I thought I would give those members who are interested some up to date info on road conditions regarding the Raetihi to Pipiriki Rd and on to Wanganui via the Whanganui River Rd and the Turakina Valley Rd from the intersection with Mangatipona Rd in the south to SH 49 at Tangiwai in the north, a circuit I did yesterday from my home in National Park. The day of the ride was a beautiful, frosty winter’s day and the weather for 2 days prior to the ride had been dry and frosty and the ride was done in an anticlockwise direction.Most people will know that the road from Raetihi to Pipiriki is sealed all the way now but care is required due to the numerous sections with upswept chip seal but a nice ride on a sunny day. The Whanganui River Rd from Pipiriki to Ranana is still largely gravel and quite soft in places where recent slips have been cleared and as always there are a couple of sections on road works but no drama on the GS with well used anakees fitted! From Ranana to the Parapara Rd is as per usual, you have to keep an eye out for feral animals on the road (and the feral locals!) and try not to let the view of the Wanganui river distract you too much!The Turakina Valley Rd is 50+ kms of dry, hard and fast gravel/clay and a very scenic ride that follows the Turakina river (funnily enough). I have ridden this road many times but always in a southerly direction and this time I decided to travel it in the opposite direction. I’m glad I did as I discovered a reasonable sized waterfall that you don’t see travelling from north to south. The road was in the best condition I have ever seen it and a joy to ride but would be slippery in places after rain but there are no major climbs or descents to worry about. There are 2 slips that are in the process of being cleared between Rangiwaea Junction and Tangiwai but not a major.So there you go. If you have the inclination to get off the beaten track then give this ride a go.Keep riding whatever the season.Neil.