Forgotten Highway

[PrincessBandit]

Balu and I are travelling to NP this weekend and have had it suggested to us that we do the Forgotten highway. I know about 12 km of it is unsealed and was wondering how people here would grade it for 2 relatively new riders, one of whom rides a 650 burgman scoot.

By 'new' riders, we've both been riding for about 3 years so we're not completely inexperienced, but neither have we done any off roading either. Is the unsealed part really pot-holey, have deep ruts of gravel that you have to dance your way through , or is it still a relatively good riding surface?

Any replies before Friday morning would be good (as we won't be around to read them by then!!)

Cheers

[Bass]

Balu and I are travelling to NP this weekend and have had it suggested to us that we do the Forgotten highway. I know about 12 km of it is unsealed and was wondering how people here would grade it for 2 relatively new riders, one of whom rides a 650 burgman scoot.

By 'new' riders, we've both been riding for about 3 years so we're not completely inexperienced, but neither have we done any off roading either. Is the unsealed part really pot-holey, have deep ruts of gravel that you have to dance your way through , or is it still a relatively good riding surface?

Any replies before Friday morning would be good (as we won't be around to read them by then!!)

Cheers

It depends.
If the gravel trucks and the grader have just been through then the Burg will really struggle.
If it's smooth and clean swept like the last time I was there, you won't even notice the gravel.

There were a bunch of adventure rider from here went through there both ways last Sunday. Slip over there and ask them or I can PM you some names if you like.

It is a truly magic ride BTW but needs you to pay attention.

[The Baron]

Hi
The forgotten world highway is one of New Zealands great motocycle roads. I have not been through for some time. As a rule (unless recent road works) the 10km of grave is hard packed and an easy ride. I suggest riding this part of the trip at about 40kmph.
It is 151km of corners and great country. Take your time and enjoy the ride.
Have a great trip and tell us all about it next week.

[nadroj]

It's been wet out there & the worst parts will be in the tunnel where the papa gets slippery when wet. Gravel should be ok as long as you keep out of the unpacked area's which may mean riding thru small potholes.
Hopefully it will be dried out by the weekend for you.

[Nasty]

Its a stunning ride ... I was nervous on my bike going so long on gravel but it was fine (back in Jan/Feb) ... went out to put up the Cross for Grub ... I hope you enjoy it!

[Katman]

And don't ride into the tunnel with a full tint visor closed.

[The Pastor]

Balu and I are travelling to NP this weekend and have had it suggested to us that we do the Forgotten highway. I know about 12 km of it is unsealed and was wondering how people here would grade it for 2 relatively new riders, one of whom rides a 650 burgman scoot.

By 'new' riders, we've both been riding for about 3 years so we're not completely inexperienced, but neither have we done any off roading either. Is the unsealed part really pot-holey, have deep ruts of gravel that you have to dance your way through , or is it still a relatively good riding surface?

Any replies before Friday morning would be good (as we won't be around to read them by then!!)

Cheers

how about ride to the conditions and just take it easy?

Or ask on kb and chicken out ;-)

[ynot slow]

Enjoy,call the Whanga pub or Kaito(sp)Cafe for road conditions they may know if work has been done.Stratford District Council might know as well,although not sure if gravel is part of their juresdiction.

[NiggleC]

I went throught there 3 weeks ago, it was hard packed dirt for the 12km. If its been raining up there like it has here then just take it easy and you'll be fine. Bikes will need a clean afterwards tho'.

[young1]

This weekend is the MAPMEA ride (see calendar or adventure thread). We will be at Whangamomona for a late lunch on Saturday. Maybe see you there?

We will be coming through from Ahititi and Mt Dampner so join the Forgotten Highway (unfortunately) where it is sealed

Mike

[Deemster]

I went through there last Sunday on a PX200 Vespa, Riding with me was another PX, an enduro bike and a 400 Burgman.
We all found it easy the gravel section is in good condition and recent rain kept the dust down

[Patrick]

Shouldn't have any probs at all. Roads were in good nick and the recent heavy rain will pack it even more. IF the graders have been through, then hopefully it would have been before the rain, so all should be good again. Easy roads on the gravel. The twisties are on the seal.............

And yeah, that tunnel is a goodun... definitely no dark visors or glasses and as has been said, hopefully, it will have dried out by then. Wet pampas (???) is slippery at times.

Whanga pub is a must do. Awesome.

[Hitcher]

Enjoy,call the Whanga pub or Kaito(sp)Cafe for road conditions they may know if work has been done.Stratford District Council might know as well,although not sure if gravel is part of their juresdiction.

Stratford District Council's jurisdiction stops at Morgans Grave. Most of the gravel belongs to Ruapehu District.

And it's pretty easy to manage. Keep your speed up, your hands light on the bars and your eyes looking down the road.

[sinfull]

Yeah don't hesitate !!! The Mrs done it a month after gettin her learners so pretty sure you'd be capable !!
Like Hitch says treat the gravel like any other bit of road ! Last time i was there it was hard packed and lots of fun !
If there's any loose chip, i'm sure you wont be grabbing a fistfull of front brake anyhow so won't mention that !

[Movistar]

Would suggest you PM Dazza, he and a few others went home that way (to New Plymouth) after our little jaunt to Mangakino on Sunday.

That's if he actually realised that the road surface had changed...