Wellington – Wairarapa Rides

Very possibly. I was supposed to be out today, but got caught out with a duff wheel bearing (I thought I had spares & realised after the bearing shop closed that I’d already used them).

I’ve been hanging out for a ride for a while, & a more technical one would be better than a long day ride.

Been a wee while since I’ve been in there…

Hi Mario, definite for this one. We usually do a coffee at Martinborough before we go in, & take some food with us, so that any delays are catered for.

BTW, your google maps is for Washpool Hut, which is not Sutherlands Hut

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/wairarapa/places/aorangi-forest-park/things-to-do/sutherlands-hut/

Say 9.30-9.45 at the Village Cafe at Martinborough?

Ocean Beach – 1st Jul 17

Last minute ride decision to join a ride organised by Chris Adams via facebook. Met at Caltex Rimutukas at the gentlemanly hour of 10.00am. Ride participants were Chris (DR650), Steve (KLR650), Brent (KLR650), Neil (WR250R), & me, Box’a’bits (R100GS).

I’d been having carb flooding issues on the left carb, but thought I’d sorted it by dropping the float bowl & allowing things to flush through. But no, arrived at Rimutex, & immediately started dribbling. Although thinking about it, maybe Gus was just in lust with the Valkerie we parked next to.

Loads of Lions supporters leaving Wellington, some in Campervans, others sweating off the hangovers on cycles. Busy on the hill, but we managed to cut a path through. A little damp on the road, but no real issues

Coffee & a savory scone at Everest Cafe at Featherston. Nicer sitting outside.

The ride out to Ocean Beach was scenic with moody clouds sitting down over the hills, & no wind. Dropped tyre pressures just before the seal ran out. Joined there by Richard, on his Motard KTM.

The track at Ocean Beach was rougher than normal – they’ve obviously had some weather over there. Past the Doc Camp the puddles were much higher than normal – we just ploughed thru.

Unfortunately the ride ended before the scree slip – because of a new slip. We could perhaps have gotten thru’ that – but the consequences for getting it wrong were high. We could also have gone along the beach under the slip – but the tide was coming up.

Photo courtesy Steve Mahar

Chris put up his drone – here’s a link to the footage.

https://www.facebook.com/k1w33d/videos/pcb.10155724806649396/10155724791479396/
Raw Drone footage of the slip from Chris Adams

The float issue came back to bite me. Most of my tank of gas had disappeared. So while Steve, Chris & Neil decided to re route to the outlet of Lake Onoke, Brent & I decided to call it a day & shoot back to Featherston.

Hit reserve just coming down the first sealed hill after Ocean Beach, but made it back okay. Good job we didn’t get further along the track.

I understand Neil & Richard also did the Rimutaka Pylon track on the way back.

Back home, the outlaws had arrived, so that was a good excuse for some garage time. I pulled the left carb, & found a small piece of fuel line rubber (I’d just replaced the fuel lines) lodged above the float needle. So hopefully that issue is now resolved. I have no wish to become the latest BMW suicide bomber on the morning commute….