Muriwai ride tonight (16 March)

[3L4NS1R]

Last free night for a while. Wanna go for a ride, and not just a road cruise.

Anyone keen for a ride out to Muriwai tonight? Photo opportunities included.

[.chris]

Keen.

I can show you that semi off road based loop to get out there if people are keen.

[3L4NS1R]

Sounds good! Meeting at westgate approx 5.30pm for all those interested!

[.chris]

Sounds good! Meeting at westgate approx 5.30pm for all those interested!

Where in particular at westgate?

[3L4NS1R]

Where in particular at westgate?

Shell Station? Just next to the McD's.

[Paladin]

Last free night for a while. Wanna go for a ride, and not just a road cruise.

Anyone keen for a ride out to Muriwai tonight? Photo opportunities included.

About time you put some offroad scratches on that KLX Sam!!!! :msn-wink:

[3L4NS1R]

About time you put some offroad scratches on that KLX Sam!!!! :msn-wink:

Haha, trust me... it's got scratches... :P

First time going offroading outside of army though... should be fun!

[Paladin]

Haha, trust me... it's got scratches... :P

First time going offroading outside of army though... should be fun!

Thought you probably had! :lol:

You can help chris put some "character marks" on his shiny new Katoom then! :innocent:

[3L4NS1R]

Thought you probably had! :lol:

You can help chris put some "character marks" on his shiny new Katoom then! :innocent:

Haha, yup. What with those road slicks of his, shouldn't be a problem...:Pokey:

[Paladin]

Haha, yup. What with those road slicks of his, shouldn't be a problem...:Pokey:

You think they're slick, you should see the tyres on AndMac's Transalp and he goes everywhere we go on our knobblies and the bugger almost never comes off - shows his skills are WAAAY better than mine I'm sad to say! He's an inspiration though!

[.chris]

The stock tyres actually worked quite well in the sand, am quite impressed.
Now they just need the mud test, did not manage to find any today, but there is always another day.

Pic's from tonight.
1,2,3 Sam offroading
4,5 Chris having some fun
6 Crusing south.

[.chris]

1 and 2
Heading south as the sun sets. Photos taken while doing about 50kph

[Paladin]

Looks like you two had a blast! :niceone:

[.chris]

Yeah it was great fun ride, was good to meet Sam too, hopefully do a few more of these micro adv rides.

And now for the video. At the end of Sam going up the sandy hill you can see my bike about to fall over.


<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TXdDwXO_KHg&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TXdDwXO_KHg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Please excuse the lack of video editing, I can't be bothered installing anything to do it.

[junkmanjoe]

top job chaps, that sand looks like murder....
hope we dont get any on sat down here.

neat little vid.

A+

[Paladin]

Yeah it was great fun ride, was good to meet Sam too, hopefully do a few more of these micro adv rides.

And now for the video. At the end of Sam going up the sandy hill you can see my bike about to fall over.


Please excuse the lack of video editing, I can't be bothered installing anything to do it.

Brilliant! I love the way as your bike falls over, it cuts to the beach and the wind noise sounds like the residual noise of the huge crash of your bike falling over!
Sam paddling in the deep stuff on the KLX reminded me of a fairly recent pulse racing, sweat inducing experience i had with Andymac in deep sand at Red Rocks in Welly! God I need to learn how to ride in that stuff - bloody frustrates me no end!

Well done for doin some video mate! :2thumbsup

Hope the Katoom is ok after its little mishap!

[3L4NS1R]

I feel both priviledged and special to have witnessed the first bail of the mighty katoom, albiet by itself with no rider...

That video is awesome. If I ever had doubts that I look like a dick while riding, that settled them. Me and soft sand aren't best buds at the moment, looking to fix that relationship soon though. More time and committment needed on both sides...

Good to meet ya Chris! That's a mighty fine bike you have there! Look forward to more mini advs!

[Paladin]

I feel both priviledged and special to have witnessed the first bail of the mighty katoom, albiet by itself with no rider...

That video is awesome. If I ever had doubts that I look like a dick while riding, that settled them. Me and soft sand aren't best buds at the moment, looking to fix that relationship soon though. More time and committment needed on both sides...

Good to meet ya Chris! That's a mighty fine bike you have there! Look forward to more mini advs!

It's ok mate, I don't think there were any German girls watching! :shifty:

+1 on the sand - grrrr - I WILL master it goddammit!

So did Chris give you a go on the Katoom?

[3L4NS1R]

So did Chris give you a go on the Katoom?

Haha, wouldn't want to!! Its far too bright, shiny, and orange!

That said, it's now not so bright, shiny, or orange...

[motorbyclist]

damn i would've been keen for that!

(soft sand protip: stand on the pegs, carry plenty of speed and keep the power on ;))

[Paladin]

(soft sand protip: stand on the pegs, carry plenty of speed and keep the power on ;))

Yeah i know the theory but everytime I try that I get flung off the bike after catching the front wheel! :Oops:

[.chris]

I might do this ride/similar this weekend if anyone is keen shout-out.

We must have been pretty close to south head when we turned around I think. That cool carrigageway we road along was off Wilsons road and that is pretty far up and we were a fair bit north of that or was that as far north as we went? I can't remember, was too busy having fun to pay attention. But either way that is pretty close

Have to remember to put on the clear visor on next time, riding home with open face was horrible damn wind noise!

[3L4NS1R]

I might do this ride/similar this weekend if anyone is keen shout-out.

We must have been pretty close to south head when we turned around I think. That cool carrigageway we road along was off Wilsons road and that is pretty far up and we were a fair bit north of that or was that as far north as we went? I can't remember, was too busy having fun to pay attention. But either way that is pretty close

Have to remember to put on the clear visor on next time, riding home with open face was horrible damn wind noise!

Yeah, that turn off was as far north as we got. Would be really keen to do it again, but I'm away in Kaipara this weekend with army. Will try get some picts of what we do out there!

And must have been shocking with an open face! Especially nerve racking going past the bees online place... I got a bee smushed on my neck just next to my throat going past there...

[Bass]

Yeah i know the theory but everytime I try that I get flung off the bike after catching the front wheel! :Oops:

They tell me that a steering damper is essential for that sort of riding

[3L4NS1R]

They tell me that a steering damper is essential for that sort of riding

Hmm. Me thinks they might be right. Handlebars were going all over the place as soon as the bike hit anything soft. Not to mention trying to cross any ruts in the beach..

[Paladin]

Hmm. Me thinks they might be right. Handlebars were going all over the place as soon as the bike hit anything soft. Not to mention trying to cross any ruts in the beach..

That sounds scary familiar! :doh:

[.chris]

Hmm. Me thinks they might be right. Handlebars were going all over the place as soon as the bike hit anything soft. Not to mention trying to cross any ruts in the beach..

You did pretty well, the sand it takes a while to get used to.
But the key is when you start to get the wobble give it a bit more power and let the rear wheel push you through it. A steering damper would be good, but only really going to help if you are going quite fast (from my understanding of what they do)

[motorbyclist]

(soft sand protip: stand on the pegs, carry plenty of speed and keep the power on ;))


Yeah i know the theory but everytime I try that I get flung off the bike after catching the front wheel! :Oops:


keep the power on ;)

moar power, and let the front do what it wants if it isn't causing too much trouble. it's a dirtbike; traction is optional

a dampener will make it very hard work in the twisty stuff where you need/want to be moving the bars alot... and in carparks....

[Paladin]

moar power, and let the front do what it wants if it isn't causing too much trouble. it's a dirtbike; traction is optional

....

I WILL be doing my best to not be a wuss and get the power thing going better in sand; I know what you're saying is right! :eek:

[cooneyr]

Keeping your weight back when either standing or sitting seems to help heaps. We went for a blast along Kaitorete beach on soft sand and could do 100+ this way or wobble at 30 if forward. Very diffierent position to sliding the back around on gravel (where you want to be well forward).

Cheers R

[paddy]

I'd be keen for more "micro-advs". It's definitely easier for me to get out weekday evenings and I must say riding down Murawai beach at sunset looked great (as did those sand tracks). The more notice the better - things get a bit more tricky when you have two kids to organise and a wife to organise me. :-)

[3L4NS1R]

I'd be keen for more "micro-advs". It's definitely easier for me to get out weekday evenings and I must say riding down Murawai beach at sunset looked great (as did those sand tracks). The more notice the better - things get a bit more tricky when you have two kids to organise and a wife to organise me. :-)

Yeap! Will be trying to do more of these over the next few weeks, until it becomes too dark in the evenings.

Anyone keen to give Muriwai another go next week?

[.chris]

Yeap! Will be trying to do more of these over the next few weeks, until it becomes too dark in the evenings.

Anyone keen to give Muriwai another go next week?

Yes I am keen again.

Can we call it MWMR (Mid Week Muriwai Ride)?

[3L4NS1R]

Yes I am keen again.

Can we call it MWMR (Mid Week Muriwai Ride)?

Consider it done. How long before we can get it made a sticky!?

[paddy]

We could even have a MWMRFBD (followed by dinner). Or perhaps a MWMRPBD (preceeded by dinner - the government likes me to be off the road by 2200, it obviously is a lot darker at 2200 than at 2155).

If it were reasonably regular, even if it were fortnightly or something like that, it would be a whole lot easier for me to plan to get out of the house.

We might need a better plan as the days get darker though...I don't know how practical Muriwai is with headlights. :-)

[3L4NS1R]

I don't know how practical Muriwai is with headlights. :-)

Yeah, nah, the beams on the KLX are a joke... even on dip with the light adjusted so low it's hitting the front fender, you can't see anything closer than 4 meters away... then on highbeam all you get to see are the branches flying towards you.

Sounds good! Possibly if we decide on a day (monday is good for me) and if we've got people keen we'll go? Reassess every week. That we we have predictability WITH flexibility, and we're all happy!

[paddy]

Sounds good to me. My vote would be (in order of preference): Wednesday, Thursday, Monday, Friday, Tuesday.

[3L4NS1R]

Sounds good to me. My vote would be (in order of preference): Wednesday, Thursday, Monday, Friday, Tuesday.

Weds night is out due to NASS (a really good thing to go to for riders of beginning/novice levels) Thursday could be a goer though... Oh but Thursday night rides are on.. and we all know the police attention that gets.

That leaves us... MONDAY! woot!

[paddy]

NASS sounds good - I might have to try and get to that. I am in trial by fire mode at the moment commuting around 500 km per week. :-)

[3L4NS1R]

Haha, I know what you mean! I was house sitting for a month in Whangaparoa, commuting into Auckland everyday... Twas fun. Far better than sitting in the car for an extra hour each way.

[Crisis management]

I might be in for this if you don't mind a fat, slow, tractor trying to keep up...let me know if fat pigs are allowed. I've not tried digging it out of sand yet, can one of you bring an entrenching tool?

[paddy]

I might be in for this if you don't mind a fat, slow, tractor trying to keep up...let me know if fat pigs are allowed. I've not tried digging it out of sand yet, can one of you bring an entrenching tool?

I somehow doubt you'd be holding me up. I haven't tried sand yet but I suspect (based on a few youtube videos) that it's a wee bit harder than it appears. Either that or the experts just aren't as expert as they appear. (My vote goes for the second, I mean really - how hard can it be.)

[3L4NS1R]

I might be in for this if you don't mind a fat, slow, tractor trying to keep up...let me know if fat pigs are allowed. I've not tried digging it out of sand yet, can one of you bring an entrenching tool?

I keep my e-tool sharpened and oiled. Dunno if I wanna use it digging you out... might get dirty.

Seriously though, even if you fall behind, it just means we're at the top of the next hill with the camera pointing at you (thanks chris!)

[3L4NS1R]

I somehow doubt you'd be holding me up. I haven't tried sand yet but I suspect (based on a few youtube videos) that it's a wee bit harder than it appears. Either that or the experts just aren't as expert as they appear. (My vote goes for the second, I mean really - how hard can it be.)

Nah its impossible.

Just give up now.

I'm a pro.

I've been doing it for decades.

I was making it look easy.

Don't even try it.

:mellow:

[Bass]

I am no expert - believe me - but in my limited experience it works like this: -
Firstly, the drier the sand is, the more difficult it is. For the first time in history the Simpson desert is closed because it has been so dry that the sand is like talcum powder and just too difficult for safety. Normally, it gets enough condensation overnight to keep it rideable, but that hasn't been happening.
Secondly, if it is rideable, there are 2 common ways to deal with it. The most common way for dropkicks like me is to paddle your way through at low speed with the engine doing just enough to keep you moving at a manageable speed. The advantage of this method is that when you have an off (and you will have lots) it is at low speed in soft going and unlikely to result in damage or injury. The disadvantage is that it is really tiring and just generally hard work.
The second most common way is to get your weight as far back as you can and gas it. I was once told that 80 k is good, 100 k is better and I think that's probably about right. The more experienced/skilled here should feel free to correct me. The advantage of this method is that it is MUCH less tiring than the first and obviously much faster. The disadvantage is that it is MUCH more risky. Far better riders than I, have injured themselves riding sand this way - usually broken upper body parts - collar bones, ribs, shoulder blades etc. The problem is largely controlling the front wheel in uneven going. If it is in a rut, the sides of the rut want to pull the front offline and chuck the bike sideways and it happens way to fast to react to. This is where steering dampers help. I am told (I have no personal experience of using a steering damper in sand) that it is normal to wind the damper as tight as it will go and steer by weight shift.

Guys who know what they are doing can perform wonders here. I believe (don't quote me) the record for crossing the Simpson on a bike, is 10 hours. This is astounding.

As I said, this is mostly (but not entirely) hearsay. I have ridden fast in rough, soft sand, but stupidly, only when I was so tired that I had to, if I was to continue at all.

Generally speaking, in sand, the more agressive your tyres, the better.

[paddy]

Given my tyres could probably be described as "road slicks" I think I might be taking the: go slow, paddle with feet, look like a dork in the photo taken from the top of the next hill, and feel real sore the next day approach.

[.chris]

Mondays work for me.

[Crisis management]

I am no expert - believe me - but in my limited experience it works like this: -....................crash!!!


Wanna come out and play then? I need more helpers for fat pig pushing!

[Bass]

Wanna come out and play then? I need more helpers for fat pig pushing!

It has gone through my mind and with more than just passing interest. My problem is that midweek evenings are probably out. It would be around 6pm before I could get home, get organised and get on the road. I then have to get across Auckland in evening traffic.
It would be dark by the time I could get out to Muriwai and riding soft sand at speed in the dark is not something I wish to attempt just yet, if ever.
I did it once unexpectedly, with deep bulldust on a corrugated base which is similar. I learned that: -

DR headlights reflect off red dust almost not at all
As a consequence, you cannot see the undulations or read the surface
Life gets REALLY interesting when you enter these conditions at significant speed, if only for a few seconds


So yeah, its thanks but no thanks.

One weekend however..........or a day off...........

[.chris]

It has gone through my mind and with more than just passing interest. My problem is that midweek evenings are probably out. It would be around 6pm before I could get home, get organised and get on the road. I then have to get across Auckland in evening traffic.
It would be dark by the time I could get out to Muriwai and riding soft sand at speed in the dark is not something I wish to attempt just yet, if ever.
I did it once unexpectedly, with deep bulldust on a corrugated base which is similar. I learned that: -

DR headlights reflect off red dust almost not at all
As a consequence, you cannot see the undulations or read the surface
Life gets REALLY interesting when you enter these conditions at significant speed, if only for a few seconds


So yeah, its thanks but no thanks.

One weekend however..........or a day off...........

There is nil requirement for speed on the beach, if you run close enough to the water on the firmer sand you can cruise at any speed, and in the dark that would be the only safe option without some Baja/Dakar style lighting rigs.
And of course the speed limit being 60kph that is pretty safe even at night.

The only real soft stuff you will encounter is off the beach on the dunes/dune tracks, but for me that is where the fun begins. :woohoo:

[Bass]

The only real soft stuff you will encounter is off the beach on the dunes/dune tracks, but for me that is where the fun begins. :woohoo:

Me too and that's the stuff I want to learn to tackle at speed - so not in the dark

[paddy]

My vote would be to try and get a regular evening happening and then plan the occasional special event - a day off in the week with plenty of notice or the weekend (also with plenty of notice probably).

I'd be keen for this Monday coming if there is interest (and the weather is nice enough). I'm sick now, but I'm sure I'll be better by then! I will be on a job in Albany but I should be able to get away by ~1700.

[3L4NS1R]

I'd be keen for this Monday coming if there is interest (and the weather is nice enough). I'm sick now, but I'm sure I'll be better by then! I will be on a job in Albany but I should be able to get away by ~1700.

Sweet as, I'm keen for Monday too. I'm having a farewell blat to my front tyre this weekend, so I'll have a new one to wear in on Monday. I hear sand is awesome for scrubbing a new tyre?

Meet at Westgate again? (means you can come across the upper harbour hw) or should we meet at the intersection of the Coatsville hw?

[paddy]

Meet at Westgate again? (means you can come across the upper harbour hw) or should we meet at the intersection of the Coatsville hw?

The intersection of the Coastville-Riverhead Highway and State Highway 16 might be the best mid-point between the two.

[3L4NS1R]

Sweet as, sounds good!

[.chris]

The intersection of the Coastville-Riverhead Highway and State Highway 16 might be the best mid-point between the two.


I think I shall meet you guys at Kumeu, will do the riverhead-coastville highway route for a change.

What time do you plan to leave westgate? I reckon as early as possible to make the best of the day light.

[Crisis management]

Can one of you pick a time and place.....so far I'm working on 5.30 at the intersection of SH16 and riverhead road.

Any advances on that?

[.chris]

Can one of you pick a time and place.....so far I'm working on 5.30 at the intersection of SH16 and riverhead road.

Any advances on that?

Yeah, I reckon we run with that.

[paddy]

Can one of you pick a time and place.....so far I'm working on 5.30 at the intersection of SH16 and riverhead road.

Any advances on that?

Done.

I'll PM the three of you that look like you are coming with my mobile. I wonder if you could all do the same? (I think you all know each other already?)

[3L4NS1R]

Done.

I'll PM the three of you that look like you are coming with my mobile. I wonder if you could all do the same? (I think you all know each other already?)

Done. As it so happens, first time I met chris was last weeks ride!

5.30 at SH16/Coatsville Hwy sounds good. See ya'll there!

[.chris]

Well that ride did not really go to plan, bloody tides who would have guessed a week later they would be different.

It was a high tide and the sand any where near the waterline was so soft. Was pretty hard going, but most of us (the guys on the little bikes) keep going and made it to Rimmer Road, by this time we had enough beach for one day.

Pic's of Sam and Patrick fighting along the beach, then trying to get out of Rimmer road.

At least I can say I gave all that came on the ride a push somewhere along the ride.

Working on the video now.

[3L4NS1R]

Quote of the night:

"Nah dude! I don't need a push! See you at the top!"


And as the 101st Airborne said to General Patton:

"Rescue? Who said we needed a rescue?"

Lessons learnt:
1) Check tides.
2) MX riders are cool.
3) Bikes overhead when revving the crap out of them in 2nd gear.
4) When sand is flying over your head, you are only digging your rear tire in further.

With learning curves as steep as these, we'll be at Dakar level in no time.

[.chris]

<object width="660" height="525"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wmP6hcnzu3I&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wmP6hcnzu3I&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="525"></embed></object>

[Crisis management]

And here I was telling my wife "the other guys were on lighter bikes than mine and they were getting along fine, I was starting to slow them down"

For those that didn't already figure it out....Fat Pig racing retired defeated last night after digging about 3 kms of trench along Muriwai beach! Second gear at 6k and slowing down was about the norm for that soggy, sandy mess, but if it's any consulation when I exited the beach (and needed a "small" push) I ended up returning the favour by pushing the three 4x4's that were stuck in the same area.

It wasn't just us guys!

Good to meet you three, if you want a gravel ride anytime let me know, there's lots of it out there and some good stuff to learn on.


PS. I've washed the bike twice now and there's still that black bloody sand crawling out.

[3L4NS1R]

Good to meet you three, if you want a gravel ride anytime let me know, there's lots of it out there and some good stuff to learn on.


PS. I've washed the bike twice now and there's still that black bloody sand crawling out.

Ya win some, ya lose some...

We need some options for our weekly/fortnightly rides for when the tides aren't right, so any suggestions are welcome!

And yup, the black sand keeps coming for a few days. Don't worry, you'll get rid of all of it about a day before the next beach trip!

[3L4NS1R]

Man that vid is awesome. Pity about the stabilizer fail...

Helmet cam... We all need em!

[Paladin]

Looks like you guys had a blast, even if it was hard work. Well done Chris for doing video, you're putting us south coast riders to shame now! I can see we are going to have to buck our ideas up down here!

[3L4NS1R]

Hey any one know how to change the name of a thread? Looks like this has evolved from a simple evening out....

[.chris]

Man that vid is awesome. Pity about the stabilizer fail...

Helmet cam... We all need em!

If I had that system last week it would have been awsome, damn beach.

Shame about the camera running out of battery, would have loved to get some of Paddy doing massive fish tails as he ripped up the beach, he was so close to bailing a few times.

And you guys trying to get up rimmer road would have made for a great vid.
Might head up South Head and get onto the beach Via Wilsons road and that Carrigeway on saturday or sunday.

[3L4NS1R]

That would be sick. What time on sat? I'm busy in the morning, but I might be able to get away from work for the afternoon...

[.chris]

That would be sick. What time on sat? I'm busy in the morning, but I might be able to get away from work for the afternoon...

Cool, low tide is 11:58am, so we should be all good to hit the beach and head north.
What time could you make it out to Kumeu?

[3L4NS1R]

Will see on the day. Got to sit my Dangerous goods test, so will see how long that takes...

[3L4NS1R]

I'm thinking I should be able to get there by midday though...

[.chris]

I'm thinking I should be able to get there by midday though...

Sweet that could work quite nicely

[paddy]

:-) I had a great time thanks guys. I need to get out the degreaser tonight and get rid of some of the greasy sandy patches that seem to be stuck about the place! My trip computer is still poked (which is really annoying as I have no idea when I am going to run out of fuel. I need to strip it down tonight and wash out the salt. I suspect it is probably seeing several buttons stuck down or there are some tracks/pins shorted together. Hopefully it hasn't fried any ICs.

I would have to give the weekend a miss. But I am definitely up for a weekly or fortnightly ride - can't promise I would make everyone, but definitely a good number. If we are planning well in advance, I wouldn't be adverse to starting earlier either - even as early as 1530 is potentially practical for me.

@Crisis management:
I was a bit disappointed that you had to turn back - hopefully we can plan a little better in the future. It's probably good you did though as it definitely got worse! Especially as the tide got higher and higher. It sounds like you had your own adventure on the way out though. I was well impressed with your gravel riding though. That was something else! Clearly we need to have a teaching session sometime - I'm still terrified of gravel at this stage (especially outside corners).

[paddy]

Shame about the camera running out of battery, would have loved to get some of Paddy doing massive fish tails as he ripped up the beach, he was so close to bailing a few times.

Yeah, it got a wee bit exciting there for a while. There were maybe four decent fishtailing episodes, and two where I really thought I was coming off - somewhere around the 50 km/h mark. The said was pretty soft though, the biggest risk would have been burying myself. :-) I think they might have been a combination of tank-slapping and fishtailing as the steering was going stop to stop. I tended to come of the gas which is probably the wrong thing to do.

[Crisis management]

:-) @Crisis management:
I was a bit disappointed that you had to turn back - hopefully we can plan a little better in the future. It's probably good you did though as it definitely got worse! Especially as the tide got higher and higher. It sounds like you had your own adventure on the way out though. I was well impressed with your gravel riding though. That was something else! Clearly we need to have a teaching session sometime - I'm still terrified of gravel at this stage (especially outside corners).

Old age does have some advantages...I know when to give up!

If you fancy some gravel experience I'm more than keen, there is tons of good roads close to you and an hour puttering around will help your skill level immensely. basicaly, it's the same as any loose surface riding, keep the front wheel planted and pointing where you want to go and the rear will follow.

[.chris]

Old age does have some advantages...I know when to give up!

If you fancy some gravel experience I'm more than keen, there is tons of good roads close to you and an hour puttering around will help your skill level immensely. basicly, it's the same as any lose surface riding, keep the front wheel planted and pointing where you want to go and the rear will follow.

I would also be keen on some coaching on the gravel.
I would also love to see your recommended gravel routes around the place.

[3L4NS1R]

I would also be keen on some coaching on the gravel.
I would also love to see your recommended gravel routes around the place.

Sounds like its a general vote for a gravel marathon next week then aye?

I'm down for that. Need waaay more prac at it.

[Crisis management]

I'm out of town until tuesday, trail ride at central plateau and various stuffing arounds in Taupo, but could be some time next week or weekend.
Generally the area between Kaukopakopa, Puhoi and SH16 is full of good roads, Monowai, Tahekeroa, Krippner, upper Waiwera, Wech Access and Kaipara hills road are all great. If you need something a bit closer there is Ararimu valley and bald hill roads but tarseal is taking over there and there is not a lot of gravel left. The upside is that the verge of Ararimu road is all used by 4x4s for practice so there is several kms of hard clay surface to play on instead of riding the seal.

Update next week?

[Bass]

but could be some time next week or weekend.


Update next week?

Ooooooohhhh..... Pick me! Pick me!

[paddy]

Been thinking about Crisis management's suggestions. I am definitely uncomfortable on gravel. I think a big gravel ride would probably help that a lot - as long the ride wasn't too pushed. I also definitely wouldn't want to be on gravel once the light started to fade. I am thinking something like the following:

It sounds like Crisis management isn't around this coming Monday, so I might skip anything that happens that week and instead go to NASS on Wednesday night (I can really only justify one night out each week).

I would propose that we have a gravel session led by Crisis management on the evening of Monday 6th. I was thinking something like a ride up to Puhoi along the back roads taking in the likes of Werenui road. We could all take in a cheap dinner at the Puhoi tavern (need to check their hours) and chew the fat, then ride straight back down the new tollway (or no-tollway as it is for motorcycles) making sure to beep in the tunnels. :-)

What do people think?

(I think we need a stick "Weekly Micro-Adv Ride" thread that we can keep adding things to.)

[3L4NS1R]

My gosh, you think well! Makes good sense. I'm keen for that, gives me time to sort my bike out after Sunday's unavoidable shinanigans.

Also, with the thread rename, I like the name of Muriwai Ride Tonight. Kinda like News Tonight. And no doubt its the sort of thing that people will look back and say "why is this thread called that?"

[paddy]

My gosh, you think well! Makes good sense. I'm keen for that, gives me time to sort my bike out after Sunday's unavoidable shinanigans.

Also, with the thread rename, I like the name of Muriwai Ride Tonight. Kinda like News Tonight. And no doubt its the sort of thing that people will look back and say "why is this thread called that?"

I would love to hear more about Sunday...

Oh, and I vote for you as the person that gets to answer the "Why is this thread called Muriwai Ride Tonight" question that will undoubtedly crop up every week or so...... :-)

[3L4NS1R]

haha. so it shall be!

Sunday = bike training with army. The instructor is crazy good. Unfortunatly noone can keep up with him without coming off...

[paddy]

Now we just need the buy-in of our resident Gravalier Crisis management...

(Oh, and just a thought - I am not advocating drinking and riding by having dinner at the tavern. It's just very cheap and in Puhoi which is very convenient in terms of riding up on the gravel and back - in the dark - on the motorway. I will be drinking coke.)

[3L4NS1R]

I will be drinking coke.

Owwww! I've heard its a sign of how much of a man you are by how much alcohol you can drink and still ride.

[/joke]


Nothing wrong with a cold one with dinner though...

[paddy]

True - I had meant to write that other people could do what they wanted, I just wanted to be clear I wasn't advocated a slosh-up followed by a "wild" ride down the motorway! :-)

[.chris]

Sorry Sam, not looking likely I will have my bike back by the weekend, and I am pretty confident I do not want to take the current loan bike offroad (and I am positive the bike shop will not want me to).

Will shout out if a miracle happens.

[3L4NS1R]

Sorry Sam, not looking likely I will have my bike back by the weekend, and I am pretty confident I do not want to take the current loan bike offroad (and I am positive the bike shop will not want me to).

Will shout out if a miracle happens.

Sweet as, no worries! Just means I'll stay around at work and get the afternoon paid.

[.chris]

Sweet as, no worries! Just means I'll stay around at work and get the afternoon paid.

Not even looking likely for monday night at this stage.

Broken bike sucks. I have a bike to ride, but its not quite the same cause I can't take it offroad. And that is the only ride I have a hankering for.

[Crisis management]

You reckon a broken bikes bad, I've got abroken arse...that really sucks!

Anywho, due to minor injuries from the tussock buster (now renamed the arse buster) I won't be riding for a few more days and the weekend is out as well. It will have to be some future date for playing in the gravel, sorry guys.

[3L4NS1R]

oh thats arse! :P

Good luck for the recovery.

And chris. what excactly is up with your bike?! must be a ktm thing aye?

How was the tussock buster crisis? Must have had good weather aye?

[.chris]

oh thats arse! :P

Good luck for the recovery.

And chris. what excactly is up with your bike?! must be a ktm thing aye?

How was the tussock buster crisis? Must have had good weather aye?

Not sure what is wrong, something technical getting to the point of being very annoying as its been in the shop since tuesday last week.
At least I have a demo bike to ride I guess.

Going to NASS?

[3L4NS1R]

nah, can't make it tonight, some stuff has come up. Will make it next week hopefully!

Ahh. technical problems... best solution around those things:

buy a kawasaki :P

[Paladin]

nah, can't make it tonight, some stuff has come up. Will make it next week hopefully!

Ahh. technical problems... best solution around those things:

buy a kawasaki :P

did Chris let you ride the 690 before it had to go to the doctor then?

[Crisis management]

How was the tussock buster crisis? Must have had good weather aye?

Have a look in the off road section there is a thread there with some photos...absolutely awesome scenery and a great place to ride, just some bits might be a bit much for an adventure bike!

[3L4NS1R]

Have a look in the off road section there is a thread there with some photos...absolutely awesome scenery and a great place to ride, just some bits might be a bit much for an adventure bike!

just had a squis...

ahh. I know that bit of the country... built for dirtbiking!

my gosh it jogs memories! that crossing where the guy on the 250F takes a plunge was where we stopped and had a wash one exercise long ago... first bath for 2 weeks... twas special.

[.chris]

Yah! got my bike back
Anyone keen for a sunday afternoon/evening ride up Muriwai way? Wilsons Rd/Carriage way ride?

Or monday?

[paddy]

Yah! got my bike back
Anyone keen for a sunday afternoon/evening ride up Muriwai way? Wilsons Rd/Carriage way ride?

Or monday?

I definitely couldn't do Sunday. I can really only get away with one night out each week - so if Iain were going to be well enough to do a gravel trip to Puhoi later in the week then I would be more keen to do that, otherwise I will definitely be on for Monday night. Lets stay in touch. (We were originally only avoiding Thursday due to the cop factor - I doubt that will be an issue on the gravel, hopefully.)

[3L4NS1R]

Yaw, sunday is out for me, monday is a possibility? Did a crap load of gravelling last sunday, so I'm up for anything!

[3L4NS1R]

and how did the thread manage to get a (16 March) in the title?

That just confuses the whole matter.

[.chris]

Maybe we need a new thread how about
Auckland Ride outs, where/when?

Surely we can get a sticky when the thread grows up.
Any luck getting this one renamed?

[Paladin]

Yah! got my bike back
Anyone keen for a sunday afternoon/evening ride up Muriwai way? Wilsons Rd/Carriage way ride?

Or monday?

Wicked news Chris!!!!


Maybe we need a new thread how about
Auckland Ride outs, where/when?

Surely we can get a sticky when the thread grows up.
Any luck getting this one renamed?

Go for it - like the Nelson and Welly threads:

"Auckland Rideouts - where next?"

Tis all ya need mate - clear and will help people up your way easily keep track of what your up to as you guys build a group up there!
Just my 2c worth!

[3L4NS1R]

Go for it - like the Nelson and Welly threads:

"Auckland Rideouts - where next?"


No! We cannot be clones! We are Aucklanders!

We want to be different. Like everyone else.


I vote for "Muriwai Ride Tonight"

Regardless of whether it is to Muriwai or not, or even if it's tonight or not.

It sounds proactive and decisive. Wether or not it is, well that's nebulous detail.

[Paladin]

No! We cannot be clones! We are Aucklanders!

We want to be different. Like everyone else.


I vote for "Muriwai Ride Tonight"

Regardless of whether it is to Muriwai or not, or even if it's tonight or not.

It sounds proactive and decisive. Wether or not it is, well that's nebulous detail.

What if its not a night ride mate?

:whistle:

[3L4NS1R]

nebulous.

Clearly the Muriwai Ride Tonight event can happen in 3 days time, at a place far removed from muriwai, on a weekend.

Renaming the thread Auckland Rideouts or something similar would make the whole thing seem a whole lot more... laissez faire

[Paladin]

nebulous.

Clearly the Muriwai Ride Tonight event can happen in 3 days time, at a place far removed from muriwai, on a weekend.

Renaming the thread Auckland Rideouts or something similar would make the whole thing seem a whole lot more... laissez faire

:rolleyes:

You go for it mate! HEEHEE!

[.chris]

Yaw, sunday is out for me, monday is a possibility? Did a crap load of gravelling last sunday, so I'm up for anything!

Cool monday night it is, say 5:30 at Kumeu car wash thingey on the corner of SH16/Oraha Rd (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=kumeu&sll=-41.244772,172.617188&sspn=43.270103,85.78125&ie=UTF8&ll=-36.771987,174.545122&spn=0.002832,0.005236&t=h&z=18)

Low tide is at 7:41pm, so we are green lit for the beach, but I am keen to find the other way in/out of that Carriageway.

[3L4NS1R]

Cool monday night it is, say 5:30 at Kumeu car wash thingey on the corner of SH16/Oraha Rd (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=kumeu&sll=-41.244772,172.617188&sspn=43.270103,85.78125&ie=UTF8&ll=-36.771987,174.545122&spn=0.002832,0.005236&t=h&z=18)

Low tide is at 7:41pm, so we are green lit for the beach, but I am keen to find the other way in/out of that Carriageway.

sounds good. How bout we find the other end of the carriageway, then head on down muriwai?

[.chris]

sounds good. How bout we find the other end of the carriageway, then head on down muriwai?

Sounds good, only problem with that is it will be pretty dark by then. But that could also be fun.

[3L4NS1R]

ah! but our timezones change this weekend, so we gain an hour in the evenings?

[paddy]

Sounds good, only problem with that is it will be pretty dark by then. But that could also be fun.

All sounds good to me. I'll have to get my outage "authorised" but I don't anticipate any resistance at this stage.

[paddy]

ah! but our timezones change this weekend, so we gain an hour in the evenings?

Sam, you da man. Thanks for the extra hour of daylight. :-)

[3L4NS1R]

All sounds good to me. I'll have to get my outage "authorised" but I don't anticipate any resistance at this stage.

ah. the ol' leave pass. how many days of annual leave do you have left? 2?

[paddy]

ah. the ol' leave pass. how many days of annual leave do you have left? 2?

That's the wifely leave pass rather than a work leave pass. :-) Oh, and everything I said about you being the man....I take it all back. It will be darker one hour early in the evening. You stole my hour, and I want it back.

[paddy]

Presuming that I can go at all, getting to the meeting place at 1630 wouldn't be a problem for me. I don't know about others.

[3L4NS1R]

That's the wifely leave pass rather than a work leave pass. :-) Oh, and everything I said about you being the man....I take it all back. It will be darker one hour early in the evening. You stole my hour, and I want it back.

yea, thats what i meant... at least with work you have a guaranteed 4 weeks... :P (unless national has it's way...)

and crap! you're right! this is the one where I get to sleep for an extra hour... dam!

[3L4NS1R]

Presuming that I can go at all, getting to the meeting place at 1630 wouldn't be a problem for me. I don't know about others.

sorry, can barely get away from the office by 5... 4 (to get there by 430) would be out of the question...

[paddy]

yea, thats what i meant... at least with work you have a guaranteed 4 weeks... :P (unless national has it's way...)

Ahh now you see, your clever humour was wasted on me. :-)

[paddy]

sorry, can barely get away from the office by 5... 4 (to get there by 430) would be out of the question...

Well this is going to be interesting. We will have about 30 minutes of daylight.

[3L4NS1R]

Well this is going to be interesting. We will have about 30 minutes of daylight.

fuck yea! headlamps anyone?

[paddy]

fuck yea! headlamps anyone?

I have a little three led "head" lamp that you could wear on your helmet. I am confident it would improve your lighting situation considerably.

[3L4NS1R]

haha, same here.. exactly what i was meaning... might let me see into that 3 meters of darkness right in front of me.

[paddy]

I could probably rustle up a kerosene coleman lamp. We could just bungy it in front of your headlight.

[3L4NS1R]

hmm... think the issue at the moment is the front mudguard... the light is kind of hitting that and causing a big pool of shadow...

[.chris]

haha, same here.. exactly what i was meaning... might let me see into that 3 meters of darkness right in front of me.

You can just follow the orange glow in the distance :whistle:

Maybe just a quick dash down the beach, from carriageway to rimmers might be a good idea.

[3L4NS1R]

that sounds sensible almost!

[paddy]

hmm... think the issue at the moment is the front mudguard... the light is kind of hitting that and causing a big pool of shadow...

Ahh, so the solution is not so much more light output as hacksaw.

[paddy]

You can just follow the orange glow in the distance :whistle:

Maybe just a quick dash down the beach, from carriageway to rimmers might be a good idea.

Possibly a "sedate dawdle" might be better than a "quick dash" if it's dark. I'm quite keen to explore that Carriageway not having seen it yet. I wonder if we could spend the "light" hours there. I'd be happy to do the beach in the dark given the tide is all the way out. Wouldn't wanna be going quick though...

[3L4NS1R]

Ahh, so the solution is not so much more light output as hacksaw.

hmm... now you got me thinking...

[paddy]

Here's an idea that appeals to me for Monday night. It might not appeal to others, and it might be complete impractical (or illegal); however, I wonder if we could carry in some kindling and some thicker wood. Maybe even a tomahawk. (I almost wrote Tokamak but that would definitely be impractical and probably illegal too.) If we explore the Carriageway and then head onto the beach at low tide (by which time it will have been dark around a hour), I think it would be fun to have the three bikes around a campfire. Be a good opportunity to get to know one another a little more, and it would mix two things I love: bikes and fire. I don't know if it's legal or not, but I figure we'd be secluded enough that it wouldn't matter. We'd just need to ensure that we were sensible about it (I have no desire to burn down the forest). What thoughts have you all?

[paddy]

All is very quiet on the western front...

[.chris]

I am pretty sure you are not allowed to light fires on the beach over there, but maybe we should go somewhere for dinner after the ride instead?

[3L4NS1R]

hmm. not sure on the laws... mayb if I remove my spark arrestor, we can have a REAL big bonfire?

i'm keen for dinner tho...

[paddy]

Dinner sounds great to me. I don't know where will be most convenient location wise. (Or menu wise for that matter - I pretty fussy, but anything that serves chips is likely to have food that I will eat.) I quite like Africa (on William Pickering Dr) at the $16 + drinks end of the scale. I am also equally happy with takeaways/fast food...

What say you?

[paddy]

Oh, and I we meeting at the wash-down at 1730? Is that the earliest time that people can get there (that sounds the earliest for Sam - not sure where he is coming in from though)?

[.chris]

Oh, and I we meeting at the wash-down at 1730? Is that the earliest time that people can get there (that sounds the earliest for Sam - not sure where he is coming in from though)?

Yeah, I think that is the earliest that Sam can make it.

I am going to be heading north and doing the Riverhead-Coastville highway route from the shore, do you want to meet me at Albany or something?

[3L4NS1R]

Yup, 530 is about the earliest I can make it.. especially in an already short week... see you at the wash place!

(food wise i'm not picky. As long as it's not too pricy... payday is a while away...)

[paddy]

Yeah, I think that is the earliest that Sam can make it.

I am going to be heading north and doing the Riverhead-Coastville highway route from the shore, do you want to meet me at Albany or something?

Sure. I will actually be at Albany Senior High School this afternoon, so anywhere in the Albany area would work well enough for me. Pick a time and place...

[.chris]

Sure. I will actually be at Albany Senior High School this afternoon, so anywhere in the Albany area would work well enough for me. Pick a time and place...


Right-o
How about here (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Albany&daddr=-36.72458,174.694918&hl=en&geocode=CZ19LmabcSqEFQeXz_0dMK5pCg%3B&mra=mi&mrsp=1&sz=18&sll=-36.724512,174.695095&sspn=0.002833,0.004892&ie=UTF8&ll=-36.724679,174.695299&spn=0.002833,0.004892&t=h&z=18) (the shell shop on Albany Highway) at 4:30, we can do a backroads trip out to Kumeu.

[paddy]

Right-o
How about here (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Albany&daddr=-36.72458,174.694918&hl=en&geocode=CZ19LmabcSqEFQeXz_0dMK5pCg%3B&mra=mi&mrsp=1&sz=18&sll=-36.724512,174.695095&sspn=0.002833,0.004892&ie=UTF8&ll=-36.724679,174.695299&spn=0.002833,0.004892&t=h&z=18) (the shell shop on Albany Highway) at 4:30, we can do a backroads trip out to Kumeu.

That would work for me - it would give me a chance to fuel as well. That's the one in old Albany Village on the eastern side right?

[3L4NS1R]

hate. you. all. people who can finish work early. pfff.

[paddy]

hate. you. all. people who can finish work early. pfff.

Early? :-)

[3L4NS1R]

Early? :-)

early being defined in this case as before I finish...

[.chris]

We came we saw.

I fracked up the tides so it was high tide not low tide (I blame poor code on the metserivce website, looks fine in IE, in firefox the table is all messed up gets very confusing).

Had a mission even getting onto the beach, Wilsons Road/Carriageway was not as easy as it was last time (something to do with the darkness I guess). Paddy even had his first off. I just had several dozen close calls through out the evening.

Photos here. (http://picasaweb.google.com/c.p.whitehead/ADVRideWilsonsRdSouthHead#)

[.chris]

This was our approximate route. Light blue in, dark blue out.

Interestingly, it looks like Wilson's down to Rimmer's on the beach, is about half way back to Muriwai

[3L4NS1R]

wow... wouldn't have gussed that distance wise!

Epic ride tonight...

Oh, and true to my word, currently kiwibiking in the bath...

[Paladin]

........

Oh, and true to my word, currently kiwibiking in the bath...


I'm not sure if that's hilarious or just plain sad mate!!!!! :laugh:

[Paladin]

This was our approximate route. Light blue in, dark blue out.

Interestingly, it looks like Wilson's down to Rimmer's on the beach, is about half way back to Muriwai


wow... wouldn't have gussed that distance wise!

Epic ride tonight...

..


Looks like a great evening out guys - you lot are making me pine for a blat on a decent beach - might have to head up to Kapiti Coast soon and pop that cherry for the DR!!!

:crazy:

[3L4NS1R]

Looks like a great evening out guys - you lot are making me pine for a blat on a decent beach - might have to head up to Kapiti Coast soon and pop that cherry for the DR!!!

:crazy:

Watch out for the 'farmers of special substances' though!

[Paladin]

Watch out for the 'farmers of special substances' though!

Oh! I'm a polite kinda guy so I should really stop and introduce myself to them! :msn-wink:

[paddy]

We came we saw.
I fracked up the tides so it was high tide not low tide (I blame poor code on the metserivce website, looks fine in IE, in firefox the table is all messed up gets very confusing).


Seems to render fine in my copy of firefox... (3.0.8) :-)

Lets see, extrapolating backwards, that would have put high tide at around the 1951 mark. That sounds about when we were there.

That was quite the mission. I must say though, I do feel exercised. I've yet to decide if that's a good feeling or not.

[.chris]

Seems to render fine in my copy of firefox... (3.0.8) :-)

Lets see, extrapolating backwards, that would have put high tide at around the 1951 mark. That sounds about when we were there.


That one is easy to read, try the metservice one.

[paddy]

That one is easy to read, try the metservice one.

That is the metservice one. It's about halfway down the page:

http://www.metservice.co.nz/public/localWeather/auckland.html

Stop wiggling. We have you pinned fair and square.

[.chris]

That is the metservice one. It's about halfway down the page:

http://www.metservice.co.nz/public/localWeather/auckland.html

Stop wiggling. We have you pinned fair and square.

http://www.metservice.co.nz/public/marine/tides-muriwai.html

That is the one I was using, but the one you have is much easier to read.
But you are right, I fracked it up.

What a mad mad ride

Beautiful sunset off Wilson Road
Bush pigs making a racket in the forest.
Stealth Quad bikes
Saw dead shark on the beach (about 2-3 feet long)
A few rabbits on the Rimmer Road exit from the beach (one almost ran under Paddy)
Got to see how much Sam managed to eat for dinner, and seeing what Paddy did to his dinner before he ate it.

Was pretty hard riding in the soft sand in the dark, its quite a bit harder than during daylight. But made for a good challenge.
I am wondering if maybe we would have been best to have just headed back out Wilson road. but that I guess we had our reasons for heading down the beach (had to be there to truely understand these reasons).
On that note, I am wondering should we report what we saw/heard?

[NordieBoy]

Lets see, extrapolating backwards, that would have put high tide at around the 1951 mark. That sounds about when we were there.

So if the tides are the same as in 1951 does that mean global warming is a myth?

[paddy]

So if the tides are the same as in 1951 does that mean global warming is a myth?

1951 hours, but global warming is definitely a myth...

[3L4NS1R]

On that note, I am wondering should we report what we saw/heard?

Good question. Ultimately everything around that was fishy to me, suppose as responsible citizens we should tell someone?

[.chris]

Anyone keen for a ride this saturday?
I am thinking of heading all the way up to the Bombing range.

Low tide should be around the 10/11am mark on saturday, so that could work.

Anyone know if you can get to the Bombing range from the South Head road end?

[paddy]

Anyone keen for a ride this saturday?
I am thinking of heading all the way up to the Bombing range.

Low tide should be around the 10/11am mark on saturday, so that could work.

Anyone know if you can get to the Bombing range from the South Head road end?

I'll have to check with my wife; however, I would just like to affirm that low tide will indeed be at 1000 on Saturday. :-)

[paddy]

It'd be neat to get right up onto the spit at the top. What is the status of the land there? Is it defence access only?

[paddy]

I found this link. It's fishing focussed, but has a good description of the varying areas and the tide heights (just read down to the A,B,C..... section):

http://www.fishingkites.co.nz/areas/muriwai-fishing-map.htm

[.chris]

I'll have to check with my wife; however, I would just like to affirm that low tide will indeed be at 1000 on Saturday. :-)

Next time you are stuck at the bottom of a sand dune, and you look up and see me looking down at you, I want you to think about every jip you gave me about getting the tides wrong. :slap:

[paddy]

It just occured to me (in fact sometime yesterday when I was handed a pager) that I am on-call this week. So riding up toward South Head would be out for me. :-(

I wonder about next Saturday though?

[3L4NS1R]

Anyone keen for a ride this saturday?
I am thinking of heading all the way up to the Bombing range.

Low tide should be around the 10/11am mark on saturday, so that could work.

Anyone know if you can get to the Bombing range from the South Head road end?

Sam is back in NZ, and straight back into work!

Melbourne was slightly more expensive than predicted (serbian parties are crazy...) so I'm going to have to have a coupla weeks of nights at home... will give me a chance to fix the bike's carb issues as well.

As for getting out of the bombing range, there are gates all through the forestry park, that are only unlocked when a club/army is using the area... I'd suggest a backtracking plan if the gates are locked.

[.chris]

Next weekend I am away on the KCR.

Might do the riverhead trail ride this weekend then.

[paddy]

It must be about time for us to start planning another "pitch black" adventure. Now there is a good name for the thread if we rename it. :-)

I don't have any amazingly brilliant ideas, but I'm open to suggestions - put your thinking caps on.

[.chris]

It must be about time for us to start planning another "pitch black" adventure. Now there is a good name for the thread if we rename it. :-)

I don't have any amazingly brilliant ideas, but I'm open to suggestions - put your thinking caps on.

You should join us for this one (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=2000&day=2009-5-24&), should be a pretty casual group ride.

Once I am over this current sickness, and this weather stops being shit I will be keen to get out on the bike forsure