Sh 43

[Vagabond]

'bout 3 hrs, tho probably better to meet you in Taumaranui or Te Kuiti depending on which direction we ride the road.

Sounds good will re-post after I find out how things are going at work!

[SwanTiger]

Taumaranui to Stratford.

That road is magical, the gravel is pretty good too, a few decent pot holes here and there but nothing to write home about.

My only advice - watch out for the fucken goats! the bastards are everywhere and dart in and out of the bushes and across the road.

[Goblin]

As luck would have it....I have sussed a babystitter for Saturday. Can I tag along from Taumaranui?

[Vagabond]

As luck would have it....I have sussed a babystitter for Saturday. Can I tag along from Taumaranui?

S'Far as I'm concerned the more the merrier!

[Goblin]

Cool! I've been wanting to do this ride for a long time....sounds like my kind of road!

[TLDV8]

Have been thinking about doing that route for a while (But i be a slacker)

Would it be a day trip if something came together ? ..I might just zip down there anyway if not.

[trumpy]

I would prefer to do this as a day tip but am open to other options. Can scrape up a spare bed or two here in Taupo if anyone needs one. Includes secure lockup bike storage as well (needed this time of year)

[TLDV8]

Where is Vagabond

I took the liberty of checking the map and distances. (because i am really keen)

http://www.accommodationz.co.nz/distancesnorth2.html#

Depending on the start point..
Auckland to Taumarunui is 287 kms,with a early (ish) start perhaps there by 10:00am
Taupo to Taumarunui is 117 kms for Trumpy.
Goblin would already be there.
Sensei would be somewhere on the route.

..so maybe it is a possible kick off point with Saturday looking popular so far... If going the other way then maybe a meeting point in Te Kuiti.

With two days to go there would still be time to put a actual plan together and other folk to spot it.

[Vagabond]

Where is Vagabond

I took the liberty of checking the map and distances. (because i am really keen)

Auckland to Taumarunui is 287 kms,with a early (ish) start perhaps there by 10:00am

..so maybe it is a possible kick off point with Saturday looking popular so far... If going the other way then maybe a meeting point in Te Kuiti.

With two days to go there would still be time to put a actual plan together and other folk to spot it.

I'm at work at the mo!
TLDV8 if we leave early enough say around 6:00am I'm sure we can be in Taumarunui around 9 / 9:30 ahem

I'm not adverse to sleeping over anywhere as I'm working afternoon shifts and the early start is sure to catch up later in the day!

[TLDV8]

I'm at work at the mo!
TLDV8 if we leave early enough say around 6:00am I'm sure we can be in Taumarunui around 9 / 9:30 ahem

I'm not adverse to sleeping over anywhere as I'm working afternoon shifts and the early start is sure to catch up later in the day!

6:00am I will check my alarm clock to see if the numbers go that low

Sound's good either way

[Vagabond]

Was initially goin to suggest 5:00am!

[trumpy]

I'm keen to do it in either direction although I would prefer to go up Mt messenger from the south (seems much more interesting that way). Depends on whether Sensei wishes to do a "loop" or a return ride over 43.
Sensei could you let us know your preference and we can make a plan and post it for any others that might be interested. Cheers.

P.S. I now need to do this as a one day ride but the offer of beds still stands.

[Vagabond]

Suppose it will depend on what time the others want to head off at and from where, at the moment I'm open to any suggestion.

PS the weather had better hold off or I might have to cancel, had enough rain comming home from the Boxing day racing!

[Vagabond]

I'm keen to do it in either direction although I would prefer to go up Mt messenger from the south (seems much more interesting that way). Depends on whether Sensei wishes to do a "loop" or a return ride over 43.
Sensei could you let us know your preference and we can make a plan and post it for any others that might be interested. Cheers.

P.S. I now need to do this as a one day ride but the offer of beds still stands.

Trumpy if you done it that way would you be heading down Awakino way and then back up?

[nadroj]

New Plym to Taupo is 3 hrs (287km) via Janets corner & Bennydale.
New Plym to Whanga is 1.25 hrs & about 0.75 Whanga to Taum.
My suggestion would be to come via Mokau & have lunch at Whanga or vice versa. As long as work doesn't interfere I'm a starter (on call).