Diggers Ride

**XF650** · 28th February 2012, 14:54

I'v been travelling through Macraes / Middlemarch areas with work lately & been distracted by the sweet gravel roads that wind over & around the hills in that area.
There's also a lot of interesting gold mining history in East Otago, knarley landscapes & great (big sky) scenery.
So, I'v hatched a plan for a 2 day gravel ride, big bike friendly, gold (diggers) theme.

Rough itinerary:
Meet Sat morn at Palmerston gold miners monument. Ride west across Golden Bar Rd & see why there was a coffin buried with just rocks in it.
Check out the Oceana open pit Mine @ Macraes (very big hole, very big dump trucks etc) incl option of a "Customised" mine tour.
Ride to abandoned Golden Point village & battery and see the surprising twist to this place during WW1.
Ride out through lower Oceana mine workings & other "closed" roads (I'v got permission organised).
Then ride the Nenthorn, Moonlight & Bucklands Crossing routes - "Hockenrider" has kindly agreed to help with his local knowledge here.
Sat night at Middlemarch or somewhere similar, to be confirmed. Either way it will be cheap digs in pub or cabins.
Sunday follow the Dunstan Trail gold miners route from Clarks Junction, over the Trail & across the Maniototo to Ranfurly.
From here the queens may wish to head back to their trailers at Palmerston via the Pig Route (interesting side loop option though).
Otherwise ride out Dansey's (heaps of old gold mining stuff at the Pub & workings through the Pass).
Then option of either Myres / Haka Passes or Blackforest Track to home...

Dates:
Either last 2 weekends in March suites me. Or do it after Rainbow closes / Northern Invasion (Easter).
Any other suggestions & who's interested?
If it's a goer I'll put up a calender thingy.
XF

**ADVGD** · 28th February 2012, 15:13

Gi'day mate, sounds like a good run. I am making the most of the rest of the fishing season and have a couple of big trips already booked in, if your ride falls on a free weekend however I am a definite for sure, keep us posted re the dates, cheers

**XF650** · 28th February 2012, 15:48

Originally Posted by ADVGD

Gi'day mate, sounds like a good run. I am making the most of the rest of the fishing season and have a couple of big trips already booked in, if your ride falls on a free weekend however I am a definite for sure, keep us posted re the dates, cheers

Bring your rod - they have trout breeding ponds at Oceana Mine (just pretend ya can't read)

**timg** · 28th February 2012, 17:56

Would have to be after Easter for me. Last two weekends of March are booked with NZ F4 GP and mother inlaws 75th

**XF650** · 28th February 2012, 22:45

Originally Posted by timg

Would have to be after Easter for me. Last two weekends of March are booked with NZ F4 GP and mother inlaws 75th

Bring your mother inlaw - the ride is two up friendly (can she push?).

**cold comfort** · 29th February 2012, 08:10

Hi- would prefer the weekend of the 24th but would be keen (weather permitting). Good opportunity to get some use out of the Tiger before winter. Unlike the BoB, two up no longer an option since my wife dislocated her elbow.

Speaking of which just checked out our track log for the skiing in Canada with Faik.com. Fascinating program. Showed she hit 75km/hr just before she hit the mountain.

**Monstaman** · 29th February 2012, 08:28

Struan I may be a starter depending on my hand, be great to sneak a final ride in if I can

**cold comfort** · 29th February 2012, 08:34

Hi Andi- forgot to ask with all our own orthopedic excitement. How is the hand- improving according to plan?

**Trials Rider** · 29th February 2012, 08:48

Hi Struan

I am in, either weekend in March is cool for me

Just had a thought (sorry about that) when does day light saving finish, would be nice to get in before the change over

Just finished packing now, ready to go

**Jantar** · 29th February 2012, 09:00

Depending on my roster I'll be in at least as far as Meyers. Could be some other southern riders interested as well.

**Monstaman** · 29th February 2012, 09:18

Originally Posted by cold comfort

Hi Andi- forgot to ask with all our own orthopedic excitement. How is the hand- improving according to plan?

Heya Mark

Frustratingly slow, last Tuesday at Hopstial, Xray revealed the screw sticking out of the bone on the outside of my hand... no wonder it feels electrical shock kinda thing

... great need to have another op it remove the screw later, I am over it.

Dates, just talked to the social committee and we are in Catlins Sat 24th weekend but Sat 31st weekend is ok.

**XF650** · 29th February 2012, 09:39

Originally Posted by Jantar

Depending on my roster I'll be in at least as far as Meyers. Could be some other southern riders interested as well.

I have fond memories of you slipping & sliding ya VStrom (on "mild" tyres), over a wet & greasy Dunstan Trail in 2007 - good skills.
Clarksfield Rd is a nice way to loop Meyers Pass with Kurow - I'll show you the way.

**Jantar** · 29th February 2012, 10:24

Originally Posted by XF650

I have fond memories of you slipping & sliding ya VStrom (on "mild" tyres), over a wet & greasy Dunstan Trail in 2007 - good skills.
Clarksfield Rd a nice way to loop Meyers Pass with Kurow - I'll show you the way.

Haha, I remember that ride well. This time I have conti attacks fitted, so sports tyres that are even less suitable than the Scorpions I had back then. And the Dunstan Trail is just as slippery right now, but without the snow, so it could be another interesting ride.

**XF650** · 29th February 2012, 10:46

Originally Posted by Trials Rider

Hi Struan

I am in, either weekend in March is cool for me

Just had a thought (sorry about that) when does day light saving finish, would be nice to get in before the change over

Just finished packing now, ready to go

April 1st but my bike doesn't have a clock so it doesn't matter.