before running over the Dunstan Mountains via the Thomson Gorge Road( a second time for me, as I did it solo on the way down) to the Lindis Valley, and then headed north. The next few days were the run north through public gravel roads and many large private stations including over the Benmore Dam to enter Black Forest Station, from here donations were made along the way to landowners who had permitted us access and allowed exploring in spots like the MacKenzie Pass, Blue Mountain Station, Orari Station, Lake Lyndon, Porters Pass, Ashley Gorge, across( well through actually) the Okuku River and out via McDonald Downs Station. After all that offroad toil, we eventually found ourselves marinating till wrinkly in Hanmer’ s steamy Hot Springs. On our final day in the South Island, at the crack of dawn, we rode up the puddle-ridden Jollies Pass to join the mighty Molesworth, as the bulk of the gang were booked on the ferry that afternoon. All 171km of the Molesworth is gravel-heaven and postcard-pretty, and should be on every two-wheeled explorers‘ must-do’ wish list. With the sun still rising, the colours were vivid, the hares were clocking 50km / h, and what a spectacular way to finish our gravelly lap of the Southern Isle. Once you sadly pop out of the Molesworth at Dashwood, it’ s just a quick skip up SH1 through Weld Pass to Blenheim, then on to Picton, and shortly after we were onboard cruising the Sounds on the now thankfully much calmer waters of the Cook Strait. An epic ride indeed, and special thanks must go to Johnny and Stu who glued the whole trip together, plus all the quality gentleman who let me and Beaker tag along.
V85TT FOR ADVENTURE? Well, firstly, it went everywhere on those grippy Anakee Wild tyres, with the only limitation being the lump of lard gracing its saddle riding a bit too conservatively on his shiny new toy. Using the V85’ s easily switchable( on the go) modes the bike can handle most terrain. Rear ABS is turned off in Offroad mode, however in decent hillclimbs, dirt, or river crossing situations, I found you must use the menu and turn off Traction Control entirely, as even in standard Offroad mode TC still kicks in eventually and cuts the power at the worst possible time during shingly steep climbs. I have the scratches to prove it.
KIWI RIDER 43