Mr_Bob wrote:
WANTED: car park space in welly to park the Bob-mobile for the weekend.

THe bob mobile can live @ Chez Chris and Deb again.....

pinkmaggit wrote: Sounds very fun. I'm very interested in coming along.
Those that have done something like this before, do you need to bring a lot of spares? Other than repair kit, spare tube, levers what would you need to bring? Brake pads, cables, dérailleur hanger?!

I have done the trip four times now with a total of about 140 other MTB'ers.

I there have only seen two derailleur / hanger issues (single speed Big Hit for the second day) so if you take a spare hanger odd's are it wont be yours that breaks. Having said that I know people that always have a spare hanger in their back pack.

Brake pads would hurt - the only time I came close to wearing out a pair on my bike is when they were marginal before I left home.

Just make sure your bike is in fine fettle and you shouldn't have a problem.

I carry a couple of tubes, puncture repair kit, zip ties and duct tape (useful for after hours entertainment), a survival blanket and basic first aid kit, my bike multi-tool and a pair of pliers, and truckloads of food. I have thought about taking selection of nuts and bolts in common sizes.

dented wrote:One thing that I couldn’t find anything about on Tama's first post, but found out after asking some other vorbii that have done this thing before, was that you can take a big pack with all your overnight gear/spare clothes/etc, that gets transported separately to each nights destination. This was my main concern (having to take all my gear on my bike or my back), so it was a relief to find that out.

Yep, the water taxi carries your gear for Picton to Furneaux and back. You only need to move it a few hundred yards from the ferry terminal to the Picton Back Packers to the water taxi jetty and back.

When riding the QCW you only need a day pack. And I take lots of food and snack throughout the day. Keeping the engine fuels is the secret to not being shagged by the end. And the last downhill into Anakiwi is soooo nice, you really want to be on your game to really enjoy it (still rideable when stuffed but not nearly as much fun).

And lots of water. Running out will mean you will really really struggle to finish on time. And apparently there is a "down trou on the Picton wharf" penalty to be paid for anyone running out of water.

The second day is longer, the one where water can be an issue. There are shelters at about 1/4 and 1/2 distance that have water and signs saying that water should be boiled. I have used this water without boiling it and without problems, but if you have a sensitive digestive system that is something you might want to plan for. Pills for the water or what ever.

I do breakfast at a Cafe in Picton on the Saturday (need to be ready to roll because there isn't much time between cafes opening and the water taxi rolling out). Furneaux does excellent food, but prices do reflect the fact they are isolated and it is good restaurant quality. Some people take their own – your main pack is transported for space isn’t really an issue. Breakfasts would be easy and there are cooking facilities in the chalets if you chose to go that way.

The Back Packers in Picton lets you have a shower on the Sunday afternoon for about $5. Makes the trip home way more comfortable.

I generally use a bigger than normal day pack. Carry the spares and tools mentioned above, 3 litre bladder and a water bottle (I now I'll have 750 ml's if I empty the bladder) more trail food than I think I'll need, jacket, spare poly-prop. And the expectation I will have fun. Lots of fun.

I think this time I will be taking a microwave meal to have at Furneaux, Very good food, and probably comparable to good restarant pricing, but I was STARVING by the time my order came.

and Colin is right about the last downhill section, this isnt madcore DH track but where the trail comes down... and down... and down......... and down .... then down a bit more. I was cramping up by that stage and had bent a kink in my chain, but it was still pants wettingly fun
this time I will be taking more food for on the trail

this really is a ride that is totally amazing and is something that is made even better by going with a large bunch of others to make stupid jokes with and have a real social time. everyone helps each other and there is always someone that will be riding at your speed.


and has anyone got floor space on the sunday night? Dented and Me will probably need somewhere to snooze

Pretty sure I'll be up for this again, maybe bringing a friend along. Just need to beg borrow or steal a bike, as I sold the stumpy when I left the country. I figure 12hour days 6 days a week from the week after I get back should have me on a GT Force if they're in the country by then...

Alternately I might get another Stumpy sorted...

fraserb wrote:and has anyone got floor space on the sunday night? Dented and Me will probably need somewhere to snooze

Sure.

Don't know where I'll be living in November, but there will be room for a couple of bod's with sleeping bags.

Colin wrote:

fraserb wrote:and has anyone got floor space on the sunday night? Dented and Me will probably need somewhere to snooze

Sure.

Don't know where I'll be living in November, but there will be room for a couple of bod's with sleeping bags.

Or there is my place, the flatmate will just have to put up with it.

Colin and Jim - cheers guys! Thanks for the offer
I only snore half as loud as Mr.B

dented wrote: Colin and Jim - cheers guys! Thanks for the offer
I only snore half as loud as Mr.B

We seriously have to talk about sharing rides down & back. Save ourselves a lot of hassle

Mmm. Indeed

musket wrote: Pretty sure I'll be up for this again, maybe bringing a friend along. Just need to beg borrow or steal a bike, as I sold the stumpy when I left the country. I figure 12hour days 6 days a week from the week after I get back should have me on a GT Force if they're in the country by then...

Alternately I might get another Stumpy sorted...

I'll probably have a spare size med Foes if you're in need?
Let me know...

Would love to Bob, but we'd probably both be better off if I bought new and complete, if you get my drift...

musket wrote: Would love to Bob, but we'd probably both be better off if I bought new and complete, if you get my drift...

Fine, thought I would ask anyway.
The offer stands.

Aaargh. Just re read your post Bob! I thought it said frame, and from there thought I'd have to build it up...

Seems like whole bike, and in that case, I may take you up on it. Could probably help you out with a lift to and from Wellington too, at least as far as Rotorua, maybe the whole way.

musket wrote: Aaargh. Just re read your post Bob! I thought it said frame, and from there thought I'd have to build it up...

Seems like whole bike, and in that case, I may take you up on it. Could probably help you out with a lift to and from Wellington too, at least as far as Rotorua, maybe the whole way.

I'll see what my Fxc looks like when I get it (hopefully by the end of the week.
And I'll let you know