Two nights away, Rangitikei and Hawke's Bay

[Howie]

Hi, I am planning a 2 night trip away sometime between the 28/12/09, and the 09/01/10, The plan is to leave Wgtn, and travel by back roads up to somewhere between Hunterville, and Taihape. then spend the afternoon exploring the roads to the west of Taihape/ Hunterville, including some of the tracks/roads in Andy Cocrofts 4WD books. eg Kaweka road, Ridge road south, Ridge road North, Watershed road, and any others that can be found. In other words just spending the afternoon having a look around in an area I haven't spent a lot of time in before.
On the second day I plan to head across the Napier Taihape road taking the back roads from Hunterville, or Mangaweka to end up joining the Napier Taihape rd from the Matwero rd. then travel over to the Hawkes bay side with maybe a look up a couple of side roads that I want to explore. when over the other side I plan to turn off onto River road, and then Dampney road, which looks like it has a ford across it to Waldon road (anyone know anything about this Ford?) I then plan to explore a few more roads out of the 4WD book ending up visiting the Mangatutu hot springs, before heading back to Napier for the night.
On the last day I plan to head home either exploring inland roads towards the Ruahines, or coastal roads.
If anyone is interested in a trip like this let me know, The pace won't be particularly fast, and probably plenty of stops for Photos.
At this stage I am planning on carrying a tent, but am open to booking some Accommodation if we can find some available once a date is set. The only other thing is I am not sure about petrol availability on the second day, and it could be about 300 km between fuel stops, which is alright on the KLR, but if your on a smaller distance bike, you might have to look at carrying some.

Cheers

Paul

[GPS MAN]

I might be up for a trip like that... Let me see how Christmas works out and your finalized schedule...!

[junkmanjoe]

Hay Howie..
ill be keen to meet up for the Annie mate..

[GPS MAN]

Let me see how Christmas works out...

I'm up for a trip like that......

Wade

[That looks like fun]

As you go over the Gentle Annie, if you get tired of ya tent check out Comet Hut. Although check before you go as DOC was going to remove it. However if tenting is your style check out the camping site at the end of Lawrence Rd :woohoo:

[Paladin]

Benjah & I are doin 5 days adv touring(cruising LOL!) leavin Welly probs Jan 2nd morning and getting back Jan 6th evening (chance we may leave Jan1st) .... heading up East Cape(maybe cut across Motu), round BoP, Coro loop, then south down west side of Lake Taupo, National Park, home.

Happy to join in with anything going on on the way up/round and happy for anyone to join us; start to finish, in between or whatever suits, all good! We're gonna be tenting it and quite probably not always in an organised campground; may just stop by the beach at some lush spot!
:woohoo:

[junkmanjoe]

probably not always in an organised campground; may just stop by the beach at some lush spot!
:woohoo:

Or where you run out of gas.................:Oops:

JMJ

[Paladin]

Or where you run out of gas.................:Oops:

JMJ

Errr yeah, could be true! :sweatdrop

Maybe I better gear the Silver Streak down from 48 to 46 on the back to get some better fuel economy; might need it round the East Cape! Or I could just stop twisting the throttle out of every corner hehehe!
(wouldn't hurt the top speed either! :woohoo: )

DID find out today the tank is 19.6L not 19L so I had a spare 10-12k of travelling in there I didn't know I had! Extra Reserve! :yes:

[dino3310]

i'l keep an eye out, im back from holi around the 2nd or 3rd so might catch up for a coffee, or since your on a twin now we'll make it a cuupacino

[BMWST?]

could be keen to Paul...I may actually be coming down from Taupo,but defenitley keen on at least the Annie day..

[Paladin]

i'l keep an eye out, im back from holi around the 2nd or 3rd so might catch up for a coffee, or since your on a twin now we'll make it a cuupacino

Make that a latte & you're on!

:innocent:

[Howie]

Hay Howie..
ill be keen to meet up for the Annie mate..

Sounds good to me Joe, which sort of days suit you, sounds like the first or second for paladin, and Benjah. Just have to get them to make up their minds.


As you go over the Gentle Annie, if you get tired of ya tent check out Comet Hut. Although check before you go as DOC was going to remove it. However if tenting is your style check out the camping site at the end of Lawrence Rd :woohoo:

Yep both those are on my list to look at, I hadn't thought about camping down one of them though, could be an idea. Might have to find my old Primus.


Let me see how Christmas works out...

I'm up for a trip like that......

Wade

Hi Wade, your more than welcome to meet up somewhere, and join in for the ride.

[Howie]

Benjah & I are doin 5 days adv touring(cruising LOL!) leavin Welly probs Jan 2nd morning and getting back Jan 6th evening (chance we may leave Jan1st) So which day are you leaving Dave the first, or second?
Oh and congrats on your new ride



Or where you run out of gas.................:Oops:

Hmm are these fancy twin cyclinders Distance challenged, or is there a story here?


could be keen to Paul...I may actually be coming down from Taupo,but defenitley keen on at least the Annie day..
Your more than welcome to join in for going across the Annie.

[marks]

Hi Paul

If dates work out I might join you for the day you explore west of Taihape - I've wanted to check out those 4wd tracks for ages.

[Howie]

Hi Paul

If dates work out I might join you for the day you explore west of Taihape - I've wanted to check out those 4wd tracks for ages.

Sounds good Mark, like you I've wanted to have a look around that area for a while, and always seem to bypass it on the way to somewhere else. Looks likely to be the 1st or 2nd at this stage, But I'm open to other dates.

[crazyhorse]

Hi Paul

Sounds like you have a great ride planned. Have fun :niceone:

[Paladin]

So which day are you leaving Dave the first, or second?
Oh and congrats on your new ride

Hmm are these fancy twin cyclinders Distance challenged, or is there a story here?


Your more than welcome to join in for going across the Annie.

Leaving 2nd Jan mate!

[Howie]

Hi Paul

Sounds like you have a great ride planned. Have fun :niceone:

Thanks Crazyhorse, I'm hoping the weather plays ball, but it should be fun either way:woohoo:



Leaving 2nd Jan mate!

Sounds good to me, How's the 2nd Jan sit for the other interested people?

[bart]

Lots of idiots on the roads on the 1st, but I may be in.

[That looks like fun]

If you stay at comet hut you will need a primus and matches, dont try using a spark plug and a fork to light the fire :whistle:
The end of Lawrence Rd went into a river, it looked as tho a few four wheelers had travelled the river during the years. Unfortunatly I was with all my friend :crybaby: on that trip and with my aquatic skills decided against exploring the river trails

[junkmanjoe]

Thanks Crazyhorse, I'm hoping the weather plays ball, but it should be fun either way:woohoo:




Sounds good to me, How's the 2nd Jan sit for the other interested people?

i vote the 2nd saturday..
can ride the annie wet... have to look at the exploring part...tires not the best.

JMJ

[NordieBoy]

Jan 2 is good for me too.

I'll be at the Port Nelson motorbike street races :D

[BMWST?]

2 jan should be ok.But i have streety tyres too,but keen to explore side ROADS...

[Howie]

The end of Lawrence Rd went into a river, it looked as tho a few four wheelers had travelled the river during the years. Unfortunatly I was with all my friend :crybaby: on that trip and with my aquatic skills decided against exploring the river trails

Thanks for the info, and the pic.


i vote the 2nd saturday..
can ride the annie wet... have to look at the exploring part...tires not the best.

The tracks around Taihape look like they are mainly grass farm type tracks, although with clay underneath which could make it interesting if it's wet. :sweatdrop (thats from the pics on the cd with book). Comet rd looks like it is just a rough Gravel road from looking at it on Google, and I have no idea what lawrence rd is like :whistle:


2 jan should be ok.But i have streety tyres too,but keen to explore side ROADS...

They'll be fine Paul if it's not wet. I don't think any of these roads/tracks well be that hard. Mind you I've never been on them before so who knows. :whistle:

[Howie]

Jan 2 is good for me too.

I'll be at the Port Nelson motorbike street races :D

Have fun, I might have to get down to them one year, it's been a few years since I've been to any street races other than wanganui.

[junkmanjoe]

Howie...whats the plans for sat night,,camp out top on the breast of annie..
id be keen for a camp over.. can you cook..:niceone:

be in to a bit of exploring as well...

Ha what can happen....fall off...:Pokey:

JMJ

[Howie]

Howie...whats the plans for sat night,,camp out top on the breast of annie..
id be keen for a camp over.. can you cook..:niceone:

be in to a bit of exploring as well...

Ha what can happen....fall off...:Pokey:

JMJ

Hi Joe, well I'm all go for heading up on the second, I've chickened out on the camping out thing although I did find a couple of free camp sites. I've booked myself into a cabin at the Taihape riverview holiday park for the Saturday 2nd, and I'm just waiting on confirmation of a cabin at a motorcamp in Napier, No bedding supplied though, so I'll still be carrying a sleeping bag.

as for exploring, other than the roads in the 4wd book, I know of one other short grass track on the ruahine side of Taihape, but I'm happy to head in any other likely roads for a look around.

[junkmanjoe]

I've chickened out on the camping out thing

Pussy....:blank:.. so what day you looking at riding the annie..sunday..

JMJ

[Howie]

Pussy....:blank:.. so what day you looking at riding the annie..sunday..

JMJ

yep Sunday 3rd Jan.

The plan for me is to head up to Taihape via some sort of scenic route on Saturday 2nd, spend the Afternoon having a ride around some of the local scenic roads/4wd tracks. Spend the night at the Holiday Park in Taihape. On the 3rd head towards the Napier-Taihape road via as much gravel as I can find, probably end up joining from Matawero rd. Head over the Gentle Annie, with a diversion down comet rd, and Lawrence rd. Then head north via a ford to head up to the Maungatutu hot springs for a look, before heading back to Napier for the night. On Monday the 4th head back to Wgtn via either the most coastal route I can find, or maybe more inland towards the ruahines, with excursions up some of the dead end access roads.

Anyone is more than Welcome to join in for any or the entire trip. Just organise whatever you want in the way of Accommodation.

Cheers

Paul

[Aslan]

would like to have joined you but I'm committed to the DB later in the month - enjoy Paul, JMJ and others heading out on this ride - Ciao Aslan :banana:

[bart]

Hi Howie. What time are you looking at leaving Taihape on the Sunday. If it looks like a nice day, I might shoot up there early and join in for a day ride.

[junkmanjoe]

ill be in for a early start bart, meet up at woodville if you like..

JMJ

[Howie]

would like to have joined you but I'm committed to the DB later in the month - enjoy Paul, JMJ and others heading out on this ride - Ciao Aslan :banana:

Thanks Aslan, Hope you have fun on the DB later in Jan, unfortunatly I haven't got myself organised for one of those yet.


Hi Howie. What time are you looking at leaving Taihape on the Sunday. If it looks like a nice day, I might shoot up there early and join in for a day ride.


ill be in for a early start bart, meet up at woodville if you like..

Hi Bart, and Joe. If you too sort out a time that you'll get to either Mangaweka, or Taihape and let me know I'll Meet you there, but not to late in the morning. I was planning on about 9.00 start from Taihape.

Cheers Paul

[bart]

ill be in for a early start bart, meet up at woodville if you like..

JMJ

Sounds good Joe. If we work on 7am at Woodville, should give us plenty of time. If you want to take the scenic route, we may need to start earlier.

[junkmanjoe]

i was planing on being in M,DS for breky at taihape between 7 and 8 am they got a new one there...


we could all meet at MD,S aye, howie, they next to the gas station, south end of town.

JMJ

[Howie]

Sounds good to me Joe, Name the time that suits you and Bart.

[junkmanjoe]

i think ill be up to early for bart..
ill be at mds say 7-30 okies..

did you have a spare bed in the cabin you booked.

JMJ

[bart]

i think ill be up to early for bart..
ill be at mds say 7-30 okies..


You must be having a hell of a breakfast if it takes you an hour and a half to eat. :shutup:

It's only 100km from Mudville to Taihape, so it doesn't take long on the main road.

I might head out early and catch the sun rise up Takapari instead (if it looks like a nice day). I'd rather have a sandwich up Takapari than scabby McD's at Taihape. :2guns:

[Howie]

i think ill be up to early for bart..
ill be at mds say 7-30 okies..

did you have a spare bed in the cabin you booked.

JMJ

Hi Joe, for the night of the second (Saturday) I'm booked into the Taihape River View Holiday Park. http://www.holidayparks.co.nz/getsupplier/supplier_ov=115_.html There should be a spare Bed in the cabin there. Need your own sleeping bag.

For the night of the 3rd (Sunday) I'm booked into the Bay View Motel & Holiday Park, staying in the Hotel, as I think the price was about the same as a cabin for one. http://www.bayviewhotelnapier.co.nz/nav/rates.htm




You must be having a hell of a breakfast if it takes you an hour and a half to eat. :shutup:

It's only 100km from Mudville to Taihape, so it doesn't take long on the main road.

I might head out early and catch the sun rise up Takapari instead (if it looks like a nice day). I'd rather have a sandwich up Takapari than scabby McD's at Taihape. :2guns:

Your keen getting up that early, would be nice watching the sun come up though.

[BMWST?]

Hi Joe, for the night of the second (Saturday) I'm booked into the Taihape River View Holiday Park. http://www.holidayparks.co.nz/getsupplier/supplier_ov=115_.html There should be a spare Bed in the cabin there. Need your own sleeping bag.

For the night of the 3rd (Sunday) I'm booked into the Bay View Motel & Holiday Park, staying in the Hotel, as I think the price was about the same as a cabin for one. http://www.bayviewhotelnapier.co.nz/nav/rates.htm





Your keen getting up that early, would be nice watching the sun come up though.

so to clarify if doing the annie 3rd jan Taihape 9 am latest?Is there somewhere else open for brekky.I dont like plastic food.

[junkmanjoe]

if i eat plastic food, it comes out the other end already wraped,,saves wipeing ya arse.... get ya mum to make ya a cut lunch...:done:

JMJ

[Howie]

so to clarify if doing the annie 3rd jan Taihape 9 am latest?Is there somewhere else open for brekky.I dont like plastic food.

Probably be a Cafe open somewhere, as it is the Holiday season, plenty of Cafe's in Taihape from memory.

So your still interested in coming along BMWST?

[BMWST?]

Probably be a Cafe open somewhere, as it is the Holiday season, plenty of Cafe's in Taihape from memory.

So your still interested in coming along BMWST?

yep got a couple of things to sort out before i can commit,and supposed to be painting house....

[nana_mac]

Gumboot Manor just North of Mobil servo. Gumboot Manor on the left. A good feed here.

[junkmanjoe]

hay howie....wont make this trip,,catch up next time,, we went out to day and i used all my petrol money up,,,cause i got lost....:2thumbsup

[BMWST?]

Gumboot Manor just North of Mobil servo. Gumboot Manor on the left. A good feed here.

yes its good i often stop there,but most dont open till 8 30 am which is just a bit late for this trip.

[Howie]

Gumboot Manor just North of Mobil servo. Gumboot Manor on the left. A good feed here.

Cheers for that Nana Mac.


hay howie....wont make this trip,,catch up next time,, we went out to day and i used all my petrol money up,,,cause i got lost....:2thumbsup

No worries Joe, I was just reading your thread about todays ride.


Well the Bikes all packed, and I'm off at about 7.00am in the morning to meet Paladin and Benjah for the start of there ride. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=115572&page=2

[bart]

OK Howie. I'll see you in Taihape, 9am Sunday. If I'm not there by 9 sharp, leave without me. I'll either catch you up, or would have stayed in bed because the weather is crap.

Cheers,
Bart

[Howie]

Sounds good to me, Just send me a text if your not coming.
The weather doesn't look brilliant, but it isn't that bad here yet.

[Paladin]

Sounds good to me, Just send me a text if your not coming.
The weather doesn't look brilliant, but it isn't that bad here yet.

Paul, I still haven't heard diddly from Ben, so guess I'm not headin out tomorrow morning. :(
(Sent you a text, not sure if you have got it mate)

May try and get out for a 1 or 2 day ride Tuesday instead I think if the weather forecast stays as it is. Head northeast straight for Hawkes Bay & beyond!

[Howie]

Paul, I still haven't heard diddly from Ben, so guess I'm not headin out tomorrow morning. :(
(Sent you a text, not sure if you have got it mate)

May try and get out for a 1 or 2 day ride Tuesday instead I think if the weather forecast stays as it is. Head northeast straight for Hawkes Bay & beyond!

Ah just dug my phone out of my riding jacket, as I wasn't expecting any messages tonight. Cheers for that Dave.

Hope you guys have a good ride when you get away.

you sure he's not tucked up in bed, getting an early night Dave.

[Paladin]

Ah just dug my phone out of my riding jacket, as I wasn't expecting any messages tonight. Cheers for that Dave.

Hope you guys have a good ride when you get away.

you sure he's not tucked up in bed, getting an early night Dave.

Nah, he's up; just got a txt from him... has fooked his electrics on the Navigator! No riding for Benjah!

[junkmanjoe]

so ya trip is off then mate..........

[Howie]

Nah, he's up; just got a txt from him... has fooked his electrics on the Navigator! No riding for Benjah!

Bugger, I hate it when things like that happen. so what are you going to do?

[Paladin]

so ya trip is off then mate..........

Yeah, maybe I just come drink your beer tomorrow instead!

:cool:

[Paladin]

Bugger, I hate it when things like that happen. so what are you going to do?

Have left my bag packed ready to throw on the T/A and possibly head up Hawkes Bay area for a day or two on Tuesday for when the weather is lookin sunny (and less gales LOL!).

[Howie]

Yeah, maybe I just come drink your beer tomorrow instead!

:cool:

Hmmm, I think my son has his eyes on that.

well i'm off to bed, send me a text in the morning if you like, I'm still thinking of heading away tomorrow, although the wind is getting up now.

[junkmanjoe]

Yeah, maybe I just come drink your beer tomorrow instead!

:cool:

yea come over for the night mate...

play on the wii

[BMWST?]

you be careful mate as i said earlier it was very very windy on sh1 at 6 ish tonight

[bart]

Well, made it home a couple of hours ago. Met Howie in Taihape after starting at 6.30 and doing all the back roads. We explored a couple of rough tracks around Tiahape (with only one minor incident:angry2:). Did the Gentle Annie plus a couple of side roads. Went to the Puketitiri Hot Springs. I gapped it back to Dannevirke. Howie is spending the day tomorrow getting back to Welly.

Awesome day. Weather was fine. Roads were awesome. 562km:yes:

If you want to do the Annie in gravel, be quick. Less gravel every time I go over it.:eek5:

Pics to come.

[junkmanjoe]

(with only one minor incident:angry2:).

AND.......................................please share with us...

JMJ

[Paladin]

Awesome day. Weather was fine. Roads were awesome. 562km:yes:

If you want to do the Annie in gravel, be quick. Less gravel every time I go over it.:eek5:

Pics to come.

Might get over onto the Annie on Tuesday; be good to do it SOON as 2010 is when it's earmarked for the seal to be completed! :(

[bart]

189035189037189039189034189038189036
1. I did a bit of exploring around Ashhurst on the way. Couldn't resist this road.
2. Lovely morning around Apiti
3. Through the trees
4. The start of a little track outside Taihape
5. Wee bit of mud. Not good on Trailwings
6. Just give it shit Howie

[bart]

189044189048189043189046189047189045
7. and he just gave it shit
8. Howie, cruising
9. Wow, love this road
10. and this one
11. Mangaohane magic
12. These white hills kept popping up in the distance

[bart]

13. That bloody hill again
14. Comet hut, somewhere in the Kaweka's
15. Howie's beast
16. Howie's shortcut to the 'Hot Springs' (I thought we were trespassing through farm land)
189052189054189051189053

[junkmanjoe]

(I thought we were trespassing through farm land)

Na mate, only i do that...

JMJ

[bart]

17. On the way to the Puketitiri Hot Springs. Awesome road, but narrow and quite busy
18. Yep....the water's hot
19. On the way back out, some amazing scenery and really fun roads

189059189060189058

[Howie]

Thanks for the company Bart, I'll probably put some pictures on here tomorrow. Only got home an hour or 2 ago.
Yeah not sure about that short cut across the river as it is an Anglers access to the river. I know just take a fishing line with us.It's probably not a problem for a small group of bikes, but if taking a large group across it might pay to find out who owns the property.

[bart]

Thanks Howie for a great day. Found a few new roads (and tracks), and thanks for volunteering to be 'tail end charlie' and sucking dust all day.

The 'little incident' I mentioned earlier...... after the little mud hole in pic 5, I thought I'd give it shit to clear the tread on the back tyre. Problem was, the front was clogged too. Slipped out on the grass real quick. I kind of bunged my knee up in the fall (didn't even have time to get a foot out). Bars were bent to shit (well the mounts anyway). Straightened the bars a bit and carried on....

About 10km down the road, pull in the clutch....SNAP.:gob:

No problem, I've got a spare. Take a quick photo of Howie as he cruises past (dumb move, I should have waved him down, as he saw me taking photo and didn't stop). Take all my gear off and throw the spare lever on, put all my gear back on, hit the starter....NOTHING.:shit:

Took about 3 seconds to realise that my spare lever was off my old DRZ, so doesn't have the kill switch attachment. BUGGER.:blink:

Took all my gear off again, out with the tool bag again, find switch, dismantle, figure out how it works, and finally Howie turns up. Luckily he had some wire and insulation tape (about the only two things I don't carry). We managed to bypass the switch, and away we went.....about an hour wasted.:angry:

Lesson: dismantle all bushit switches. Tomorrow I'm going to attack that bloody switch on the side stand that's been pissing me off for ages.

Oh....and my Knee is slightly better today, but shit it hurt :baby:

[Howie]

17. On the way to the Puketitiri Hot Springs. Awesome road, but narrow and quite busy


Hey Bart they are the Mangatutu hot springs, the locality is Puketitiri. By the sounds of your knee you should have had a soak in the pools. Good to hear it's feeling better today

[bart]

Hey Bart they are the Mangatutu hot springs, the locality is Puketitiri. By the sounds of your knee you should have had a soak in the pools. Good to hear it's feeling better today

Oh well, I got the suburb right.

It must have been a windy ride home today Howie. How'd you get on?

[Howie]

Oh well, I got the suburb right.

It must have been a windy ride home today Howie. How'd you get on?

Yep the wind got a bit fresh from about Poranghau south to about Alfredton, so I stuck to Route 52 apart from a diverson up Birch rd east. which wasn't such a clever idea, as there were a few trees blown over, and pine cones everywhere, as well as the odd broken branch sitting up in the overhanging tree's. Other than that, and a shower of rain 5 minutes from home it was a fairly good day. I also stopped in for a coffe at Joe's on the way through Masterton. Thanks Joe the break was good, and your KTM is looking good with all the gear your sorting out for it.

[NordieBoy]

Took all my gear off again, out with the tool bag again, find switch, dismantle, figure out how it works, and finally Howie turns up. Luckily he had some wire and insulation tape (about the only two things I don't carry). We managed to bypass the switch, and away we went.....about an hour wasted.:angry:

Lesson: dismantle all bushit switches. Tomorrow I'm going to attack that bloody switch on the side stand that's been pissing me off for ages.

The clutch one is just plugging the male and female connectors together.
The side stand needs 2 wires joined.

[Howie]

Ok I’ve finally processed all my pictures, so it’s time for a bit of a report back, and a few pictures.

I finally got motivated and left home at about 9.00am on Saturday the 2nd, and due to leaving later than planned, and the reasonable amount of wind I road the main highways up to sanson. I then took a few back roads through to Feilding where I stopped for a break, a coffee and bite to eat. I then continued up HW54 to Beaconsfield, where I turned off onto Beaconsfield valley road, followed by upper Pakihkura rd and then Mangapara rd, Wairuru rd and Otara rd to pop out onto SH1 just north of Ohingaiti. I then decided to shoot through to Taihape, and drop most of my gear off at the Holiday park. Before having an early feed, and heading out for a look at the roads in the hills behind Taihape.

The following Pictures are from the ride up to Taihape

Pic 1: I like it when you find signs like this on the road you intend to travel along! (A1504)

Pic 2: Some nice flowing Gravel roads through some great scenery. (A1507)

Pic 3: Yep even grass growing in the middle of the road in some places (A1514)

Pic 4&5: Came around the corner to find this on the road, anyone would think it was windy :whistle: (A1515, 1516)

Pic6 Looking down at the bridge across the Rangitiki river. (A1517)

[Howie]

Once I had Unloaded my gear, and had a meal I headed out to explore some of the roads I was interested in seeing. So headed off to the north end of Ridge road Nth, and started to travel up the ridge, about where the seal ends I came across the sign in Pic2. Oh well can’t let a thing like that stop us from having a look up the road, was just prepared to turn around and come back if necessary. The views were great, and the wind was slowly dropping off. I eventually found the reason for the road closure, and felt it was reasonable safe to ride past. This soon brought me out to the junction with Ridge Rd Sth, and Kaweka Rd, as well as Pukenaua road.

Pic 1: Road signs that you find when exploring the back roads: (A1521)

Pics 2-4: views from Ridge Rd Nth (A1522-A1523-A1525)

Pic 5: the reason for the road closure (A1528)

Pic 6: out the other side Of the road Closure (A1529)

[Howie]

From the Junction above I headed along Ridge Rd Sth. The views from up here are great . I eventually got to the end of the Gravel section.

Pic 1-3: General views from Ridge Road South (A1530,31,33)

Pic 4: Looking down on Taihape (A1534)

Pic 6: this sign sounds promising! So off I go down the unmaintained section. (A1536)

[Howie]

The unmaintained section was actually reasonably easy to ride apart from the odd hidden rut in the grass, and the very odd damp patch of clay, which was really slippery, don’t think I’d want to try riding through here if it was raining. After about 4km of the grass track, and about 3 or 4 gates, I came to a halt at a locked gate. So I turned around and headed back. I might make some inquires into how to obtain access to the rest of this road, as according to the 4wd book it used to be open all the way through, and I couldn’t see an alternative track that looked obvious.

Pic1 –5: views on unmaintained section of Ridge Rd Sth ( A1538- A1539- A1541-1542-1547)

Pic6: the locked gate (A1546)

[Howie]

I then made my way back to the Junction mentioned before. I had planned to do Ridge Rd south, then have a look at the Southern end of Kaweka Rd, and hopefully follow a track across that looks like it came out on Wairepu Rd east, and then onto Watershed rd, and make my way back to Taihape. As I hadn’t got right through I decided to have a look at the Northern end of Kaweka Rd. so headed along that. Where the Gravel road ends I decided that as it was about 7.00pm, I was on my own,and it looked a bit more challenging than the last one. I wouldn’t have a go at getting through it, I did walk about 100 meters or so down it first though. And found the following

Pic 1-4: views down the start of the grass bit of Kaweka Rd. I didn’t like the look of the very long grass, and the ruts full of water as the few I had hit earlier had been quite slippery. (A1550-1553)

Pic 5-6: Views of and from Kaweka Rd (A1554-A1558)

[Howie]

I headed back out Kaweka Rd , and down Pukenaua Rd, back to the Holiday camp for a Shower, coffee, and Muffin.
A view from the top or Pukenaua Rd, and the bottom side of the slip on ridge rd Nth

Pic 1: View from top of Pukenaua rd (A1549)
Pic 2: view of slip on Ridge rd Nth, looking up from Pukenaua rd. (A1563)

[Howie]

Day two, I got up bright and early, and was packed and at Macdonald’s at the south end of Taihape by about 8.00am, I sent a text to Bart saying I would wait untill 9.00am for him if I hadn’t heard from him before then. With about 5 minutes to spare and just as I was putting my Helmet on Bart turned up, so we had a quick chat. He refuelled his bike and off we went to a track I had heard about just east of Taihape. You’ve already seen a few pictures of that and read what happened, so I won’t bore you with that. After doing the track we headed to Taoroa Junction, and turned left onto Pukekahu Road, then onto Materwhero Road, and through to the Napier-Taihape Road, Had a Lunch break up Comet road down a little track that Bart spotted. Then Continued our Journey through to the Hawkes Bay side of the Napier Taihape road, with a look up lakes road I think it was.

Pic 1: another view of the little track we took (A1564)
Pic 2: views along Pukekahu Rd (A1569-A1570-A1571-A1573)

[Howie]

Pic 1: looking down at the Headwaters of the Rangitiki river? (A1575)
Pic 2-3: Materwhero Road (A1578-A1579)
Pic4-5 Comet road (A1583-A1586)

[Howie]

We then returned to the Napier-Taihape road and a long it to just after willowford where we turned off and headed for what I hoped was a short cut across the Tutaekuri river, and Oatakara stream which it turned out it was. After that we headed north to puktitiri, and on th the Mangatutu Hot springs. After leaving the Hot springs we headed our own way Bart off home, and myself off to Napier for the Night.

Pic 1: Bart crossing the tutaekuri river. (A1587)
Pic 2-4: At the Hot springs. (A1589-A1590-A1592)
Pic 5-6: views on the road to the hot springs (A1588-A1595)

[Howie]

Day three, the ride Home i'll put up a bit later as someone else in the house is after the computer at the moment.

[bart]

Nice pics Howie. That river (A1587) was a wee bit deeper than I expected. I thought I'd give it shit, but the bike bogged down a bit. Awesome shot.

[Howie]

Nice pics Howie. That river (A1587) was a wee bit deeper than I expected. I thought I'd give it shit, but the bike bogged down a bit. Awesome shot.

I think I went through on the right hand side of the ford, and it was slightly shallower there, but my bike bogged a litle bit. It was fairly deceptive as it was deeper than it looked for sure. Still not to bad a place to cross as long as the water levels aren't high.

[BMWST?]

Bloody good you two!What tyres do you run Howie?

[Howie]

Hi BMWST?, I am currently running Michelin T-63's which probably don't come in a large enough size for the back of a BMW twin. they are fairly good on and off road although the front isn't a particularly deep tread for A knobbly profile. so Might not be that good in deep Mud.

[BMWST?]

Hi BMWST?, I am currently running Michelin T-63's which probably don't come in a large enough size for the back of a BMW twin. they are fairly good on and off road although the front isn't a particularly deep tread for A knobbly profile. so Might not be that good in deep Mud.

prolly not the modern ones but the pd runs a 130/80x17

[Howie]

prolly not the modern ones but the pd runs a 130/80x17

well thats the same size as I run on the KLR, I think it was only $140 odd dollars at TSS + fitting when I got it, and looks likely to last 4-5000km

[Howie]

Well after a very warm, and humid night in Napier, I got away at about 9.00am with a stop to fuel the bike and myself, before heading towards Havelock north, and turning off onto the TE Mata- Mangatere Rd, then ontoWaimarma Road. I saw about 3 police cars sitting on this road must be good place for catching speeding drivers. I then turned onto Kahuranaki Rd, to Elsthorpe, where I went out to Kairakau Beach to have a look, before heading down the coast via Willams, Mangakuri, clareinch roads, and out to Pourerere beach, then down to Aramoana via Gibraltar road.

Pic 1&2: Kairakau Beach (A1598-A1599)
Pic 3: Mangakuri Rd (A1600)
Pic 4&5: Pourerere Beach (A1601-A1602)

[Howie]

I then traveled along the Beach between Aramoana, and Blackhead Beaches where I stopped for a lunch break. The sand was amazingly firm to ride on.

Pic 1-6 From Aramoana to Blackhead. (A1603-A1608)

[Howie]

From Blackhead Beach I headed south via Blackhead, and Hunter roads, and headed into Porangahau. When I hit Hunter road was about when the wind went from being non exsistent, or a gentle breeze to yep the gale force winds are here, so I had a break in Porangahau, and decided to give up on some of the other coastal loops I wanted to do. Instead I sat on route 52 with a quick stop at the worlds longest place name, and decided to have a go at Birch road east, which wasn’t such a smart idea, as it winds along a ridge through a pine forest, and the wind gusts were getting quite high when out of the trees, and when in the trees watch out for the fallen branch’s, and pine cones from the older shelter belt trees. I still managed to get a few Pictures though.

Pic 1&2: view of coast North and south from Hunter road (A1609-A1610)

Pic 3: Porangahau sheltering from the wind. (A1611)

Pic 4: The worlds longest place Name (A1613)

Pic 5&6: Birch road East (A1616-1617)

[Howie]

After going through Birch road east I stopped for a Coffee, and a bite to eat at the store/café in Pongaroa, where it was still blowing like a bastard. So I gave up on anymore diversions from route 52 and headed for Masterton with a call in to see JunkmanJoe, and another cup of coffee, before heading home. From about Hunter road to half way between Pongaroa and Masterton the wind was really strong, and when going head on into it a big gust would knock about 10km of speed off the bike. I was Quite surprised with how well the bike coped with strong cross winds even with the high front guard catching them and blowing the front around a bit, it always seemed to hold it’s line fairly well.
I am now thinking of maybe doing a weekend trip up to the Taihape area at some stage and spending a full day just exploring back roads, and doing the same in the Hawkes Bay.
It was a great little break away from home and I got to travel over some roads and see some places that I had never seen before.

[marks]

Great stuff Howie - some great photos there :wari:

Sorry I didn't join you on the Friday - your photos make me want to load up the bike and go....
Its a great loop - I would be keen to do another weekend loop like we did for Bart's RRRRR ride but do the coastal bits like you did - maybe Feb sometime?

interesting that my klr seems quite sensitive to high winds - maybe its me?

cheers


Mark

[bart]

I'd be keen on another RRRR. Now we've found a few interesting tracks to add, this could be a real nice weekend loop. Has a little bit of everything, but still big bike friendly.

Right, nice day, I'm getting the bike out and heading up Takapari. :drool::Offtopic:

[Howie]

Great stuff Howie - some great photos there :wari:

Sorry I didn't join you on the Friday - your photos make me want to load up the bike and go....
Its a great loop - I would be keen to do another weekend loop like we did for Bart's RRRRR ride but do the coastal bits like you did - maybe Feb sometime?

interesting that my klr seems quite sensitive to high winds - maybe its me?



Yeah it was good to get away for a couple of days, hey you would have been a day early on Friday, it was Saturday I headed up.

Some of the secnery up that way is amazing, so I took quite a few photos.

Your KLR probably handles a bit differently to mine in the wind as it would have more Fairing area at the front. and isn't the beak on the front fixed on the 08+ models? where as the front Guard on the earlier model is mounted to the triple clamp.



I'd be keen on another RRRR. Now we've found a few interesting tracks to add, this could be a real nice weekend loop. Has a little bit of everything, but still big bike friendly.


I agree that all of what I/we covered is easilly big bike friendly, and the trip down the hawkes Bay/ wairarapa coast is interesting to do if you haven't been there before.

A weekend trip up that way sometime in Feb would be good, I might even be tempted into coming along.

[Aslan]

looks like you had a great time Howie (& Bart for those sections you were on) - thanks for taking the time to post the report - cheers S

[Howie]

looks like you had a great time Howie (& Bart for those sections you were on) - thanks for taking the time to post the report - cheers S

Thanks Aslan. I'm at the stage where for me, I want to get out and explore the more remote places of our country that I haven't been to before, I really enjoyed the scenery in the hills behind Taihape. Covering a couple of areas of inland Hawkes bay that I hadn't been to before, and was impressed with the small east coast beaches on the way Home.

[drbandit]

The unmaintained section was actually reasonably easy to ride apart from the odd hidden rut in the grass, and the very odd damp patch of clay, which was really slippery, don’t think I’d want to try riding through here if it was raining. After about 4km of the grass track, and about 3 or 4 gates, I came to a halt at a locked gate. So I turned around and headed back. I might make some inquires into how to obtain access to the rest of this road, as according to the 4wd book it used to be open all the way through, and I couldn’t see an alternative track that looked obvious.

Pic1 –5: views on unmaintained section of Ridge Rd Sth ( A1538- A1539- A1541-1542-1547)

Pic6: the locked gate (A1546)

Went out and checked this part of Ridge Rd Sth on monday. Got right through and didnt see that locked gate?? Maybe you missed a turn? Have put up route and a few pictures here.
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=919179

The rutted bit was very bumpy to say the least.. too many beasts etc over it and now dried out. The slip bypass a challenge when by yourself!!

[Howie]

Thanks for the update.

I did contact the local council sometime afterwards, and got told yep it has a locked gate, can't remember the reason they gave though.


I didn't think it would be that easy to take a wrong turn on that track as it seemed fairly easy to follow. You never know though I haven't got around to buying a GPS yet.

Think I might have to have another look up that way soon.

[pete376403]

Your KLR probably handles a bit differently to mine in the wind as it would have more Fairing area at the front. and isn't the beak on the front fixed on the 08+ models? where as the front Guard on the earlier model is mounted to the triple clamp..
Nope, the '08 + front guard attaches under the triples just as in the past. The guard design is different, tho. It now has an angled down pointy bit at the front tip where the old desigh was wider and flatter. Possibly the more aerodynamic fairing on the 08+ penetrates the air better, as well.
Good fairing design is about a lot more than just looking "cool"
(anyway, no-one will ever suggest an 08+ looks "cool")