Snow riding?

**That Guy** · 27th September 2004, 13:56

This Friday I've gotta go down to a company conference at the chateau at Ruapehu. As far as company conferences go it should be okay (still gay though) and the location is pretty cool. Worst thing about it is I'll be missing AMCC R2.

Anyways if the weather is half ok I'll ride down (I'm in DorkLand) - I know there's heaps of snow up there at the moment - I haven't been to the Chateau for yonks though and can't remember how much up the snow line it is.......will I need studded tyres?

**vifferman** · 27th September 2004, 14:08

Originally Posted by That Guy

This Friday I've gotta go down to a company conference at the chateau at Ruapehu. As far as company conferences go it should be okay (still gay though) and the location is pretty cool. Worst thing about it is I'll be missing AMCC R2.

Anyways if the weather is half ok I'll ride down (I'm in DorkLand) - I know there's heaps of snow up there at the moment - I haven't been to the Chateau for yonks though and can't remember how much up the snow line it is.......will I need studded tyres?

Depends on how the weather is between now and then; your biggest worry would be icy roads around the area (like the Tokaaanu saddle, and by Lake Rotoaira), not snow. Where the Chateau itself is should be OK. Having said that, I remember years ago when I was skiing at Whakapapa seeing a guy on a Guzzi up at the Top of the Bruce in the middle of winter.

I said, "Wow - you're pretty game riding up here!" (the road was a bit dodgy). He looked at me as if it was me that was mad, and said, "Nah, it's cool!"

**That Guy** · 27th September 2004, 14:17

Perhaps I can take some of these with me....

**Holy Roller** · 27th September 2004, 17:27

You shouldnt have a problem ridin in the snow the roads are usually clear up to the chateau. The trips that I have done in past yeras at this time have seen great road conditions right to the top still you will need some warm gear though. I travelling from AK in the morning you will have a great ride any ice should be gone by the time you get down there but still keep an eye out on the shaded corners.
Have a great weekend
Fantastic place

LB · 28th September 2004, 04:35

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From my limited knowledge of the area I think the above's right - there's not often snow at the Chateau itself.

The Chateau is a wonderful old building. I'll bet it could tell a few stories. It was built I think around 1929/30, and during the war was used as some sort of hospital IIRC. It kind of reminds me of a by-gone era (which, I hasten to add, I'm not anywhere old enough to remember!). It used to be "the" place to stay - luxury and splendour on a scale not many other places in NZ at that time. A few years ago it was looking a bit jaded and tired, but I think some new owners have refurbished it a bit?

We sometimes call in there for a coffee ($4.50 for a latte) if we've got time. It's a pretty magic view sitting in their lounge with those huge (and I mean HUGE - the glass would cost a fortune to replace) picture windows looking out at Mt Ngaruahoe.

Post a piccie after the event!!
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**That Guy** · 3rd October 2004, 17:22

Ride down started in huge rain and it sucked. By Otorahonga it was sunny and from there on just magic. 8 mile junction to Tauramanui is one of the best road in the country. Good quality seal, no cops, no traffic, hepas of 65km and 85km recommended speed corners - left into right into left etc etc.

Rode back this morning - pretty chilly going down from the plateau but not a cloud to be seen.

No tickets either.