Had a Nap

[2_SL0]

Well its been a while, I had a snooze from KB but have dusted off my login. I see some familiar names still, many new ones.
Located in Northland these days, not done much riding over the last few years, but looking at getting back into it more as time allows.
Thought I would just say "hi, back again!" :crazy::crazy:
Would like some pointers on best roads up here?

[Maha]

Depending on where you are situated, Ahipara to Kohukohu, a burger at the pub then a leisurely barge crossing to Rawene. Through to Kaikohe take Te Pua rd which will bring you out onto SH1 and the Mangamuka's are ahead of you heading north. Or you could turn right at Kaikohe and enjoy the Twin Bridges road then onto Dargaville and up through the Waipoua/Omapere and Opononi.

https://www.google.co.nz/maps/dir/Ahipara,+Northland/Kohukohu,+Northland/Rawene+Ferry+Terminal,+Rawene,+Northland/Dargaville/Maungatapere,+Northland/Kaikohe,+Northland/Mangamuka,+Northland/Ahipara/@-35.5334867,173.1201019,9z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m50!4m49!1m5!1m1!1s0x6d090e62e90609 c9:0x500ef6143a2b140!2m2!1d173.1532718!2d-35.1713389!1m5!1m1!1s0x6d0966ea133b208d:0x500ef614 3a2b310!2m2!1d173.5454722!2d-35.3599107!1m5!1m1!1s0x6d095dff91a92423:0x1d00ef62 249b7010!2m2!1d173.5052174!2d-35.3922658!1m5!1m1!1s0x6d0c72a46261c63f:0x500ef614 3a2bf20!2m2!1d173.8691427!2d-35.9401291!1m5!1m1!1s0x6d0b80b2fd4e9923:0x500ef614 3a2e2c0!2m2!1d174.2077912!2d-35.7549893!1m5!1m1!1s0x6d0be9b56e37ee13:0x500ef614 3a2d0e0!2m2!1d173.8039261!2d-35.4071941!1m5!1m1!1s0x6d097d26e2c73545:0x500ef614 3a2de00!2m2!1d173.5402476!2d-35.2099626!1m5!1m1!1s0x6d090e62e90609c9:0x500ef614 3a2b140!2m2!1d173.1532718!2d-35.1713389!3e0

Or a shorter loop. Ice Cream at the Bush Fairy Dairy.
https://www.google.co.nz/maps/dir/Ahipara,+Northland/Kohukohu,+Northland/Rawene+Ferry+Terminal,+Rawene,+Northland/Kaikohe/Mangamuka/Taipa,+Northland/Ahipara/@-35.2385464,173.2105006,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m44!4m43!1m5!1m1!1s0x6d090e62e90609 c9:0x500ef6143a2b140!2m2!1d173.1532718!2d-35.1713389!1m5!1m1!1s0x6d0966ea133b208d:0x500ef614 3a2b310!2m2!1d173.5454722!2d-35.3599107!1m5!1m1!1s0x6d095dff91a92423:0x1d00ef62 249b7010!2m2!1d173.5052174!2d-35.3922658!1m5!1m1!1s0x6d0be9b56e37ee13:0x500ef614 3a2d0e0!2m2!1d173.8039261!2d-35.4071941!1m5!1m1!1s0x6d097d26e2c73545:0x500ef614 3a2de00!2m2!1d173.5402476!2d-35.2099626!1m5!1m1!1s0x6d09829d02b2e85b:0x500ef614 3a2b790!2m2!1d173.4665818!2d-34.9961839!1m5!1m1!1s0x6d090e62e90609c9:0x500ef614 3a2b140!2m2!1d173.1532718!2d-35.1713389!3e0

[Honest Andy]

Went through the twin bridges road a month or so ago, real nice with lots of variety. I'll definitely do that road again!

[Maha]

Went through the twin bridges road a month or so ago, real nice with lots of variety. I'll definitely do that road again!

The first time I went up that road, I had intentions of going over the Paihia and making my way back home from there. I got to Kaikohe, had a Subway, thought about the 70 kms of road I had just been on and decided to do it again. So I headed back down it.

[Honest Andy]

The first time I went up that road, I had intentions of going over the Paihia and making my way back home from there. I got to Kaikohe, had a Subway, thought about the 70 kms of road I had just been on and decided to do it again. So I headed back down it.

Haha yeah I've been known to flick a u-turn and re do roads I like. Sometimes it makes me late, but not always... :niceone:

The bloke who suggested the twin bridges said it was his favourite road, so he led the way. I had good fun keeping up!

[caseye]

Haha yeah I've been known to flick a u-turn and re do roads I like. Sometimes it makes me late, but not always... :niceone:

The bloke who suggested the twin bridges said it was his favourite road, so he led the way. I had good fun keeping up!

Aw Shucks, now don't let your new friend ca,,,,a, hear yoy saying things like,you enjoyed keeping up, they'll go mental ,about "pressure"
A condifent ride leader who does know a good bit of road can make even mediocre roads quite enjoyable, it's not all about the speed, it's equally about corner entry, forward visability and throttle on exit's that make a bit of road fun.
Yep, roll on summer when time isn't as important. Maha, I hope you two are biked up again soon me ol mate.Give Mom a big kiss from me will ya.

[Maha]

Haha yeah I've been known to flick a u-turn and re do roads I like. Sometimes it makes me late, but not always... :niceone:

The bloke who suggested the twin bridges said it was his favourite road, so he led the way. I had good fun keeping up!

We did a few U Turns on our trips, we renamed our tour group the Te Whakawi U Turners for one trip up north.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/58553393@N02/albums/72157632057551955/page1

Our last trip in 2013... https://www.flickr.com/photos/58553393@N02/sets/72157637780560994/

[2_SL0]

Some great suggestions guys, was looking at the Old Russel Road and from what I could see a scenic run out to Helena Bay and then up to Russel is possible.:yes:

[Maha]

Went on a large group ride up the old Russel road some years ago, someone tossed their R6 into a bunch of toi toi and KittyHawk slid her Kawasaki into a drain. I had a front wheel wash in gravel at Whale bay but managed to keep thing upright.

Just looking at the photos, I think that's zapf in the second pic.

[Laava]

No shortage of good rides up here, we did the pataua north and then sneak over the footbridge (the locals gave us the ok today, we just go quietly over when no one is on it...) and pataua south to parua bay then back up over mt tiger avoiding crazy gun totin' locals!

[george formby]

Some great suggestions guys, was looking at the Old Russel Road and from what I could see a scenic run out to Helena Bay and then up to Russel is possible.:yes:

Lurvely bit of road. Be aware of varied road surface and shaded corners, the odd bit of gravel and possibly a camper van gone awry as the driver jaw drops at the view.
Not trying to dissuade you, as said I love that road, just keep your wits about you.
The cafe at Helena Bay is a great place to stop and soak up the view with a good coffee. Be prepared to do u turns of joy....

There is as much, if not more, great gravel riding in the area if you swing both ways. I normally avoid the ferry and go via Waikare Rd, much more fun on road tires.

Oop north, the Matauri Bay loop is another wee gem.

[Maha]

No shortage of good rides up here, we did the pataua north and then sneak over the footbridge (the locals gave us the ok today, we just go quietly over when no one is on it...) and pataua south to parua bay then back up over mt tiger avoiding crazy gun totin' locals!

Been there as well, in fact you were with us that day.

[Laava]

Oh yeah, I remember that day!

[2_SL0]

In the summer just gone we went up to Kerikeri and then across and down the west coast taking in the Waipoua Forest. It was a nice trip, my partners first big ride on open road with decent twisties. I have spent a little time exploring my local area (Bream Bay) but kept running into gravel roads. I'm not worried of a small trip along the gravel (Done my fair share of gravel roads in the Waikato). But when I found myself having to do a u turn on a hill in loose gravel on a S1000rr it was not the most memorable moment. Maybbbbeeeee I need a second bike for gravel/tarmac, hmmmmm.
Thanks for the advice, George, sounds similar to an old favorite (22), the whole, never know what to expect was part of the fun.
Will have to catch up with some of the locals at some point for a ride.

[Maha]

Oh yeah, I remember that day!

I had the ape hangers on the CB that day.

[Stylo]

I had the ape hangers on the CB that day.

Oh dear ...

[Laava]

I had the ape hangers on the CB that day.

That was a sweet ride!