Forgotten Highway

[PrincessBandit]

Balu and I are travelling to NP this weekend and have had it suggested to us that we do the Forgotten highway. I know about 12 km of it is unsealed and was wondering how people here would grade it for 2 relatively new riders, one of whom rides a 650 burgman scoot.

By 'new' riders, we've both been riding for about 3 years so we're not completely inexperienced, but neither have we done any off roading either. Is the unsealed part really pot-holey, have deep ruts of gravel that you have to dance your way through , or is it still a relatively good riding surface?

Any replies before Friday morning would be good (as we won't be around to read them by then!!)

Cheers

[Bass]

Balu and I are travelling to NP this weekend and have had it suggested to us that we do the Forgotten highway. I know about 12 km of it is unsealed and was wondering how people here would grade it for 2 relatively new riders, one of whom rides a 650 burgman scoot.

By 'new' riders, we've both been riding for about 3 years so we're not completely inexperienced, but neither have we done any off roading either. Is the unsealed part really pot-holey, have deep ruts of gravel that you have to dance your way through , or is it still a relatively good riding surface?

Any replies before Friday morning would be good (as we won't be around to read them by then!!)

Cheers

It depends.
If the gravel trucks and the grader have just been through then the Burg will really struggle.
If it's smooth and clean swept like the last time I was there, you won't even notice the gravel.

There were a bunch of adventure rider from here went through there both ways last Sunday. Slip over there and ask them or I can PM you some names if you like.

It is a truly magic ride BTW but needs you to pay attention.

[The Baron]

Hi
The forgotten world highway is one of New Zealands great motocycle roads. I have not been through for some time. As a rule (unless recent road works) the 10km of grave is hard packed and an easy ride. I suggest riding this part of the trip at about 40kmph.
It is 151km of corners and great country. Take your time and enjoy the ride.
Have a great trip and tell us all about it next week.

[nadroj]

It's been wet out there & the worst parts will be in the tunnel where the papa gets slippery when wet. Gravel should be ok as long as you keep out of the unpacked area's which may mean riding thru small potholes.
Hopefully it will be dried out by the weekend for you.

[Nasty]

Its a stunning ride ... I was nervous on my bike going so long on gravel but it was fine (back in Jan/Feb) ... went out to put up the Cross for Grub ... I hope you enjoy it!

[Katman]

And don't ride into the tunnel with a full tint visor closed.

:crazy:

[The Pastor]

Balu and I are travelling to NP this weekend and have had it suggested to us that we do the Forgotten highway. I know about 12 km of it is unsealed and was wondering how people here would grade it for 2 relatively new riders, one of whom rides a 650 burgman scoot.

By 'new' riders, we've both been riding for about 3 years so we're not completely inexperienced, but neither have we done any off roading either. Is the unsealed part really pot-holey, have deep ruts of gravel that you have to dance your way through , or is it still a relatively good riding surface?

Any replies before Friday morning would be good (as we won't be around to read them by then!!)

Cheers
how about ride to the conditions and just take it easy?

Or ask on kb and chicken out ;-)

[ynot slow]

Enjoy,call the Whanga pub or Kaito(sp)Cafe for road conditions they may know if work has been done.Stratford District Council might know as well,although not sure if gravel is part of their juresdiction.

[NiggleC]

I went throught there 3 weeks ago, it was hard packed dirt for the 12km. If its been raining up there like it has here then just take it easy and you'll be fine. Bikes will need a clean afterwards tho'.

[young1]

This weekend is the MAPMEA ride (see calendar or adventure thread). We will be at Whangamomona for a late lunch on Saturday. Maybe see you there?

We will be coming through from Ahititi and Mt Dampner so join the Forgotten Highway (unfortunately) where it is sealed

Mike

[Deemster]

I went through there last Sunday on a PX200 Vespa, Riding with me was another PX, an enduro bike and a 400 Burgman.
We all found it easy the gravel section is in good condition and recent rain kept the dust down

[Patrick]

Shouldn't have any probs at all. Roads were in good nick and the recent heavy rain will pack it even more. IF the graders have been through, then hopefully it would have been before the rain, so all should be good again. Easy roads on the gravel. The twisties are on the seal.............

And yeah, that tunnel is a goodun... definitely no dark visors or glasses and as has been said, hopefully, it will have dried out by then. Wet pampas (???) is slippery at times.

Whanga pub is a must do. Awesome.

[Hitcher]

Enjoy,call the Whanga pub or Kaito(sp)Cafe for road conditions they may know if work has been done.Stratford District Council might know as well,although not sure if gravel is part of their juresdiction.

Stratford District Council's jurisdiction stops at Morgans Grave. Most of the gravel belongs to Ruapehu District.

And it's pretty easy to manage. Keep your speed up, your hands light on the bars and your eyes looking down the road.

[sinfull]

Yeah don't hesitate !!! The Mrs done it a month after gettin her learners so pretty sure you'd be capable !!
Like Hitch says treat the gravel like any other bit of road ! Last time i was there it was hard packed and lots of fun !
If there's any loose chip, i'm sure you wont be grabbing a fistfull of front brake anyhow so won't mention that !

[Movistar]

Would suggest you PM Dazza, he and a few others went home that way (to New Plymouth) after our little jaunt to Mangakino on Sunday.

That's if he actually realised that the road surface had changed...:whistle:

[DarkLord]

I've been riding less than 2 years, and I did the Forgotten World highway about a year ago. The gravel part is fine if you just take it slowly.

Some fantastic scenery around that area as well - definitely worth checking out.

[The Stranger]

And don't ride into the tunnel with a full tint visor closed.

:crazy:

+1 - Or wearing sun glasses

[rebel]

Don't ignore the advisory speed signs for the corners, some will catch you out.
Watch out for farmers, cutting corners etc.
Take your time, enjoy the scenery, I went thru there January this year, in the car, more of a laxxed out ride rather than a thrash.

[boman]

I went through there in January this year. The gravel, then was clean and well packed. A breeze to ride on. Like others have said, just take your time and enjoy the scenery. It is fantastic.

[Gareth51]

Gotta try the roadside restroom

[Goblin]

And don't ride into the tunnel with a full tint visor closed.

:crazy:


+1 - Or wearing sun glasses

I'll third that!

We specifically stopped before the tunnel to take sunnies off and I forgot.:slap: Very dark in there!

[Eddieb]

We rode through there on Sunday on our Central Plateau Adventure ride, On the way through we passed a Burgman, 2 Vespa's and a KLR650 riding as a group, they were humming along fine.

As long as the surface hasn't changed since Sunday it's as good as, if not better than most tarsealed roads in NZ.
The surface is pretty much billard table smooth, hard packed and only the lightest dusting of gravel, not enough to even notice.

[Eddieb]

I went through there last Sunday on a PX200 Vespa, Riding with me was another PX, an enduro bike and a 400 Burgman.
We all found it easy the gravel section is in good condition and recent rain kept the dust down

Du'oh! I missed this post tilll I re-read the thread. These are the guys we went past.

I have a short vid of you guys going over the bridge in the gorge. I can stick it up on Youtube or make it available for download if you want it.

[naphazoline]

The weather's looking a bit shithouse for this weekend.

But never the less,it's a fantastic scenic ride,and if you're hungry,you gotta stop for a "Whanga burger",at the Whangamomona pub.
I'll warn ya now,don't order anything else with that.It has about 250-300gms of meat patty in it.:2thumbsup

[Deemster]

Du'oh! I missed this post tilll I re-read the thread. These are the guys we went past.

I have a short vid of you guys going over the bridge in the gorge. I can stick it up on Youtube or make it available for download if you want it.

Cheers, I am the guy on the silver Vespa and would love to see that vid. Sorry I can't P.M on this site due to my lack of site involvement?(what ever that means)
Ron

[MarkH]

Balu and I are travelling to NP this weekend and have had it suggested to us that we do the Forgotten highway. I know about 12 km of it is unsealed and was wondering how people here would grade it for 2 relatively new riders, one of whom rides a 650 burgman scoot.

Since my Burgman 400 had no problem with the gravel I wouldn't expect Balu's 650 to have any problem either.

[Eddieb]

Cheers, I am the guy on the silver Vespa and would love to see that vid. Sorry I can't P.M on this site due to my lack of site involvement?(what ever that means)
Ron

Not enough site involvement means you haven't posted enough yet.

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[PrincessBandit]

Thanks people for the advice and comments! We'll still keep an eye on the weather but as it's likely to pack up more into the weekend the plan is to travel it tomorrow on the way down country. Looking forward to it.

[cs363]

Another vote that you do the Forgotten Highway PB, it really is smooth and hard packed and very easy riding. As others have said just keep your wits about as you would on any tightish country road and enjoy the ride. Far better than coming down the mostly boring main road, and besides there'll be hot showers good grub and booze at Pussy & Gassit Girl's place when you get to NP! :D

[malfunconz]

came back to auckland two weeks ago and the gravel is no worries at all , watch the tunnel as was a little slippery . Second part of ride to tau'nui was bloody choice , got behind a guy in a toyota flat deck and he knew those roads , lots of fun till he pulled over into a farm . Found most of the "experts" have only done the stratford to whangamona pub section of road anyway , all the fun is the other end .

[cs363]

came back to auckland two weeks ago and the gravel is no worries at all , watch the tunnel as was a little slippery . Second part of ride to tau'nui was bloody choice , got behind a guy in a toyota flat deck and he knew those roads , lots of fun till he pulled over into a farm . Found most of the "experts" have only done the stratford to whangamona pub section of road anyway , all the fun is the other end .

Yeah, I agree that the whole road is fun. Not that Stratford to Whangamomona isn't, but it's a bloody good ride right through - whichever direction you're headed.

[Goblin]

Yeah, I agree that the whole road is fun. Not that Stratford to Whangamomona isn't, but it's a bloody good ride right through - whichever direction you're headed.Hell yes. A good ride all the way!:2thumbsup

[Jogger]

Nice video, Eddie B - great to see scoots out touring forgotten highways :)

[Deemster]

Thanks for posting that Eddie

[Naki Rat]

Enjoy,call the Whanga pub or Kaito(sp)Cafe for road conditions they may know if work has been done.Stratford District Council might know as well,although not sure if gravel is part of their juresdiction.

The Whanga Pub publican is a biker so is up on the importance of road conditions. Phone number for the pub is 06 7625 823 but be prepared for him to take this piss, he usually does.

Even in wet weather that area is very scenic with low cloud draped on the ridges. Enjoy :niceone:

[nadroj]

The Whanga Pub publican is a biker but be prepared for him to take this piss, he usually does.


To the extent he has pissed the locals off somewhat. He's usually banished to the kitchen nowadays.

[Eddieb]

If you turn left at the pub instead of right (coming from Taumaranui) you end up here:

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[CookMySock]

If you turn left at the pub instead of right (coming from Taumaranui) you end up here::blink: Where the hell does that go?

Steve

[Eddieb]

:blink: Where the hell does that go?

Steve

The Bridge to Somewhere, and from there you can loop round and join back up with SH43 halfway between Whangamomona and Stratford, or go back the way you came and enjoy it all over again.

[caseye]

Hey there Princess Bandit you and ol Balu will have heaps of fun, specially if you turn left at the thingamy whatsit and go for that tunnel and the bridge to Somewhere.
No, seriously, skill levels are more than adaquete, just take it easy and enjoy the view.

[oldrider]

Balu and I are travelling to NP this weekend and have had it suggested to us that we do the Forgotten highway. I know about 12 km of it is unsealed and was wondering how people here would grade it for 2 relatively new riders, one of whom rides a 650 burgman scoot.

By 'new' riders, we've both been riding for about 3 years so we're not completely inexperienced, but neither have we done any off roading either. Is the unsealed part really pot-holey, have deep ruts of gravel that you have to dance your way through , or is it still a relatively good riding surface?

Any replies before Friday morning would be good (as we won't be around to read them by then!!)

Cheers

The last time I went through that road was by car in the late 1950's and very little (if any) of it was sealed then.

The weather was atrocious, flooding slips and detours everywhere.

I owned and rode bikes at that time but was on a mission to transport my mother by car in order to visit my older and eldest brothers at Taupo and Stratford.

Somehow the Naki and North of NP is the one area in NZ that has managed to avoid my visits on a motorcycle.

My first ever "long"? trip was when I rode from Petone to New Plymouth and back, to visit my eldest brother in 1958.

Ticketed (speeding) on departure and ticketed on return! (Sigh) See, they :Police: were just as enthusiastic in those days!

I am determined to visit Taranaki and beyond NP ASAP, before I find "we have left it too late", so hopefully this summer! (without the tickets)

I look forward to riding through the forgotten (well, I haven't forgotten it) highway as one of the pinnacles of our visit!

I can't wait but Mrs oldrider's enthusiasm needs a bit of a rocket, :spanking: she is four years my junior and thinks we have "plenty" of time! Yeah right! (familiar?)

PS: I just informed Mrs o/r that I am going and there is an empty seat on the back, if she wants it, it's hers!

Dangerous stuff but sometimes a man has to do what a man has to do! :wari:

[ynot slow]

The Bridge to Somewhere, and from there you can loop round and join back up with SH43 halfway between Whangamomona and Stratford, or go back the way you came and enjoy it all over again.

Eddie those pics bring back good times as a teenager,used to hunt and tramp around the area.Those days the track was only suitable for farmbikes,nowdays mountain bikers traverse it.And the way out to Strathmore is beaut.

[caseye]

The last time I went through that road was by car in the late 1950's and very little (if any) of it was sealed then.

The weather was atrocious, flooding slips and detours everywhere.

I owned and rode bikes at that time but was on a mission to transport my mother by car in order to visit my older and eldest brothers at Taupo and Stratford.

Somehow the Naki and North of NP is the one area in NZ that has managed to avoid my visits on a motorcycle.

My first ever "long"? trip was when I rode from Petone to New Plymouth and back, to visit my eldest brother in 1958.

Ticketed (speeding) on departure and ticketed on return! (Sigh) See, they :Police: were just as enthusiastic in those days!

I am determined to visit Taranaki and beyond NP ASAP, before I find "we have left it too late", so hopefully this summer! (without the tickets)

I look forward to riding through the forgotten (well, I haven't forgotten it) highway as one of the pinnacles of our visit!

I can't wait but Mrs oldrider's enthusiasm needs a bit of a rocket, :spanking: she is four years my junior and thinks we have "plenty" of time! Yeah right! (familiar?)

PS: I just informed Mrs o/r that I am going and there is an empty seat on the back, if she wants it, it's hers!

Dangerous stuff but sometimes a man has to do what a man has to do! :wari:

LOL nicely put, hope she wasn't hovering over the shoulder as you typed it though, Hate to think of the bruise your'e gunna get!.

[boman]

The ride from Stratford through to Te Kuiti, up the coast road, is a fantastic ride. Beautiful flowing corners, all sealed, even a short tunnel to go through. I would recommend if you ar eheading north after doing the Forgotten Highway, go home this way. It IS worth the effort.

[PrincessBandit]

]The weather was pretty atrocious that weekend and we had heavy steady rain from Whangamomona all the way to Pussy Palace, including the dreadful road works at Tariki.

The highway itself was lovely and even the unsealed bit was enjoyable. Took a lot of concentration and we even had a few seconds riding through squelchy bog!

After lunch at the Whanga pub (thanks Naphazoline, we did enjoy the Whanga burgers immensely!) we were warned by the bar manager that the real twisties were still to come. Yep. And we not only had slips, rock fall and tree debris to contend with but also a cow which decided the middle of our lane was where it wanted to be right at that moment in time.

But we were very pleased we rode it and would love to do it again in better weather. We didn't turn left at the pub (I thought the road sign said it was a no exit) to check out the bridge. The weather really wasn't the best to go exploring too far off track.

Woo hoo on that 15 kph corner.....

And of course the wonderful hospitality of Pussy and Gassit Girl at the end of the ride was outstanding. Plus the bonus of meeting a few other kbers as well; it was nice to meet you too.

p.s. Pussy does an awesome roast lambie, and Gassit Girl makes superb marinated scallops.

[Pussy]

Ha! A drowned PB in pic 2!
Was awesome having you and Balu here, mate!

[ynot slow]

Told you it was fun.Turning left at pub is with a dr,xr, or similar bike lol,or 4x4.Funny how when you say obey the speed on corners to people,usually get scorned,but seem relevant first time,and the stock adds to fun.We came around a right hander heading to pub last time,up against bank was 2 girls on horses,at least the nags were quiet,part of the areas beauty.

[ynot slow]

Ha! A drowned PB in pic 2!
Was awesome having you and Balu here, mate!

And a bloody nice stable of gsxr's in pic as well.