Auckland -> Whangamata, learner/250 friendly?

**zeocen** · 5th November 2006, 10:14

Hey all, I was just wondering if anyone has done this route on a 250/learner/restricted and how it was?

I go to whangamata every other weekend as my parents have a beach house I leech off of them, but never done it solo/on my bike. My only long riding experience is a round trip from auckland -> maraetai -> auckland.

How are the roads for a light bike such as a 250, and are they, er, inexperienced-friendly?

Thanks a lot!

**gsxr750** · 5th November 2006, 10:28

just go for it, its a great ride no matter your experence leavel (even enjoy it in the truck) take it easy first time and you will do it any chance you get.

**gijoe1313** · 5th November 2006, 13:40

Just travel it nice and easy! I took my two fiddy down to Wellington and back easy peasy!

This Friday past, I decided to eat at Subways in Whangarei and blatted up and once the meatball sub was scoffed, I blatted back down to Auckies!

Check your machine over, make sure tyre pressures are correct - all the lights, horn and bits and bobs are shipshape. Carry some cash and you are set! Enjoy the ride and make sure you do it safely!

**zeocen** · 5th November 2006, 15:08

Sounds good, I might just give it a go!
I have some free time so I was thinking of going during the week to avoid weekend traffic, so hopefully I'll be able to take it in strides without pissing anyone behind me off.

Are there any known roads I should watch out for while riding down whangamata?

**gijoe1313** · 5th November 2006, 16:14

All roads you need to watch out for! Don't worry too much about them, ride to the conditions - if you see road signs up saying "30" or "New Seal" or such like, pay attention - slow down and as a certain book says "Don't Panic!"

Just enjoy the ride! Pay attention to your riding and if you start to drift off in your thoughts e.g. "Must remember to get some milk" slap your helmet and wake up! Or pull over and take a break, reflect on what you've done right "Hmmm, saw that car about to do something stupid" and definitely resolve to do better on those iffy calls "I guess I shouldn't have overtaken on that blind, uphill lefthander"

Damn, just typing this makes me wanna go out and riddddeeeeee! But I just got a call from my olds - don't have to turn up to help them out in the shop...yet! But still unable to go for a blat!

Go for a ride for me!

**Ixion** · 5th November 2006, 16:47

I've doen it many times on 125s. 4 bhp no less. No problems (mind you part of it was gravel then, ichabod).

250 is fine, just take your time.

Modern 250 has as much power as a 500 from the 60s.

**Fub@r** · 5th November 2006, 17:31

Originally Posted by Ixion

Modern 250 has as much power as a 500 from the 60s.

You havent riden a Ginny then

Zeocen I be interested in the ride one weekend as I have a few mates that live down that way. One owns the local ICAFE.

**doc** · 5th November 2006, 17:51

Originally Posted by zeocen

Hey all, I was just wondering if anyone has done this route on a 250/learner/restricted and how it was?

I go to whangamata every other weekend as my parents have a beach house I leech off of them, but never done it solo/on my bike. My only long riding experience is a round trip from auckland -> maraetai -> auckland.

How are the roads for a light bike such as a 250, and are they, er, inexperienced-friendly?

Thanks a lot!

Man if you went from Auck to Kaiaua to Kopu over the hill to Hikuai to Whanga on a 250 you would be experiencing some of the best the Nth Island has to offer and do it with as much fun anyone on this forum could do it. Go for it. Crikey you shouldn't have to ask us

**zeocen** · 5th November 2006, 18:18

Originally Posted by Fub@r

You havent riden a Ginny then

Zeocen I be interested in the ride one weekend as I have a few mates that live down that way. One owns the local ICAFE.

Oh really, awesome!
I'd be keen, I'm having some engine troubles at the moment I think, some tackling rattle sound coming from it - not sure what it is but it's worrying me a bit, hope it's nothing expensive.

**Ixion** · 5th November 2006, 18:22

Originally Posted by Fub@r

You havent riden a Ginny then

Zeocen I be interested in the ride one weekend as I have a few mates that live down that way. One owns the local ICAFE.

You haven't ridden a M2O then?

**Fub@r** · 5th November 2006, 18:31

Originally Posted by Ixion

You haven't ridden a M2O then?

Fair call

**R6_kid:Me** · 6th November 2006, 14:51

Go for it mate! Dont get cocky with your cornering, but at the same time dont be too timid if that makes sense?

My first 'big' trips alone on my bike were North Shore -> Thames, and North Shore -> Mangawhai, both about the same distance just that the Mangawhai road is more like the roads over the hill to the other side of coro (the short way)

I'll be heading down there sometime on my R6 to chill with my mates after exams on the 13th of November.

**silverado** · 6th November 2006, 15:40

Originally Posted by gijoe1313

Just travel it nice and easy! I took my two fiddy down to Wellington and back easy peasy!

This Friday past, I decided to eat at Subways in Whangarei and blatted up and once the meatball sub was scoffed, I blatted back down to Auckies!

Check your machine over, make sure tyre pressures are correct - all the lights, horn and bits and bobs are shipshape. Carry some cash and you are set! Enjoy the ride and make sure you do it safely!

Next time you do one of these, flick me a PM. Might be keen. Need the practise.