Gentle Annie's road?

[paulmac]

Afternoon all, has anyone been through the Gentle annie's road recently ? ( taihape to napier )
I have heard that it is now all sealed ! Anyone with recent experience confirm this !!

[wickle]

Went across to Taihape and back in July ,, approx 10 km shingle(read mud) on Hawkes Bay side and roughly 3km on other side, Hawkes Bay Regional Council I believe plan to seal about another 2 km before Xmas. Regretfully once its all sealed be too much traffic on this road specially camper vans

[paulmac]

Thanks for that. Sounds ok for road bikes ?

[yod]

i went through it about two and a half years ago when there was still almost 40kms of gravel

on my old RF900 :laugh:

fucking mint road though, simply must be done

[wickle]

Thirty four rode thru from the club ranging from classic;s(1950's) modern bikes Including a couple of HD including a V rod, 80% would have been road bikes

[paulmac]

haven't been thru there since 1984 and that time I was driving a tank ! ( we actually had tanks back then !! )

[ynot slow]

Just do it.

Small amount of gravel my spies tell me,but nothing much,and sun can be a bugger if in summer.

[MSTRS]

Just do it.

Small amount of gravel my spies tell me,but nothing much,and sun can be a bugger if in summer.

Apart from being hot and dusty...nope. Winter sun tho...:shit:...DAMHIK

[insomnia01]

Anyone know where the councils are at with sealing Gentle Annie from Taihape through to Hawkes bay ?? Last I heard one side was completed & there was'nt much left to go on the Hawkes Bay side

[Gremlin]

10-20km remaining I believe...

[Drew]

They're ruining our fun! Jimmy and I are meant to be riding scooters over there in the middle of next winter!

[yungatart]

We have just been to Kurapaponga, which is on the HB side of the sealed hill in the middle...it is sealed up to about 8ks east of there. The unsealed bit is almost ready for sealing, it has been widened and graded and is in good condition.

[release_the_bees]

I went through there on my GT650R on Christmas Day. I'd estimate about 10-15 kilometres are unsealed in total. There is one very tricky patch of about 3-5 kilometres, which I would best describe as pebbles rather than gravel, but the rest is nothing to be concerned about.

[MSTRS]

I went through there on my GT650R on Christmas Day. I'd estimate about 10-15 kilometres are unsealed in total. There is one very tricky patch of about 3-5 kilometres, which I would best describe as pebbles rather than gravel, but the rest is nothing to be concerned about.

Yeah, but is it all one side of the hill, or still a bit on both sides?
Last time I went right through...Hastings side about 15kms gravel, Taihape side about 20Kms or less. The hill in the middle (which is the Gentle Annie) has been sealed for years.
Rangiteiki Council is sealing Taihape side towards the hill, and Hastings DC is sealing towards the hill on this side.
HDC has about 8km to go...

[slofox]

Might have to give this a go meself...

[FJRider]

I would ... but I guess that would mean visiting the north island ... :facepalm:

Might do the south island west coast instead ... :yes:

[Laava]

I will be going thru there with MamaJo on 13thFeb day after mission concert if anyone is keen?

[release_the_bees]

Yeah, but is it all one side of the hill, or still a bit on both sides?
Last time I went right through...Hastings side about 15kms gravel, Taihape side about 20Kms or less. The hill in the middle (which is the Gentle Annie) has been sealed for years.
Rangiteiki Council is sealing Taihape side towards the hill, and Hastings DC is sealing towards the hill on this side.
HDC has about 8km to go...

Well, I just learned that. Previously I thought the whole road between Napier and Taihape was known as the Gentle Annie.

Anyway, to clarify what I wrote earlier, it is all on the Napier side I believe.

[sels1]

Rangiteiki Council is sealing Taihape side towards the hill, and Hastings DC is sealing towards the hill on this side.
HDC has about 8km to go...

I rode through there last week - a great ride!

Rangiteiki Council have more or less done their side and a good job too. HB still have a bit to do but they seem to be working on it. Most of the gravel is thru the Kaweka Forest area. It's well graded in most places, a bit interesting in others.

[MSTRS]

I rode through there last week - a great ride!
...and you didn't give us a call whilst in the area? :cry:



Most of the gravel is thru the Kaweka Forest area. It's well graded in most places, a bit interesting in others.
Tis ok in the car...

[specter]

so have they altered the road at all? besides making it wider...

[MSTRS]

Can only speak for the HB side...it is wider where sealed (or about to be) and camber has been flattened somewhat, there is a marked centre line, some corners may have been 'eased' but essentially it is the same road it's been for yonks

[specter]

sweet, should make a good road to ride... i would imagine trucks would use it a bit though :wait:

[MSTRS]

Seal is basically for the logging trucks that are increasingly hauling logs out of there.
It is a great motorcycling road, but with the demise of the gravel in the middle, I'd be more worried about the numbnuts car driver and camper van brigade that will choose to use rather than go around.

[specter]

Seal is basically for the logging trucks that are increasingly hauling logs out of there.
It is a great motorcycling road, but with the demise of the gravel in the middle, I'd be more worried about the numbnuts car driver and camper van brigade that will choose to use rather than go around.

just like every other road in nz....

[yod]

sweet, should make a good road to ride... i would imagine trucks would use it a bit though :wait:

correct, they already do, a lot of forestry in there

i took my trusty off-roader (RF900) through about 3 years ago and if i hadn't stopped for a break about 5-10km into the gravel, (from the Napier side) i'm fairly certain i would have been mowed down by one....fucker was flying, driving straight down the middle of the road :oi-grr:

[sels1]

...and you didn't give us a call whilst in the area?
I know, my bad...sorry
I turned right at Fernhill and headed south, didnt stop til I got to Levin

[bart]

Went through a couple of weeks ago. About 15km of gravel on the HB side. Awesome ride, or....it was. :bleh: I like gravel.

[insomnia01]

thanks for all the info people !!! I'll more than likely go have a look since its been awhile since I last went through there, awesome piece of road/scenary which ever way you look at it

[Elysium]

Seal is basically for the logging trucks that are increasingly hauling logs out of there.
It is a great motorcycling road, but with the demise of the gravel in the middle, I'd be more worried about the numbnuts car driver and camper van brigade that will choose to use rather than go around.

When I was last there it was the out of control 4WD's blasting out of the corners on your side of the road you had to watch for.

[MSTRS]

Actually, it's always been a case of watch out for idiots. But it was also a case of often seeing no-one on the entire road (gravel puts off most). Once the seal is complete, expect a massive increase in users.

[ynot slow]

Much like Whangamomona raod,look for dust clouds of impending budding rally driver or truck.

[MSTRS]

OK, Just rode through there yesterday...
Hastings side has 9kms of gravel, some of which is 'ready for seal', some is being worked on and some not yet started.
Taihape side has just under 4kms of gravel, split into 3 sections. 2 are short and in good order (ready for seal) but the longest is quite nasty, at least on a sprotbike 2-up. It is being prepared but is base course atm.

[mazz1972]

Seal with the demise of the gravel in the middle, I'd be more worried about the numbnuts car driver and camper van brigade that will choose to use rather than go around.

There's been nothing stopping them anyway, the gravel sections are usually well swept hard packed surface and a breeze for cars & campervans - except for when it's badly corrugated. We kept meeting up with a car towing a caravan and they went all the way through.

We went through there on Sunday 9th and the gravel was fine with bugger all corrugation in the gravel sections. I'm a gravel nana and slower than a wet week on the stuff and I managed fine on my cruiser. There was a patch of chunky base course which was slightly more challenging for me but it was well packed down so fine.

I don't have any photos of the gravel parts to share - didn't dare stop on the gravel to take any!

[MSTRS]

There's been nothing stopping them anyway, the gravel sections are usually well swept hard packed surface and a breeze for cars & campervans - except for when it's badly corrugated.

You are correct. What you maybe don't realise is just how many people avoid driving on gravel. Mind you, a huge portion of them even avoid roads like the ParaParas...because they consider them goat tracks. There is hope - perhaps.

[FJRider]

You are correct. What you maybe don't realise is just how many people avoid driving on gravel. Mind you, a huge portion of them even avoid roads like the ParaParas...because they consider them goat tracks. There is hope - perhaps.

There are some that prefer four lane highways ... each to their own ...

Just means less traffic non the Para Para's for us ...

[mazz1972]

You are correct. What you maybe don't realise is just how many people avoid driving on gravel. Mind you, a huge portion of them even avoid roads like the ParaParas...because they consider them goat tracks. There is hope - perhaps.

I reckon it's more about people avoiding driving on windy roads. People often want to take the quickest (or most direct) route and unless you live in Taihape/Hunterville area and want to go to Napier/Hastings area or vice-versa, the GE does not make a short cut. Hopefully it's location will keep all but locals and sightseers away, as it's an awesome road.

[MD]

Update - about 8 kms remains unsealed.

I rode the Napier to Taihape highway today. Only one in our group of 5 had ever been on that road before.

The good news for road riders is it's down to about 8km of gravel, well today it was mud and clay because we got rained on most of the HB side. Brilliant sunny day once we got about 30 km shy of Taihape. The gravel starts eastward from a narrow one lane bridge with a beaut view over a river, if that means anything to anyone.

Bad news is that all the newly sealed sections have not been swept and were covered in small pebbles/grit. On the bends the loose stones have built up in places and catch you out. Drizzle and misty visors didn't help spot the patches either.

BUT. The really good news for sprotsbike types. Give it a year for the seal completion and for the loose chips to clear off and this will be the pride of road bike trips in the North Island. We were all surprised at what a quick shortcut from one side of the island to the other it is. The older sealed sections were great fun.

[Smifffy]

Some mates did it a few weeks back, and came back via the Napier-Taupo. They said the road works along the Napier-Taupo were much worse than the gravel on the Annie.

[Bonez]

Well, there goes another good road down the toilet. Not far from the bridge on the Napier side is quite a large camping area. Would make a great venue for a KB get together. No EFPOS though, well not much of anything really apart from the loos. Cracker veiw of the river.

[banditrider]

Rode it last weekend and it was fabulous (only my 2nd time through there)! Fantastic views and a magic road. The gravel was in good nick and no issue whatsoever. Yes, there is a lot of new seal and a lack of signage but I wouldn't let that put you off riding it.

I'd say it rivals the Forgotten Highway as one of the best North Island rides.

[Gremlin]

Righty-o... must do this road when I get me beemer back...

[Elysium]

Rode it last weekend and it was fabulous (only my 2nd time through there)! Fantastic views and a magic road. The gravel was in good nick and no issue whatsoever. Yes, there is a lot of new seal and a lack of signage but I wouldn't let that put you off riding it.

I'd say it rivals the Forgotten Highway as one of the best North Island rides.

Many Four Wheel drive hoons on the road this time?

[banditrider]

Many Four Wheel drive hoons on the road this time?

Just one on the gravel, but then this guy on a bike going the other way...

[Hawkeye]

Update - about 8 kms remains unsealed.

I rode the Napier to Taihape highway today. Only one in our group of 5 had ever been on that road before.

The good news for road riders is it's down to about 8km of gravel, well today it was mud and clay because we got rained on most of the HB side. Brilliant sunny day once we got about 30 km shy of Taihape. The gravel starts eastward from a narrow one lane bridge with a beaut view over a river, if that means anything to anyone.

Bad news is that all the newly sealed sections have not been swept and were covered in small pebbles/grit. On the bends the loose stones have built up in places and catch you out. Drizzle and misty visors didn't help spot the patches either.

BUT. The really good news for sprotsbike types. Give it a year for the seal completion and for the loose chips to clear off and this will be the pride of road bike trips in the North Island. We were all surprised at what a quick shortcut from one side of the island to the other it is. The older sealed sections were great fun.

Just a short tiki tour yesterday MD or part of a longer trip?

[MD]

Just a short tiki tour yesterday MD or part of a longer trip?
Took Friday off work for a 3 day round trip via Gizzy and Rotorua. East Cape was wet on Sat. so we tried the Napier-Taihape idea to chase the sun. Took the Guys returning to Welly with me through the Magaweka Gorge route to Kimbolton to show them what great roads are on our doorsteps (well more like 150km from our doorstep). They were impressed with the detour.

Front tyre went flat the night I got home. I was grateful for the timing. It could have gone down on me while on top of Gentle Annie when it was cold, pissing down and no cell coverage. Just re-read that last sentence, sounds like I'm script writing for porno mags.

[red mermaid]

Update;

Rode the Gentle Annie today and it is sealed all the way through.

Seal is pretty good but lots of corners have loose chip on them and the condition of the road at the Hastings end is not as good as the Taihape end.

Not much traffic. I reckon I would have seen less than 10 other vehicles on the road.

[insomnia01]

off to have a look in a week or 2 :woohoo:

[MD]

Update;

Rode the Gentle Annie today and it is sealed all the way through.
.

Brilliant. I was expecting it to take longer to complete. Roll on summer. That gives us a ripper of a round trip: Wgtn-Napier-Taihape-Kimbolton-Wgtn

[banditrider]

Just watch out for loose metal - still the odd bit in places.

gW8hCpx3eMQ

[Lurch]

I was through 4 weeks ago, well worth the loop from Welly.

246425

Not a road to get complacent on due to some sketchy road surfaces; dust, dirt, clay from roadworks/trucks, odd gravel patch but some must see scenery that can really fly by in a spectactular fashion :woohoo: IYKWIM

[Mad-V2]

I think I saw you that day, I went passed as you were taking the pic.
I was actually on a trip out just let council know how the seal was holding up.
Did ya get any ice or anything coming from Taihapi?

[Lurch]

I think I saw you that day, I went passed as you were taking the pic.
I was actually on a trip out just let council know how the seal was holding up.
Did ya get any ice or anything coming from Taihapi?

No ice that day but I got rained on all the way up the west side until Taihape and then blown all the way back from Napier!

[pritch]

How far is it between gas stations on that route? I'm taking most of February off and plan on riding some new roads. The GA is on my list.

[banditrider]

How far is it between gas stations on that route? I'm taking most of February off and plan on riding some new roads. The GA is on my list.

About 150-160km from Taihape through to Hastings or Taradale.

[robertydog]

28Z0GZDcSd8

[Pixie]

It could have gone down on me while on top of Gentle Annie

Why not get Annie to go down on you before you get on top of her?

[insomnia01]

Well, with all good intentions of picking a GOOD day to do this ride it unfortunately did not appear :angry: heading up the Kapiti coast I was already having to hold on for dear life & sadly it looked no better in the Wairarapa region so thought " GA all the way " :woohoo::facepalm: finally arrived in Taihape for a tank up for Scooter & I when the gas attendant asked me where I was heading " Gentle Annie " i said, his facial expression was a bit like :shit::shit: " You kidding ? not the best day for it !! " I dont have much choice unfortunately & have riden a GC or 2 in much worse weather so lets give it a go !!!!! great road now that its sealed but you still need to keep your wits about you in some areas, the rain & wind certainly didn't help but I look forward to doing it again on a much finer day..... so for those that have always wanted to give this fantastic piece of road a looksy summer is fast approaching so don't be shy :scooter::scooter: