Would I be stupid to...

**hang0ver** · 17th June 2010, 22:17

Drive down to Ohakune from Auckland next weekend??

And thats provided the weather is kind between now and then, and over the weekend.

I've done the Desert road about this time of year before, but that was a mild period...

Anyways, if there are any locals who can disperse info, that would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

Hamish

**DarkLord** · 17th June 2010, 23:02

Be REAL careful on SH1 between Taupo and Turangi. I do that commute daily and at the moment there are roadworks everywhere with lots of loose gravel on the road. It is signposted, but you still need to be careful especially if you haven't encountered road surfaces like that on a bike before. There are coppers all over that area too - I've been pinged recently so watch your speed.

It is beginning to snow round the Desert Road area so don't be surprised if there is black ice around too. Can't say I have hit any myself as my commute doesn't go that far, but in saying this there are other bikes on the road at this time as well so it can't be unrideably bad. However, even if the weather looks good, still be ultra careful on the Desert Road - you don't notice how freakin' dodgy the road is until you do it on a bike. Potholes and uneven surface EVERYWHERE.

Anyway hope that is of some help to you.

Cheers

Graham

**bmwilly** · 17th June 2010, 23:12

You do not have to go through the Desert Rd to get to Ohakune,in fact it's a nicer ride going through Taumaranui this time of year{maybe at any time of year}.

**hang0ver** · 17th June 2010, 23:23

Thanks for the replies... Yeah the Desert road has a lot of flavor to it eh Darklord...

bmwilly: Yeah I was planning on taking that route... Just guessing those roads would be in similar condition? I've got a Honda Civic at my disposal but would much rather take the Blade & enjoy the trip down... Forecast seems to be looking like rain with rain, so my decision might be made for me anyhow.

**Smifffy** · 17th June 2010, 23:39

Do it Do it Do it!

Just be careful.

Why should it be any bigger deal than your last ride?

**DarkLord** · 18th June 2010, 00:13

Yup, no reason why you can't do it.... just be careful, as we've said.

Make sure you are well slept, well fed and well prepared for the trip in case anything goes wrong.... however if it is raining the whole weekend I wouldn't blame you for taking the car..... long distance rides in the rain in wintertime are not particularly fun.

**Berries** · 18th June 2010, 00:24

Honda Civic vs Fireblade. It's a hard one.

Imagine if you pike out and take the car and then get just ten minutes of dry road and blue sky. Got to be worth the bike just for that chance, as long as it isn't icy.

**wanpo** · 18th June 2010, 08:51

I'm flying down to Wellington tomorrow to ride a new bike up to Auckland. I think I'm going to avoid Desert Rd/National Park altogether and take the coastal route ->Stratford->New Plymouth->Auckland.

**sinfull** · 18th June 2010, 08:54

Originally Posted by wanpo

I'm flying down to Wellington tomorrow to ride a new bike up to Auckland. I think I'm going to avoid Desert Rd/National Park altogether and take the coastal route ->Stratford->New Plymouth->Auckland.

Have you decided to buy my speed triple then ?

**Marmoot** · 18th June 2010, 09:25

Originally Posted by bmwilly

You do not have to go through the Desert Rd to get to Ohakune,in fact it's a nicer ride going through Taumaranui this time of year{maybe at any time of year}.

I did this 3 months ago in the car while driving Akl - Wgt - Akl.
Basically, Taumarunui to Te Awamutu is more like backroads (significantly quieter, better average speed) but be mindful of the occassional speed enforcements. From Te Awamutu to Ngaruawahia is not too bad. And from Ngaruawahia to Auckland is SH1.

Better views (e.g., more than just the butt of the car in front of you) most of the time too. And certainly relaxing.

Between Wellington to Taumarunui, I chose the Wellington - Sanson - Whanganui - direct to Taumarunui through the mountains.

**boman** · 18th June 2010, 09:36

Originally Posted by wanpo

I'm flying down to Wellington tomorrow to ride a new bike up to Auckland. I think I'm going to avoid Desert Rd/National Park altogether and take the coastal route ->Stratford->New Plymouth->Auckland.

Definitley recommend that route. I have done it, in summer, and it is a blast. Lovely sweeping corners, and beautiful scenery too.

**wanpo** · 18th June 2010, 14:10

Originally Posted by sinfull

Have you decided to buy my speed triple then ?

Is it going for $3400?

Originally Posted by boman

Definitley recommend that route. I have done it, in summer, and it is a blast. Lovely sweeping corners, and beautiful scenery too.

Yeah, I did a round the north island trip a couple of months back, skipped the SH3 Wanganui->Stratfield road in favour of Forgotten World Highway/National Park, so it'll be good to cover what I've skipped out. Main thing is avoiding the ice/snow, I think this way, the only *possible* area for it will be the straight boring SH3 past Mt Taranaki through Stratford.

**boman** · 18th June 2010, 17:59

Going through National Park at Xmas last year, on the way to Wanganui, it was cool enough and snow still on the mount. So at this time of year I would give it a miss. Wanganui to Stratford, up the coast to Te Kuiti, keep off SH1 till Rangariri. Heaps of twisties and fun fun fun. You could even go up Sh22 to Mercer. Even more fun.

**ac3_snow** · 18th June 2010, 22:34

Hey Hamish how you gunna strap the snowboard on?haha used to live closer 2 tha hill and considered atempting it a few times. Or you goin purely to party?dont think theres enuf snow yet anyways.

**Marmoot** · 20th June 2010, 16:37

Originally Posted by boman

Going through National Park at Xmas last year, on the way to Wanganui, it was cool enough and snow still on the mount. So at this time of year I would give it a miss.

OK thanks, good to know. Never had the experience in the winter on that road as it's always summer for me to drive down