Unpopular (nice, but deserted) spots close around South Auckland?

[zeocen]

So I've got a bit of free time on my hands as of late, and the weather has been astonishing during the week - so I've hopped on my trusty 250 and gone for a tiki-tour to anywhere that's close-ish to Manurewa, sadly - even during the week everywhere seems to have more and more people!

The sun is great right now and I just want to go find a place to take my bike and a magazine somewhere, chill out and then treat myself to a nice ride home.. but I can't find anywhere! Maraetai is a little too far away and the closest beach (Weymouth) is pretty much all rock.

Yeah, this is a terrible thread - I just find myself riding around without a destination, burning fuel for no good reason and coming home shortly after! It's my first summer with a bike damnit, I want destinations!

Sorry for the worthless excuse for a thread, just thought I'd take a shot to see if any people knew of some nice locations that are somewhat quiet around my area :P

bad zeo! long post!

[McJim]

Explain what distance you are prepared to ride. I consider Maraetai too close to be worth a trip for example. Does it need to be a beach or even on the coast?

Have you considered heading out West to Manukau Heads (Past Waiuku) for example? Nice spots out there.

Next time I find I'm at a loose end I'll drop you a PM and I'll show you some of the roads I've discovered.

[zeocen]

It depends how I feel on the day really, sometimes I just want to take a short trip, relax and admire my 2 wheels from a view. I'd consider Maraetai the extent of how far I would go though, just on petrol alone (I'm stingy!).

That'd be great if you do have some spare time! As long as you don't mind riding with a nana-corner'er, I'm sure that'd make for some funny videos though

[Ixion]

Port Waikato. Waiuku Forest.Clarks Beach

[McJim]

That'd be great if you do have some spare time! As long as you don't mind riding with a nana-corner'er, I'm sure that'd make for some funny videos though

What are you talking about? I am a self confessed nana! I strongly suspect your bike is faster than mine!

[Swoop]

I just find myself riding around without a destination, burning fuel for no good reason...

Sounds perfectly sane to me!!!!!!

Who needs a destination? Just put road under your tyres and go!

[Ixion]

Do as I do. Before you set out determine that you will turn off each road by a preset algoritm. eg 3rd right, 4th left 1st right , etc . No exit roads don't count.

Then follow it.

You will be surprised where you end up.

In Auckland it is necessary to get to some "jumping off pint" before initialising the algorithm.

[McJim]

"jumping off pint" .

I know it was unintentional...but I like the way you're thinking...gonna go to the fridge and fetch a cold one now - thanks for the subliminal suggestion Ixion.

[Motu]

Do as I do. Before you set out determine that you will turn off each road by a preset algoritm. eg 3rd right, 4th left 1st right , etc . No exit roads don't count.

Then follow it.

You will be surprised where you end up.

In Auckland it is necessary to get to some "jumping off pint" before initialising the algorithm.

Heh,heh - I used to do that sort of stuff when I was learning to ride and drive,got to learn how the city worked.Still take lots of ''I wonder where that goes?'' roads.

As Ixion says - head out to Waiuku,take the Clarks Beach road,or ant other road that takes your fancy.All roads lead somewhere....

[zeocen]

What are you talking about? I am a self confessed nana! I strongly suspect your bike is faster than mine!

Sounds like a drag is in order for the KB slowest 250 is in order! :P

But in all seriousness, yeah, I'm just thinking of beaches/parks/anywhere I can park and have some silence. I've been putting around aimlessly for too long, I'm starting to get bad habits (figuring how to lock up the back brake and come to a sliding halt like in the movies) out of boredom :P

[iwilde]

I got 1 for ya, go to the airport and come back George Bolt Drive and just after the round about turn left onto Ihumatao Rd and follow to you get to Oruarangi Rd. From their you can follow the Rd either all the way back to Kirkbride or take a left at Greenwood which can take you out to Mangere Bridge water front. I nornaly do this circuit if Im desperate for a ride but only got about 30-60mins of time. When I get my new bike I'll PM ya.

[beyond]

Errmmm, I might be a phsycho but when I get on the bike for a shortish ride I do just that, ride. I can read books at home and when the missus lets me have a bit of time out, I'm on the bike and gone. The whole time I'm out I just want to ride.

My favourite is up through Hunua Gorge, down past Hotel Du Vin turn off, back roads to Kauiau, through Clevedon, up monument road and back down through the gorge. Hour and a quarter if you're quick and just an awesome ride I never tire of. I don't stop to find a quite spot to read a book though.

I've gone to the trouble of getting all my clobber on and have a few moments spare than riding is what'll I do. But hey, whatever floats your boat. There's heaps of roads that lead to all sorts of quite places around this way.

[Donor]

The sun is great right now and I just want to go find a place to take my bike and a magazine somewhere, chill out and then treat myself to a nice ride home.. but I can't find anywhere! Maraetai is a little too far away and the closest beach (Weymouth) is pretty much all rock.

Ya, Weymouth isn't exactly the height of fashion when it comes to beaches...

I know you said Maraetai is a bit far out, but myself and a mate might be taking a jaunt out there from Papakura today to grab an ice cream. Nothing major, just a casual cruise out, eat an ice cream, and come back.

Failing that, a spin out the Great South Road to Drury, then come back via the back roads to Opaheke is a nice 20 minute time waster. Can extend that down Boundary Rd, to the base of Red Hill, over the top to Dominion Rd and then tootle back to town down Clevedon Rd... lots of fun spots for a slow and cruisy ride really...

[zeocen]

Errmmm, I might be a phsycho but when I get on the bike for a shortish ride I do just that, ride. I can read books at home and when the missus lets me have a bit of time out, I'm on the bike and gone. The whole time I'm out I just want to ride.


Well, I said I had some free time on my hands.. even if I did the exact roads you did with a stop in between it's still the same amount of time on the bike, just with a "stop and smell the roses" in the middle of it. So yeah..


I know you said Maraetai is a bit far out, but myself and a mate might be taking a jaunt out there from Papakura today to grab an ice cream. Nothing major, just a casual cruise out, eat an ice cream, and come back.

If the weather stays where it is right now I might be tempted to go out there myself today, if you see a black-ish gpx throw something at me and I'll come say hi :yes:

[notme]

On my way on a tiki tour out that way now.....wave/yell/flash at the silver SV thou! :scooter:

[BarBender]

The sun is great right now and I just want to go find a place to take my bike and a magazine somewhere, chill out and then treat myself to a nice ride home..

Sounds farken dodgy if you ask me...

[mansell]

Just found this and thought I'd offer a couple of suggestions not presented. Highway 22 out to Pukekohe (where I learnt to ride) hang a right to Kingseat then come back down through Karaka. Watch the two really sharp bends at Kingseat though.
Another personal favourite has always been Twilight Road (left just past Clevedon), I can't recall were it gets out your end but I am now living in the South Island where all roads are quiet and corners are gorgeous.:scooter:
I also agree with an earlier post about the run through Opaheke and a stop at The Jolly Farmer for a beer.
Just one more comes to mind, up near Ardmore Aerodrome there are some great roads.

[BarBender]

Anywhere along the coast up to Kaiaua would b the go.
Just find a tree for shade and park up.

[blackkatana]

Good roads out Ararimu to Paparimu then left to Hunua or right to Mangatawhiri. Not too bust if not a holiday weekend.

[gijoe1313]

Hmmm - I guess I wouldn't be the one to pootle along with, once I get going - my bike doesn't know when to stop! You need to stop putting limits on yourself and let your bike have it's own head - end up in interesting places in the back and beyond!

Go to Raglan! Head up to Whangarei! Go East to West! Zip around Titirangi! Grab a map out and look at the squiggly bits and think "Now where is that? Let's ride!"

I parked up at Clevedon fish and chip shop today and watched the passing parade of bikers, scoffing down my nosh I wondered where they had been, who they would be meeting and what parts unknown they would be riding to! My lad, I think you need to get the spirit of adventure back into your veins, budget for the cost of two tanks of gas and just pootle! :done:

[zeocen]

I didn't end up going to Maraetai today :( Did get some good ridin' in though.

I might have to agree with you there gijoe, on the 22nd I'm doing a trip to Whangamata and staying there for christmas, that'll be by far the furtherist I've gone so far.

Maybe you are right, I shouldn't settle for just down the road, shit I should be so lucky that I get to ride as long as I can right now.

You've opened this young'uns eyes! I think I hear Maraetai or Kaiaua calling my name tomorrow. :)

[gijoe1313]

I didn't end up going to Maraetai today :( Did get some good ridin' in though.

I might have to agree with you there gijoe, on the 22nd I'm doing a trip to Whangamata and staying there for christmas, that'll be by far the furtherist I've gone so far.

Maybe you are right, I shouldn't settle for just down the road, shit I should be so lucky that I get to ride as long as I can right now.

You've opened this young'uns eyes! I think I hear Maraetai or Kaiaua calling my name tomorrow. :)

Damn straight - and now what time you doing this? I'm always riding out that ways - 5 minutes to work, 2 hours to get home sort of thing! :msn-wink:

Booyah! Damn - I want to pull my bike out of it's hidey-hole and go for a blat now! :yes: Must...resist...urge.... :shutup:

btw - anytime you want a riding buddy, drop me a PM! And that applies to any guys'n'gals out there in wanderlust land!

[zeocen]

Probably around midday, or in the morning if I wake up early enough

I *always* want a riding buddy/mentor, can't get any better if I'm always by myself!

[notme]

Was taht you i waved at when i was parked outside the cafe, red trx850 and silver buell x1 you were on a sv1000s

Pics i took on the ride today with my cellphone

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=47977&d=1165719849

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=47978&d=1165719849

Yup i think so :rockon:

EDIT: looking at the photos - definitley me you saw!
there was a wof/rego checkpoint towards the end of the road, I went thru it twice and got waved thru both times! The question officer, is why? Because it's too much hassle for both rider and officer? Because they love bikers? I'm interested if there is something in the procedures that says "don't stop bikers at drink drive or wof/rego checkpoints because they are all big tough guys who will smack you one.....?

[Hellraiser]

Yup i think so :rockon:

EDIT: looking at the photos - definitley me you saw!
there was a wof/rego checkpoint towards the end of the road, I went thru it twice and got waved thru both times! The question officer, is why? Because it's too much hassle for both rider and officer? Because they love bikers? I'm interested if there is something in the procedures that says "don't stop bikers at drink drive or wof/rego checkpoints because they are all big tough guys who will smack you one.....?

Not true McJim and i went through it as well there was a group of 6 -8 bikes 3 cars ahead of us and they all got parked up on the side of the road and asked to remove their helmets, they were checked for reg, warrant and Licence, there was also a guy on a Harley with them who even got checked for arrest warrants but McJim and I were just waved through even after we dug in our pockets to get out our licences.

[klingon]

there was also a guy on a Harley with them who even got checked for arrest warrants

Of course the instruction book says "always check guys on Harleys for arrest warrants" and "wave through the guy who has a camera strapped to his tank"

[Hellraiser]

on the 22nd I'm doing a trip to Whangamata and staying there for christmas, that'll be by far the furtherist I've gone so far.



Aaah I'll be in Whiritoa for the Xmas Holidays, unfortunantly i won't have my road bike with me but i will have my MX bike with me so if your interested in learning what its like to ride on dirt (on my bike not yours) then i'll more than welcome the company down at the black hill MX club in Waihi.

Let me know .........

P.S No need to worry there's plenty of room for the chopper to land if we need it ......... LOL :gob: :yes: :rockon:

[zeocen]

Aaah I'll be in Whiritoa for the Xmas Holidays, unfortunantly i won't have my road bike with me but i will have my MX bike with me so if your interested in learning what its like to ride on dirt (on my bike not yours) then i'll more than welcome the company down at the black hill MX club in Waihi.

Let me know .........

P.S No need to worry there's plenty of room for the chopper to land if we need it ......... LOL :gob: :yes: :rockon:

Haha, good to know! I'll have to keep that in mind, MX looks like a heap of fun.
Well, the weather is on my side today, so it's look like it's off to Maraetai for me! *gets gear ready*

[zeocen]

hoho, first peg scrape today.. shamefully it was on a roundabout haha, but it still happened!

Beautiful day. (pics from cellphone)