Otaki Gorge, Grundys, Thompsons, Manakau ridge run

[gav24]

I'd like to come and play, how serious do the tyres have to be? I've got moderately worn Shinko 705s on both ends, and a couple of knobblys in the shed, but would rather not change change them if I dont have to.

Edit: just saw post 138 - seems to answer the question.

there are only a couple of pinch points on this ride - from memory! I'm gonna be running an almost bald Michelin t63, so I'll push you if you push me...

Should be good fun, and always an adventure when Shane's in charge! Cant wait.

[stormtrooper]

there are only a couple of pinch points on this ride - from memory! I'm gonna be running an almost bald Michelin t63, so I'll push you if you push me...

Should be good fun, and always an adventure when Shane's in charge! Cant wait.

Going bald doesnt sound like much fun!

STORMTROOPER

[pete376403]

Knobblies fitted, also gone 1 tooth smaller on the front sprocket. Even registered the thing. Anyone bringing a tyre pump? I've got spare tubes (front and rear). And a large roll of duct tape.

[manakau.KTM]

I'll have some tyre levers and in case the vegetation gets a little close, I'll also pack a pruning saw

[gav24]

New knobblies, pruning saws - Gonna be one hell of a ride!
My prep has been ..er...taking off the mirrors! - oh yeah, and the pannier racks!
Wondering how deep those puddles are gonna be this time!
See you all in the morning.

[stormtrooper]

Ok for those attending the ride, i have been around today to get the thumbs up from the farmer and to let him know a group of us will be going in tomorrow, also checked the entry point at otaki and its all good.

STORMTROOPER

[stormtrooper]

Knobblies fitted, also gone 1 tooth smaller on the front sprocket. Even registered the thing. Anyone bringing a tyre pump? I've got spare tubes (front and rear). And a large roll of duct tape.

Nice one Pete look forward to catching up with you tomorrow

STORMTROOPER

[pete376403]

Thing I learned today.

KLRs are very top heavy with a full tank of gas.

I'm getting old.

Most people can ride my KLR better than me.

Stormtrooper knows some nice, and some not so nice tracks

Locked gates are not necessarily impassable.

I'm really bloody old.

When people say "leave your bike and walk down there" it's pretty good advice.

And despite the bruises and assorted lumps that were not there this morning, I did have a (mostly) great time today.

Thanks to all for waiting.

[Box'a'bits]

Thanks Pete. I was waiting to hear how it went.

I'm reasonably comfortable I didn't try to take Gus in there then. Good that you all got out okay..

[stormtrooper]

Well that ride had the fun factor, there were lots of moments in there where you just had to battle through it, hang on and hopefuly stay on or crash and burn, and there were afew of those.
The track was very overgrown with sliperly moss on the rocks and bloodly branches waiting to smack you in the face and body, it was tuff in there but we made it to the end and the rewards were like being in heaven.

A big thanks to all that came out for the ride it shaped up to be a ripper.
Pics to come

STORMTROOPER

[Yoth]

Thanks guys, great intro to kiwi riding!! Looking forward to the next one...

[stormtrooper]

Getting ready to go, and Yoth heading up the first up hill section

[gav24]

Nice one everyone!
The rewards of finishing a ride like that make it all worth while... Especially the fantastic hospitality at the end. Thanks again Manakau ktm (Wayne? sorry I'm shit at remembering names).
I didnt take any photos, mostly cos I'm crap with a camera and enjoy looking at everyone elses.
Dont think any bike or rider made it through unscathed yesterday! My list is pretty short, cut neck, bruised ribs from those bloody branches, bent gear lever, bent bar clamp mounting bolt, and a repair needed (again) to the indicators. Plenty of new scratches an scrapes to the helmet and plastics as well, "badges of honour" men, "Badges of Honour"!
Think we should send an invoice to the farmer/DoC/whoever for clearing his track so well - bloody trees, bloody mountain bikers! - No bloody problem!
Nice one Shane, although I think that route into Gundy's from Otaki maybe slightly suspect on the legal front...Hmmm! All good in the end though, noone arrested, or shot!

[andy mac]

Well today my body is telling me that Mt Thompson is a frigging bouncy climb, and top respect to you guys on the 600+ cc bikes for getting your heavy metal up and down the mountain!

[andy mac]

and more pics