South Island Passes Ride 2008

**tri boy** · 15th January 2008, 13:36

thanks for the details.

I was planning on the 7thfeb to cross the straight, and head down from then.

I will get my A into G now that Clints ride is done.
Hope to meet up with windboy either traveling down, or after the 5passes.

Just got off the phone to Doc. They are reassessing the Molesworth this weekend due to fire risk. Looks like it will close early. I will call them next Tues for an outcome.

**fleethaul** · 15th January 2008, 18:54

Originally Posted by Jantar

Yes, Rural man and I had a little discussion about it over the weekend, and it is 11th February start.
.

Due to business commitments I will be a non starter this year. TheDuck01 has agreed to do the building work on a project and subject to council consents we start building that week, that will count him out too.
Have a great trip, last year will take some topping mind you, and ride safe.

Jeff

**Racing Dave** · 15th January 2008, 19:21

I guess it all depends on how much importance you place on riding ALL the possible South Island passes, but I think you’ve given up too easily. Considering that with almost no organizational effort you can get to 90% of them, wouldn’t it be worth a little trouble to ride the final three, and complete the set?

Regarding Saxton Pass, have you rung Jim Ward, the manager of Molesworth, and asked him for access? Anyway, don’t worry about DOC, there’s no chance of them even noticing you’re there (unless they read Kiwi Biker, which I doubt), and the most they can do is ask you to leave an area where, in their opinion, you shouldn’t be. The roads in Molesworth are so confusing, I wouldn’t be surprised if, after crossing the Acheron River, you accidentally ventured up the track to the Pass by mistake and found yourselves 5km off track, before realising it and heading back. Sometimes it’s easier to obtain forgiveness rather than permission.

Regarding Big Pass, just 2km to its west is the vehicle track (rough and stony, but rideable) along the east bank of the Tekapo River. I’d never advocate trespassing, but again I wouldn’t be shocked if you made a navigational error and found yourselves briefly on the wrong track, and returned to the river once you realized.

Even Wilmot Pass isn’t hugely difficult to get to. When a mate and I rode our XR250s there a few years ago, we obtained from DOC a concession for access, an agreement from the barge owners to take us on a regular crossing of Lake Manapouri (they leave from Supply Bay, just north of the town, rather than the tourist jetty at Pearl Harbour), and further agreement from the tug captain. I’ve forgotten his name, but he’s a motorcycle rider, and had no issues with us coming over. You also get the chance to ride to the top of Percy Saddle, which is quite an experience. We paid $10 each, for the return journey. I suspect the money went into their morning tea fund, and so it should, as two light bikes made no difference to the barge’s load, and the paperwork is simplified.

It takes some inconvenience to get all these details arranged, but after all, the whole journey is an adventure, and a trip riding over every pass can be achieved if you put your mind to it. Be the first to complete the lot. Good luck.

**windboy** · 15th January 2008, 19:32

Originally Posted by Racing Dave

I guess it all depends on how much importance you place on riding ALL the possible South Island passes, but I think you’ve given up too easily. Considering that with almost no organizational effort you can get to 90% of them, wouldn’t it be worth a little trouble to ride the final three, and complete the set?

Regarding Saxton Pass, have you rung Jim Ward, the manager of Molesworth, and asked him for access? Anyway, don’t worry about DOC, there’s no chance of them even noticing you’re there (unless they read Kiwi Biker, which I doubt), and the most they can do is ask you to leave an area where, in their opinion, you shouldn’t be. The roads in Molesworth are so confusing, I wouldn’t be surprised if, after crossing the Acheron River, you accidentally ventured up the track to the Pass by mistake and found yourselves 5km off track, before realising it and heading back. Sometimes it’s easier to obtain forgiveness rather than permission.

Regarding Big Pass, just 2km to its west is the vehicle track (rough and stony, but rideable) along the east bank of the Tekapo River. I’d never advocate trespassing, but again I wouldn’t be shocked if you made a navigational error and found yourselves briefly on the wrong track, and returned to the river once you realized.

Even Wilmot Pass isn’t hugely difficult to get to. When a mate and I rode our XR250s there a few years ago, we obtained from DOC a concession for access, an agreement from the barge owners to take us on a regular crossing of Lake Manapouri (they leave from Supply Bay, just north of the town, rather than the tourist jetty at Pearl Harbour), and further agreement from the tug captain. I’ve forgotten his name, but he’s a motorcycle rider, and had no issues with us coming over. You also get the chance to ride to the top of Percy Saddle, which is quite an experience. We paid $10 each, for the return journey. I suspect the money went into their morning tea fund, and so it should, as two light bikes made no difference to the barge’s load, and the paperwork is simplified.

It takes some inconvenience to get all these details arranged, but after all, the whole journey is an adventure, and a trip riding over every pass can be achieved if you put your mind to it. Be the first to complete the lot. Good luck.

greetings racingdave,

are all the roads you mention here ridable on your gs1200a?

later,

**Jantar** · 15th January 2008, 19:46

Originally Posted by Racing Dave

....Anyway, don’t worry about DOC, there’s no chance of them even noticing you’re there (unless they read Kiwi Biker, which I doubt), and the most they can do is ask you to leave an area where, in their opinion, you shouldn’t be. ...

Regarding Big Pass, just 2km to its west is the vehicle track (rough and stony, but rideable) along the east bank of the Tekapo River. I’d never advocate trespassing, but again I wouldn’t be shocked if you made a navigational error and found yourselves briefly on the wrong track, and returned to the river once you realized....

This attitude is exactly why we didn't get permission for Big Pass last year. Another group did just as you suggested and left the gates open allowing sheep to get out etc.

**RedKLR650** · 15th January 2008, 23:17

Originally Posted by Racing Dave

I guess it all depends on how much importance you place on riding ALL the possible South Island passes, but I think you’ve given up too easily. Considering that with almost no organizational effort you can get to 90% of them, wouldn’t it be worth a little trouble to ride the final three, and complete the set?
It takes some inconvenience to get all these details arranged, but after all, the whole journey is an adventure, and a trip riding over every pass can be achieved if you put your mind to it. Be the first to complete the lot. Good luck.

Whats with this final 3 bit, there are a few others too inconvenient to add to a ride like this without adding extra days to the ride

A typical example is Flanagan Pass about 10kms up a track off the Glen Lyon road behind Lake Ohau. ( See map )

Maybe you'd like to organise next years effort and "Get them all " ?

Regards, Stu

**tri boy** · 16th January 2008, 11:34

So, besides the actual sailing time/date,(probably 8th) this is my proposed route into ChCh to join the ride.
Please correct me if I'm off track.

Picton -Blenheim via hwy1.

Out through Renwick on 63, to St Anaud. (wanted to try the nthern side of the Wairau and cross over, but by myself this could turn to shit. Fuel up at St Anaud, and head through the Rainbow Road to Hanmer.

Pick up fuel, and take hwy7 to Hurunui, Top up fuel, and head out to Masons Flat to some road that roughly follows the Waipara river, and ends about 8km nth of Amberly.

Head down hwy1 to Amberly, and travel out to Ashley via Sefton, then cross the Ashley rvr and use 71 and 74 into ChCh.

My other idea if I split the ride, was to go Picton-Nelson-Belgrove via hwy6, and park up at Golden Down, Tophouse, or St Anaud? Thoughts?

Q: Split this into a two day ride?

Q: Think I should try the Wairau crossing?

Q: Will the feral locals try to rape me?

**cooneyr** · 16th January 2008, 11:49

Originally Posted by tri boy

So, besides the actual sailing time/date,(probably 8th) this is my proposed route into ChCh to join the ride.
Please correct me if I'm off track.

Picton -Blenheim via hwy1.

Out through Renwick on 63, to St Anaud. (wanted to try the nthern side of the Wairau and cross over, but by myself this could turn to shit. Fuel up at St Anaud, and head through the Rainbow Road to Hanmer.

Pick up fuel, and take hwy7 to Hurunui, Top up fuel, and head out to Masons Flat to some road that roughly follows the Waipara river, and ends about 8km nth of Amberly.

Head down hwy1 to Amberly, and travel out to Ashley via Sefton, then cross the Ashley rvr and use 71 and 74 into ChCh.

Q: Split this into a two day ride?

Q: Think I should try the Wairau crossing?

Q: Will the feral locals try to rape me?

Q1: One long day would easily see it cut. I would guesstimate about 7-8 hours

Q2: Dont try crossing the Wairau. Stones to big and river has potential to be very narsty. Check out this thread. I dumped it on a dry section of river bed due to rock size and I ride a trials bike compared to the submarine

Q3: Only if you want them too

Other points - No fuel in Hurunui. Fill up at Hanmer should be enough to Rangiora or Chch. Why are you going out to Amberly? Do Ram Paddock Road, Mound Road, Mount Brown Road, Douglas Road, Reserve Road, Balcairn Amberly Road, Upper Sefton Road, (through Rangiora), SH71. If your new to the area and the Sth Islnd Passes ride doesnt follow this route, from Rangiora take Oxford Road, Depot Road, Minchins Road, Old West Coast Road. This way you get to see the upper Waimak Bridge. Would add about another 1.5 hours to the ride time though.

Cheers R

**Racing Dave** · 16th January 2008, 12:05

I had thought of Flanagan Pass, and there are probably others, too, but after the negativity regarding Big and Saxton I thought I'd get barked at. That happened anyway. Oh, well.

**tri boy** · 16th January 2008, 12:26

Thanks for the info cooneyr

I will take your route advise, as its all new territory to me. Probably will split it into 2days, and enjoy it, since this is just the start.

After the passes ride, I hope to spend about 5-6more days quietly checking out some easy gravel roads, plus the gravel rides around the Marlborough Sounds.
Got to be back in the Waikato on or about the 21st, unless I can shuffle a few more meetings.(getting quite excited about this trip).

Still havn't made a decision on my tyres.

I will be thrilled if the Molesworth stays open till about 10/2, then I will bypass the Rainbow until the northern run. Fingers/Toes/Testies double crossed.

**Zukin** · 16th January 2008, 13:05

Hi Jantar

I will not be attending this ride, I am working on my own tour down there later in the year

Cheers Scott

**ducatijim** · 16th January 2008, 17:55

Originally Posted by Jantar

This attitude is exactly why we didn't get permission for Big Pass last year. Another group did just as you suggested and left the gates open allowing sheep to get out etc.

Well said Malcolm, as a land owner myself, I appreciate being ASKED first, not given an excuse later.

This demonstrates a real bad attitude, which if predominate, will ultimately reduce the likelyhood of access being granted for ALL sorts of offroad activities in the future, and does NOTHING to enhance the already tarnished view of offroaders being 'bad boys'.....some of 'us' have already featured in primetime news on TV recently, carving up the unstable terrain around some old goldfields down ur way.

I applaude your stand.

**tri boy** · 19th January 2008, 17:19

Things are flowing quite nicely at my end re this ride. Looks like I might be able to swing about two weeks down sth, so hopefully I will catch up with a few people.
I'm bringing the camping gear down, so if some kind soul will let me stash it at their place while i'm doing the passes ride, it would be appreciated. (ChCh I guess).
Hope to catch up with windboy somewhere, and plan on pitching the tent up in the Marlborough Sounds for a few days. (Deanohit, got any good spots you know of?).
Still got one or two Q's if you please:

5Pases ride, whats the seal/gravel ratio, and the approx seal km's?
(I might leave the E-07 on the rear, and the 1/2 worn TKC on the front. No point in wasting a new set of TKC's if there is heaps of tarmac).

After the ride, can anyone pass on info about other desirable routes?
Old man range, Rise n shine suitable?
Will stop bothering you now. (for a while)

PS If anybody wants to catch up for a coffee, or bevvy at any stage, drop me a pm with mob# and location.

**awayatc** · 20th January 2008, 11:20

Originally Posted by tri boy

I'm bringing the camping gear down, so if some kind soul will let me stash it at their place while i'm doing the passes ride, it would be appreciated. (ChCh I guess).
Hope to catch up with windboy somewhere, and plan on pitching the tent up in the Marlborough Sounds for a few days. (Deanohit, got any good spots you know of?).
Still got one or two Q's if you please:

5Pases ride, whats the seal/gravel ratio, and the approx seal km's?
(I might leave the E-07 on the rear, and the 1/2 worn TKC on the front. No point in wasting a new set of TKC's if there is heaps of tarmac).

PS If anybody wants to catch up for a coffee, or bevvy at any stage, drop me a pm with mob# and location.

White bay few kms from Rarangi between Picton and Blenheim is nice, (doc) gravel road between Picton and White bay. Tarseal and windy with stunning vistas from Rarangi....
Can't go wrong in the sounds....look on the map lots to choose from.

You can drop off your gear at my place if you want. Drop me a pm (woodend Beach-2km of main drag 6km before kaiapoi)

Just done fair bit of gravel (Mlolesworth- rainbow-taylor-keneperu) on bridgestone trailwings...no grip, barely more then roadtyres...No problem.
Most of the gravel is pretty good, molesworth you can do on a nifty fifty, only a little bit of skill required on Rainbow at the northern end....So you don't have to go all hardcore, up to you. My "slicks" provided me with some entertainment...kept the smile on the dial..

( being ablte to do punctures yourself advisable.....

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Good luck