Coast to Coast - 11 December

**F5 Dave** · 18th November 2004, 12:54

Just watch your back for errant boxer BMWs.

(Had one try to tangle with the mighty blue whale & he came off well 2nd best.)

Seriously group rides are scary as there are far too many people who tailgate then lose concentration. Watch yourself & go near the back & you’ll be fine.

Sadly I can’t go this year, it’s a nice ride & stay over the night so you can have a drink at the end of it.

**Velox** · 25th November 2004, 00:31

I thought the road to Akitio was unsealed for ages?

**merv** · 25th November 2004, 08:17

Originally Posted by Velox

I thought the road to Akitio was unsealed for ages?

The Northern entry road is sealed all the way, the direct route back to Pongaroa isn't, so on the road bike I would go in and out on the Northern road and its not too far back to Pongaroa from there anyway. I have done this ride about 7 times when it used to go to Herbertville and normally do it as a day trip of about 600km from Welly and return. All going well I should be there.

Typically we used to group at the Plimmerton weigh station around 8 am and then head to Himatangi getting there about 9.30am for sign in.

I missed last year's ride which was the first to Akitio. Here's the pics of the 2002 ride to Herbertville which was rather wet early on http://bikemerv.topcities.com/road0501.html

**Velox** · 25th November 2004, 11:25

Originally Posted by merv

The Northern entry road is sealed all the way, the direct route back to Pongaroa isn't, so on the road bike I would go in and out on the Northern road and its not too far back to Pongaroa from there anyway. I have done this ride about 7 times when it used to go to Herbertville and normally do it as a day trip of about 600km from Welly and return. All going well I should be there.

Thanks Merv - is the Northern entry way where everone goes or do offroad bikes split off and you all meet up? Sounds like a bit of fun though. I'll try and meet at Plimmerton.

**merv** · 25th November 2004, 11:41

Originally Posted by Velox

Thanks Merv - is the Northern entry way where everone goes or do offroad bikes split off and you all meet up? Sounds like a bit of fun though. I'll try and meet at Plimmerton.

Usually this is only a road bike ride and the trail boys don't turn up, though you could ride anything really. I have always gone on the VFR because 600kms on the dirt bike is a bit hard on the butt in one day. Those that camp at each end only have to do about 180km on the day. That part of it is an easy ride with the lunch break in Woodville.

See pic attached about the roads.

**Slingshot** · 2nd December 2004, 08:23

Originally Posted by merv

Typically we used to group at the Plimmerton weigh station around 8 am and then head to Himatangi getting there about 9.30am for sign in.

Any updates on this?

Who's heading up from Wellington and who wants to meet at the Plimmerton Weigh Station at 8am?

**StoneChucker** · 2nd December 2004, 09:40

Will definitely be going, as long as it's not raining. Will have to confirm meeting points a little closer to the day.

**Hitcher** · 2nd December 2004, 10:14

Originally Posted by Slingshot

the Plimmerton Weigh Station

A.k.a "the mermaid house"...

**merv** · 2nd December 2004, 14:15

Just thinking with all the road works going on up there (weigh station that is)might be as well to meet at Shell Mana at 8am and depart by about 8.15am. Then you get to Himatangi in plenty of time sign in and to chew the fat before the ride starts.

I'm hoping I'll be free to do this ride because I missed it last year.

**Blakamin** · 2nd December 2004, 15:58

I'm screwed now... work weekends

**Pickle** · 2nd December 2004, 18:21

Still space at Himatangi Friday nite

**doc** · 2nd December 2004, 18:53

anyone from auckland going

**Sparky Bills** · 3rd December 2004, 07:35

Ill Be there Friday!!
If your lucky, might even that that beer that I owe you.

Dont know about saturday yet. Will want to stay somewhere, but will see whats the go for that weekend!

**Sparky Bills** · 3rd December 2004, 07:38

[QUOTE=Sparky Bills]Ill Be there Friday!!
If your lucky, might even that that beer that I owe you.

OPPS!
Sorry. might even HAVE THAT BEER THAT I OWE YOU.(if your lucky!)

**Pickle** · 3rd December 2004, 16:32

At this stage will probably stay at Akitio on the Sat nite and have crayfish for dinner washed down with a few beers, may look at some interesting back roads back to Wgtn

or will have to go back to Himatangi to pick up the wife & dog