[GRAVEL/TRAIL] Ambury-Ihumatao Easy-Medium ride, 30kms
Details
Mostly flat, 170m elevation, allow 3.5hrs. No drop.
This is mostly an ‘Easy’ ride, where the ‘Medium’ part of it refers to some beginner-grade single track, riding through grass and a variety of uneven surfaces. There are a lot of highlights and twist and turns packed into 30kms! Because there’s so much to see, our pace will allow time to wander and admire the views.
The route features the ‘secret’ Ambury single track that is great for basic off-road skills (balance, steering, roots, tight spaces) without the hills. We then ride further to the Otuataua Stonefields and enter the area through a freshly mown grass track to Ihumatao to check out the newly planted ‘food forest’ and the public avocado orchard. We’ll do a loop of the grass trails (also freshly mown) in this historical site that has significant Maori importance.
The ride ends back at the carpark, but the route actually ends at the Strawberry Farm down the road :) All welcome to continue on for fresh strawberries / ice cream and they also sell huge veggies – BRING CASH, no cards! Also a cafe 50m down the road.
ROUTE:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53410740
(Do not follow the route where it goes into the Ambury single track – they’re random lines – follow the orange markers on the trail)
START POINT:
Mangere Lagoon carpark at the bend of Creamery Rd. No toilets but we will pass some at 6kms.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wo8r3ZuMgGXvZ79AA
PACE / FITNESS:
‘Wander and look’ kind of pace.
SKILL LEVEL:
Great for beginners keen to improve their confidence on trails and a variety of surfaces.
SUITABLE BIKES:
Mountainbikes. Gravel bike if you’ve got great skills or a good chance to test your skills.
WHAT TO BRING:
Water, snacks, puncture repair kit and a spare tube, rain jacket if weather looks uncertain.
WEATHER & RIDE STATUS:
Check back here the night before if in doubt.