SH1 vs Old Taupo Road

[slofox]

No contest really...

Had to deliver a bottle of wine to Tokoroa this morning. Well, OK I didn't really have to take it in person, I could've used the courier but then hey, Old Taupo Road goes close to Tokoroa and the weather was forecast to be fine so who wouldn't volunteer to do the job in person?

Due to time constraints, one leg had to be fairly efficient. Which meant SH1 on the way down. I figured if I got there early enough I could take my time coming home. Which is what happened. Although, I didn't exactly "take my time" IYKWIM...

SH1 on the way south was the pits. Boring and populated by maniacs who earned their licences by eating weetbix. And slow trucks. One big yawn punctuated by arse clenching moments of traffic avoidance.

Did the delivery and set out for home via Old Taupo. Much more interesting. But still populated by great juggernaut trucks - obviously avoiding SH1 as well.

I thought to try some video using the ancient ATC2K along OT Rd but it just wouldn't stay on. Useless piece of crap. Time I had a GoPro. Anyone wanna give me one for Christmas? Coz I got no money to buy one...

Anyway, Old Taupo won that one, trucks and all. Like I said, no contest.

[Reckless]

The last Post classic GP at Taupo went down to spanner for Sean. Awesome day BTW! Some great racing!

I decided to hit the back roads and have to agree much much nicer way to travel down Old Taupo Rd

Left from Dorkland and went Mangatawhiri, Tanawhia road, Morrinsville, down the back Of Lake Karapiro on Horahora Rd, into old Taupo Rd, Mangakino etc. I was gonna do Kaahu road and Poiihi road to Taupo but it was getting to dark to enjoy the roads so headed out to Hwy 1 about Kinleith somewhere??

Bloody nice trip, not to much longer, no cops hunting, with corners and great views thrown in!

I agree Slowfox Old Taupo Rd every time!!

[awa355]

Slo, Old Taupo rd has always been a bit rough. I went to Tga this morning and picked up a near new Contour camera. Had pre-empted a handle bar mounting, fitted the camera and set off for home. I think I had the thing switched on to 'rec' I have to wait now untill I can get the sotfware downloaded to find out.

Coming out of Putaruru, I turned into Waotu rd. Usually a nice road but now is covered in new seal. The bastards have re sealed every fun road in the sth waikato/waipa districts.

[slofox]

Slo, Old Taupo rd has always been a bit rough. I went to Tga this morning and picked up a near new Contour camera. Had pre-empted a handle bar mounting, fitted the camera and set off for home. I think I had the thing switched on to 'rec' I have to wait now untill I can get the sotfware downloaded to find out.

Coming out of Putaruru, I turned into Waotu rd. Usually a nice road but now is covered in new seal. The bastards have re sealed every fun road in the sth waikato/waipa districts.

Apart from some shiny stuff at the Tok. end, Old Taupo was in mint condition this morning.

[pc220]

Yip think I heard you go past as I was slaving in the garden, cant miss the sound of an IL4 singing its song. Thought to myself "you bastard". Sometimes it really sucks living in the middle of such a good riding area( Old Taupo, Puketurua) the rest of the time AWESOME.

[Blackbird]

Yip think I heard you go past as I was slaving in the garden, cant miss the sound of an IL4 singing its song. Thought to myself "you bastard". Sometimes it really sucks living in the middle of such a good riding area( Old Taupo, Puketurua) the rest of the time AWESOME.

Good road that - used it all the time when I lived in Tokoroa. Also used to go to some of the theme evenings at Out in the Sticks at Pukeatua. You reckon it sucks living in such a good riding area. Try where I am on the Coro Loop at weekends

[Old Steve]

I must admit that when heading south from Auckland I stay on the Waikato Expressway until Ohinewai, turn off and go through Tahuna, cross SH27 instead of turning right to go to Waharoa and Matamata, go across to Te Aroha and down the Old Te Aroha Rd. You come out near the Kaimais, turn towards Tauranga for a little way and then turn right at foot of the Kaimais onto SH28 which takes you down through Putaruru (or just around Putaruru if you turn left onto Harris Rd a little before meeting SH1, and then on to Domain Rd to meet SH1 south of Putaruru). I stay on SH1 until south of Tokoroa and turn right onto SH30 just before the bridge over the Waikato at Atiamuri. Head down to Wakamaru on one of the greatest cruising roads in NZ and then turn south at Wakamaru down the Western Access Road. You can carry on to Turangi or head back to Taupo if you like. Or stop at Ti Hoi for a burger!