North Island invasion of South Island

[marks]

Not sure which bit you mean?

the middle bit of the descent down to Lake Rotoroa - from the corner with the awesome view of the lake down to a few hundred m from the lake.

I'm not saying this bit will be a problem to experienced riders but people of more limited experience need at least to be aware of it prior to doing it.

hopefully no ice this time

[warewolf]

ah the condition of that bit varies tremendously. That looks pretty smooth, but maybe the ice is hiding the crap!!

[Eddieb]

Woohoo, all paid up. I'd left it till now just in case I hadn't got a bike going.

Does anyone have a GPS route set up of where we are going? if so can they send it to me. Otherwise I'll sit down with mapsource and see if I can work out how to plug it in.
I mainly use the GPS to tell me where I've been rather than where I'm going so it's not something I've really used yet.

[marks]

Does anyone have a GPS route set up of where we are going? if so can they send it to me. Otherwise I'll sit down with mapsource and see if I can work out how to plug it in.

Have a look at Ryans site - gps routes of all the tracks are there

[Padmei]

I wouldn't get too worked up over the porika. I can't remember the bad bit - was it where someones 1150 went over the side? Anyways don't stress about it.

I should mention now to those who may end up following me - don't assume I know where I'm going & as far as overtaking just line up & go for it.

[snodpete]

Hi Adventurers - I've been following this thread avidly since 'marks' kindly referred me to it in response to my post here.

Though I'm wary of scratching/dropping my 'new' Strom (and showing up my lack of skill...) I am keen to adventure more in my backyard. It would be great chance to learn from you guys. Can you give me any idea of times you may be departing Reefton on Sat for Big River and Waitahu, and on Sun when you'll be heading for New Creek? I could be tempted (and I'm allowed) to come for a quick blast up from Westport.

Cheers, Pete.

[Padmei]

I would say we would be leaving in the mornings on Sat & Sun....Does that help? Just do it & join us - You'll meet lots of weird riders & the local crew too.

[junkmanjoe]

[QUOTE=marks;1129217383]Joe should be shouted many alcoholic beverages for his generosity

yip as joe now dosent have a job anymore.

so that be real nice.

[JATZ]

anyone is welcome to pass me (your highly esteemed leader) at any time (I'm not quick and don't want to cramp anyone's style)

I'll follow you then 'cause I have no style

[Pampera]

Woohoo, all paid up. I'd left it till now just in case I hadn't got a bike going.

Just a point. All of you who took advantage of the cheap offer have a firm reservation made by me on your behalf, not a "maybe". If anybody is having second thoughts and will not be going - please contact Faye and cancel your booking.
Thanks,

Michael

[NordieBoy]

I can't remember the bad bit - was it where someones 1150 went over the side?

Nope

It's on the other side heading down around a right, straight and left and is about the first look you get at the lake.

The first time I went down it I was freaking.
But the whole Porkia was a lot steeper back then.
I blame Global Warming and subsidance.

Agree that it's not really an issue though.
The Maungatapu up to the first bridge is worse.

[XF650]

Ah yes, the Porika - Dusty Butt 2008 & my first ever steep descent on a very loose base. Completly cocked it up including dropping the bike on both sides (at least that evened up the garks!!). Of course I blamed the XF - 19" front, too high gearing & wrong tyres etc. My fear of heights didn't help either.
In hindsight I was too focused on trying to stop the bike, instead of looking ahead - silly really.
I'm not qualified to give any advice (I still ride like a nana) but based on your ride reports & combined with the excellent comments already given in this thread, I don't think any of you guys will have a problem.

[buggsubique]

I barely remember the "scary bits" of the porika from my DB1k trip (the only time I've done it). I recall it was c*nty getting up from the lake on the return leg. Musta been the MT21 factor me thinks... I'm sure big bertha will chew it up...

[cooneyr]

....Cooneyr - shame you can't join us but perhaps if us Northeners are well behaved we might be allowed back for the Dusty Butt?

I'll leave the likely lot from NN to veto the DB1k entry LOL. My wife and I have bigger plans afoot that mean we need to watch the pennies for the moment so no/minimal tripping at the moment.

....Does anyone have a GPS route set up of where we are going? if so can they send it to me. Otherwise I'll sit down with mapsource and see if I can work out how to plug it in.
I mainly use the GPS to tell me where I've been rather than where I'm going so it's not something I've really used yet.

Assuming I've not broken anything and you have a Garmin GPS with a USB connection to your PC you should be able to load route files from my website directly to you GPS without using Mapsource. If if doesn't work or you have any questions get in touch. All of the tracks you will be riding are on my site.

Cheers R

[Howie]

Hi Adventurers - I've been following this thread avidly since 'marks' kindly referred me to it in response to my post here.

Though I'm wary of scratching/dropping my 'new' Strom (and showing up my lack of skill...) I am keen to adventure more in my backyard. It would be great chance to learn from you guys. Can you give me any idea of times you may be departing Reefton on Sat for Big River and Waitahu, and on Sun when you'll be heading for New Creek? I could be tempted (and I'm allowed) to come for a quick blast up from Westport.

Cheers, Pete.

Welcome to the forum Pete, Meet up with the guys if you can they are a great bunch, and all look out for each other.

I lied.......

perhaps I should elaborate - we will hopefully doing the following in the following order:
Porika - moderate 4wd track with one nasty downhill bit which maybe those with roady tires or limited experience (or sore backs) should bypass
Breaburn - Matakitaki Rd - Maruia Saddle - West bank Rd - all a piece of piss
Big River - moderate 4wd - should be ok for everyone
Waitahu River - knarlier 4wd - which maybe those with roady tires or limited experience should bypass
The New Creek track - moderate 4wd - should be doable by all except maybe the last bit down to the river

I ripped my footpegs off last time on Big River and Waitahu River - they have a few bumpy bit that would reduce eddies old hard bags to dust

Hey mark you could always cross the mackley river as there is more parking space on the other side, as you mentioned there wasn't much space on the new creek side of it in Snodpete's thread.