Central Plateau - 42nd Traverse and Fishers Track - 29/30 November '08

**Aslan** · 27th November 2008, 09:29

Cheers Merv - catch you soon - S

**Eddieb** · 27th November 2008, 09:42

Depending on time & weather conditions Whangaehu Valley road could be a consideration for the route back down again.

From SH49 between Ohakune & Wairouru Take the Whangaehu road towards Fields track, at the Fields track intersection keep going straight. Just after the intersection it turns to gravel for about 30kms (I think?) then back to seal for some back block roads.

Or for something more adventurous take Turakina Valley road off SH49 at Tangiwai and down through Rangiwaea and all the junctions there. Thats a lot more gravel though which may be deeper.

**Eddieb** · 27th November 2008, 09:58

Oh yeah, do we need towels at our various accomodations?

**Aslan** · 27th November 2008, 11:45

Eddie I like your return ride suggestions - my sentiment exactly - not sure about those from Te Aroha and the Naki though, I'm sure they'll have different plans.

All - re towels - 'yes' I'd assume you should be self suffficient with towels / toilet gear, sleeping bag for Friday night and breakfast Sat AM.

cheers S

**Waihou Thumper** · 27th November 2008, 15:19

Originally Posted by Eddieb

Depending on time & weather conditions Whangaehu Valley road could be a consideration for the route back down again.

From SH49 between Ohakune & Wairouru Take the Whangaehu road towards Fields track, at the Fields track intersection keep going straight. Just after the intersection it turns to gravel for about 30kms (I think?) then back to seal for some back block roads.

Or for something more adventurous take Turakina Valley road off SH49 at Tangiwai and down through Rangiwaea and all the junctions there. Thats a lot more gravel though which may be deeper.

I gotta ride home too, so the further south I go, the longer it makes the day.
I will still meet you all at Raetehi or further into the River road depending on time. I guess you will be there about 12 ish? Anyway, we can ride back with you, do the 42 Traverse both ways I hope?...lol
That gets a good perspective of the track, always different the reverse direction for obvious reasones..
Sunday I have a trail ride to do locally if I am not feeling to tired. See, I just got a trailer and can go to these events. My van was stolen and I have to start all over again, kit myself up and to get the trailer, the tow bar etc was cheaper option but it will do.
Needless to say, making a trail ride on Sunday will be a good cross-over from the Traverse on the Saturday.
See you all in a couple of days.....
Mark

**Aslan** · 27th November 2008, 17:21

cheers Mark - sorry to hear about the theft of your van - bummer.

As to Sat - looking forward to seeing you and your pal. Re doing 42 in both directions I'll conform to majority view - my sense is that Kapoors to Owhango is the easier direction.

See you Saturday - God willing :-) S

**That looks like fun** · 27th November 2008, 19:30

How you say in English "BUGGER" She is a no go for me sorry Steven

Took a trailer out to Whanga and dragged her home (just like a real trail bike rider

) Hit the go button and she fired up sweet as a nut. Rode round the block

well almost round the block. After I pushed her up the drive I pulled all the plugs to bits and hit them with contact cleaner and hot air hoping it was just water. I have just pushed her up the drive again and now I am sulking

Have fun and I will join you next time

**young1** · 27th November 2008, 20:03

Hope you guys all have a great safe ride!

Just remember that the Round the Lake (push) bike ride is this weekend so there may be a lot more traffic around tomorrow and Sunday.

**Aslan** · 27th November 2008, 20:38

Originally Posted by That looks like fun

How you say in English "BUGGER" She is a no go for me sorry Steven

Took a trailer out to Whanga and dragged her home (just like a real trail bike rider

) Hit the go button and she fired up sweet as a nut. Rode round the block

well almost round the block. After I pushed her up the drive I pulled all the plugs to bits and hit them with contact cleaner and hot air hoping it was just water. I have just pushed her up the drive again and now I am sulking

Have fun and I will join you next time

sorry to hear the news of your beemer Colin - hope it's not a major - look forward to riding with you next time. cheers Stephen O

**Aslan** · 27th November 2008, 20:40

Originally Posted by young1

Hope you guys all have a great safe ride!

Just remember that the Round the Lake (push) bike ride is this weekend so there may be a lot more traffic around tomorrow and Sunday.

Mike - thanks for the kind wishes - you and Cary et al ride safe as well - there was a time when you and I both used to cycle round Taupo eh?

see you out there some time - trust all's good - cheers Stephen O

**marks** · 27th November 2008, 22:29

Hiya

I'm going to have to bail

I spent all day in at A&E with my older son and they are going to chop out his appendics either tonight or tomorrow or whenever - man our health system is badly broken - its a bloody disgrace

Anyway have a great ride and take lots of photos

cheers

Mark

**Waihou Thumper** · 28th November 2008, 05:35

Originally Posted by Aslan

cheers Mark - sorry to hear about the theft of your van - bummer.

As to Sat - looking forward to seeing you and your pal. Re doing 42 in both directions I'll conform to majority view - my sense is that Kapoors to Owhango is the easier direction.

See you Saturday - God willing :-) S

Looks as though there are just 6 maybe 7 with my mate. That is a good number. We will be taking a bit of a circular route as the Round Taupo ride is on and their route is on the same route I usually take south. Anyway, there is still some options available.
I have put some trail tyres on for the next few months for a bit of a change. Brett has new Scorpion on the front but the rear is about half worn so that will be interesting.
Hada bit of rain last night, so that has cooled things down. 7 riders is plenty for this track and we can carry bikes and push the big ones if it gets a little greasy underfoot. I don't expect much traffic there, most of the hard core bikers (cyclists) will be slogging it out around the 160km route in Taupo...
Have a safe ride and see you tomorrow all.......
Mark

**Aslan** · 28th November 2008, 05:44

cheers Mark - looking forward to meeting you and Brett.

Marks sorry you've had to bail. Others watching please bring cameras as my wife has our good one with her visiting grandchild - cheers S

**Waihou Thumper** · 28th November 2008, 05:49

Originally Posted by Aslan

cheers Mark - looking forward to meeting you and Brett.

Marks sorry you've had to bail. Others watching please bring cameras as my wife has our good one with her visiting grandchild - cheers S

Yep, now we really gotta do it and take some photos for all of these Kiwibikers..
Must fall off, must get them dirty, stuck, team photo, compulsory mountain shot and anything else..

**Aslan** · 28th November 2008, 08:12

thanks Mark - re the photos :-)

I expoect we'll leave Jerusalem between 9 - 9.30 and would expect to be at Raethei around 11 - 11.30 for lunch.

Recycled, Pampa and EddieB expect to see you at Shell Mana at 3.30p or en route. marks will not now be meeting us at the former Mobil Station as you enter Parpaparaumu.

Safe riding all - cheers S