GS (Gravel Suface) Adventure Ride – Tararua

[Anonymous]

#2436

What a fantastic weekend with 6 other GS riders from all 4 corners of the North Island.We met in Woodville at the Caltex Service Station there where we did the meet and greets, and generally broke the ice.[img width=800 height=600]http://lh3.google.com/RideNZ/R9OBFV5uuOI/AAAAAAAAAq8/A7Vzyt-wgnY/s800/P3080384.JPG[/img]Tyre pressures were checked and all was well before we headed off for North Range RoadThis road which is about 18km long follows the ridge along between the Manawatu Gorge and the Pahiatua Track.With the introduction of the wind turbines the track has been upgraded considerably, compared to what it used to be like a few years back.Our first little incident occurred about 300m on the first section of gravel.The rider was ok and the bike wasn’t too bad either, I will let the offending rider answer any questions.The gravel road on the Northern end is very loose and it similar to riding on Marbles.[img width=800 height=600]http://lh5.google.com/RideNZ/R9OBK15uuPI/AAAAAAAAArE/WJsW7-az2y0/s800/P3080385.JPG[/img][img width=800 height=600]http://lh3.google.com/RideNZ/R9OBdV5uuRI/AAAAAAAAArU/0w6YF9RHjl4/s800/P3080387.JPG[/img]We now know why they put the wind turbines up there; it was fair stonking while we were there and didn’t really hang around for many picsSome of the riders enjoying the track[img width=800 height=600]http://lh3.google.com/RideNZ/R9OBpV5uuSI/AAAAAAAAArc/T60JXEdWATM/s800/P3080388.JPG[/img][img width=800 height=600]http://lh4.google.com/RideNZ/R9OCBl5uuUI/AAAAAAAAArs/L-VUqgVjHSQ/s800/P3080390.JPG[/img][img width=800 height=600]http://lh3.google.com/RideNZ/R9OCNV5uuVI/AAAAAAAAAr0/HtC70wKimPc/s800/P3080391.JPG[/img]Looking towards Palmerston North[img width=800 height=600]http://lh5.google.com/RideNZ/R8hbu1jdaCI/AAAAAAAAAic/tQS5lNtJniA/s800/P2060374.JPG[/img]Looking towards Pahiatua[img width=800 height=600]http://lh3.google.com/RideNZ/R8hbSVjdZ9I/AAAAAAAAAhw/sKrqfsVQ7S8/s800/9.JPG[/img]

[Anonymous]

#9366

We came back down another gravel road into Pahiatua where we had lunch at the Black Stump Café on the Main road through Pahiatua[img]http://picasaweb.google.com/RideNZ/GSAdventure18thMarch2008/photo#5175623661292271970[/img]Then we were off againThe sun was warm, but still breezy.One of the longest touring sections on the seal was the Makuri Gorge Road, but even this was a nice section of tarseal, with smooth flowing corners that just seemed to link together.Back onto the grave linking Makuri Ongaha and Towai Roads, which are both fantastic gravel roads which are tight and twisty, but with lots of wandering stock (something we would see a lot of on this trip)[img width=800 height=600]http://lh5.google.com/RideNZ/R9OCy15uuaI/AAAAAAAAAsg/Uu1jBhKjzNA/s800/P3080396.JPG[/img]On Towai Road at the top is a large quarry, and just as you leave it you go through a cutting and have panoramic views across the plains to the coast.It was a good view today with hardly a cloud in the sky.[img width=800 height=600]http://lh5.google.com/RideNZ/R9ODN15uudI/AAAAAAAAAs4/pIGYJn4udPw/s800/P3080399.JPG[/img]A steep descent soon has you back on the valley floor.A small detour to Waihi Falls which are normally spectacular, but this time the water is almost down to a trickle.[img width=800 height=600]http://lh4.google.com/RideNZ/R9ODll5uugI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/uNWqKTnUDfU/s800/P3080402.JPG[/img][img width=800 height=600]http://lh4.google.com/RideNZ/R9OERl5uulI/AAAAAAAAAt8/OckFNTHVAcQ/s800/P3080407.JPG[/img]However we did have a helicopter arrive complete with bride and the 40 other wedding guests were already waitingSo 7 Cordura clad motorcyclists didn’t really fit with the theme[img width=800 height=600]http://lh6.google.com/RideNZ/R9ODdF5uufI/AAAAAAAAAtI/44B_jJiK9rg/s800/P3080401.JPG[/img][img width=800 height=600]http://lh5.google.com/RideNZ/R9OEn15uunI/AAAAAAAAAuM/FYFftq7kOoU/s800/P3080409.JPG[/img]From Waihi falls it was onto Pongaroa, with some challenging deep gravel to traverse through, which everyone did with ease, we were all starting to find our rhythm[img width=800 height=600]http://lh5.google.com/RideNZ/R9OFX15uutI/AAAAAAAAAu8/sPmOILElTYA/s800/P3080415.JPG[/img]By 5.30 we were sitting in the Pongaroa Hotel have a refreshing beverage discussing our trip so far.Some of us got further liquid refreshments and we heading off to Glenross backpackers.It is about 11km South of Pongaroa.[img width=800 height=600]http://lh4.google.com/RideNZ/R9OFsl5uuwI/AAAAAAAAAvU/5o8xHfmeVlc/s800/P3080418.JPG[/img][img width=800 height=600]http://lh6.google.com/RideNZ/R9OF0F5uuxI/AAAAAAAAAvc/MNqjI7XPxdw/s800/P3080419.JPG[/img]I would certainly recommend Glenross accommodation as a place to stay, comfortable and clean, and Pauline our host offered to cook us a meal which was A1.She was very obliging and cooked us an amazing meal of chops and veges and ice cream, apple strudel custard and lemon meringue pie for dessertNot to mention the cooked breakfast in the morning of Streaky bacon, eggs, tomatoes and toastWe sat up talked about all manner of things with people slowly trickling off to their scratchersThe last of us disappeared to bed at about 1.30am[img width=800 height=600]http://lh3.google.com/RideNZ/R9OGPV5uu2I/AAAAAAAAAwI/Al7gWOPHaA0/s800/P3080424.JPG[/img]

[Anonymous]

#9367

The next day we woke and of course devoured our breakfast which was prepared by Pauline (a great host) and got ready for our Gravel Adventure.The weather was rather windy and a few dark clouds were flying over.We had a few spots of rain but nothing too wet and that was only really on the topsA quick loop around Waihoki Valley Road to avoid as much tar seal a possible before turning at Tiraumea.[img width=800 height=600]http://lh6.google.com/RideNZ/R9OHPF5uu8I/AAAAAAAAAw4/U2EEzU413BI/s800/P3090430.JPG[/img][img width=800 height=600]http://lh3.google.com/RideNZ/R9OG4V5uu6I/AAAAAAAAAwo/VXlQDgWv6p0/s800/P3090428.JPG[/img]Some of us stopped here and put on our wet weather gear as the black clouds were hanging around the hills that we were about to head up.We went up Puketoi Road, which starts as a nice smooth gravel road, but as it climbs it gets narrow. Very little traffic actually uses it so the grass is growing in the middle of the road and there are a few bumps and rutsIt brings you out to the start of Pori Road, which is a good road back to Route 52, but today it wasn’t so pleasant with strong winds and the odd squally shower.Once we were back down the bottom the sun was again shining and we were off to Alfredton and Barton’s LineI guess the Grader parked that the start of the road should have given us some warning what it was going to be like…..Soft, freshly graded loose gravel – GreatI for one had an interesting moment in here after I stopped to wait for the next rider inline to catch up, as I took off the rear wheel broke loose and stepped out to have me facing the fence, a quick blip on the throttle then had me facing the ditch on the other side of the road, damn hoons I sayThe last gravel road for the trip was Daggs and Wairiri roads, they were smooth and fast.Some great roads todayWe rode into Masterton where we fuelled both the bikes and ourselves up, before we said our goodbyes and everyone went their separate ways.Discussions are already underway for the next trip, so keep and eye out for it, the 1st GS Adventure was an absolute blast and I for one will certainly be on the next one[img width=800 height=600]http://lh4.google.com/RideNZ/R9OGtl5uu5I/AAAAAAAAAwg/mw_HTi8vE80/s800/P3090427.JPG[/img]Regards Scott

[Dave Ross]

#9368

What's the problem?

[Dave Ross]

#9369

[img width=800 height=600]http://lh3.google.com/RideNZ/R9OBFV5uuOI/AAAAAAAAAq8/A7Vzyt-wgnY/s800/P3080384.JPG[/img]

[David Yeo]

#9370

Hi Scott ,Thanks for the report and nice phodies. I truely enjoyed myself. You other guys dont need to guess why I changed my name to "Mirror-Man" it is so obvious that if you fall you are going to pay some how. I did by losing both mirrors in one single fall not just that my top bax came off too. Braking the lock that locks it on the mounting so I had to tie it down. Man I have one explanation (over confident and eager to go.) Saw my ass without a mirror.I still had fun and will go again. Scott you did a good job. Guys we were a great bunch. I will like to have some technical stuff in the next one. Not too much.Scott without being selfish I think the group should stay this small or 10 max. Cheers Hentie.

[Murray]

#9371

Good stuff you guys, I was over Pori Road weekend before last, great fun. BMWOR 2009 annual rally (first weekend in January I think) is going to be hosted at Pukeora Estate. I reckon we can get a good group of GS riders together for a hunt around the area – Blackhead, Parongaheu, Te Uri etc. and of course a run over the Makiro track for those keen enough. Scott, it's your turf buddy, start thinking about odd routes your itching to show us more of. I'll be in touch.Cheers,Garry

[aegis4805]

#9372

Kudos to you Scott for organising a truly great fun ride – even though I did scare myself several time with the front wheel washing out in the deep gravel. I was really tired on Monday after the intense concentration required on Saturday and Sunday – cheers Aslan  Zukin (our leader) and GerardUp on top of Puketoi Road

[Ron McFadzien]

#9373

Hello team, good to see you all got home OK, Mirror Man you made good time to AKL. We hope to see some of you down at the Capital Coast Adventure Ride. I had a great weekend and look forward to doing it all again soon. Scott thanks for organising the weekend, great choice of accommodation. Thanks to you all for the pictures, good to see them.  Regards boGSer

[Anonymous]

#9374

Hi Scott ,Thanks for the report and nice phodies. I truely enjoyed myself. You other guys dont need to guess why I changed my name to "Mirror-Man" it is so obvious that if you fall you are going to pay some how. I did by losing both mirrors in one single fall not just that my top bax came off too. Braking the lock that locks it on the mounting so I had to tie it down. Man I have one explanation (over confident and eager to go.) Saw my ass without a mirror.I still had fun and will go again. Scott you did a good job. Guys we were a great bunch. I will like to have some technical stuff in the next one. Not too much.Scott without being selfish I think the group should stay this small or 10 max. Cheers Hentie.

Hi HentieGood for you and I hope you werent too tired at work on MondayDont forget to buy some velcro gloves next time, it will make things much easier for you next time  😀In regards to the technical sections, by all means we have some, but the idea of these rides is to get those with GS bikes out and doing what they were designed for, that way their experience level will increase, and to will their adventure experiences  🙂I will organise more and rate them depending on experience.I never want to put someone outside their comfort zone (as has happened in the past), however this can be a very fast way of learning  😉The groups will remain small  😉Cheers Scott

[Anonymous]

#9375

Hi Attached is a map for those that are curious to know where we went  😀Cheers Scott

[Barry Stephenson]

#9376

Awesome weekend guys.Thanks for pix,especially you Hentie.This new user name,is it a reflection of the smashing time you had 😆 :lol:.Looking foward to the next.The verticle Dakar

[Dave Ross]

#9377

It probably pays to loosen the mirror mounts a little bit. That way they fold back, see below.

[Clive Lawrence]

#9378

Sounds like you had a great time… I'll keep my eyes out for the next one.

[David Yeo]

#9379

G day allThanks to you all who were willing to be witnesses for my Insurance claim. It is all sorted and my bike is good as new :-D.I got a new top box  and exhaust muffler and believe it, even replaces the handle bars which were bent  :?. I don’t know how much but I was told they were.Now I am happy  :-D, my bike looks as it never had a fall. Don’t know how long it will stay like that. Have a good weekend cheers Hentie.

[Author]

Posts