Kawhia

[Dave Ross]

#2407

Thanks to all who attended. It was good to see such a large number of new faces and a number of people who hadn't been on Register rides for a while. If I counted correctly we had 17-18 bikes at Annie's Cafe, one person came all the way from Inglewood.Once it looked like we might get rained on, but it never happened. Highway 22 and the Kawhia road allowed for some spirited riding. Highway 22 always demands a lot of concentration due to randomly changing road conditions and the presence of wild life.I ran over one dead possum, luckily it wasn't ripe. I also had to break and steer around a low flying falcon to avoid rear ending the bird. There were sheep, cattle and turkeys, so it pays to be prepared.The food was ok, and we were lucky to find seating. No doubt the races in Paeroa had something to do with this.We didn't do the gravel section on the return trip. Well, only one of us did. I am pretty sure we'll get another opportunity to ride some gravel roads.If you haven't been on a Register ride make an effort next time. It's a good opportunity to meet some interesting people, who enjoy riding bikes.If you were on the ride and have some photos, why not post them here.Alex

[Anonymous]

#9275

Thanks for organising the trip Alex.I did the gravel section to Raglan on the way back, mostly good hard pack, but some corners are getting chopped up.  Then from Raglan to Waingaro (road in good shape, with only 1km of gravel now) & back to Auckland via SH22 again!  Whoopie!!!Traffic very light, made good time.

[Arne Rohde]

#9276

I did the Kawhia to Raglan gravel route as well on the way home. Do you know why the detour is in place along Te Papatapu Rd instead of the normal Kawhia Rd route past the Bridal Veil falls? There was no sign with any explanation. At least none that I could see.On the other hand, it's quite obvious why Kawhia Harbour Rd at Waiharakeke is closed. The guy from Inglewood actually rode over that bridge to get to Kawhia.

[Arne Rohde]

#9277

Here's a photo from outside the cafe.

[Dave Ross]

#9278

I did the Kawhia to Raglan gravel route as well on the way home. Do you know why the detour is in place along Te Papatapu Rd instead of the normal Kawhia Rd route past the Bridal Veil falls? There was no sign with any explanation. At least none that I could see.On the other hand, it's quite obvious why Kawhia Harbour Rd at Waiharakeke is closed. The guy from Inglewood actually rode over that bridge to get to Kawhia.

There seems to be a kink in the middle of the bridge, I can see how this would slow traffic 🙂 Did he really ride across? The Kawhia harbour road is closed due to a land slip. If you are heading towards Raglan it's only a few hundred meters past the turn off. It is possible to get around it, but only if you cross farmland and are prepared to ford a small  stream. I would not attempt it alone. I have no idea why they are not repairing it, there must be ab underlying reason.It was good to see you again at Kawhia.

[aegis4805]

#9279

sounds as though you all had a nice ride – the man from Ingelwood deserves a DB!

[Arne Rohde]

#9280

Thanks, Alex.I found it hard to believe he rode across, but he insisted that he did. His description of the bridge was accurate, and he wouldn't have had time to return to Waitomo and come up the main road.Those back roads do not have a high priority when it comes to major repairs. Perhaps if it was the only means of access for someone they would make a temporary fix. That bridge is not expected to be operational again until some time in June.

[peter.trub]

#9281

Yes he rode across the bridge. I spoke to him today and apparently the boards that spanned the bridge are in such a way that he was able to ride across the broken piece. he did admit to walking across to test them first though. Unlike those of us who walk back across bridges to read signs 🙄

[Dave Ross]

#9282

Not sure how walking across will test much, without the added 250kg of a motorcycle. He is a brave man.

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