Stratford to Taumaranui road?

[Duc]

Anyone done Stratford to Taumaranui road recently?

I believe there is a bit of gravel (15kms ?).

How would this road be riding a Honda ST1300 with pillion?

We are thinking of doing it Easter weekend.

[pritch]

I did it a few weeks ago, as did Nadroj and possibly others from here, on the Chateau to Plateau run. The metal is usually more like hard dirt unless the grader has just been through.

You shouldn't have much trouble, I've seen a Goldwing in there (with pillion), and Harleys, and you name it...

The tunnel also needs a degree of care but shouldn't pose a problem.

[janno]

No, don't go, you'll really, really hate it.

Us locals only go cos we feel obliged to.

But seriously, it's one of the most glorious and entertaining roads around - depending on what you like!!

It is tight twisties over the many saddles, and the state of the gravel (12km so bugger all) changes depending on when they've graded it. Give the Whangamomona Pub a ring if no one on here has been through lately. They'll know the latest road info.

Some pillions I've ridden through there with have found it a miserable experience, even so far as to get motion sickness (no, it wasn't the rider) and others loved it. So it will depend on what your pillion prefers and how you ride.

It's probably my favourite road in Taranaki.

[yod]

yeehah

go, go now

I thought the unsealed section was closer to 10km but it was pretty easy when I went through last, that was with pritch and a crapload of other bikes, all road varieties, including a couple of concours which are pretty similar to your beast, when we stopped in Whangamomona we must have seen 5 or 6 other groups coming through as well

first road I ever recall seeing a corner marked with a 15kmh sign

mint road, definitely worth the time

[huck farley]

The wife and I went through to Taumarunui the other week Great road but respect the tar seal turn signs 15 kph is 15 kph if you get my drift. The gravel is a piece of cake. I must add we came across a born again Possum Bourne, sliding into corners in a clapped out old Jappo.

I had to take cover cause he wasn't going to pull over. I went into the deep stuff to my left. I never froze up though, but I must admit I was shitting a blue light. That was the only moment, phew!! The rest of the journey was spectacular roads and scenery. Just do it you will love it.

[shafty]

Easy peazy lemon squeezy Duc, last time thru I was taking picks of my Lady ahead (on her Shadow) while riding one handed. Nice bike BTW!

[HornetBoy]

Yea no sweat,be more worried about the amount of heated tar around their,and that bloody tunnel

[Blackbird]

first road I ever recall seeing a corner marked with a 15kmh sign

Look at my profile photo 15km/hr sign right by my bike as I'm decking the pegs. That was taken at the Coromandel side of the Coro Hill coming back from Whitianga. Steep downhill and 15 km/hr has caught out more than a few people who mess it up!

[soundbeltfarm]

was riding in the area on the weekend and the metal roads i was on had just been graded so was pretty loose.
didn't go on the main rd through though.
should be sweet by easter thoguh.

[Dazza]

Mate did it on Wednesday this week from NP-Stratford-Taumaranui & back & had a ball, theres not that much gravel,you'll have a ball. As Pritch said, the tunnel can be a little dodgy @ times. As soon as I've fitted new tyres I'm going for a cruise through there Stop off for a feed @ the Whanga pub,comes highly reccommended

[Duc]

Thanx all. I cant wait to do it.

(Did it 25+ years ago in a 4wd but because I was a bit lost and running late , I probably did not get the full enjoyment of it)

[soundbeltfarm]

yeah the whanga feeds are good.
what do you's think of the new publican in there?

[rainman]

Great road, went through late last year with a bunch of mates. The bloke on the Busa didn't love it too much but made it through OK. Take the road through Ohura (misses Taumaranui) if you're heading north. (Or just turn right when you get back to the main road and do another 30 kms if you're heading south!)

[nadroj]

yeah the whanga feeds are good.
what do you's think of the new publican in there?

Sharp - ex cop - Basil fawlty type. His mrs doesn't like him being referred to as the boss in her presence. Good sence of humour & the food is especially excellent when he is serving.

[Dazza]

yeah the whanga feeds are good.
what do you's think of the new publican in there?

Haven't had anything to do with him personally but his wife seems pleasant enough.Have heard mixed reviews though, but secondhand you've gotta take it with a grain of salt