4 Guys Ride the Manuherikia River West Branch

On a Stinking hot April day we set off the ride the Manuherikia River valley choosing to take the west branch over the Omarama saddle. This was Peters first venture off road choosing to take Johns 2nd bike (250 Sherpa) rather than take his XJR1300. Allistair who was pushing 70 on the other hand chose to take his FZ6 on sports tyres, Sometimes I think its a challenge for him to see how far he can push it.

It was a challenging track for most of us, Mainly the river crossings with a large stones always wanting to twist the front wheel. First timer Pete did really well and even managed not to drop his bike. John and Allistair weren't so lucky with the FZ6 loosing a mirror and foot peg and john dropping his bmw on his ankle with the result being pins being inserted into ankle in the days to follow.

Fortunately all but 1 of the river crossing were behind us and he could jump onto the smaller and lighter Sherpa. It was a Long painful ride back to Omakau where transport home was waiting. It was a great day all round and we are just waiting for a weekend we are all free to go back and do the East branch.