Which way around Coro Loop is best?

[rocketman1]

Have not done coro loop on a bike but wondering which way clockwise or anticlockwise is the best.
My guess is anti clockwise so you are always on the inside not out on the seaside / cliff side
Also I would think this is one hell of a tiring trip in one day, so many corners, where would be best place to stop for the night.
Also is it best to include, waihi / whangamata or go over the Kopu /Hikuwai road.
I am planning to do this ride, but look at the beautiful scenery and have quite a few stops along the way. And I plan to come out the other end.
Good to hear from those that have done it.


Ride safely not like an idiot. Tourer on a Sportsbike!!!

[sAsLEX]

Anticlockwise I vote for.

[MVnut]

Keeping the rubber side down is the best way round........always.:beer:

[gijoe1313]

Both ways are awesome! :niceone: Just gotta watch out for the usual road conditions, crazy cagers and crazier bikers! :pinch:

[SixPackBack]

Avoid the west coast altogether. Many small settlements with lower speed limits exist, the road is narrow and poorly lit, run off should you be unfortunate is a death sentence and to top it off many vehicles towing boats/trailers seem to frequent the area slowing progress and adding another dimension of danger.

Far better to travel up the east coast and back down the same way, this can include a sojourn over to Coromandel township.

[Bonez]

Avoid the west coast altogether. Many small settlements with lower speed limits exist, the road is narrow and poorly lit, run off should you be unfortunate is a death sentence and to top it off many vehicles towing boats/trailers seem to frequent the area slowing progress and adding another dimension of danger.Sounds like my kind of road.

[Jantar]

If you want to enjoy the ride and scenery then go clockwise. That gives you the best views as you ride.

If you want a race track then go anti clockwise.

I have only done the full loop twice, and only one of those in daylight hours. However I have done a couple of trips up and back on the west side, and I've lost count of the number of times I've been up the east coast to Whangamata or Whitianga and back.

[jrandom]

Anti clockwise every time, and like SPB says, just turn around at Coromandel town and go back the same way. The Thames-Coro stretch is boring and dangerous.

[Swoop]

Do both then make your own decision.

Fun either way.

[jrandom]

Also I would think this is one hell of a tiring trip in one day, so many corners, where would be best place to stop for the night.

:laugh:

Seriously, man, harden the fuck up. The full loop is only 200km.

[Maha]

Avoid the west coast altogether. Many small settlements with lower speed limits exist, the road is narrow and poorly lit, run off should you be unfortunate is a death sentence and to top it off many vehicles towing boats/trailers seem to frequent the area slowing progress and adding another dimension of danger.

Far better to travel up the east coast and back down the same way, this can include a sojourn over to Coromandel township.


Anti clockwise every time, and like SPB says, just turn around at Coromandel town and go back the same way. The Thames-Coro stretch is boring and dangerous.

Totally agree with ya both.

[beyond]

Avoid the west coast altogether. Many small settlements with lower speed limits exist, the road is narrow and poorly lit, run off should you be unfortunate is a death sentence and to top it off many vehicles towing boats/trailers seem to frequent the area slowing progress and adding another dimension of danger.

Far better to travel up the east coast and back down the same way, this can include a sojourn over to Coromandel township.

Agree with Six pack and Jrandom.
Go anticlockwise, turn around at Coro and go back the same way. You get to do all the best bits all over again. Too many restricted zones and settlements on the West Coast and only some good smaller sections.

Overnight???? At a reasonable pace you can do the anticlockwise route and back the same way from Coro in under five hours easily enough, stopping for gas and a maggot pack. Get gas in Whitianga or Tairua. Coro is too dear.

[Jantar]

...and like SPB says, just turn around at Coromandel town and go back the same way. ....

But then you can't say you've done the loop. :scooter:

[jrandom]

But then you can't say you've done the loop. :scooter:

Surely we've all hauled up and down the Thames-Coro road plenty of times in plenty of vehicles.

I've never thought it really counts.

I expect that if skidMark dies upon that road, he will perish with a distinct feeling of annoyance about not having died on the proper Coro loop.

[MidnightMike]

Ive done the loop 5 times now. Anti clockwise is definately the best. And I have to agree with the others, the stretch between Thames and Coromandel Is much more dangerous, and less fun. Hence why I only cruise down that part now, due to road surface and the fact that I dont want to make my bike into a jetski.

[deanohit]

Avoid the west coast altogether. Many small settlements with lower speed limits exist, the road is narrow and poorly lit, run off should you be unfortunate is a death sentence and to top it off many vehicles towing boats/trailers seem to frequent the area slowing progress and adding another dimension of danger.

Gotta disagree there mate, That stretch is beautifully scenic and is a great road to just cruise on soaking up the smells and the sights! My 3rd favorite stretch of road behind Corro hill and Whanga to Waihi.

[Finn]

Clockwise you poofs. If its big enough for buses, i'm sure a wittle bike can fit. HTFU... Please

[jrandom]

Clockwise you poofs.

u r<tencharacters>

[Jantar]

Hold on there Finn. Some riders consider the East Coast too dangerous, and it would unwise for us to ask riders to go anywhere that is beyond their ability. :scooter:

So experienced riders do the whole loop clockwise, others we'll leave to their own discretion.

[Finn]

Hold on there Finn. Some riders consider the East Coast too dangerous, and it would unwise for us to ask riders to go anywhere that is beyond their ability. :scooter:

So experienced riders do the whole loop clockwise, others we'll leave to their own discretion.

Inexperienced riders should stay away from Coromandal full stop. I.e the last KB Coro ride. Of the many bins, none happened from Kopu to Coro town btw.

[SixPackBack]

Gotta disagree there mate, That stretch is beautifully scenic and is a great road to just cruise on soaking up the smells and the sights! My 3rd favorite stretch of road behind Corro hill and Whanga to Waihi.

Guess its okay for sight-seeing, adventure riders and handbag pilots. It certainly is picturesque.
However sprotbike riders will most likely find it a little frustrating.

[madandy]

Rocketman1,
Seeing as you're looking to see the scenery and have plenty of stops, and are a self proclaimed tourer [on a sprotsbike] you best ride the Coro twnshp to Thames bit, either direction. Take a detour north to one of the beaches & camp a night and soak up the whole atmosphere :spanking:

[ceebie13]

If you do have some spare cash, and fancy some comfortable accommodation for a night, I'd recommend The Anchor Lodge Motel in Coromandel Town (see pics).

[Edbear]

Done it anti-clockwise so far, once on the GSX-F and then on the C50T two-up. I agree for sports bikers anti-clockwise is probably more fun, but by the time I'd got down into Coromandel I'd had a real workout and felt that my then state of fitness would have been better served by going clockwise! :third:I also had to flush the front brakes after that one!

On the Boulevard with the Missus, we enjoyed it and used the trip down the West Coast as a "winding down" scenic cruise at an easy pace. Very different ride on two opposite bikes, so depends on what you're riding and how you want to ride. :scooter:

[Skyryder]

Clock wise is th best. That way when you want to park up, and most of the stops are ocean side, you do not have to either wait in the centre or cross the road. Much safer to just npull over on the side of the road you arfe travelling on. It's a good ride take ya time and enjoy it.

Skyryder

[bex]

the stunningly gorgeous owner/manager.

Hmmm.... obviously Ceebie and I have different memories of said motel owner/manager!!!!

[civil]

I agree anti clockwise and turn around at coro and come back down. As for the kopu road or whanga you have to do both. In fact I often just do the waihi-Whanga-kopu and then back to whanga- wahi for the sheer fun of this section of road.

[smoky]

I would think this is one hell of a tiring trip in one day, so many corners, where would be best place to stop for the night.
I wouldn't bother stopping - it's only a short ride, take a few breaks here and there to take in a cafe or view, you'll do it easy. I did it twice in the same day once.

I like going clockwise - up from Thames, it's not dangerous unless you're going hard out.


Also is it best to include, waihi / whangamata or go over the Kopu /Hikuwai road.
the Kopu Hikuwai is a bit messed up on the surface at the moment - not an enjoyable ride.
You'd be mad not to go over the Whanga's to Waihi - it's one of the highlights

have a good trip

[smoky]

Hold on there Finn. Some riders consider the East Coast too dangerous, and it would unwise for us to ask riders to go anywhere that is beyond their ability. :scooter:

So experienced riders do the whole loop clockwise, others we'll leave to their own discretion.

It’s a good road, no problems with it at all – you’re more likely to get into trouble on the motorway or in the city than up there.
What is dangerous is being impatient and taking chances over taking or going around the corners in the middle of the road.
Just ride at normal speeds and stay on your side of the road

[Dino]

:soon:Hopefully doing it this weekend, looking forward to it!!:woohoo:

[Finn]

Pop Quiz...

Name this spot on the Coro Loop...

[nodrog]

Pop Quiz...

Name this spot on the Coro Loop...

Tairua???????????????

[Finn]

That is incorrect.

[Kornholio]

Is it as you come into Whitianga from the northern end?

[Finn]

Is it as you come into Whitianga from the northern end?

That is incorrect.

[Maha]

Pop Quiz...

Name this spot on the Coro Loop...


Tairua???????????????


Damn! I thought it was Table mountain!

[kevfromcoro]

its in thames down by the dunny..the railway doesnt go up the coast much futher

[Bass]

Just to revert for a moment...
Have done the loop many times in both directions and usually taking in the long loop which includes Waihi and Paeroa.
I travel at doddery old fart pace. Usually pull out of Bombay about 10, have half an hour for lunch in Whitianga and am home in Papakura before 3.30. - so about 5 hours on the road which also includes the odd short break to admire NZ. It can also include Hunua or Kaiaua, but seldom both.
My preference is anticlockwise, simply because there are many shaded spots which can stay wet and slippery for some time and for obvious reasons the east side dries out before the west.

[Jinx3d]

In winter you have to go anti clockwise for the reasons mentioned, the east coast dries out first in the morning and the west coast will be in shade and difficult to see through corners.

I actually prefer anti clockwise, I have done the loop 5 times this summer. Its a bit over 4 hours from Sth auckland and back. This includes only one stop in Whitianga for a litre of powerade, gas and a slash.

I recommend powerade, it rehydrates better than water and keeps headaches at bay. Recommend a tinted visor in summer and with ear plugs will significantly reduce fatigue.

Thames to coromandel is a poor way to start the loop, narrow and full of restricted speed zones but its a nice way to finish. I find I am gerally sated with cornering by the time I hit the west coast and just cruise back to auckland from there.

If you are not used to riding for hours at a time, I recommend the cabin/camp site near the turn off to waihi, cheap and a great river swimming holes a kay or so up the road (is it the road that goes inland from coruglen back over to the west side?)

There are a few tightening radius corners and corner combos that will have you on the wrong side of the road if you are not very carefull so take it easy, remember, in like a kitten, out like a lion. No sense attacking the entry to the corners, go in smooth and controlled and dont start gassing till you can see the exit.

There are plenty of dicks in legacys and VR4's just wave them past and dont get involved. Usually you end up passing them when they get stuck behind traffic anyway.

One last point, week days are better, if you make a mistake and end up playing russian roulette and crossing the centreline empty roads might be the thing that saves your life.

Have fun!

[kevfromcoro]

there is a run on down here..
Thames Valley locals,about 300 bikes are doing a poker run to-morrow.
think it includes the loop.
camped up at hikatia.maratoto.
most of the bikers will stay hear sat night..and then on to Paeroa for the sunday racing.
there are quite a few bikes in town..all sorts as usual...
all ages too.....doesnt make me feal to old to ride