42 traverse

**offrd** · 27th February 2008, 19:57

Originally Posted by marks

I had an E09 on the back of my 660 and it was fine in the wet (didnt like wet white lines - but then what does?) it also lasted really well and had good bite off road.

Yes i found that out the other day on the wide white stripes under braking!

Saved it, so

**Aslan** · 27th February 2008, 21:24

Originally Posted by Crisis management

One (or two) words....Adventure ride!

I've just had a consult with offrd, as at least he has been down the traverse recently, and the consensus is that even in a bit of rain it is worth a go.
I understand the concern about the weather but as long as it isn't torrential I believe it is do-able by most riders. It's not a race and I intend to take all neccessary care, worst case, we turn around after doing some of it.

Right, I'm going to be at the Traverse on sunday, hopefully with some of you others!

Hi Crisis management - I'm planning on coming barring crazy storm conditions - recall we did the Whanagamomona / Kiwi Road ride in continuous rain conditions last winter.

I'm planning to stay at Raurimu on Sat night so would expect to meet you all at the start of the track on Highway 47 if that makes sense. Do you have an anticipated time to be at the start of the track?

Also, if anyone is interested I'd be keen for an attempt on Fisher's Track (near National Park) on Saturday afternoon.

Cheers - Aslan

**Crisis management** · 28th February 2008, 07:46

Aslan, the current plan is 10.00am at Turangi so I suppose 10.30ish at Kapoors? road on SH47.
Fishers track sounds good, I can't do it saturday but I had it as a fall back if the traverse proved too "technical". The info I have on Fishers suggests it can be slippery when wet and warns of quicksands and bogs if you venture off the track. The track's about 8km long and sounds like a bit of fun, hope you get to do it!

**Aslan** · 28th February 2008, 10:59

Thanks Crisis Management for info about Fisher's Track - in the event I nose in there Sat PM it will be with caution.

Have just received larger gas tank (Clarke) from the US for my little DR so am about to fit that in anticipation of the weekend.

Please PM me your cell phone number Iain so that I can confirm plans for Sunday based on the actual weather. At this stage I'm committed to setting off for Raurimu on Sat AM. Cheers Aslan aka Stephen O

**tri boy** · 28th February 2008, 11:16

Have a good ride people.

Me and Kanny are off to the Trump Rally at Lk Okataina. Weather might be a bit rainy, but Sunday may clear.
At least the weather should limit the amount of traffic on the crossing.

**clint640** · 29th February 2008, 07:42

Sorry guys, I'm going to have to pass on this one, the logistics of getting tyre/chain/sprockets/packed/organised for our Sth Is trip in a week, visiting GreerADV in Waikato, helping mates with the race truck as promised.... have all got a bit too complicated. Have Fun!

Cheers
Clint

**Crisis management** · 29th February 2008, 07:47

Sorry you can't make it Clint, have a great south island trip and maybe we will get to meet at Kawhia?

**K slider** · 29th February 2008, 19:25

Cant come as insurance co cant make mind up, anyway collar bone not healed yet.
Have a great ride guys.

**Aslan** · 1st March 2008, 06:26

Originally Posted by K slider

Cant come as insurance co cant make mind up, anyway collar bone not healed yet.
Have a great ride guys.

K slider aka Pete - sorry you're not fully recovered from the Makairo - thanks for sorting my rear wheel bearing Pete.

I'm heading out at 8am going up the Whanganui River Road to Raurimu today is the plan. Hope to meet up with those of you coming from the North on Sun AM. Cheers Aslan

PS thanks to Tri boy and Clint640 for the best wishes to us doing this ride. Hope to see you both at the CCA here in Wellywood

**offrd** · 1st March 2008, 19:46

Due to increasing bad weather, consistant rain and wind it has been decided after phonecalls between Aslan, Crisis Management and myself that this adventure is postponed.

The area was evaluated today and is believed to be too slippery and unpredictable to be safe due to this track being so isolated and no evacuation or escape routes available (other than air ambulance!

) No phone coverage etc etc..... I even talked to the

who would not lend me their 4x4 for a rescue should it be needed.....

Please notify any others that had thought of going.

**clint640** · 2nd March 2008, 08:44

Probably a good call, I'm looking down the lake from me mum's place in Taupo right now & the weather looks like arse around the mountain.

Will definitely be at the CCA Aslan, We're all registered & paid for already!

Cheers
Clint

**tri boy** · 2nd March 2008, 13:33

Good call guys.
No need to push the safety boundaries, just for the hell of it.
48hrs of constant light/heavy rain at Lake Okataina over the weekend often had me thinking about your cancellation option.
Avoid the big spills, and ride another day.

**Aslan** · 2nd March 2008, 20:38

thanks offrd, clint640 and tri boy for your comments - I was disappointed we didn't tackle the 42nd traverse but believe it was the right decision.

Had a good ride to and from Raurimu where I spent Sat night - travelling via the Whanganui river road (more of it is being sealed grrrr) and back via Turakina Valley Road.

The little DR350 was a lot of fun.

On Sat PM i travelled over Fisher's Track and was pleased to be on the little DR and not my 1150GS.

Following are some pics I took on Fisher's track yesterday afternoon. I had the front of the little DR wash out once in the slippery conditions.

cheers Aslan

**marks** · 2nd March 2008, 21:23

I'm sorry you guys didn't get to go. I drove down today from Tauranga to Raumati and from the desert road the weather to the west looked absolutely diabolical.

So when are you going to reschedule to then huh?.

**Aslan** · 2nd March 2008, 21:43

Originally Posted by marks

I'm sorry you guys didn't get to go. I drove down today from Tauranga to Raumati and from the desert road the weather to the west looked absolutely diabolical.

So when are you going to reschedule to then huh?.

for me Marks - I think the 42nd will have to wait to next summer. Note to self 'must get back up on Takapari Road in the Manawatu before winter'