Dusty Butt 2013

Anyone from Auckland going to the Dusty Butt? I'd be keen to tag along. Currently it's looking like I should be able to make it. I'll be using the R80GS.

yay - there'll be 2 there then!

I highly recommend the Awakino challenge section.

May not be there this year

We're going (but not from Auckland )
Not sure what our plans are yet, we may take the scenic route on the way there, or back.

I saw the video and wouldn't mind doing it, depending on how the schedule works out and what the weather is like at the time.

I am going, but heading down over a month earlier., doing a bit of an extended dusty butt commute if you will.

Don't visit ADVrider much so only just seen the thread.

Anybody remember the snow on the 22nd Jan for the 2012 run. Def wise to be prepared and keep your wits about you on the day.

Be good to have more of you other islanders down Look forward to meeting you.

Cheers R

Excuse my ignorance (again), but can someone explain what's involved in 40 words or less?

This should give you some idea.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QwpJDWY6jFM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

There is also a website somewhere. I've never done one, but from all accounts, it's a worthwhile effort.

The Awakino Road was/is a challenge section. The rest are more conventional SI gravel roads. Since it's a lot of km in a short period of time and there a lot of variables, this road may not be an option for me. In short, I hate cold rides. You should come on your R80G/S.

Doable on a nine-fiddy?

If you watch the video you'll see a guy on an R1150GS, getting the heave-ho on a steep shingle section. However, apparently that was a short cut and could have been avoided. That the thing I hate most about my 1150, it's nearly impossible to get it going again on a steep hill.

I'd say it is doable on your KTM, but since I've never done the ride, this means very little. I still think that you should do it on the PD. I'd even lend you a smaller tank, if you are worried about denting the large one.

We had an old grumpy codger on a 990 join us for a bit of the Awakino section, dunno where he came from or where he went afterwards:huh: but he seemed to be doin o.k.

KLR gets through with gear easy as an easy thing and weighs about the same as a 9fiddy.

I took my Africa Twin over the Awakino a couple of years ago....not for the faint hearted, its a bit of a mission on a big bike let alone doing the rest of that days ride.
Of course you don't have to go that way,

You'll eat it Oscar, great riding and definately not to be missed, get fit tho cause its 2 big days and to enjoy all of it you need to keep a bit of a pace up.
I'm out this year (2013) due to some relative getting married at an inconvenient time.

sorry to ask a stupid question, but wot dates we talking?
thinking of doing it Oscar?
just thinking my self, something with a big tank , good lights ,and light weight would be ideal for this......... oh wait

I think it's Jan.20, but not 100% sure.

Good lights? I hadn't thought of that. I might have to trap a candle to the headlight, that would double the output easily.

Has anyone fitted these little puppies?



theyr're from Andystrapz for Aus $155 plus freight. I am an electronics virgin. They draw 0.75 Amps, does this mean that my R80Gs will be able to cope with it, if I leave the heated blanket off?

Are you thinking of doing the one day dusty? Cos if you are doing the 2 day you shouldn't need extra lighting unless you get lost or spend too much time laying in the sun reading the paper.

Definitely the two day. For me this is about a bit of fun with like-minded people. It's also relatively expensive. I don't want it to be a chore or be over in a blur, I am guessing it will be a 5-6 day event of me.