Molesworth and Rainbow

[timpel_800]

Hi guys,

All thanks for your support.

Tim

[Padmei]

Good luck with your dad & come back soon. I should have my KLR by then & you can hear my girly squeals as we go down the motutapu

[cynna]

just trying to wade thru all the info on these 2 roads. just a quick couple of questions

- are both the rainbow and molesworth suitable for a solo rider that hasnt done that much long distance off road work. i will carry all the usual gear - just havent had to remove a tyre before to change a tube. that will be my biggest problem i think

- im planning on doing the ride about 10th january so the roads will be open. do i stil need a key for the molesworth gate

- where can i buy maps from. can they be obtained form DOC?

[Transalper]

Best you learn how to fix a puncture, especially if you are going it alone. It's actually quite easy once you have learned how.

Had a little laugh at the 'long distance' and 'off road' bits. At less than half a tank through each personally i don't consider either to be long trips (unless maybe done as a single day round trip) on the DR650 and they are both well formed roads although the Rainbow is not so well maintained. I'm just saying they are only shingle and dirt, it's not bush bashing or single track stuff or anything.
Then I see your profile only lists you as riding a bauer. Quick search indicates them as a pushbike, now it sounds like a long trip, or a vintage looking thing? also a long trip?

Gates do not require keys in January but in the Rainbow you will have to stop at the gate with signs next to it saying pay here and pay the man who will come out to greet you.

Maps... DOC is probably good as anywhere, or the likes of mapworld in town. The roads are fairly easy to follow... or is it that I've done both enough now to know all the confusing bits?

[JATZ]

Both roads are easy enough, If your going through on the 10th and still unsure about it all then give us a yell.

[Transalper]

This is the normal DOC info and map for the Molesworth and Rainbow.
Click Me.

heres the current Rainbow specific DOC .pdf.

[cynna]

cool thanks for the info

no im not taking the mountain bike - its about time i updated my profile. will be taking the xr650. better buy start practicing my tyre removal.....

thanks fo the offer JATZ - will keep that in mind

hope there isnt too much risk or road closure due to fire danger at that time of year

[cynna]

took my bike out ot the waimak today to see if i tightened everything - luckily i did - lost half my number plate and lost a bolt holding the tailight/number plate assembly on.

im off tomorrow for a night in hamner - will check out most of the rainbow and jollies pass. will head up the molesworth on friday and spend the night in nelson. will probably spend sat in nelson as well and will check out a few of the local roads - any recommendations? will check out the nelson thread as well for info on the maungatapo (sp). will then head off on sunday to st arnaud and down the rainbow and back home

my first 4 week break from work in ages so making the most of it. 1300km on the motard after xmas, 1500km in the car over new years now its time to go offroad