Learner Ride to Cape Reinga (20 November)

**Maha** · 15th August 2013, 21:29

Originally Posted by MarkW

Greetings all,

As usual I'll wander down and meet everyone at Whangarei. And if needed the usual far north breakdown facilities will be available. I only say this because by saying that they are available no one then needs to use them. Which is what we all want. Maha, if you want some one to take a group up or down 90 mile beach (depends on the tides for which is best) then I am available for that. Waitiki Landing has been rebuilt and so gas is now available again up there. It's noy cheap gas but definitely beats walking.

Thanks Mark, was counting on you leading the beach part on the Saturday...I was thinking of the coffee/lunch break at Pukenui http://kaitaia.ljhooker.co.nz/7YGGEE
I see was for sale at some stage but looks like a better place than the Houhora pub as per last time.
I might have to get up there and check it out before November, but if you have an idea about it....all good.

**arcane12** · 16th August 2013, 15:22

I am getting more and more convinced. If I can find myself somewhere to stay in Auckland Thursday night, and Sunday night (to take the Hamilton leg of the journey off the ride) I think I will be good. I will have to start asking around, see if I can borrow a couch somewhere...

**haydes55** · 16th August 2013, 15:29

Originally Posted by arcane12

I am getting more and more convinced. If I can find myself somewhere to stay in Auckland Thursday night, and Sunday night (to take the Hamilton leg of the journey off the ride) I think I will be good. I will have to start asking around, see if I can borrow a couch somewhere...

I might have a couch for you in pukekohe if no one has a closer bed for you

**Grashopper** · 16th August 2013, 16:04

Originally Posted by arcane12

I am getting more and more convinced. If I can find myself somewhere to stay in Auckland Thursday night, and Sunday night (to take the Hamilton leg of the journey off the ride) I think I will be good. I will have to start asking around, see if I can borrow a couch somewhere...

I'm thinking along similar lines. Just not sure I'll be able to take leave. Lot's of stuff going on in November.

**Maha** · 16th August 2013, 16:11

We have a big house here, already have two staying on the Thursday night, but there is still room for more...offer is there to work towards...we ride back south to the start point on the Friday morning.

**Maha** · 16th August 2013, 16:12

Originally Posted by MarkW

Greetings all,

As usual I'll wander down and meet everyone at Whangarei. And if needed the usual far north breakdown facilities will be available. I only say this because by saying that they are available no one then needs to use them. Which is what we all want. Maha, if you want some one to take a group up or down 90 mile beach (depends on the tides for which is best) then I am available for that. Waitiki Landing has been rebuilt and so gas is now available again up there. It's noy cheap gas but definitely beats walking.

Is this what you have in mind Mark https://maps.google.co.nz/maps?saddr...ra=ls&t=m&z=11
That's 18kms on the beach.
70kms from Coopers to Pukenui. Those not doing the beach road will have 60 kms to Pukenui.

**Mom** · 16th August 2013, 17:54

Originally Posted by arcane12

I am getting more and more convinced. If I can find myself somewhere to stay in Auckland Thursday night, and Sunday night (to take the Hamilton leg of the journey off the ride) I think I will be good. I will have to start asking around, see if I can borrow a couch somewhere...

Originally Posted by Grashopper

I'm thinking along similar lines. Just not sure I'll be able to take leave. Lot's of stuff going on in November.

You guys are very welcome to crash here if you want. I will probably take a half day on the Thursday so I can cook up a storm.

Originally Posted by haydes55

I might have a couch for you in pukekohe if no one has a closer bed for you

You want to come too?

**phill-k** · 16th August 2013, 19:05

Is there an age restriction on this or can the over 55 ride along as well

**Mom** · 16th August 2013, 20:31

Originally Posted by phill-k

Is there an age restriction on this or can the over 55 ride along as well

I am sorry, we only accept under 53 year olds

**Maha** · 16th August 2013, 20:50

Originally Posted by phill-k

Is there an age restriction on this or can the over 55 ride along as well

Don't know who is the oldest Phil, but I believe it's a northern resident...

We had a Usilly's member with us on our first trip, he must have been old...

Open to anyone who can enjoy a tour paced group ride and doesn't mind skiving off a days work on the Friday.

Confirmed date is: The San Marino is booked for November 15th/16th

**bosslady** · 16th August 2013, 22:29

Sweet!!

**haydes55** · 16th August 2013, 23:01

Originally Posted by Mom

You want to come too?

That sounds like a plan. Will sort all this out closer to the date (1 ride at a time haha).

**MarkW** · 17th August 2013, 16:15

Greetings all,

The ride is definitely not for those under 53 because I'm way past that date........

90 mile beach is actually 58 miles long and has 4 access points that are suitable for vehicles.

The beach is best enjoyed from 2 hours after high tide to no later than 2 hours before the next high tide. And according to my reading of the tide chart for the 16th high tide on the 16th of November is just before 9am and just after 9pm.

From the south - Ahipara to Waipapakauri is about 20km, Waipapakauri to Houhora access is just over 20km and Houhora access to Te Paki is around 50km. The 2 20km sections are dead easy, pretty straight and other than sand dunes and waves there isn't much to see. The best section is the bit from Houhora to Te Paki as there is the Bluff to stop at and Te Paki stream to ride up with the huge dunes where you rejoin the road. Riding from south (Ahipara) to north (Te Paki) is best as the fresh water stream washes a lot of the salt off the bike.

Which parts we do will be up to the enthusiasm on the day, and the timing. With gas being available near the top options are greater as well. Lunch will always be a delayed affair in the far north - unless we stop where the bus tours do cafes etc are not very well geared to having 20+ people arrive in one go. But that adds to the fun and strange goings on that make this event somewhat unique.

Does anyone want to do the very scenic Matauri Bay Kaeo loop on the Friday afternoon. If you like I can even swot up on local stuff and become a tour guide for this bit!

**Maha** · 17th August 2013, 16:26

''Which parts we do will be up to the enthusiasm on the day, and the timing.''
Agree, there may well be the odd Newbie that wants to do the beach part so that has to be put into the equation, best talk that part over in person on the Friday once at the San Marion or the Saturday Morning.

''Lunch will always be a delayed affair in the far north - unless we stop where the bus tours do cafes etc are not very well geared to having 20+ people arrive in one go''
I intend to call them (Pukenui) and let them know the week before as per numbers etc.

''Does anyone want to do the very scenic Matauri Bay Kaeo loop on the Friday afternoon''
That was a bit of a hit last year (sorry Mr Cow) so probably a goer this year. Get that sorted at lunch in Paihia on the Friday.

''But that adds to the fun and strange goings on that make this event somewhat unique.''
These words could almost be the L's Angels Moto