South Island Passes Ride 2008

[Transalper]

Just looking at the map, both Lees Pass and the Okuku Pass are on the same side of the big river so if they go in from the Loburn end they can get both then back out the same way.
Okuku Fox Creek, the big one, is now flowing about 11.67cumecs and still climbing.
Had txt reply this morning from Helen but since then all this rain is washing away my enthusiasm.

[Transalper]

And for my last post here today, Phone call from them, they still at Hokotika, having a slow day and will skip Lees Valley today with the weather like it is, go finish it another time.
A sensible call in my opnion... and I get to stay warm and dry too.

[tri boy]

Quick update. got out of Cromwell this morning as I could see a break in the weather, (plus got sick of being ripped off for fuel/accom/food), that place is unusual for it's charging system. All the Bulls must be in on the game.
Did a tarseal run throgh Hasst pass etc, and have made it to Hokitika a little damp, but missed most of the wet.
Hope to take in some back roads in this area and Murchison. Might even give Nordies Mangatapu track a go if the weather settles.
The days are starting to wind down now.

[helenoftroy]

back safe and sound.

Will post more from work tonight

Pleased were not on the bikes today-very,very wet in CHCH

[tri boy]

So after a relaxed night in Hokitika (eating pizza, and watching "I am Legend" at the local cinema), the morning saw the scrambler heading to Lake Brunner on some gravel roads, and a chance meeting with Mike Britten near Bell Hill, (he was waiting for some trail bikes to turn up) convinced me to tackle the Porika track on Fatty.
The fact that it had been pissing down for a day or two, and that it wasn't really Scrambler terrain totally slipped my mind.
And also a chance meeting with puttytat at Springs Junction(who gave me a cautious "have a go" sealed the deal. Cheers Clint
So up Mangles valley we went. At the start of the track, tyre pressures dropped, I had a quick slurp of H2O, and up we went.
Twas a challenge for sure.But in the end the scrambler got through without hitting the deck, so all was good.
Wet slippery, steep tracks with alot of expossed rocks is the best wat to discribe it. But I got through.

tomorrow should have me having a coffee with Nordie Boy, and maybe a shot at the his favourite haunt.

PS marks. I'm back in St Anaud this evening, but not staying at Top House.
One night sleeping with a spook is enough.

[chanceyy]

great write up guys & thanks for the pics


Brent .. sounds like your having an absolute blast

[NordieBoy]

tomorrow should have me having a coffee with Nordie Boy, and maybe a shot at the his favourite haunt.

The Maungatapu would be almost unrecognisable to anyone who has been over it recently...

1st photo is about 3 corners past the first bridge on the Nelson side and near the first pylon track and the 2nd photo is the famous and very rocky Jantar's Rock section...

[Jantar]

It looks like its been bulldozed into a road.

[twotyred]

looks almost suitable for the family Volvo...

[NordieBoy]

It's actually slower now as the surface is softer too.

A couple of rains and it should bog up real nice

Mid winter and it should be fun again

I think this will be the track maintainence done for a few years now.

[grogan]

Looks like an awesome trip you guys !

[MyGSXF:Me]

AWESOME write up's & pics guys!!!!! Looks like a total blast was had by all.. despite the weather but...

ps: just added a couple of pics to my post, from the other day..

[helenoftroy]

Adventure on my days off(part time work rocks)

After Delphinus & I left RedKLR & timg at Waihoa Downs we cruised to Oamaru and had a long yummy tea.Sorry to be a worry being late to Nasby Jantar & Stromfrauwe were just enjoying Trotters George and the Pig Root-great roads.Swapped bikes for a while,Jack discovered the DR had some cobwebs that needed removing(can it Really go that fast??)and I found his Givi screen buffeted the wind directly onto my visor......

Thursday we headed over Danseys Pass on a purfect road(just damp)awesome ridingCruised into Kurow petrol station.Attendant walks over talking on phone"you guys off to visit John?have a chat"!!
A short time later coffee & food with Oldrider(John)and Mrs O/R then off to Hawea.Delphinus & I rode some shingle at Tarras.Goodbye to the georgeous Tiger & our two riding friends and in beautiful warm sunshine we headed for Makaroa.Had a refreshing swim in Lake Wanaka on the way past..............

[helenoftroy]

Fantastic ride through the stunning Haast,stopping to offer a bit of help to an English couple struggling with a flat tyre.

Through to Franz and the weather stayed good.One of us had an early night and the other was a bit late cause there were Glow worms that couldnt be found and a blonde Brit with Baileys and hot chocolate....

Torrential rain all night-but had stopped by the time we departed in the morning(Friday) but roads were very wet.Delphinus just made it to Ross for fuelI was planning senarios for when he ran out.........

We consulted with Transalper when in Hokitika and made decision to not attempt Lees & Okuku Passes.Timg also keeping us informed on rain/river conditions.Thanks guys.Jack happy to come back to complete his ride.

Old Christchurch Rd(gravel)next,she proved a bit of a challenge!!Raining,wets on and we struck wet mud,clay then followed the grader thru deep wet fresh shingle.The XT had a close inspection of the new gravel but it was all my fault eh Jack

Rain eased & on thru Arthurs & Porters Passes.Snow on Porters ,she was coldBoth bikes running rough and protesting.Down thu Oxford(rivers were very high...)and home for hot showers and baths.

Thank to all you guys who joined us and Especially Jantar for his expert organisational skills.Awesome scenery,new and exciting roads.We live in a great country.

Good on you young Delphinus for doing the whole ride(nearly) and for putting up with me.
I really enjoyed your company you are a fine young gentleman

[NordieBoy]

tomorrow should have me having a coffee with Nordie Boy, and maybe a shot at the his favourite haunt.

It was very muddy and slippery...

A couple of... incidents... later we were icecreaming at Pelorus and came back through the Rai with all the traffic in the world.

Here's the Scrambler getting some TLC after...