc
medium = dr650 ktm 640 etc
heavy = klr, dakar, gs80 etc
morbidly obese = oil head bmw GS

:finger: :finger: :finger: :finger:

[Balrog]

I would just like to clarify some things here.....

Light = dt230.drz400 etc
medium = dr650 ktm 640 etc
heavy = klr, dakar, gs80 etc
morbidly obese = oil head bmw GS

:finger: :finger: :finger: :finger:

:laugh:  

[Moki]

Sounds like a plan to me :niceone:

I can bring the rescue chopper :cool:

So is that what you replaced the Busa with?:oi-grr:

[Moki]

:laugh:  

So what's a Morbidly Obese GS with full panniers?

[Moki]

After bravely throwing the GS down the bank to highlight the trickiness
of this part, some planning was requried.


Forming a battle plan
Which needed some rework
Many hands make light work
Gerard brings his beasty thru
And makes it
out the other end



Oh how the memories come flooding back!

And for #7.....plenty of Dark & Stormies

[Re-cycled]

I haven't much to add really, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day in the company of a fine bunch of guys. I will pop in 6 pics which may hopefully fill in some gaps in the record, and leave it at that.

The first 2 are of Aslan in full flight, then we have a re-grouping stop, a summit meeting, the way to avoid the GS trap and wildlife at the Conoor end of the track.

After we split up I made my visit to the in-laws on Waihi Valley Road, having enjoyed the Conoor/Makuri road and exploring a side road (I wanted to see where it went - honest). The homeward bound 'scenic tour of the falls' troup went past not all that long after I arrived, I shoulda left the DR at the roadside to pull you in for a coffee.

[Re-cycled]

my 6th pic disappeared somewhere, so here we go again ?

[Aslan]

great pics posted by others already - here are several of mine - a fantastic day - track currently relatively straight forward on a medium weight bike - I found the main problem was maintaining a line after being constantly bashed in the face by overhanging foliage on parts of the track.

As for those who rode their GS's through - in ascending weight of machine: Eddie, Bill, Gerard and Jim - I salute you all! As you know I wasn't game to ride my 1150 through this time and wouldn't have wanted to be riding anything heavier than my DR.

Following pics - Recycled gives the 'thumbs up'

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/oaters/makairo%20track%2020081213/DSC00173.jpg

Eddie and Recycled admiring the scenery
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/oaters/makairo%20track%2020081213/DSC00119.jpg

One of the several stops for a breather and re-group
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/oaters/makairo%20track%2020081213/DSC00116.jpg
:scooter:

[Aslan]

view looking back toward ashurst and manawatu
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/oaters/makairo%20track%2020081213/DSC00138.jpg

Bill lending 'Re-Cycled' a hand over a slip
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/oaters/makairo%20track%2020081213/DSC00176.jpg

the Bart man from Dannivegas - made it look easy on his DRZ
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/oaters/makairo%20track%2020081213/DSC00182.jpg

[Aslan]

Jim
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/oaters/makairo%20track%2020081213/DSC00180.jpg

eddie
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/oaters/makairo%20track%2020081213/DSC00183.jpg

re-cycled
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/oaters/makairo%20track%2020081213/DSC00184.jpg

[bart]

Awesome day guys. Full credit to the guys on the "BIG" bikes. Here's a few of my pics.

[bart]

Here's some more.
1. Trailblazing Jim
2. Little Manuhara
3. Pori Road
4. Pori again

[Aslan]

pic #1 by Bart above IMO captures the essence of 'of course you can!' Jim - always willing to have a go where other souls like me only fear to tread :beer:

[Balrog]

pic #1 by Bart above IMO captures the essence of 'of course you can!' Jim - always willing to have a go where other souls like me only fear to tread :beer:

Well I'm just glad all you guys where there, because I was well and truly stuck
and everything I tried was making it worse.

:niceone: to all for the rescue

Great photos guys, makes me want to go out and do it again.

[bart]

3 inches to the right, and you would have been all on your own.:buggerd::laugh:

[marks]

:niceone: to all for the rescue

This must have been while I was sitting quietly eating my lunch wondering where the f**k everyone had got to....:innocent: (I wasnt going to walk back and look - my new boots were killing me)


makes me want to go out and do it again.

I'd be really keen to do a revisit - go on Jim you know you really want to get to the end and turn around and try going back :yes:

[Aslan]

interesting Jim, that when you track back through this thread the thumbnails that have had the most views are where you have your lithe agile GS on the edge of the track! (or at times slightly off it LOL)

[NordieBoy]

Would the GS battery be able to power a small winch?

[Eddieb]

Would the GS battery be able to power a small winch?

If it could the GS is so heavy it'd probably make the earth rotate towards the bike rather than pull the GS out of anything. :Pokey:

[Balrog]

... go on Jim you know you really want to get to the end and turn around and try going back :yes:

I'm having visions of stuffing up an uphill rut exit and ending up with the front part down the bank instead.


Would the GS battery be able to power a small winch?

If it can run on 12 volts it could, don't know how long for though.
Best not to get there in the first place really.


If it could the GS is so heavy it'd probably make the earth rotate towards the bike rather than pull the GS out of anything. :Pokey:

I'll take anything that gets me out of the ditch :)

[That looks like fun]

Sky hooks and Rickety Hoists, that will get ya out of most places :cool: Sky hooks are expensive (when attached to a helicopter) However a small Rickety Hoist and a decent rope will sort most things :beer:

[Padmei]

Do any of you others find having to view the individual photos tiresome? The pics are great but wouldn't it be great to see them embedded.

Sorry if this is a scratched record but hell, surfing time is valuable. Must be a better way... :baby:

[GSers]

Great pictures everyone. I think you have the trip well coverd I must make my camera more accessible. Great ride and great crew. Until next time.
Regards GSers.

[marks]

Do any of you others find having to view the individual photos tiresome? The pics are great but wouldn't it be great to see them embedded.

Sorry if this is a scratched record but hell, surfing time is valuable. Must be a better way... :baby:

no
its for your own good
you might have a 2400 baud modem
and the pages might take tooooooooo long to load

[marks]

I'm having visions of stuffing up an uphill rut exit and ending up with the front part down the bank instead.

all right then

how about a day loop

Pahiatua-Makiro-Pongaroa-Alfredtown-Gladstone-Martinborogh-Sutherlands Hut Rimutukus-Home

[Aslan]

all right then

how about a day loop

Pahiatua-Makiro-Pongaroa-Alfredtown-Gladstone-Martinborogh-Sutherlands Hut Rimutukus-Home

yes please but not this coming weekend - how about after the DB? :sweatdrop

[Balrog]

all right then

how about a day loop

Pahiatua-Makiro-Pongaroa-Alfredtown-Gladstone-Martinborogh-Sutherlands Hut Rimutukus-Home

I'm in the same boat as Aslan, can't really do that next weekend. I also don't have the spare rubber.
Picking up some new tyre's tomorrow but not putting them on until I head over for the dusty butt.

Would be keen next year.

When do you guys finish up for Christmas?
I'm thinking mid week Red rocks ride. Could be done in a lunch hour & half,
but would be better to have more time to lie gasping in the sand next to your fallen bike.

[Aslan]

I'm in the same boat as Aslan, can't really do that next weekend. I also don't have the spare rubber.
Picking up some new tyre's tomorrow but not putting them on until I head over for the dusty butt.

Would be keen next year.

When do you guys finish up for Christmas?
I'm thinking mid week Red rocks ride. Could be done in a lunch hour & half,
but would be better to have more time to lie gasping in the sand next to your fallen bike.

I like Jim's suggestion - I'm working till 24/12 but have family flying in from Aus from 23/12 to 30/12.

Jim's idea of a mid day or twilight ride appeals to me - have some latitude on 18/19 - twilight or 22 mid day cheers S

[marks]

Jim's idea of a mid day or twilight ride appeals to me - have some latitude on 18/19 - twilight or 22 mid day cheers S

I can fit in with these times

[Aslan]

I can fit in with these times


How about Thursday 18/12 6pm departure from Quary entrance - forecast is fine - don't know about tides for the more adventurous though

[Balrog]

I'm ok with that.
Do you know if they lock the place up at night?

[Aslan]

I'm ok with that.
Do you know if they lock the place up at night?

Jim - no I didn't assume if we're out by 8pm all will be good

[Balrog]

Jim - no I didn't assume if we're out by 8pm all will be good

Agreed :cool:
Looking forward to it

[gazzerklr]

They used to lock it up around 6pm

[Aslan]

thanks - will still head out to the Quarry after work to check it out

[marks]

sorry to become a bit vague but due to the joys of work I will either be there - or I wont

If I don't get there don't have too much fun :no:

[Aslan]

hope to see you and Jim there Mark

[Paladin]

Per Wellington Regional Council - the gate is open 24/7 except Sunday 9am-6pm!!!

About time I met some of you "big bike" guys, so I'll head down from Eastbourne to meet you on the KLX! My mate Ben should be there too on his DR250!

Should be fun! (we might get a tad sand blasted with strengthening northwesterlies forecasted though!)

[Aslan]

thanks for the helpful info - look fwd to seeing you this evening - chees S