42 traverse

**marks** · 14th January 2008, 17:27

might be a nice little outing for the WR

**Crisis management** · 15th January 2008, 07:29

Ok guys, sounds like a ride is in order....I would like to do this in late feb probably (building work going on at home and the High Commander might not let me out before then).
I'll find out the state of the Owhango bridge and post up some dates in a week or so...

**chris** · 15th January 2008, 08:25

During summer you'll have no problems. The creek crossings can come up a bit after rain but nothing too major. It's really not difficult on a dual purpose with the right tyres fitted. Just remember though, it's two way, most people using it seem to think it is one way! Also, four wheel drives will be on it during the summer and it can get narrow in places, be careful

**marks** · 15th January 2008, 08:38

I would prefer to do it both ways as I would have to park a car/trailer at one end - and I'd rather do an 80km ride than a 40km ride followed by lots of boring road...

or is their something I'm missing here?

**bvaut** · 15th January 2008, 09:11

As said all before, no worries with the track, however, just be careful for 2 way traffic. The last time I did it we had to call out two helicopters as we had a major head on with some loose nuts on bikes going the other way. They pasted our lead rider and didn't button off collecting the next rider full on, pretty ugly stuff

. Ther are plenty of side trips off this road with some east to difficult stuff as well. If you were thinking of tasking trail bikes then be carefukl where yuo park at the eastern end as some low life will want to break into your car. See the framer to the north or the outdoor pursuts cente further north for parking. Enjoy.

**Crisis management** · 15th January 2008, 10:33

Doc at whakapapa confirm the bridge is open, so it can be one way (or both Marks), must admit the thought of there and back sounds good, it's only 46 kms one way so should be a good way to fill in a day!

**clint640** · 15th January 2008, 12:48

Originally Posted by Crisis management

Doc at whakapapa confirm the bridge is open, so it can be one way (or both Marks), must admit the thought of there and back sounds good, it's only 46 kms one way so should be a good way to fill in a day!

Sounds like a good plan, maybe lunch & a frosty beverage at the Owhango Pub before turning back?

Cheers
Clint

**ducatijim** · 16th January 2008, 18:03

Originally Posted by clint640

Sounds like a good plan, maybe lunch & a frosty beverage at the Owhango Pub before turning back?

Cheers
Clint

Now youre talking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**Aslan** · 16th January 2008, 21:44

sounds interesting guys - will watch with interest and commit if able to once the date is determined - cheers Aslan

**young1** · 16th January 2008, 21:50

Let me know when you plan to do it as it might be worth me putting the DR on the trailer and taking it over?

**Crisis management** · 22nd January 2008, 20:29

Ok guys, after much debate, I have to put this off until March. I need to get these renovations finished before I wander off for a weekend so can't do anything until then.

It may be better if someone else (thats one of you lot) picks a date and organises this so it actually happens. I know from past experience that anything to do with builders, plumbers and painters drags on far longer than planned and I would hate to have you lot waiting for me, you might get grumpy!

Just to summarise the ride:
Its 46km one way and rideable by most adventure bikes (I believe) as I know someone who rode an R100GS thru.
So, its a there and back again ride with a pub in the middle, sounds like 6 - 7 hours tops.
The bridge is repaired at Owhango so there are no major obstacles.
Do it when the weathers good otherwise streams will rise and clay will turn greasy.

Up to you lot!

**Crisis management** · 30th January 2008, 19:22

BUMP!

Looks like the last weekend in Feb or first in March, I'm just confirming some accomodation in Taupo and the sunday would be free for doing the traverse!

Updates to follow (hopefully)

**K slider** · 30th January 2008, 20:50

Hi I'm keen to have a go my bro is in the turangi search and rescue so I will ask him what its like no {bridge etc}
Cheers Pete.

**Bass** · 31st January 2008, 08:09

Originally Posted by Crisis management

BUMP!

Looks like the last weekend in Feb or first in March, I'm just confirming some accomodation in Taupo and the sunday would be free for doing the traverse!

Updates to follow (hopefully)

Bugger!!!
Last weekend in Feb is the Westpac run.
First weekend in March is the Mission concert.
I'm committed to both.