Christchurch to Dusty Butt, Fri 28 Feb 2014

[pouakai]

Bailout points are the Yaldy at 830(!), Blackfords Rd at 10, or Mayfield at 2.
P

[mattsdakar]

Just home from the ride soaked to the skin, but with a big grin..bloody good ride!
Weather was ok to start with, low cloud and not wet until we got to Lake Clearwater where it absolutely pissed down all the way to Mt Sommers, at this point I pulled the pin (just a day ride for me, work tonight) the other 30 odd riders carried on south, I'm guessing that they will probably skipp Orari Gorge and just head to Fairlie by road.
Shingle was all dry and dusty and track from Glenfalloch was pretty dry. No break downs and only one wee off that I saw, god bless ya Kenny you're always entertaining to ride with
Thanks to Chris for organising the ride this year, I certainly had a good day out, best of luck to all the DustyButtas

[XF650]

I think only 8 did Orari Gorge. Team leader's Gagiva didn't look pretty afterwards.

[Eddieb]

Did you guys pass through Waimate on the way?

[cynna]

no so it wasnt us pissin on the shop wall

[pouakai]

I think only 8 did Orari Gorge. Team leader's Gagiva didn't look pretty afterwards.

Nope, it was a sad day for the Elefant. By the time we reached the top of Orari gorge saddle my E-09 front had let me down twice (once at a good pace), the rear brake had developed an airlock and the throttle cable had jammed and it was teaming with rain. Needles to say my moral was sinking like a stone. Sliding down the mud and grass track on the far side with no throttle, no brake, & no traction things went from very bad to very much worse!
Thx to the two brothers riding with us providing moral support( don't know named sorry). Once on the flat I was able to achieve about 80kph using the fast idle/choke lever to make it back to Fairlie just in time for dinner!
Lessons:
E-09 is a totally inadequate front tire for wet conditions.
Don't take a heavy bike through Orari in the wet.
Many bits of terrain that are inconsequential on a trail bike become a lot more 'interesting' on a big bike.
Was feeling pretty bleak on Friday night and thought I might have blown it before it before the event proper had even started with visions of the trailer of humiliation looming large, however a late bedtime saw the trottle cable move again and late depart on sat saw the rear brake bled and we got underway and reached Waimate in time to say hi to TA and Ryan as they left.

[cynna]

Don't take a heavy bike through Orari in the wet.
Many bits of terrain that are inconsequential on a trail bike become a lot more 'interesting' on a big bike.

Thanks for organising the ride - just a shame the weather let us down before Mayfield. I was soaked and knew i would struggle in the Orari in the wet - certainly noticed the extra weight this year over the whole weekend so had a nice slow pace - sorry thepom lol. You still managed to fly by in the Lannamores tho Pouakai - i came off twice in there and had Matts voice ringing in my head "your front hasnt got much tread" - next time will make sure i have a new front on - the tenere is heavy once it has your leg trapped in a rut

[cynna]

and glad you got the Elefant going again and could carry on to do the dusty butt

[chasio]

Thought Pouakai might like this one. 'Twas shortly before my first flat of the weekend.



Thanks for organizing.

[pouakai]

I DO like that one ! Can I get a full res copy to chris at thebayleys dot net ?
Ta
P

[chasio]

I DO like that one ! Can I get a full res copy to pouakai at topsecretemail dot net ?
Ta
P

You have mail

Edit: It was taken with a little cheapie camera so not much res to come, but should be alright.

[chasio]

All from the pre-ride. First three at first pay stop; the other is looking back from the same spot as the Pouakai & son shot.

[mattsdakar]

I DO like that one ! Can I get a full res copy to chris at thebayleys dot net ?
Ta
P

That photo's a great advertisement for adventure riding, if I'm not mistaken I believe that's a father and son shot?

[chasio]

That photo's a great advertisement for adventure riding, if I'm not mistaken I believe that's a father and son shot?

Crossed posts (see above), but I reckon so.

[pete-blen]

Did you guys pass through Waimate on the way?

nope.... but 150 bikes did the next day... Waimate is the first re-fueling stop for most on the saturday..