Big River and Lake Hotshitter

[NordieBoy]

Good stuff.

And then we came to that rock chute

Is that the hard left coming out of Big River by the sign and takes you to the gravel pit on the other side of the Reefton Saddle?

[andy mac]

Is that the hard left coming out of Big River by the sign and takes you to the gravel pit on the other side of the Reefton Saddle?

Yes, there's about 5km of big bike friendly, twisty track to a trig clearing. It's a real pleasure after bouncing back out of Big River.

There are some side tracks to explore next time. The small bike ride starts 200m back from the trig clearing on the west side. It is a downhill only track unless you're a trials or enduro ace. There was a beautiful orange tinged bog which Straun described as bush tea - I think he wants to work for Resene Paints. The chute is about 1km from the gravel pit (which is near Tarawai Scenic Reserve)

[Woodman]

So the small bike friendly bit is all downhill??

How big bike unfriendly can it be?

I have heard about this track and would like to give it a go.

[XF650]

So the small bike friendly bit is all downhill??

How big bike unfriendly can it be?

I have heard about this track and would like to give it a go.

The steep bit in the vid is mostly clay, similair to Napolean Hill. Don't know how you would get up it if wet, sharp knobblies at least.
I don't want to exaggerate but it's steeper than it looks in the vid & the 4wd guys use it as a winching challenge, hence the ruts.
The issue with a big bike might be getting wedged in a rut. But then a guy with your skills would probably just laugh at it, unlike this wimp.

[Woodman]

The steep bit in the vid is mostly clay so if wet it could be like ice, similair to Napolean Hill. I don't want to exaggerate but it's steeper than it looks in the vid & the 4wd guys use it as a winching challenge, hence the ruts.
The issue with a big bike might be getting wedged in a rut. But then a guy with your skills would probably just laugh at it, unlike this wimp.

The thing about going down hill is that you should always get to the bottom, it may not be pretty but you should get down.
In theory

[Transalper]

Is that the hard left coming out of Big River by the sign and takes you to the gravel pit on the other side of the Reefton Saddle?

Think I been down that on the CRF about 6 years ago, have video still waiting to get done on the PC... or was that a photo only trip? Will have to go for a rummage through the files.
We had crossed a bouldery wet river and visited some rundown old hut on our way through and that was our exit.

[XF650]

Think I been down that on the CRF about 6 years ago, have video still waiting to get done on the PC... or was that a photo only trip? Will have to go for a rummage through the files.
We had crossed a bouldery wet river and visited some rundown old hut on our way through and that was our exit.

Not sure we are talking about the same track - I don't remember a river or a hut. As Andy said, we took the one nearest the summit, which eventually met the main road south of Tawhai. There were other side tracks further down, so we will just have to go back to find your hut.

[bart]

Here's my photos of the trip

Finaly got around to watching the movie thing. You bums. Looks like you had far too much fun.

When's the next trip.....

[marks]

Finaly got around to watching the movie thing. You bums. Looks like you had far too much fun.

When's the next trip.....

well I've been down the last 3 years in a row so I see no reason not to head down again in March or April next year.

its fecking awesome riding

where will you be brat-wise by then?

[andy mac]

So the small bike friendly bit is all downhill??

How big bike unfriendly can it be?

I have heard about this track and would like to give it a go.

I'm sure a skilled rider could take a 650 down this track but most people will take a tumble. Personally I wouldn't take the Transalp down.
I thought the rocky sections are the most difficult part. Whereas the chute is steep & OMG but all you can do is get in the rut and paddle down.
Also we were never sure we were on the correct track & were worried we would have to try to go back up again.

[bart]

well I've been down the last 3 years in a row so I see no reason not to head down again in March or April next year.

its fecking awesome riding

where will you be brat-wise by then?

Give me more than 3 days notice and I'll make sure I'm available. I'm sure I can break free from the Bart clan for a long weekend.

I was thinking about a trip that way straight after New Year (Clarence river etc), but the funds might be a bit tight. Might have to get lost in the Norf Island for a few days instead.

[marks]

Give me more than 3 days notice and I'll make sure I'm available. I'm sure I can break free from the Bart clan for a long weekend.

I was thinking about a trip that way straight after New Year (Clarence river etc), but the funds might be a bit tight. Might have to get lost in the Norf Island for a few days instead.

well save your pennies and plan for something in autumn

I finally posted a few photos and lies here