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Ross's Grit, Gravel & Grand Adventures on the 2024 Ducati Xpedition

We have all heard the hype around the Dirty Turismo!

When the Ducati Expedition 2024 was announced, I couldn’t resist signing up—even though I had little experience riding on gravel. I checked with Alana at Ducati Experience about the suitability of my Multistrada 1260, we confirmed it was essential that I fit off-road tyres. So I switched to Pirelli Scorpion STRs and geared up for the journey.

We had to be in Tekapo for registration and briefing at 8am on Friday. I left home on Thursday stopping in Garston for a Coffee Bomb before riding through Frankton and over the scenic Crown Range to Wanaka for lunch. The Lindis Pass provided stunning views for my ride through to Tekapo and my mixed dorm backpacker accommodation …not flash!

Day 1: Tekapo to Marsden Lake Resort, Cromwell

Friday dawned with clear clear skies in Tekapo for our briefing at the Jack Rabbit Café by the lake. We received backpacks, luggage tags, and we downloaded the Life 360 app for tracking.

With a sense of anticipation, we rode by the historic church of The Good Shepard and on towards our turnoff at Dog Kennel Corner to ride into the Hakataramea Valley.

We crossed a number of small fords, some with loose stones, which was an early reminder of the difficulties I would face with a 17inch front wheel.

Broad mountain landscape opened up into farmland of rolling hills as rode toward Kurow for a refreshment stop.

I hadn’t been over the Danseys Pass so was looking forward to the ride over this picturesque and rugged mountain pass with steep drops to the beautiful rocky stream below.

The Historic Danseys Pass Hotel built in 1862 looked inviting but there was no time to stop on our way to lunch in Naseby.

The Black Forest café was directly opposite the old garage and workshop of long time Ducati owner Eric Swinbourne, who kept us entertained with tales of racing and maintaining bikes. Eric has had lifelong ownership of a beautifully presented 250 Mach 1 but one of his more interesting projects is the fitting of a Moto Guzzi 1000 engine into an early model Fiat Bambina.

We enjoyed great food and coffee before riding toward the Ida Valley and down through Moa Creek to take Crawford Hills Road through to Galloway and Alexandra. After refuelling, some decided to head straight to Cromwell but for the hardcore it was back over the Clutha River bridge and out through the orchards of Earnscleugh to Hawksburn Road just south of the Clyde Dam. We stopped mid-way through to Bannockburn for a photo shoot but unfortunately for Martyn this was to be his last day riding with us after pinning his ankle against a rock on our ride out.

We all enjoyed the beer and banter at Marsden Cove Resort that evening.

Day 2: Cromwell – Otematata – Omamara – Cromwell

Day 2 was a ride up the eastern shoreline of Lake Dunstan to Tarras where we took our turnoff onto Thompsons Gorge Rd. This was a great trail, taking us past the old Come in Time Stamper Battery and the site of the exploratory well platforms created in the discovery of New Zealand’s most significant gold resource by Santana Minerals. The ride was steep and technical in places, but this was unfortunately the undoing of another of our riders who required a visit to the Cromwell Hospital for assessment.

Coming down off Thompsons Gorge trail the road opens up across the plains. With riders now spread-out, I enjoyed a fast ride across the plains to the historic Vulcan Hotel in St Bathans for a well-earned coffee break. The anticipated ride over the Omamara Saddle was unfortunately cancelled in favor of a return ride back through Danseys Pass. This provided a different perspective of the rugged landscape and river gorge below. After crossing the Aviemore Dam we had a great ride around the northern shores of Aviemore and across the Benmore Dam to Omamara, where I always enjoy a stop at the Wrinkly Rams café.

A ride through the Lindis Pass never disappoints, we backtracked onto Old Faithful Rd to visit the historic hotel ruins for a photoshoot amongst the flowering lupins. We took a detour onto Phillips Rd on our return ride through Tarras to Cromwell.

Dinner that evening was at the Stoaker Room, where the host passionately paired delicious food with local wines. I also discovered a fantastic Hazy craft beer—though I can’t recall its name!

For those who had shared accommodation a roommate was appointed. I shared a room with Dave from Dunedin, a retired train driver.  I called him "Daddy Dave" because he had the room key.  I initially thought Alana had put the two Southerners together but gee … perhaps it was pensioners!

Day 3: Nevis Valley and Skippers Canyon

Rob and the support van made life easier by transporting our bags and providing chain lube. Overcast skies and the threat of rain set the tone as we rode into the challenging Nevis Valley. The route featured several river crossings including one with large boulders proving too difficult an obstacle for most. We walked the bikes through with the assistance of another rider, so for some like me, it was wet boots for the rest of the day.

We battled strong NW winds as we rode the Devils Staircase to lunch at Joe’s Garage in Frankton. Some riders then opted for a relaxing afternoon at the Hilton.

I didn’t intend to ride into Skippers but decided to meet the riders at the Arrow River as they came down off Tobin’s Track from the Crown Terrace. We admired Nick’s skill as he navigated his bike through the knee-deep swiftly flowing water, unassisted. The ride up Coronet Peak road appealed but unfortunately new seal and the associated 30km speed limit took any enjoyment from that.

I decided to tackle Skippers Road, Nick took time to warn us of the dangers of this road and its steep climbs and sheer drop-offs. It was not worth contemplating a failed assent of some of the steeper climbs, so it was up on the pegs for stability and a better feel of the bike with more judicious use of the throttle, as the saying goes. The views were incredible.

We explored the historic gold mining settlement and crossed the iconic Skippers Canyon bridge, one of New Zealand’s highest. That evening, we celebrated at the luxurious Hilton Hotel, overlooking Lake Wakatipu.

The Ducati Expedition 2024 was an unforgettable experience with stunning scenery, thrilling rides and camaraderie with fellow riders. I enjoyed the challenge of three days of riding, at times beyond my comfort zone. I’ll definitely be back for another adventure.

 Thank you to the Ducati Experience team. It was epic!!

✍️Ross Bulling 📸 RKPhotography



 

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