Molesworth closed Monday 2 February

[thepom]

Heard today from a mate that the molesworth will be closed monday due to fire risk,.....

[Transalper]

Maybe it will, maybe it won't.
The way they seem to play it in the past you'd be best ring DOC on the morning of your planned trip through, or day before to see if it's actually closed or not.
They seem to like promising they are going to open or close it in a few days then when the time comes you find they've change their mind so no good sweating over it this far out.
BUT... always have an alternative route in mind just in case.

[cooneyr]

I've heard the same. If there is no rain by this monday they are closing but if there is rain . . . . . . . Looking at Metvuw (http://www.metvuw.co.nz/forecast/forecast.php?type=rain&region=nzsi&noofdays=7) there is no rain predicted so not looking good. Still as TA said, DOC sometimes changes their minds.

Cheers R

[ducatijim]

I've heard the same.
Cheers R

+1

Carhnt!

Won't be doing my 'recci' of 'the corner' on the Rainbow either now as was planned 4 the 15th:weep:

[CrazyFrog]

+1

Carhnt!

Won't be doing my 'recci' of 'the corner' on the Rainbow either now as was planned 4 the 15th:weep:

You can do the Rainbow to Hanmer (and back again) from St Arnaud without going thru the Molesworth, still a good day out. There's always a chance to test THE CORNER when you're pushin it to get home.....:yes:

[cooneyr]

You can do the Rainbow to Hanmer (and back again) from St Arnaud without going thru the Molesworth, still a good day out. There's always a chance to test THE CORNER when you're pushin it to get home.....:yes:

Yer but - from speaking to the Rainbow Station Manager it sounds like long term plan is to coordinate the open period (dont have to pre organise the key period) for the Rainbow to be the same as the open period for the Molesworth. Makes sence in that there is not likely to be the same flow of traffic through the Rainbow when the Molesworth is closed.

Ring DOC St Arnaurd to check the status of the Rainbow. The Station Managers missus works there part time so they "should" know the score.

Cheers R

[Bass]

Heard today from a mate that the molesworth will be closed monday due to fire risk,.....


Maybe it will, maybe it won't.
.

This is a total Bastard.
We have already paid for the ferry tickets and they are not refundable. Now work is putting the pressure on to have me in Oz when we had planned to do this and I have no idea whether to agree or not.

[ducatijim]

This is a total Bastard.
We have already paid for the ferry tickets and they are not refundable. Now work is putting the pressure on to have me in Oz when we had planned to do this and I have no idea whether to agree or not.


Non-refundable?

Carhnt!

I had better buy yours off you them M8, I can then transfer them to my Southern cross trip and get the 90% refund I can on our tickets....let me know ASAP.

I am sure I went thru a gate on the Rainbow road that was signed as leaving Molesworth station......but then>>>>> wot the fuck would I know.

[warewolf]

I am sure I went thru a gate on the Rainbow road that was signed as leaving Molesworth station......but then>>>>> wot the fuck would I know.You probably know right. You go in and out of various stations on the Rainbow road, esp. Molesworth and St James. Dunno if DOC control all of Molesworth station, but they only seem to control the road to the Awatere.

[CrazyFrog]

This is a total Bastard.
We have already paid for the ferry tickets and they are not refundable. Now work is putting the pressure on to have me in Oz when we had planned to do this and I have no idea whether to agree or not.

The ferry tickets are non-refundable, BUT are fully changeable. If you have to postpone, rebook them online for the same fare, months down the track, (no charge) and then change them again later to the actual date you want. Just don't lose your booking number. You can do it all online from the comfort of your lounge chair.....sweeeeeet.

[ducatijim]

You probably know right. You go in and out of various stations on the Rainbow road, esp. Molesworth and St James. Dunno if DOC control all of Molesworth station, but they only seem to control the road to the Awatere.

So.....they close the Archeron Rd, thru Molesworth, not acess thru Molesworth station then?

I don't think it matters now anyhow for us ,if Bass is gettn it in the neck @ work, we would be best to pull the pin now, and keep him employed a little longer.

[ducatijim]

The ferry tickets are non-refundable, .

You are well wrong there son. Well partially anyways: BB is non-refundable( well good on them,eh?), but Interislander, which I am on, and assumed Bass was too( as we are doing the same thing??), they allow >>>>

90%.

I stand, 'adjusted'

[cooneyr]

Wifey called Doc St Arnaud and South Marlborough this morning as in-laws are thinking of heading through this weekend. Storiy is that Molesworth is closing 7pm on Monday the 2nd Feb but the Rainbow is staying open for longer (not sure how long though).


...I am sure I went thru a gate on the Rainbow road that was signed as leaving Molesworth station......but then>>>>> wot the fuck would I know.

You are right. As WW said you travel through the St James Stn, Molesworth St and Rainbow Stn when doing the "Rainbow Road". The only bit of the Molesworth that is closing though is the Blenheim to Hanmer route i.e. Awatere/Archeron. The bit of the Molesworth that the Rainbow Road travels through never ever closes even in the middle of winter when it is covered in snow :msn-wink:

Cheers R

[Bass]

The ferry tickets are non-refundable, BUT are fully changeable. If you have to postpone, rebook them online for the same fare, months down the track, (no charge) and then change them again later to the actual date you want. Just don't lose your booking number. You can do it all online from the comfort of your lounge chair.....sweeeeeet.

It's Bluebridge which we discover is a bit different here and there from the Interislander. We thought about changing dates, but our sole reason for coming down your way was to do Molesworth and Rainbow with the wives on the back. Our only 2-up opportunity was to do this while we had access to a pair of KTM's and that opportunity only lasts for a month or 2. So if Molesworth closes, the bike will be gone by the time it opens again and according to the Bluebridge ticket, they have a 3 month limit for date changes anyway.
I don't know if you can fool the system by doing multiple date changes, but it doesn't matter cos the bike would be gone and so the money is down the tubes either way. Bugger!

[ducatijim]

but the Rainbow is staying open for longer (not sure how long though).



the Rainbow Road travels through never ever closes even in the middle of winter when it is covered in snow :msn-wink:

Cheers R


Do I detect a contradiction from you here, Ryan??

[clint640]

Do I detect a contradiction from you here, Ryan??

I think he means the period where the gates are open & you pay on the way through vs the rest of the time where access is permitted but you have to arrange the key.

s'funny that near every year the Molesworth gets closed cos of fire risk but everybody keeps on truckin' through the similar country of the Rainbow & it hasn't burned to the ground yet.

I wouldn't get too worried about the Moles' anyway, it's a nice ride but there's lots of other cool & more challenging stuff to do in the upper south.

Cheers
Clint

[Racing Dave]

Who would have guessed that dust and stones were so flammable?

[Bass]

I wouldn't get too worried about the Moles' anyway, it's a nice ride but there's lots of other cool & more challenging stuff to do in the upper south.



I'm sure you are right and I guess your comment is aimed a bit more widely than just DJ and I. However, for 2 couples looking to spend 2 days on the mainland on a pair of 990's, down Molesworth and back up Rainbow has to be hard to beat.
"More Challenging" while 2-up with luggage and shod with Scorpions is a bit out of my league.

[NordieBoy]

However, for 2 couples looking to spend 2 days on the mainland on a pair of 990's, down Molesworth and back up Rainbow has to be hard to beat.

Add in some bits like the Dry Weather Road, Sherry River and Mt Arthur and you've got a sweet ride.

Dammit.

Mmmmm 990 :love:

[warewolf]

However, for 2 couples looking to spend 2 days on the mainland on a pair of 990's, down Molesworth and back up Rainbow has to be hard to beat. Arse, that's gotta suck. :weep: There is also the Rainbow/Rainbow option, arrange your own permit/key should be open when you are planning to travel.

[Bass]

There is also the Rainbow/Rainbow option,

Considering exactly that - not quite the same, but.

[cooneyr]

Do I detect a contradiction from you here, Ryan??

It would appear so, my comment wasnt very clear. :Oops: The Rainbow Station portion (most northern 30km) of the Rainbow Road (110km) is the bit that gets "closed" unless you organise a key for yourself. Any, time of the year you can ride from Hanmer about 80km north to the locked gate and back again.

As others have said, Rainbow, Maruia Saddle, Palmer Road, Tapawera Dry Weather Road, Sherry Road, Anatori/Wanganui inlet, Cobb Valley, Totranui, Birds clearing, etc etc are still worth a look. I personally prefer the Rainbow to the Molesworth anyway. If you were really keen you could ride the 100 or so kms down the Awatere valley from Blenheim to the Molesworth gate and back again.

Also I've never tried but I've heard rumours that you can get through the molesworth outside normal opening dates if you ring DOC South Marlborough and arrange it. Probably not for the day after it closes but possibly a month or two after. Might be worth a try.

Cheers R

[mazz1972]

:no: :no: :no: :no: :no: :no: NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

We have ferry & accommodation all booked for trip next week - planning to do Rainbow Sunday 8th & Molesworth Monday 9th.

Oh well that's the risk we take....


Looking at Metvuw (http://www.metvuw.co.nz/forecast/forecast.php?type=rain&region=nzsi&noofdays=7) there is no rain predicted so not looking good.

However the Metservice (http://www.metservice.co.nz/default/index.php?alias=farmmarlborough) forecast for rural Marlborough says:

Sunday showers and cool southerlies developing. Some of the showers heavy with isolated thunderstorms possible.
Monday few early showers, then mainly fine. One or two afternoon or evening showers inland. .

Nelson (http://www.metservice.co.nz/default/index.php?alias=farmnelson) rural forecast also shows possible rain Sunday.

So maybe all is not lost....

Sigh....

[marks]

:no: :no: :no: :no: :no: :no: NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

We have ferry & accommodation all booked for trip next week - planning to do Rainbow Sunday 8th & Molesworth Monday 9th.

Oh well that's the risk we take....



However the Metservice (http://www.metservice.co.nz/default/index.php?alias=farmmarlborough) forecast for rural Marlborough says:

Sunday showers and cool southerlies developing. Some of the showers heavy with isolated thunderstorms possible.
Monday few early showers, then mainly fine. One or two afternoon or evening showers inland. .

Nelson (http://www.metservice.co.nz/default/index.php?alias=farmnelson) rural forecast also shows possible rain Sunday.

So maybe all is not lost....

Sigh....

if Molesworth closes do the Rainbow on Sunday and on Monday go through to Spring Junction (nice ride). Right into SH65 detour onto West Bank Rd. Back onto SH65 and right Mauria Saddle Rd. Around to Murchison for Lunch. Then north a few clicks on SH6 then turn right into Mangles Valley Rd and around via Braeburn Track to Lake Rotoroa.

If you are riding your KLE500 I wouldn't recommend Porika so head out Gowan Valley Rd back onto SH6 then either head back via Nelson or via the super boring Wairau Valley Rd.

All the gravel bits are easy and the sealed bits are brilliant riding.

Take lots of photos and post them....

[NordieBoy]

If you are riding your KLE500 I wouldn't recommend Porika so head out Gowan Valley Rd back onto SH6 then either head back via Nelson or via the super boring Wairau Valley Rd.

A KLE400 dealt to the Porika no problem on the '07 Dusty :D

[DrifterIII]

Just got new chain/sprockets and tyres to do the Rainbow and Molesworth in Feb.
Will try to send some rain up from down here.

[warewolf]

Considering exactly that - not quite the same, but.Too true, but perhaps better than cancelling the trip entirely, and losing money in the process.

The Molesworth is definitely worth doing, at least once. However, for a pillion, missing out could be a mixed blessing. We did a two-up Nelson-StArnaud-Rainbow-Hanmer saturday, followed by a Molesworth-Blenheim-Havelock-Nelson sunday. The 2 hours Hanmer to Blenheim was just too much on a hot summer day. She was too uncomfortable for too long, and I wasn't much better. The Rainbow was no problem, it is half the time/distance between refreshing services, and the scenery and terrain more varied.

Whatever you do decide to do, you know there'll be plenty of route suggestions forthcoming! :laugh:

[mazz1972]

if Molesworth closes do the Rainbow on Sunday and on Monday go through to Spring Junction (nice ride). Right into SH65 detour onto West Bank Rd. Back onto SH65 and right Mauria Saddle Rd. Around to Murchison for Lunch. Then north a few clicks on SH6 then turn right into Mangles Valley Rd and around via Braeburn Track to Lake Rotoroa.

If you are riding your KLE500 I wouldn't recommend Porika so head out Gowan Valley Rd back onto SH6 then either head back via Nelson or via the super boring Wairau Valley Rd.

All the gravel bits are easy and the sealed bits are brilliant riding.

Take lots of photos and post them....

Thanks Mark.

We'll work on plan B over the weekend so will print off your suggestions & study map. Yeah riding the KLE so will have to be easy gravel for me.

Camera is playing hide n seek at the moment so need to have a bloody good look for it.

Cheers
M

[Bass]

Too true, but perhaps better than cancelling the trip entirely, and losing money in the process.

:

We've canned it.
Taking Molesworth out just took away too much of the reason for doing it.
Such is life.

[CrazyFrog]

We've canned it.
Taking Molesworth out just took away too much of the reason for doing it.
Such is life.

Bass, after doing Oz I thought you'd have more grit than that, chucking it in at a minor hurdle....c'mon man, you know you want to do it!
You can ride the first 100km down the Awatere Valley until you get to the locked gate, still a worthwhile excursion even if you have to return the same route. The scenery is probably best in the first part anyway.
There's plenty of other worthwhile routes down this way if you have a change of heart, us locals will point you in the right direction.

[Bass]

Bass, after doing Oz I thought you'd have more grit than that, chucking it in at a minor hurdle....c'mon man, you know you want to do it!.

You'll keep, Kermit!!! :angry:



There's plenty of other worthwhile routes down this way if you have a change of heart, us locals will point you in the right direction.

We will get down there and do this - just not quite as soon as we wanted.
Might take you up on that when we do :rockon:

[NordieBoy]

We will get down there and do this - just not quite as soon as we wanted.
Might take you up on that when we do :rockon:

RubberDuck ... We've got ourselves a convoy :D

[Bass]

RubberDuck ... We've got ourselves a convoy :D

Ten four good buddy

[mazz1972]

A KLE400 dealt to the Porika no problem on the '07 Dusty :D

Bike could very well be up to it - the rider would be the problem!

[rasty]

How doable is the Rainbow on road tyres? (Mulltstrada)

[Underground]

How doable is the Rainbow on road tyres? (Mulltstrada)
You could do the Rainbow on almost any kind of bike with any tyres at the moment ,we did it two up bout a week ago with a smooth rear tyre no probs. Just a couple of bumpy fords to be careful on but the surface is all hard and dry at the mo

[rasty]

Thanks for that.

[Padmei]

Personally I think doing the rainbow both ways is better than Molesworth- rainbow loop. The Molesworth gets a bit dull but the rainbow rocks.

As for doing the rainbow on raod tyres, I thought I was doing pretty good in full adventure pose when a BMWK75 2up went past from the other way:lol:

[NordieBoy]

As for doing the rainbow on raod tyres, I thought I was doing pretty good in full adventure pose when a BMWK75 2up went past from the other way:lol:

What about that DR650 2-up that blasted past us a couple of times :D

[marks]

Personally I think doing the rainbow both ways is better than Molesworth- rainbow loop. The Molesworth gets a bit dull but the rainbow rocks.

and the people said

amen

[Bass]

and the people said

amen

Perhaps.
But it's a bit different if you have never done either of them.

[ducatijim]

Just off fone to DoC Renwick>>>>>>>no rain, or any foreseeable, so closure goes ahead at 7 this evening until significant precipitation received. Not likely thru Feb!!!

[NordieBoy]

Just off fone to DoC Renwick>>>>>>>no rain, or any foreseeable, so closure goes ahead at 7 this evening until significant precipitation received. Not likely thru Feb!!!

I'll volunteer to go through this afternoon and piss on their raingauge if that'll help?

[cooneyr]

I'll volunteer to go through this afternoon and piss on their raingauge if that'll help?

Sounds like a fun challange to find the gauge to piss on.

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

Sounds like a fun challange to find the gauge to piss on.

GeoGauging.

The new back country sport.

"Damn Ma, we've had some more of that yellow rain again."

[junkmanjoe]

hi all
how many kms is the road and what sort of time would it take to travel the molesworth.

[JATZ]

hi all
how many kms is the road and what sort of time would it take to travel the molesworth.

Bit over a couple of hundred kays, Blenhiem to Hamner.How long would it take ? depends how fast your going. It's a 50k speed limit through Molesworth (tui moment) I usually take about 4 to 5 hrs but I ride like a nana

[junkmanjoe]

is the rainbow road open all the time, whats the distance
of this road as well plz.

some of you guys must have done a trip through there, as theres a lot of pics on google earth with bikes in them, ktm, drs, etc.

[Transalper]

You're new here aren't you.
lol, the km's may be set and said over and over in other threads but the time it takes depends a lot on the rider and weather it's open or not.
Has anyone confirmed that they have already closed it this year as promised?

Here's the DOC site (http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/nelson-marlborough/south-marlborough/molesworth-station/plan-and-prepare/travelling-through-molesworth-station/) with the info same as can be found at the info centers around the place (including a contact number).
Partial Quote maybe relates to cars and those who obey the long 50km/hr restriction between cob cottages... The 207-kilometre journey from Blenheim to Hanmer Springs through Molesworth takes around 6 hours, with the 59-kilometre Acheron Road section through the station taking at least two hours.

Ahhh others replied while I was typing.

[JATZ]

is the rainbow road open all the time, whats the distance
of this road as well plz.

some of you guys must have done a trip through there, as theres a lot of pics on google earth with bikes in them, ktm, drs, etc.


Rainbow road is open all year,as far as I'm aware. During the summer period there is someone stationed at the old homestead who will help you lighten your wallet.I'm not sure what dates the summer period is.
Rest of the year, ring the manager to get the key, pick up from StArnaud end and sign a waiver.They will let you know if the road is open right through to Hamner.

[junkmanjoe]

yes i r fresh meat.,,, well just very interested thats all, as you chaps, these roads are in your back yard.
and im sure you have traveled and enjoyed them.

im in the market to travel with eyes wide open and take in the lovely sights.

so no harm in asking, as would hate to have to push my bike, cause its out of gas........:doh:

[Transalper]

And for cripes sake don't ring them up tonight expecting to go through tomorrow, they like a bit of notice.
Think the Rainbow is open until 1st April unless the fire risk or other factors shut that one down early too.
heres the current Rainbow specific DOC .pdf (http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-marlborough/rainbow-road-and-upper-wairau-valley.pdf).

[junkmanjoe]

nar man. we doing a tour of south island later in year.

my look at doing these two roads earler, if theres a group going through some time.

no rush, :Police:
good things come to them who wait.

[Transalper]

appoligies for maybe sounding a bit snappy.
Feel like it's the 3rd or 4th time I've heard the same Molesworth/Rainbow questions this summer... some at KB, I guess some could have been in other forums too.
Stick a nice IMS tank on that DR650 and forget worring much about fuel almost ever again. I say almost as we can still find the occasional route to keep us away from fuel for over 350ish km if we try hard enough.
Rainbow is shorter in distance.
On Dusty Butt it looks like we took nearer 3 hours to get through the Molesworth.


Ahh... there we go (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=417650)...

[Padmei]

Perhaps.
But it's a bit different if you have never done either of them.

Yo Bassman What I meant is that don't cancel a ride due to the Molesworth being closed. Going Rainbow both ways is an interesting & varied ride so enjoy it.