Mangamuka Playdate: 7-8 December

[Juniper]

So someone asked me to put up a thread for this as it turned from being chit chat over a beer at ATNR to an actual ride idea.... :facepalm:

2 Day trip north to see how many times we can do Waipura Forest and Mangamuka Gorge via whichever twisty roads take us there. :ride:

Leave Saturday morning and come back Sunday avo.

Really open to suggestions for roads along the way. I just come up with these smart ideas :bleh:

If there's a decent number of people I'll look around and price up some accommodation, otherwise tents or wherever happens to have a few beds?


Not a Learner Ride

[KeyserSöze]

Sweet. I am in.

[haydes55]

Tempting...... Very tempting......

Work do this weekend, stag do next weekend. I'll check the funds after the stag do.

On the plus side, my bikes got fresh Elf oil (support those who support speedway), and K&N filter. Runs like a new bike now.

Sent from Raglan,

[GravelRashKid]

I'm keen to come along too, lol.
I stayed under a tent fly at a campsite in Opononi once. That may be an option.

[angle]

I'm keen to come along too, lol.
I stayed under a tent fly at a campsite in Opononi once. That may be an option.
You'll be TEC then, since Juniper will be leading the ride on her mighty green beast showing the nana riders like myself, how it's done :devil2:. As for me, I certainly would like to come but I first need to confirm that I can leave Auckland on that weekend.

[Juniper]

You'll be TEC then, since Juniper will be leading the ride on her mighty green beast showing the nana riders like myself, how it's done :devil2:. As for me, I certainly would like to come but I first need to confirm that I can leave Auckland on that weekend.

Yeeeaaahhhhhh that's how it will be. :rolleyes:

[Juniper]

Sooooooo yes, no, maybe?

Um so suggestions of roads on the way up......

[haydes55]

I'm out. Speedway Sunday, birthday party Saturday night.

Sent from my RM-821_eu_euro1_500 using Tapatalk

[george formby]

hmmmm. I may be off on Saturday. We are possibly heading up north today. Matauri loop, Mangamukas & possibly some intentional gravel through Puketi forest on the way home. Rode down the Twin Bridges road (Murray Road?) to Whangas on Wednesday, came back along the coast, Tutukaka, Sandy bay, back on the SH at Hikurangi. We had rain north of the Twin Bridges, just enough to create slime on the road. Those lovely hairpins have a smooth surface and were unbelievably slippy, the TDM was locking the rear wheel changing down & the sole of my boot told me the surface was like ice..
There are stretches of gravel from Sandy bay through the hair pins heading to Hikurangi, nothing major. And they are proper hair pin bends! A few stretches of road patching on Murray road south of the bridges & cable laying on the stretch of road after Matapouri bay. Again nothing major. The Old Russell road has new seal a few k's north of Bland Bay, (well worth a look & a photo break if you have never been. The 8k road to the settlement is like a roller coaster).
I guess every road up here has a few stretches of road works at the mo. But otherwise all twisty, summery goodness.
Will report back if we manage to get on the bikes today.

[george formby]

Never made it over the Mangamukas but the Matauri loop is splendid. Bring your cozzies & budgie smugglers.

290584
290583

[Juniper]

hmmmm. I may be off on Saturday. We are possibly heading up north today. Matauri loop, Mangamukas & possibly some intentional gravel through Puketi forest on the way home. Rode down the Twin Bridges road (Murray Road?) to Whangas on Wednesday, came back along the coast, Tutukaka, Sandy bay, back on the SH at Hikurangi. We had rain north of the Twin Bridges, just enough to create slime on the road. Those lovely hairpins have a smooth surface and were unbelievably slippy, the TDM was locking the rear wheel changing down & the sole of my boot told me the surface was like ice..
There are stretches of gravel from Sandy bay through the hair pins heading to Hikurangi, nothing major. And they are proper hair pin bends! A few stretches of road patching on Murray road south of the bridges & cable laying on the stretch of road after Matapouri bay. Again nothing major. The Old Russell road has new seal a few k's north of Bland Bay, (well worth a look & a photo break if you have never been. The 8k road to the settlement is like a roller coaster).
I guess every road up here has a few stretches of road works at the mo. But otherwise all twisty, summery goodness.
Will report back if we manage to get on the bikes today.

Awesome! Cheers for that!!

So the list of roads to ride begins....

[GravelRashKid]

Tigger has a new chain and is rearing to go for this weekend! I'm kind of excited too:banana:

[KeyserSöze]

Bad news from my end. Boss told me that I have to work at least one day this weekend to catch up on some shit. Not happy about it, but nothing I can do. Sorry about that. Hopefully next time.

[GravelRashKid]

Bad news from my end. Boss told me that I have to work at least one day this weekend to catch up on some shit. Not happy about it, but nothing I can do. Sorry about that. Hopefully next time.

It's a bugger when work gets in the way of having fun! What a shame.:(
Next time:yes:

[Juniper]

Bad news from my end. Boss told me that I have to work at least one day this weekend to catch up on some shit. Not happy about it, but nothing I can do. Sorry about that. Hopefully next time.

Awwww ahh well.

Stretch your legs and do it in 1 day :p

[cracker300]

are you guys still doing this ride? i would be keen .

[GravelRashKid]

are you guys still doing this ride? i would be keen .

Yep, we sure are. Even if it's only one or two or three bikes.

[cracker300]

sweet, whats your plan then?

[GravelRashKid]

This weekend is our playdate ride (including overnight) through some famous Northland twisties.

Route Saturday: Auckland to Kaitaia, via Waipoua Forest and Mangamuka Gorge.
Route Sunday: To be decided on Saturday night, although the gorge is a must.

Saturday 8:15am, coffee and fuel at Z Westgate. Leaving Z Westgate at 8:30am.

Roughly planning one hour ride legs.
Stops at Wellsford, Dargaville, Opononi (Opononi Hotel for lunch), Okaihau, Mangamuka (south of the gorge, for icecream), Ahipara (west of Kaitaia).

Google says 5hr20 http://goo.gl/maps/c5BK4. 4 quick stops of 15 minutes. Lunch for 1 hour.
We could arrive in Kaitaia at 4pm - unless we do the Forest and/or the Gorge an extra couple of times :yes:

Accommodation will be at Ahipara Holiday Park, 168 Takahe Street.
http://www.ahiparaholidaypark.co.nz/index.html
I've chosen a "Self Contained 1 Bedroom Unit", which still has two single beds available. First in first served, otherwise please book your own rooms.

[wynw]

Looks like you might have picked the right days for the weather! Bucketing down up here at the moment but looks like itw clearing by friday.

[Juniper]

We could arrive in Kaitaia at 4pm - unless we do the Forest and/or the Gorge an extra couple of times :yes:



So you think we can do it 3 times on the first day and 3 on the second? :banana:

[GravelRashKid]

Looks like you might have picked the right days for the weather! Bucketing down up here at the moment but looks like itw clearing by friday.
That's good news. I got caught in a downpour this morning (Auckland car drivers seem to get even more aggressive in the wet).
Would you like to join us from Dargaville? All going to plan (Tui) we should be there between 10:45 and 11am.



So you think we can do it 3 times on the first day and 3 on the second? :banana:
:yes: I like a challenge!

[Juniper]

That's good news. I got caught in a downpour this morning (Auckland car drivers seem to get even more aggressive in the wet).
Would you like to join us from Dargaville? All going to plan (Tui) we should be there between 10:45 and 11am.


Lol Mr Organised.:innocent:

[Mongolian]

I can't do both day's, but could be keen to come up on Saturday to dargaville or opononi if I'm feeling like a long ride

[GravelRashKid]

I can't do both day's, but could be keen to come up on Saturday to dargaville or opononi if I'm feeling like a long ride

Awesome, be great to see you there.
I'm kinda hoping this rain will be washing clean the forest roads.

[angle]

I've chosen a "Self Contained 1 Bedroom Unit", which still has two single beds available. First in first served, otherwise please book your own rooms.
I hope the weather improves for the weekend... May I claim one of those single beds?
P.S. Is Red Dog coming along as well?

[GravelRashKid]

May I claim one of those single beds?

One bed is yours, with one currently spare.

[wynw]

Would you like to join us from Dargaville? All going to plan (Tui) we should be there between 10:45 and 11am.


I wouldnt mind, its about time i had a play on the gorge but unfortunately am on shift all weekend

[Juniper]

I hope the weather improves for the weekend... May I claim one of those single beds?
P.S. Is Red Dog coming along as well?

Nope :( he's down the line visiting his folks.

[george formby]

I'm guckin futted. Was hoping to join ewes for the ride from Dargaville, I could ride Waipoua twice & the Mangamukas twice but... Got home an hour ago & my huge old Coral Tree has keeled over so it looks like chain saw day. Mind you I have two evenings between now & then. You have room for a duffer as TEC on a dual porpoise who tends to obey the rules, everywhere, even if the little yellow sign suggests otherwise?

[nzspokes]

I dont think ive done the Mangamuka road, muct get up there one day.

[george formby]

I dont think ive done the Mangamuka road, muct get up there one day.

Yes, you must. Get the conditions & traffic right & it's a full blown, yee ha, roller coaster ride. One of the few bits of road which gets a woo hoo out of me as I approach.:banana:

Wee's is blessed with lots of corners oop here but the Mangamukas does stand out. I have a couple of "private test tracks" which I prefer, barely any traffic and they follow ridge lines which gives great visibilty but they go nowhere so you have to ride them twice.

[Ocean1]

Yes, you must. Get the conditions & traffic right & it's a full blown, yee ha, roller coaster ride. One of the few bits of road which gets a woo hoo out of me as I approach.:banana:

Bugger. Rode past the western end of it last week.

Still, that wasn't bad either.

[Juniper]

Yes, you must. Get the conditions & traffic right & it's a full blown, yee ha, roller coaster ride. One of the few bits of road which gets a woo hoo out of me as I approach.:banana:

Wee's is blessed with lots of corners oop here but the Mangamukas does stand out. I have a couple of "private test tracks" which I prefer, barely any traffic and they follow ridge lines which gives great visibilty but they go nowhere so you have to ride them twice.

And there's a problem with doing them twice.......?

I'm sure we can make room for a TEC that knows the way, I'm sure you can point us in some nice directions?

[george formby]

And there's a problem with doing them twice.......?

I'm sure we can make room for a TEC that knows the way, I'm sure you can point us in some nice directions?

Getting this tree cleared takes priority & it's still hosing down. See how we go.

I can put up with back tracking. No probs.

[GravelRashKid]

who tends to obey the rules, everywhere, even if the little yellow sign suggests otherwise?

That's a good way to put it.
Good luck with your tree, it's hosing down here at the moment too. Discovered yesterday that my old girl has an aversion to getting wet - completely understandable.
Time to begin the anti-rain dance (i.e. packing the rain-suit and spare socks).

[george formby]

That's a good way to put it.
Good luck with your tree, it's hosing down here at the moment too. Discovered yesterday that my old girl has an aversion to getting wet - completely understandable.
Time to begin the anti-rain dance (i.e. packing the rain-suit and spare socks).

Not seen a frogcast but the sun came out after lunch. With a vengeance. Must have been a bajillion degrees with the humidity.

I'm off to sing the lumberjack song.

[Akzle]

my old girl has an aversion to getting wet

you need a new girl.

[Mongolian]

So what are we looking at for numbers tomorrow morning?

[Juniper]

My 2p is that I want fish and chips at some point.

Mark from NASS might join us from Z to dargaville.

[GravelRashKid]

So what are we looking at for numbers tomorrow morning?

Me and Juniper on one bike.
Angle has booked a bed too (so one more bed in the same room available).
George Formby may join us from Dargaville.
Mark (from NASS) , may join us Auckland to Dargaville.
Your good self from Auckland to Opononi perhaps.

[Mongolian]

Sweet, should be a good day for it as long as this rain keeps getting pushed out later and later.

[george formby]

I'm out. :pinch: Set to the tree with a vengeance, cleared ready for the chain saw, put me chaps on... knackered, ran for a split second then spluttered to death, so got to get that fixed. Cut the limbs with a handsaw & I can hardly move my neck today after hauling them off the drive. So... gonna be doing some more sawing tomorrow.

Have a lurvely weekend all & keep yer tires on the road.

[Mongolian]

My 2p is that I want fish and chips at some point.

Mark from NASS might join us from Z to dargaville.

The fish and chip shop at opononi is awesome, has an awesome view too.

[GravelRashKid]

I'm out. :pinch: Set to the tree with a vengeance, cleared ready for the chain saw, put me chaps on... knackered, ran for a split second then spluttered to death, so got to get that fixed. Cut the limbs with a handsaw & I can hardly move my neck today after hauling them off the drive. So... gonna be doing some more sawing tomorrow.

Have a lurvely weekend all & keep yer tires on the road.

Bummer, next time. The gorge is a callin.

[Juniper]

*cough* running late.

[GravelRashKid]

Reached Dargaville and the roads are bone dry.
Jace, you took the rain back to Auckland with you.

[Mongolian]

Reached Dargaville and the roads are bone dry.
Jace, you took the rain back to Auckland with you.

Yeh they were pretty much dry on the way home, was a nice ride back actually. hope the rest of the journey is rain free :woohoo:

[george formby]

Yeh they were pretty much dry on the way home, was a nice ride back actually. hope the rest of the journey is rain free :woohoo:

We had rain this mornin but it's been :sunny::sunny: since mid day. Fookin hot actually. There is a lot of wood in an old tree! Think the starter bearing on the chainsaw has seized... Pruning saw is killing me.

Hope ewes is having a lurvely time.

[caspernz]

I dont think ive done the Mangamuka road, muct get up there one day.

Shame on you, it's a daytrip from Aucks...:wacko:

[GravelRashKid]

Should be a great day for it.
Heading to Kaitaia for breakfast then off to do the gorge a few times, if anyone would like to joins us.

[Juniper]

Interesting ride. Good lot of fun. Beautiful views. Great food at some places. That Speights pub just across the road from the Caltex in Wellsford is really nice!! New owners from last week, the service was superb and the food wonderful.

Did the gorge 6 times the Forrest only twice. All bodies got a bit sore, lots of lying down on the grass by the older folk and standing and stretching for me.

Played tag with a bunch of riders that seemed to be relatively doing the same trip.

Weather was up and down. Getting through the bad part in the beginning was worth the great sun and shine and perfectly slight cloud cover.

[Juniper]

Did the chalk test to much ego boosting success.

[GravelRashKid]

Did the chalk test to much ego boosting success.
Chicken strips have been banished, two-up on the gorge is a huge amount of fun. It gets better every time we go through.

Awesome weekend. As half expected, all plans for timing were out the window, which added to the experience.
There was talk of heading south for a weekend...

[angle]

Interesting ride. Good lot of fun. Beautiful views. Great food at some places. That Speights pub just across the road from the Caltex in Wellsford is really nice!! New owners from last week, the service was superb and the food wonderful.
Yes, the food was very, very good!


Did the gorge 6 times the Forrest only twice. All bodies got a bit sore, lots of lying down on the grass by the older folk and standing and stretching for me.
I lay down on the couch as soon as I got back home, falling asleep within a couple of minutes :sleep: The grass was also nice, soft and pleasant by the way.


Awesome weekend. As half expected, all plans for timing were out the window, which added to the experience.
There was talk of heading south for a weekend...
It was a great ride indeed:2thumbsup Not keeping to a time schedule made it only better, as we got to enjoy other, unplanned, stuff.

[Maha]

Should be a great day for it.
Heading to Kaitaia for breakfast then off to do the gorge a few times, if anyone would like to joins us.

So you missed out this bit all together?...tut tut, remember we did last year in wet'ish conditions? and was a sublime bit of road, would have been even better in the dry.

https://maps.google.co.nz/maps?saddr=Ahipara,+Northland&daddr=-35.2661555,173.2928829+to:Mangamuka,+Northland&hl=en&ll=-35.195134,173.351212&spn=0.232866,0.528374&sll=-35.163143,173.346748&sspn=0.232957,0.528374&geocode=FfVT5_0d-BtSCinJCQbpYg4JbTFAsaJDYe8ABQ%3BFZXh5f0dUj1UCikZAU 6T9GwJbTGQJIIGYe8AEw%3BFRW95v0dmANYCilFNcfiJn0JbTE A3qJDYe8ABQ&oq=Mangamuka&mra=dpe&mrsp=1&sz=12&via=1&t=m&z=12

[Juniper]

Awwww. Yeah we did miss that. Ahh well, there is always next time.