Picton to Nelson at night

**Lurch** · 6th August 2009, 19:30

Hi Guys,

I'm catching the ferry from Wellington to Picton tomorrow (Friday) after work and was wondering if any locals knew the road conditions over the Whangamoas at the moment? I'll be landing in Picton at 9:30pm.

The weather is looking to be quite clear so there might be a risk of frost/ice I'm guessing but has anyone been across recently?

Otherwise I could go via Queen Charlotte but that doesn't tempt me so much at night and without recent memory of the road.

Any locals care to share?

**one fast tl1ooo** · 6th August 2009, 19:42

Just ride careful - cause it'll be dark at night

**chester** · 6th August 2009, 19:55

Went over the Wangamoa hill 2 weeks ago during the day and the ice and grit was everywhere, had to stay on car tracks as it was bloody slippery. Good luck.

**Lurch** · 6th August 2009, 19:59

Originally Posted by chester

Went over the Wangamoa hill 2 weeks ago during the day and the ice and grit was everywhere, had to stay on car tracks as it was bloody slippery. Good luck.

Yeah that was a shit of a weekend, weather's been much more mild lately.. I hope.

**chester** · 6th August 2009, 20:19

Its been nice lately, the Nelson side of the hill is the worst.Will send you a pm with number IF you get stuck......(have ute).

**LBD** · 6th August 2009, 20:23

Travel via Renwick if you dont know the track at night.

**nsrpaul** · 6th August 2009, 20:28

both the whangamoas and the rai hill are nasty at the moment

**Lurch** · 6th August 2009, 20:37

Originally Posted by LBD

Travel via Renwick if you dont know the track at night.

I'm an ex-nelsonian and know the road fairly well but I've never ridden it at night let alone in winter (although I have driven it dozens of times).

I'm used to the route and taking the springs junction bypass etc but just a bit concerned that it might be a pea gravel and ice nightmare by 10:30pm

**tigertim20** · 6th August 2009, 20:39

Originally Posted by LBD

Travel via Renwick if you dont know the track at night.

What he said. In renwick there is a 24hour petrol station (use eftpos at the pump type) so fill up there if need be.
Be carefull that hill has claimed a few bikes, and its share of lives due to the ice, even those who travel it regularly. it is infamous for its black ice so take your time, have a good trip and arrive alive

**CrazyFrog** · 6th August 2009, 20:52

Heavy frosts last 2 nights and forecast the same tonight.
Yes, loads of grit on Rai and Whangamoa saddles.
If you're travelling around 10pm, the road shouldn't be frozen as bad as in the morn, your body will tell you if it's freezing conditions and the grass will look nice and sparky. Yes it's ridable, but use your common sense, and you won't end up on your arse. I've ridden many roads in frosty conditions and have never come a gutser on the ice, ride to the conditions, adjust your speed and watch everything!
Just cruise, another 15mins later at your destination won't hurt anyone, but sitting on your arse in the middle of the night with broken bike and body will be 10 x worse.
Don't bother riding the Queen Charlotte route at night, too many tight corners, pea gravel and just as long time-wise as the main highway thru Blenhiem/Raupara Rd.
The moon will be out though, so will still be nice ride. Magic riding with a full moon, even in winter.
Oh and remember to ride a trail bike, they go well sideways and flick back up again real good

**Lurch** · 6th August 2009, 20:58

Originally Posted by CrazyFrog

Heavy frosts last 2 nights and forecast the same tonight.
Yes, loads of grit on Rai and Whangamoa saddles.
If you're travelling around 10pm, the road shouldn't be frozen as bad as in the morn, your body will tell you if it's freezing conditions and the grass will look nice and sparky. Yes it's ridable, but use your common sense, and you won't end up on your arse. I've ridden many roads in frosty conditions and have never come a gutser on the ice, ride to the conditions, adjust your speed and watch everything! Just cruise, another 15mins later at your destination won't hurt anyone, but sitting on your arse in the middle of the night with broken bike and body will be 10 x worse.
Don't bother riding the Queen Charlotte route at night, too many tight corners, pea gravel and just as long time wise as the main highway thru Blenhiem/Raupara Rd.
The moon will be out though, so will still be nice ride. Magic riding with a full moon, even in winter.
Oh and remember to ride a trail bike, they go well sideways and flick back up again real good

Thanks for that CrazyFrog, that's made me feel better about it. I'm not a stranger to a bit of frost but don't like going in unprepared.

I've had a few early morning rides over the Rimutakas and Paekakariki hills recently in some very white conditions and as you say as long as you keep the speed down there's no reason to avoid it.

**gatch** · 6th August 2009, 21:21

I used to live down there, I have no idea what it is like now but would definately urge caution, should be ok if you take it easy though.

**Taz** · 6th August 2009, 22:28

Stay in picton? My dear old mum lives there she may be able to offer you her couch?

**MyGSXF:Me** · 6th August 2009, 22:49

Yep.. what CF says!!

Stick to the left hand side of your lane. As you already know.. the hill is quite narrow.. & the log trucks take up a lot of room going round the corners!!

The moon will help light your way. Another idea I saw recently.. tape a torch to the top of your helmet.. so when you turn your head into the corners.. you will have alight pointing in that direction too... instead of your bike headlight pointing straight ahead.. into the wall!!

Take your time!

ps: a wad of newspaper folded & shoved down your front is a bloody good chill stopper too!!