Learner Ride to Cape Reinga (20 November)

**MarkW** · 15th September 2011, 11:45

Fuel

Reliable gas at Awanui (220km to Cape and back to Awanui);

Reliable gas at Houhora (160km to Cape and back to Houhora)

Probably gas at Waitiki Landing (40 km to Cape and back to Waitiki).

I can add a 10 litre can to my load which will get the Ducati back on the road although I would really expect that 160km from an 18 litre tank should be easy! Even my Subaru Forestor with a Turbo does better mileage than that!

As for a trip on the beach - high tide is at about 4pm that day so it would need to be a trip up the beach on the way to the Cape as it is best to be off the beach at least two hours before the tide is full. Points to be aware of with this option are:

Gas at Awanui, then back to Houhora is 190km.
The beach route is subject to the previous weeks weather - heavy surf can leave holes and soft spots.
Getting onto the beach involves crossing a short (20 - 30 metres) section of drier softer sand.
The beach is a public road and still has speed limits.
The hard pack sand is hard pack because it has SALT water in it and salt water can make a mess of flash alloys if left to sit there for too long.
The exit up Te Paki stream involves riding up the stream bed and crossing this a number of times - if rains have been heavy in the previous week the stream can develop large and deep holes. These are not always easily spotted in advance.

Having said all of the above I have ridden up the beach and up (and down) the stream a number of times on a variety of motorcycles over a number of years. If conditions are likely to be poor I take the road, if they are going to be good then I have no problem riding the beach.

Riders Choice!

There are a few stunning rides up here - happy to discuss these with anyone on the Friday night.

Mark W

**nathanwhite** · 15th September 2011, 11:54

Originally Posted by Maha

Need to know fuel stops...little scorpios need juice as often as you be the sounds?

say what? I can do 250km on a tank, but I never push it, Tried once, and got to 300km, but I had overfilled the tank a little. I think normally its about 270

**Maha** · 15th September 2011, 11:57

Thank you Mark for that info...
The beach part is not a happening thing as far as I am concerned.
For those that really want to, we can talk that over on the Friday night.

The ride brief in the first post will be adhered to.
The ride to the cape and back to base camp will take about 6 hours (trust me on this) taking in a stop or two (Houhora pub being one)
We will be taking in Twin Bridges road on the way back on the Sunday.
That will give those that have not been on that road, a real sense of what Motorcycling is all about.

**Maha** · 15th September 2011, 11:58

Originally Posted by nathanwhite

say what? I can do 250km on a tank, but I never push it, Tried once, and got to 300km, but I had overfilled the tank a little. I think normally its about 270

....make sure you bring that oily rag...servo stops will takien at every oppotunity.

**Armi** · 15th September 2011, 15:13

I want to change from a maybe to an almost definitely

**nzspokes** · 15th September 2011, 15:24

Just carry a jerry can. No problem. I seem to be 300k before hitting reserve.

**Gremlin** · 15th September 2011, 15:31

Put me down as a maybe...

Won't start early on Friday, I'll leave late on Friday after work. I won't be a concern for gas... only every 500-700km (depending on pace).

Should be able to carry spare gas if someone is tight on space... depends on how much shit I pack. I'd take a room... I don't dooooo tenting.

**Maha** · 15th September 2011, 16:00

Originally Posted by Harris Ang

Ahhh! Soooo KEEEN! I might have 2 other friends that might wanna go! But will it blend?

I will put you down as one and two TBC.

Originally Posted by Armi

I want to change from a maybe to an almost definitely

Changes made. Let me know when it becomes a definate possibility...

Originally Posted by Gremlin

Put me down as a maybe...

Won't start early on Friday, I'll leave late on Friday after work. I won't be a concern for gas... only every 500-700km (depending on pace).

Should be able to carry spare gas if someone is tight on space... depends on how much shit I pack. I'd take a room... I don't dooooo tenting.

GPS is your friend...see ya there if not before...maybe.

**Armi** · 15th September 2011, 20:33

Originally Posted by Maha

Changes made. Let me know when it becomes a definate possibility...

It's almost 100% definate. I would rather not pass this up. Any idea what kinda money we'll be looking at for a bunk?

**Maha** · 15th September 2011, 20:44

Originally Posted by Armi

It's almost 100% definate. I would rather not pass this up. Any idea what kinda money we'll be looking at for a bunk?

Not as yet but having several (if thats what it takes) to a room will make it cheap as.
I wont hold anyone to it if they feel they cant afford it.
We will talk to the managers and put some figures together.
May end up being a two night/food/bed package?