Which way around Coro Loop is best?

[Finn]

Pop Quiz...

Name this spot on the Coro Loop...

[nodrog:Me]

Pop Quiz...

Name this spot on the Coro Loop...

Tairua???????????????

[Finn]

That is incorrect.

[Kornholio]

Is it as you come into Whitianga from the northern end?

[Finn]

Is it as you come into Whitianga from the northern end?

That is incorrect.

[Maha]

Pop Quiz...

Name this spot on the Coro Loop...

Tairua???????????????

Damn! I thought it was Table mountain!

[kevfromcoro]

its in thames down by the dunny..the railway doesnt go up the coast much futher

[Bass]

Just to revert for a moment...
Have done the loop many times in both directions and usually taking in the long loop which includes Waihi and Paeroa.
I travel at doddery old fart pace. Usually pull out of Bombay about 10, have half an hour for lunch in Whitianga and am home in Papakura before 3.30. - so about 5 hours on the road which also includes the odd short break to admire NZ. It can also include Hunua or Kaiaua, but seldom both.
My preference is anticlockwise, simply because there are many shaded spots which can stay wet and slippery for some time and for obvious reasons the east side dries out before the west.

[Jinx3d]

In winter you have to go anti clockwise for the reasons mentioned, the east coast dries out first in the morning and the west coast will be in shade and difficult to see through corners.

I actually prefer anti clockwise, I have done the loop 5 times this summer. Its a bit over 4 hours from Sth auckland and back. This includes only one stop in Whitianga for a litre of powerade, gas and a slash.

I recommend powerade, it rehydrates better than water and keeps headaches at bay. Recommend a tinted visor in summer and with ear plugs will significantly reduce fatigue.

Thames to coromandel is a poor way to start the loop, narrow and full of restricted speed zones but its a nice way to finish. I find I am gerally sated with cornering by the time I hit the west coast and just cruise back to auckland from there.

If you are not used to riding for hours at a time, I recommend the cabin/camp site near the turn off to waihi, cheap and a great river swimming holes a kay or so up the road (is it the road that goes inland from coruglen back over to the west side?)

There are a few tightening radius corners and corner combos that will have you on the wrong side of the road if you are not very carefull so take it easy, remember, in like a kitten, out like a lion. No sense attacking the entry to the corners, go in smooth and controlled and dont start gassing till you can see the exit.

There are plenty of dicks in legacys and VR4's just wave them past and dont get involved. Usually you end up passing them when they get stuck behind traffic anyway.

One last point, week days are better, if you make a mistake and end up playing russian roulette and crossing the centreline empty roads might be the thing that saves your life.

Have fun!

[kevfromcoro]

there is a run on down here..
Thames Valley locals,about 300 bikes are doing a poker run to-morrow.
think it includes the loop.
camped up at hikatia.maratoto.
most of the bikers will stay hear sat night..and then on to Paeroa for the sunday racing.
there are quite a few bikes in town..all sorts as usual...
all ages too.....doesnt make me feal to old to ride