South Island 2005 (the recce)

[Paul in NZ]

Ok.

As a result of a very long story involving plans falling through and planned rides unravelling. Vicki and I are to do a quick 'top o the south' ride first weekend in March.

We have decided on the route and booked country pub accomodation.

Route is.

Day 1 - Friday 4th March - 8am Lynx sailing to Picton.
Picton to Waiau (via the inland rd from Kaikoura and later the Leader Valley road and back because God made that road for motorcycles)

Accomodation at the Waiau lodge hotel ($60 a double) (03) 315 6003

Day 2 - Saturday 5th March
Waiau to Blackball via either the Lewis or (preferably) Arthurs Pass

Accomodation at Formerly the Blackball Hilton ($90 dinner bed and breakfast) (03) 732 4705

Day 3 - Sunday 6th March
Blackball to Picton via coast rd to Westport, Buller Gorge, Nelson Lakes and Blenhiem (maybe nelson if we feel like it)

7pm Lynx sailing north.

We will be riding at a leisurely pace, taking it easy and stopping for pictures, cafes and touristy places. If it's pissing down we will drop down to the rellies in ChCh and delay the trip home (we are taking monday off as well)

We have booked and are going. Dave (stonechucker) is thinking of joining us. If anyone is keen please PM me and make your own booking at the ferry and hotels.

Paul N

[k14]

Make sure you meet up with all the chch kbers (including me by then).

Hope you have a good trip.

[Paul in NZ]

Make sure you meet up with all the chch kbers (including me by then).

Hope you have a good trip.

We are hoping to avoid ChCh because it would take us 3 days to get out of the place (by the time we visit all the rellies)

Paul N

[Ms Piggy]

We are hoping to avoid ChCh because it would take us 3 days to get out of the place (by the time we visit all the rellies)

Paul N

You could sneak into Rangiora - I'm sure Kickaha would be more than happy to put you up there.

[Kickaha]

You could sneak into Rangiora - I'm sure Kickaha would be more than happy to put you up there.

Yeah could do,your rellies dont have to know

Day 1 - Friday 4th March - 8am Lynx sailing to Picton.
Picton to Waiau (via the inland rd from Kaikoura and later the Leader Valley road and back because God made that road for motorcycles)

ah yes that'll be the road we managed to write three bikes off on by throwing them at the front of a van on our side of the road

might have to take a few days off about that time and tag along for a bit

[Paul in NZ]

Sounds a grand plan!

Keep in touch closer to the time as weather will play it's part.

We are having a holiday and will be in touristy gawping mode (even though we used to live there) and stopping every 3 feet to snap piccies while wearing loud clothes and constantly saying 'gee we sure don't have that at home' n stuff like that.

Paul N

[Hitcher]

Bastards! I'm jealous.

[LB]

Can't join you guys sorry, we'll be at Pukekohe for the racing - we cross over to the Sth Island on the 5.30pm sailing on Monday 6th.

[StoneChucker]

Look like I can make it, unless something else requiring money comes up... Will book tickets, and confirm later Paul. Just a side thought: If I book, they are non-refundable, so are you sure on those dates?

Thanks,
Dave.

[Paul in NZ]

Look like I can make it, unless something else requiring money comes up... Will book tickets, and confirm later Paul. Just a side thought: If I book, they are non-refundable, so are you sure on those dates?

Thanks,
Dave.

8am Lynx friday 4th March wellie to picton

7pm Lynx sunday 6th March picton to wellie

You can change them before check in but might have to up grade.

Possibility we may change the return to a day later as my brother has just had a serious climbing accident. His mate (I went to school with him) might not make it but it should be resolved either way by then. Bad business!

Paul N

[StoneChucker]

8am Lynx friday 4th March wellie to picton

7pm Lynx sunday 6th March picton to wellie

You can change them before check in but might have to up grade.

Possibility we may change the return to a day later as my brother has just had a serious climbing accident. His mate (I went to school with him) might not make it but it should be resolved either way by then. Bad business!

Paul N

Sorry to hear about that Paul, hope all goes well... Regarding the tickets, the cheapest ones state that you can't change details after you've booked and paid. Also, as f*ing murphy would have it, the night of my last post, I managed to do something that requires, wait you guessed it, more money BUT....... even so, I'm still looking at coming, so will let you know in Feb sometime.

This is a funny business, life is
Hope your brother is ok, and your mate too if he pulls through :disapint:
Dave.

[toads]

sorry to hear of your brother and friends accident Paul, this month has been a shocker for us in our small community too, horrific accidents and so on, so my thoughts and prayers are with you, I hope you get to do your trip, and here's hoping your mate pulls through ok and your brother suffers no long term damage also, cheers L

[Paul in NZ]

Thanks

Climbing is a bit like biking. You can push the boundaries but every now and then they snap back at you. Motorcyclists understand this!

This is a terrible thing that has happened. My bro is OK but our thoughts are with his companion and his family. Just remember folks. Bad things can happen to the nicest people. Treasure the times you have while you have them...

Paul N

[StoneChucker]

I shall be attending Arriving in Picton on Thursday 3 March. Only 1 month to go

[sels1]

Sorry to hear about your brother and his friend, Paul.
Interested in ride but would have to leave it to last minute before deciding and take chance on ferry/accom.