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This is a journal of the South Island Junket 2002: one week of the most awesome mountain riding in the most awesome setting anywhere!
I've broken up the Junket into one page per day due to the large
number of pictures that were taken. I know that's a lot, but it seemed a shame
not to show the whole trip, especially after the time Barney and I put
into taking the pictures. (And everyone likes to see photos of themselves,
right?) Enjoy the memories. |
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Day 2 - Wakamarina Trail
The morning kicks off at the Trout Hotel followed by a quick stop in Havelock for coffee and goodies and then on to the trail head.
The Wakamarina involves a steep and grueling ride to the top of the pass (1066m), a wickedly fast descent with - too many to count switchbacks - with a final blast along the road back to the Trout. |
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An early morning start had us loading our gear into two vans and one
trailer for the start of a big day. Chris from Nelson joined us for the
ride today. |
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Whakamarina (total
35 kms)
From the carpark climb north, riding at first then walking, to
Fosters Clearing. Then descend and sidle about 2 km before climbing to
the highest point on the crossing (1066m). This is rugged country and you
will have earned every metre of elevation. Now fine-tune your brakes and
clear your mind in preparation for switchbacks. You're about to descend
over 800 m in 2.5 km of twisting, turning single track. At the huts
winkle down the Wakamarina river valley, cross Doom Creek, and another 2
km till you reach the road. From there it's an easy (if you have
anything left) 15 kms by road back to Canvastown. |
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A slow start. |
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Getting our gear together.... |
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....and we're off |
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The first part of the trail has had major work done and is very
rideable although still bloody steep in places. |
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Flat number? |
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After a few grunty climbs the boys wait for the tail
end to catch up. |
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There were a few people pulling themselves outta the weeds after
overshooting a corner. |
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Excitement mounts as we prepare for the 800m of twisting, turning single
track. |
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As always, we were just too busy riding and having fun to stop and take
many pictures. The boys at the front seemed to nail all the switchbacks
no matter how tight, steep and knarly. After about 20 or 30 switchbacks
those at the back were gaining experience and starting to love
it. |
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Hey.
What's going on? Think those kiwis will fall for it? (editor) |
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It was a brilliant ride. Could have done
without the road at the end though. |
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Bunny hop to....Day
3..... |
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