DB1k 2010 - Official Thread

**cooneyr** · 24th November 2009, 09:57

Went and finished doing the route checking over the weekend and I think it is only fair to let people know that there are some sections of the track that may frighten those who don’t like heights. I had my old man and my wife pretty much ready to disown me on Sunday.

The worst bit of the track is going north from Benmore Dam over Black Forest Track. On this track you get to 500m above Lake Benmore on a hillside that a car would not stop on before it got to the lake if you fell off the road. The other bit is the Omarama side of Omarama Saddle which is at 1370m. Black Forest feels worse but is a slope of 1m ride in 9m travelled where as coming off Omarama saddle is a 1m drop in 7m horizontal but it feels better.

For those that did the run last year these bits are not that different from Altimarlock but if you really didn't like it then I'd suggest you go around. Both sections can be got around but you miss a lot of the route if you don't go over Omarama Saddle. Skipping Black Forest doesn't miss that much of the route. I'll explain how to get around (basically follow SH8) more at the BBQ.

Cheers R

**Rod** · 24th November 2009, 14:29

So it is like a 1000km enduro special test then......Excellent bring it on!!!!

**NordieBoy** · 24th November 2009, 14:38

Originally Posted by Rod

So it is like a 1000km enduro special test then......Excellent bring it on!!!!

Yep.

Without the speed.
Or enduro bikes.

**cooneyr** · 24th November 2009, 15:19

Originally Posted by Rod

So it is like a 1000km enduro special test then......Excellent bring it on!!!!

If you want it to be.

The route is all pretty easy to ride though in that the surface is mostly seal or good gravel with some sections that are dirt track, some bits that are dry, about a 20 or so small stream crossings with about 3 slightly deeper/more technical stream crossings. With a bit of care, appropriate speed (or lack thereof) and assistance from others if necessary, nobody should have any great difficulty with the route.

Most technical bit would be one stream crossing that has a boulder strewn departure (stream crossing itself is OK) that may require walking of some peoples bikes for about 5 m.

Cheers R

**Ruralman** · 24th November 2009, 17:29

Originally Posted by cooneyr

If you want it to be.

Most technical bit would be one stream crossing that has a boulder strewn departure (stream crossing itself is OK) that may require walking of some peoples bikes for about 5 m.

Cheers R

And where would that happen to be then huh ????

**cooneyr** · 25th November 2009, 07:01

Originally Posted by Ruralman

And where would that happen to be then huh ????

On the southern side of Omarama Saddle as you head up the valley from St Bathurns. There is a ford prior to the rocky one that has a reputation as a KTM 950 Adv drowner but that was in the middle of winter on the way to the Brass 3 years ago and it has changed shape since then (water more spread out). We will be in the middle of summer when these fords should be at their lowest.

Cheers R

**Ruralman** · 25th November 2009, 09:09

Originally Posted by cooneyr

On the southern side of Omarama Saddle as you head up the valley from St Bathurns. There is a ford prior to the rocky one that has a reputation as a KTM 950 Adv drowner but that was in the middle of winter on the way to the Brass 3 years ago and it has changed shape since then (water more spread out). We will be in the middle of summer when these fords should be at their lowest.

Cheers R

Hmmm - best done in daylight then !!! Just as well I'm on a 990 not a 950

**Crisis management** · 25th November 2009, 10:10

Sounds good Ryan, I'm sure any drop offs look worse than they are and we are all used to riding steep terrain, comes with the territory.

Remember RM, momentum is your friend....................

or is that ruts, I always confuse those two??

**NordieBoy** · 25th November 2009, 14:07

Originally Posted by Crisis management

Sounds good Ryan, I'm sure any drop offs look worse than they are and we are all used to riding steep terrain, comes with the territory.

Remember RM, momentum is your friend....................

or is that ruts, I always confuse those two??

Momentum is your ruts?

**Ruralman** · 25th November 2009, 15:41

Originally Posted by Crisis management

Sounds good Ryan, I'm sure any drop offs look worse than they are and we are all used to riding steep terrain, comes with the territory.

Remember RM, momentum is your friend....................
or is that ruts, I always confuse those two??

When it comes to river crossings (rather than small streams) my rule has always been - in slowly and then power on through
For small streams its always been - sit it on the back wheel and keep your feet dry

- but then thats usually been on the Gas Gas

**Crisis management** · 25th November 2009, 21:07

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

Momentum is your ruts?

Told you I got confused.

**NordieBoy** · 26th November 2009, 07:16

Originally Posted by Ruralman

For small streams its always been - sit it on the back wheel and keep your feet dry

- but then thats usually been on the Gas Gas

I kneel on the seat.

Gives more control.

**Racing Dave** · 26th November 2009, 08:01

Originally Posted by cooneyr

For those that did the run last year these bits are not that different from Altimarlock but if you really didn't like it then I'd suggest you go around. Both sections can be got around but you miss a lot of the route if you don't go over Omarama Saddle. Skipping Black Forest doesn't miss that much of the route.

...we could all stay home, and miss out the entire event.

It's not that scary - I've ridden through Black Forest in the dark (F650) and in thick fog (CT110), and strongly believe in riding to the conditions. With no visibility there's no distraction.

Old fossils (me!) remember in the 70's, in the Heatway Rally, BF was a special stage at night, and no one went over the edge.

**Transalper** · 26th November 2009, 08:59

I've been known to launch off a rock and park with front wheel below the edge but personally I have no fear of that happening on any of the DB routes.