Goodbye Rimutakas as we know it now?

**riffer** · 13th February 2009, 22:43

from Wairarapa News...

MULDOON’S Corner it’s called, but where it is and why it’s called Muldoon’s is not as easy to find out as you might think. There are actually two corners just down the Wellington side from the Rimutaka summit that are exceptionally tight and difficult for trucks to get around, the first and third left-handers as you descend. Both seem to be known as Muldoon’s Corner.
It turns out, according to government road builder Transit NZ, it’s actually the third left-hander down from the summit, but it took calls to Transit, hill road committee members Masterton Mayor Bob Francis and former Wairarapa MP Wyatt Creech and Opus Consultants before that was established.
Mr Francis said the corner was named after former Prime Minister the late Sir Robert Muldoon but said he wasn’t sure why. The rumour mill has it the corner is known as Muldoon’s because it’s tight and to the right (as you drive up the hill) but Mr Creech had another theory. “I always thought it was that bluff (the first left-hander down from the summit) because it had that craggy hard look that he used to have but it’s not even that corner.”

**riffer** · 13th February 2009, 22:48

I'm in two minds about this upgrade.

On the one hand (or mind...) it's going to mean on the climb up the hill you won't get the nasty slowdown for that last bit on the way up, and going back down from the summit on cold tyres you're less likely to lowside on the first corner (eh Drew...)

and on the other hand... will they kill the bit where you have the fast transition from left to right which invariably lofts the front wheel - that has to be one of the best bits of the takas going up.

One things for sure - it's going to make the summit corner interesting if you're carrying another 30km/hr around that bend - that'll catch a few out.

But on reflection... does it look like the summit corner (and the summit park) will be bypassed?

**James Deuce** · 13th February 2009, 23:02

Originally Posted by riffer

But on reflection... does it look like the summit corner (and the summit park) will be bypassed?

It does rather. There'll be no toilets and no cafe, and no real need to stop. There'll be a lot of Wellington riders for whom a ride is simply to the top of the hill and home again who are going to be left rather bereft.

Look's like Skelstar's corner will be less agressively bent as well.

**riffer** · 13th February 2009, 23:04

Originally Posted by James Deuce

It does rather. There'll be no toilets and no cafe, and no real need to stop. There'll be a lot of Wellington riders for whom a ride is simply to the top of the hill and home again who are going to be left rather bereft.

But... but... that means that a quick ride to the takas has to be all the way to Featherston.

and no stopping to talk shit at the top any more.

Not impressed. At all.

**xxcbr69xx** · 13th February 2009, 23:50

That's a shitload of rock to remove!

**Laxi** · 14th February 2009, 00:07

nah its cause it likes to f you over every chance it gets

Originally Posted by yungatart

Muldoon's Corner? Is that the U/H side or the Featherston side?
And why is it called Muldoon's corner...is there a dimple on it?

**Hitcher** · 15th February 2009, 16:16

The carpark and viewing area at the top of the Rimutakas stays.

It is quite unbelievable the number of people who, when busting for a dump, drive to the top of the Rimutakas so that they can crap in the bushes, or in close proximity to vegetation. Then, having wiped their finger on their jocks, get back into or onto whatever it was that transported their defecating arses there in the first place, and go on their way.

It only takes 40 minutes to drive from Upper Hutt to Featherston. What is going on here?

**Sully60** · 15th February 2009, 16:22

Originally Posted by Hitcher

The carpark and viewing area at the top of the Rimutakas stays.

It is quite unbelievable the number of people who, when busting for a dump, drive to the top of the Rimutakas so that they can crap in the bushes, or in close proximity to vegetation. Then, having wiped their finger on their jocks, get back into or onto whatever it was that transported their defecating arses there in the first place, and go on their way.

It only takes 40 minutes to drive from Upper Hutt to Featherston. What is going on here?

So you've taken the first right off the track behind the toilets then?

**The Pastor** · 15th February 2009, 16:30

when is construction due to start? I have to get down to that road.

**James Deuce** · 15th February 2009, 17:08

Originally Posted by renegade master

when is construction due to start? I have to get down to that road.

You're seriously going to miss the 3 worst paved corners with the worst sight lines on the hill?

You guys have gone mental.

Hitcher - special request as GWR rate payer. Please blow the carpark on top of the hill up.

Yours,

Concerned of Lower Hutt.

**Bonez** · 15th February 2009, 17:14

Originally Posted by Hitcher

The carpark and viewing area at the top of the Rimutakas stays.

It is quite unbelievable the number of people who, when busting for a dump, drive to the top of the Rimutakas so that they can crap in the bushes, or in close proximity to vegetation. Then, having wiped their finger on their jocks, get back into or onto whatever it was that transported their defecating arses there in the first place, and go on their way.

Wondered why welly bikers hung out there. And here I was thinking there wasn't much worth seeing.

**ducatilover** · 15th February 2009, 17:18

i love the takas.

but im sure a new section wont ruin it, yet....
its a great road to ride if you ride safely and at a reasonable pace [no elbow down]

**The Pastor** · 15th February 2009, 17:27

Originally Posted by James Deuce

You're seriously going to miss the 3 worst paved corners with the worst sight lines on the hill?

You guys have gone mental.

Hitcher - special request as GWR rate payer. Please blow the carpark on top of the hill up.

Yours,

Concerned of Lower Hutt.

I count 7 corners cut out. and i'd be surprised if that was just the extent of works for the project.