March Hare via gravel

**XF650** · 26th February 2008, 20:57

Timg & I are looking to go to the Rally on Saturday morning "the long way", via Burkes Pass village to MacKenzie Pass, Haldon Rd, Haka Pass & Myers Pass through to Waimate Gorge.
If anyone is keen to join us just ping me a message

**sandmart** · 28th February 2008, 20:13

Hello, sounds like a good ride, you leaving Friday or Saturday andwhat time are you leaving. Cheers Martin

**timg** · 28th February 2008, 21:51

Originally Posted by sandmart

Hello, sounds like a good ride, you leaving Friday or Saturday andwhat time are you leaving. Cheers Martin

Hi, Saturday morning, time yet to be decided

**sandmart** · 29th February 2008, 17:28

Thanks not sure yet but if i'm going i will be there by 9 Cheers Martin

**XF650** · 29th February 2008, 23:08

Start time now 10am @ Ashburton Caltex, opposite KFC

**Jantar** · 29th February 2008, 23:14

You guys will be getting to know that route so well you'll be doing it blindfolded next.

**nigelp** · 1st March 2008, 07:38

All the best guys, wish I could join you!

**XF650** · 2nd March 2008, 13:43

Originally Posted by Jantar

You guys will be getting to know that route so well you'll be doing it blindfolded next.

Is there a better way?
Actually we enjoy the route so much that we came home that way too.
Plus we added a wee short cut including a river ford, that by-passes Fairlie.
Awesome trip & great rally, the route being the icing on the cake. Pics later....

**Jantar** · 2nd March 2008, 14:21

Originally Posted by XF650

Plus we added a wee short cut including a river ford, that by-passes Fairlie. ....

Would that be the back road through to Opuha? I've been wanting to try that one myself sometime.

**XF650** · 2nd March 2008, 20:40

Originally Posted by Jantar

Would that be the back road through to Opuha? I've been wanting to try that one myself sometime.

Turn left just before Kimbell & cross the Ophihi River. After going through the ford you can turn left or right.
Left would take you to Lake Opua @ Ashwick Flat & then on to the Hill Top Cafe. We turned right which is the more direct route on to Hamiltons Rd, to Allendale @ the Fairlie side of the Hill Top climb.
Getting through the ford itself was OK today but no room for hesitation. Shreck complained about lack of traction with his EO8's (similair to Tourance).
Timg got some pics of Shreck & Helen getting wet feet, post # 253, March Hare report, Meetings & Events.