Auckland/Taranaki/Central Plateau weekend ride

**GSXR Trace** · 2nd January 2009, 22:27

Ride ON

My turn to suggest a long ride, and get some Aucklander’s seeing more country south of the bombays, as well as getting to meet more people! I am firstly just interested whether anyone is keen to do this and if so will specify a date later. I am aware the distance to be covered on the first day (a Saturday still to be determined) is rather long, but if we leave early enough and keep moving we should be able to do it!

All riders from Auckland (and surrounding areas), Waikato and Taranaki are welcome to join in if you like the sound of it!

Please note: this is not a ride for learners, as the distances covered are considerable so cannot afford time spent waiting at each turn or stop, and all riders will need to have open and country road riding experience.

Proposed ride:

Starting from Papakura BP/autobarn, meeting at 7:45am for briefing and leaving 8am saturday, the ride will head south to Ngaruwahia. Then continue through the back cut (SH 39) to Otorohonga and Te Kuiti.
This is where I suggest any Taranaki riders meet us, my parents will probably be coming up over Mount Messenger and through the gorge to meet us there.

After refueling we will head south-east towards Bennydale but turning onto Kopaki Rd and out to the Taumaranui highway. We can again refuel at Taumaranui. From there, there are no fuel stops for 150 km through the Forgotten Highway, but great scenery of eastern Taranaki hill country. Plan to stop for a drink in the republic at the Whangamomona Pub. Then continue through to Stratford. There are four saddles between Taumaranui and Stratford, with nice valley riding and alongside rivers.

Please be aware that this road does have the ability to surprise, be aware of slips/stock/gravel/train crossings and some corners do tighten up. Do be aware there is one relatively long tunnel.

From Stratford, we will go into New Plymouth, and probably stop for lunch by that stage. Again we will refuel in NP, then head around the mountain (through Oakura, Opunake, Hawera). Then back on the main drag through to Wanganui. With another refuel at Wanganui we will head on through the Paraparas to Raetihi and Ohakune.

Depending on numbers interested, we have a house for accommodation at Ohakune. Otherwise we will have to arrange accommodation.

Then on Sunday we will head north through Taumaranui, Te Kuiti and on to Ngaruwahia. From there we will go through SH 22 to Mercer and then cut across the motorway and continue up the back roads back into Auckland.

A map will follow… just haven’t gotten around to doing it!

Update:
when: 7th March
Where: Auckland, taumaranui, new plymouth, Ohakune and back to auckland
Why: because they are some of the nicest roads in north island
Meeting Point: Papakura BP/Autobarn
Meeting Time: 6:45 for a 7am departure

Register at: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/ca...y=2009-3-7&c=0

Map route is only a rough guideline between "major" centres:
http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&sa...,10.788574&z=7
ok... need to correct spellling of taumarunui and then click "get directions" and it will show the route

**hospitalfood** · 2nd January 2009, 22:40

well alright.........
not here to blow bubbles or fuck spiders.
im in, given a bit of notice to juggle other stuff.

**GSXR Trace** · 2nd January 2009, 22:44

Originally Posted by hospitalfood

well alright.........
not here to blow bubbles or fuck spiders.
im in, given a bit of notice to juggle other stuff.

hahaha... nope

But yes will give plenty of notice as to the date of the ride... just want to make sure there are a few people interested first!
and also have to get a new rear tyre before doing it! (which is happening auckland anniversary I think)
Therefore likely to be in Feb

**GSXR Trace** · 3rd January 2009, 18:58

If people feel this is too long on the first day... then could stop at NP and then carry on the rest of the way on sunday

**nadroj** · 3rd January 2009, 19:07

Good to meet at Piopio today.
The Chateau to Plateau ride is on 25th Jan (Ak anniverary weekend) and a bed could be found for those northerners wanting to stay & head home monday.

Kevin

**GSXR Trace** · 3rd January 2009, 19:16

Originally Posted by nadroj

Good to meet at Piopio today.
The Chateau to Plateau ride is on 25th Jan (Ak anniverary weekend) and a bed could be found for those northerners wanting to stay & head home monday.

Kevin

yeah was great to meet you... can't believe how many kber's i randomly meet around the place!

Yes i plan to do the chateau to plateau as have to come home that weekend anyway, might see you there then?

**pritch** · 3rd January 2009, 19:19

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=89284

**hospitalfood** · 3rd January 2009, 19:26

Originally Posted by GSXR Trace

If people feel this is too long on the first day... then could stop at NP and then carry on the rest of the way on sunday

a night in NP also suits me........
not to fussed, the planned ride is a good one with at least 470 km to N.P.

**TOTO** · 4th January 2009, 15:35

I'm IN!

I Prefer the longer version of the trip.

I need a minimum 1 week to take sunday off but will be no problem, or I can always pull a sickie

Cant Wait

**GSXR Trace** · 12th January 2009, 12:34

okay, so have had people say they passed over this due to no date specified....

Proposed date: 31 January and 1 February

Contingency date: 7 and 8th March

I hope this means more people will be interested

I need to know how many are intending to do the ride, as need to know whether there is enough room at the house, or whether we need ot sort out some other accommodation. but feel free to organise your own accommodation if you want!