2013 Queen's Birthday Ride - Canterbury

[ADVGD]

I was unable to source a stator so was unable to rejoin the team.

When any of the riders return home can you kindly check in to confirm all are home safe and well, cheers

[Crim]

you could have come and grabbed the KLR but she is unregistered and warranted at the moment (waiting to get my back fused) and taking that big lug up any gnarly terrain is like trying to get a camel across a tightrope - possible, but could just as easily be blood and guts (or is that just me with the riding skills of a dead goat??)
anyway - rotten luck, mate - bloody good of you to organise great rides for other people, though!

[ADVGD]

Update message for friends/family of the riders:

They have not yet reported that they are out as yet. By following the planned route (after I returned for mechanical repairs on Saturday) they will have made it up the Havelock River as the flows were relatively low, however, the rain on Saturday night would have pushed river levels too high to get back out. This is a typical situation with this valley that many riders/hunters/4X4 drivers etc experience; this is not life threatening and is of no need for alarm, just the nature of the way the river flows against bluffs that does not allow a shallow river exit. There are a number of huts with warm fires to seek refuge, I anticipate they will be tucked up in a warm hut waiting for rivers to recede for a safe exit.

For safety reassurance, in the ride prep document each rider had to bring (and did bring) :
- A tent
- Sleeping bag/gear
- Warm clothes
- Full spare change of warm clothes
- Two days spare food
- Cooking gear

I have spoken with a local contact (Fire rescue) with an intimate knowledge of the area they are in. Rivers are currently very high, the weather front that came through amplified and was far more severe than any forecast indicated and has taken many by surprise. He also commented they will naturally need to sit it out till waters recede and a hut is the best place to do this.

For safeties sake I have notified the Police/Search and Rescue. With their current situation (warm gear, sleeping gear, food and no medical conditions) there is no alarm however the normal procedure will be followed to ensure all members in the party and safe and return home as soon as possible.

I will update as news comes to hand.

[cooneyr]

Update message for friends/family of the riders:

They have not yet reported that they are out as yet. By following the planned route (after I returned for mechanical repairs on Saturday) they will have made it up the Havelock River as the flows were relatively low, however, the rain on Saturday night would have pushed river levels too high to get back out. This is a typical situation with this valley that many riders/hunters/4X4 drivers etc experience; this is not life threatening and is of no need for alarm, just the nature of the way the river flows against bluffs that does not allow a shallow river exit. There are a number of huts with warm fires to seek refuge, I anticipate they will be tucked up in a warm hut waiting for rivers to recede for a safe exit. . . .

. . . I have spoken with a local contact (Fire rescue) with an intimate knowledge of the area they are in. Rivers are currently very high, the weather front that came through amplified and was far more severe than any forecast indicated and has taken many by surprise. . . . .

Yikes Josh what have you done to the poor buggers! Sounds like the adventure of a lifetime! Why does all the fun stuff happen when I'm at home lol.

On more serious note rain is one thing. Hope the snow that went up eastern side of alps didnt get that far north.

Maybe the local clydes will get a work out when the time is right.

If there is anything I can do to help let me know.

Cheers R

[cynna]

damn thats not good to hear - hope they are not getting too wet

[NordieBoy]

Sounds like the start of the Erzberg Rodeo. Here's hoping they're safe.

[ADVGD]

I am confident they will be tucked up safely in a hut. They are equipped with warm clothing and extra food, this situation was planned for if it did play out. There are some smart heads in the group, they know the huts up the valley, they'll be doing the right things

The scrappy front that came through was forecast to push through by mid-Monday, however it intensified and hung around for an extra day. It is currently pushing North and clearing in the area where they are so the rivers will recede quickly, I anticipate they'll be out today safe and sound.

[Woodman]

Bugger, Spose its just a waiting game now.

How long does it take for the rivers to go down again?

[ADVGD]

Just been informed, as expected, the boys are waiting it out in a hut. All 6 are accounted for, all safe and sound.

Another hunting party is also waiting in the hut for the water to recede.

One hunting party in a more serious 4X4 managed to make it out and pass on the message they are all ok.

[Padmei]

Riiiiight the stator blew up just before you got to the part with a swollen river? Hmmmmm...... I spose you took their money before you left them?


That area was on Country calendar last nite. Absolutely amazing country. They were following a high country muster where the farmer takes all their supplies over the Havelock river on a high wagon pulled by Clydesdales. Well worth a watch if you get a chance.
Poor buggers. A mate is down that way hunting - hope the weather gets better for them.

Just wondering- if you had to eat someone from your party would you choose the fattest or skinniest?

[Woodman]

Riiiiight the stator blew up just before you got to the part with a swollen river? Hmmmmm...... I spose you took their money before you left them?


That area was on Country calendar last nite. Absolutely amazing country. They were following a high country muster where the farmer takes all their supplies over the Havelock river on a high wagon pulled by Clydesdales. Well worth a watch if you get a chance.
Poor buggers. A mate is down that way hunting - hope the weather gets better for them.

Just wondering- if you had to eat someone from your party would you choose the fattest or skinniest?

Always eat the skinny guy.


From a fat guy.

[Crim]

Always eat the skinny guy.
From a fat guy.

if I'm not there eat the fat guy - cos then he eats less and you may come out with one more - if I am there as above!

[cynna]

dont think there would be much meat on TA and he would need less food so i would save him for last. i would eat Matt first then ride out on the xr

[Woodman]

If everyone is of similar size then eat the DR riders first.

[ADVGD]

Update:

River flows have subsided from 430+ cumecs to around 200 cumecs, ideally it needs to subside to no more than 100 cumecs to exit. The lads will have to gather some more firewood for the night as they will most likely be coming out tomorrow morning. With the break in the weather, by tomorrow morning the flows will well and truly be fordable.