Clarence River ride - Sat 6 March

**countryguy** · 13th March 2010, 23:03

[QUOTE=monchopper;1129682774]Hey CountryGuy
Have you ever had a look at Peters Pass? On the Cadastral map there are a number of tracks from the Tophouse Rd to the Waiau River and then links up to Lake Guyon via the Stanley River. I had a quick look on Google Earth and there are some tracks on the ground. Have a look at the Peters Pass Photo on Google Earth. It is definitely motorbikable.

Yep easy ride via the Edwards Valley with access off the Clarence Valley (tophouse rd?) .Its a big undulating tussock valley with a couple of knarley creek crossings. It goes to the Waiau River and passes some natural hot pools on the way. Ends up at an old swing bridge across the Waiau. I have walked a xr200 across the bridge years ago (takes 2 people) and good nerves. Once across there are some big tussock flats and terraces. Only other access is to cross the Waiau but I don't think you would get a bike across at this point. I've only ever done in in a 4x4, there are big rocks in the river.
There is an old hut over the river. The buildings you can see on Google Earth is the Ada outstation on St James, still under private control. I'm pretty sure you can't get to Lake Guyon via this route due to big bluffs in the river. The tracks from either end don't quite meet.

**Padmei** · 31st October 2010, 19:11

Nordieboy & I went & had a look at the Clarence on Saturday 30 Oct. For those that haven't been I would suggest not even contemplating it if there had been rain a few days before (or even the previous week)

As there is a large slip/ landslide between Quail flat & Horse flat, the northern branch is not accessible untill they make a new road or bypass the slip. The Southern branch up Palmer rd to Palmer Hut & the Clarence is doable however the road is dirt, reasonably steep & there are some dodgy sudden dips. if it was wet only the best knobs would be suitable. Also the access to the roads includes many river crossings which we found fine, (however it was probably the driest it had been since last Summer) if the rivers were running a bike drowning could be highly probable.

This isn't meant to be a doom & gloom warning as it is magnificent country & well worth an explore but just a heads up for those planning a trip from afar & not familiar with the terrain.
RR comng up this week sometime for those interested.

**Box'a'bits** · 1st November 2010, 07:04

Originally Posted by Padmei

Nordieboy & I went & had a look at the Clarence on Saturday 30 Oct.
If it was wet only the best knobs would be suitable.
RR comng up this week sometime for those interested.

I did wonder how you would get on given the forecast & the fact both of you run...um... how best to put this...Oh bugger - well worn comfortable shoes..
Steve