South Island Passes Ride 2008

**helenoftroy** · 19th February 2008, 23:11

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

It's an adventure ride, not a dirt adventure ride.
The Dusty Butt was a dirt adventure ride and the Tasman Dust Buster will be too.

There has to be some rides for the more road biased bikes/riders out there.

Hopefully I'll be on the next passes ride.

Well said

Its an awesome adventure and I hope I get to do the whole thing next time.

Sure a fair portion of seal is riden but Jantar had added twisty bits and gravel fixes between the passes.

A mix of bikes can take part.The DR did just fine,no screen and stock seat.I was well pleased with how she went(only missed the old GS occassionally......

)

**marks** · 20th February 2008, 07:19

Originally Posted by Jantar

So are you saying that a ride over every pass that has a road over it should miss out all passes on sealed roads (13 out of 26)?

I suppose what I am really saying is that I don't enjoy riding on main roads and that for me the idea of going long distances on main roads just to 'tick a box' when I have traveled over a certain pass doesn't push my buttons.

Tri Boy and I rode from Picton to Hamner Springs and then St Arnaud and only traveled about 20km on main roads. That is what pushes my buttons.

Each to their own (which is my polite way of saying that 'you're all allowed to be wrong if you want to

')

**tri boy** · 20th February 2008, 10:17

I understand where marks is coming from with regards to the sealed passes.
I think the term "passes" may have different meanings to different folks. Either way, it was still a good time had down sth. (although, those deep sthern folk sure do rool their "r"s)

Anway, I can't be arsed writing up a seperate ride report related to my wanderings, so I will post a few pics instead.
Twas good to meet a few more KBers. timg,helen, delphius, jantar, puddytat,redklr, etc.
Thanks to Chancey and marks and nordieboy for the accom along the way also.
Sorry if I've forgotten anyone.....and on with some pics.

Molesworth. Hot, and hotter that day.

**tri boy** · 20th February 2008, 10:21

Some Rainbow shots.

**tri boy** · 20th February 2008, 10:26

St Anaud accom and region.

**tri boy** · 20th February 2008, 10:32

The ride sth was wet. But meeting up with timg etc was cool.

**tri boy** · 20th February 2008, 10:38

Haka, and Dansey's passes.

**tri boy** · 20th February 2008, 10:44

Otago and Rough Ridge Region.
Avoiding the weather fronts became a game of "Cat n Mouse" over the next five days.

**tri boy** · 20th February 2008, 10:47

Thompsons Track. (aka Rise n Shine).

**deanohit** · 20th February 2008, 10:50

Gee mate, looks like your haveing an absolute ball down there!

Good on ya.

**tri boy** · 20th February 2008, 10:52

Old Gold workings on the Thompsons. (went for a fossick but found nil).
The weather started to close in again, so I got off the hill, and headed for Cromwell.

**tri boy** · 20th February 2008, 10:56

After a night in Cromwell, I headed for the West coast to avoid rain via Hasst pass. The Coast turned on a blue sky, but rain caught up as I travelled to Hokitika. This bloke had little to say.

**tri boy** · 20th February 2008, 11:02

Meet puddytat at Springs Junction, and he cautiously said to have a go at the Porika track.

Also had a chat to Mike Britton on Bell Hill Rd, and he said the same. Lake Brunner was moody but magical.

**tri boy** · 20th February 2008, 11:10

Spent another night in St Anaud before heading over to Nelson to meet up with Nordieboy, and have a crack at the Mangatapu.
Had one little spill, but fortunately no real damage, bar the camera screen. I think Fran was surprised at how the maintenance areas had packed up so quickly. The digger driver needs some lessons in correct fill material.

A night at Frans and then back to marks in the Nth island to pick up some gear. And home to Kanny.
All up. Not a bad way to spend a couple of weeks.

PS Anyone want to clean my bike?