Pohangina Valley and one very dirty ZRX

[jeff]

We read an article in the latest Kiwi Rider about a loop round the back of Ashhurst through the Pohangina Valley so decided to have a look through there today.

There are roadworks for about 3k just outside of Ashhurst with the big chunky metal to negotiate. Having got through that 2 up on the ZRX1200 we headed up the valley, but missed the turnoff at Raumai and went straight ahead onto gravel. We stopped at the turnoff at Mt. Richards to check the map, but took an old map book which only showed one road so decided we must be on the right road. We kept going on gravel till nearly at Apiti. We stopped at Apiti for a break and to dust the bike off. We probably have the dirtiest ZRX1200 around now.

Having checked a new map book on our return home, we find that we were one road over from the main road which looks like it is probably tarsealed the whole way. However, we did have the road all to ourselves! It's quite an awesome ride through there, however, a dirt bike might be more suitable.

Came back through Feilding and crossed over through the Gorge and came down the Wairarapa side through Alfredton. Did 500k today. Might have got home a bit earlier if we hadn't taken the scenic route.

Chrissie and Jeff

[Paul in NZ]

Yes it is sealed (I think) and it is a great place to ride...

[merv]

Yep if you'd turned right at Raumai onto Pohangina East Rd it is sealed all the way up the valley to Apiti and as Paul says a great ride. Did you stop at the Waterford for some food and drink? If you'd gone up the East Rd there is the Pilgrim's rest to stop at too.

If you were on the dirt bike you could detour up Takapari Road like we did here http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=45786

[jeff]

Pub!!! what pub the only things we saw were gravel, dust, wandering animals and more dust!

Next time we will take a newer map, but still a good ride at the time.

So where does Takapuri Road start from?

Jeff and Chrissie

[merv]

As you are heading from Ashhurst the Waterford is on the right just before the Pohangina East turnoff at Raumai and about a km or two from where the gravel you went on starts.

Takapari road turns off Pohangina East Road about 26 km from the start at the corner at Raumai.

[merv]

Pub!!! what pub the only things we saw were gravel, dust, wandering animals and more dust!

Jeff and Chrissie

Nice pub it is too http://www.manawatumeansbusiness.co....rford_cafe.php with nice outdoor biker friendly area http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/at...7&d=1173516060

[cowboyz]

next time you are up our way we will guide you through the valley. It is a fantastic road and if you go the right way it is sealed all the way. Although I went out there a couple of weeks ago and there were alot of roads works (like heaps and heaps) which wasnt quite so good.

Our usual route is through the valley then up to mangawekas then back down to vinegar hill. good afternoon out.