Auckland Cycling Group - (MTB, Road & Urban Rides)

These Riverhead rides are on unmaintained rough singletrack NOT on the gravel roads and will alternate on Wednesdays between the STRIP RD carpark, CAMPBELL RD carpark and the ROBINSON RD carpark so please take note of the location and also note that this is not the WCRC Compound so please don't wait at that location.

These rides are not for beginners but for intermediate and above riders who have some mountain bike experience and want to step up from riding at Woodhill. No drop policy and will wait at junctions to re group.

Arrive by 5:15pm hit the trails at 5.30pm ride for approx 2 hours - no set tracks decided on, we will make a selection on the night.
NOTE There are no change or toilet facilities at either location.

LOCATION: Riverhead Forest - Campbell Road carpark on Ararimu Valley Rd

DIRECTIONS: When coming from Auckland City via the North Western Motorway - Turn right on to Old North Road from State Highway 16 at the big roundabout, then right into Ararimu Valley Road, travel for 6km where you will arrive at the Campbell Road car park (as seen in the photo). If the road changes to gravel you have gone to far.

Here's a Google map link to the location - https://goo.gl/maps/YKrhHDGVJGT2

IMPORTANT: If there has been sustain rain in the 2-3 days leading up to a riding date then I may decide to cancel a specific ride due to the trail composition being clay based. When water logged the trails become to greasy to ride - ensure you check the comments section in the days leading up to the event to see if the ride is going ahead.

If anyone wants to carpool I suggest you mention it in the comments and see who can help out.

Hope to see you out there - let me know by txt to the below number if you are going to be late.

Meeting at the Clevedon Community Hall carpark we will do the well-known 100km Tour De Ranges circuit in an anti-clock-wise direction taking us through Hunua, Mangatawhiri, Mangatangi, Kaiaua, Kawakawa Bay before returning to Clevedon. Stopping at Kaiaua for Coffee. For those interested we can head to Hallertau afterwards for much deserved lunch/beverage/chat.

This is a non-drop ride – we will re-group at intersections/stick together as a bunch so no-one is left behind.

What to Expect
All riding will be on normal country roads with some riding on relatively busy roads (Kawakawa-Clevedon road) although at earlier than peak times. This is a good opportunity to improve ones fitness especially for those that are planning on doing any road events.

This is an amazingly scenic ride.

If it turns out to be heavy rain the event will be cancelled.

What to bring
Spare tube, tools, pump/CO2 cylinders, snacks and water

Level of Fitness
A good level of fitness is required. You should be able to ride for 4 hours and we will be looking at an average speed of around 24-26km/hour.

It is important that you can ride at the indicated average speed. 2km/hr difference in speed can result in additional 30 minute riding time/lots ofcwaiting around. You houkd also be comfortable riding 100km and know how to pace and fuel yourself to manage the distance.

Because we are riding on roads that are in use, a good level of comfort riding in traffic is required.

Use the comments to organise ride-

Strava link
https://www.strava.com/routes/3087527241276151116

Come and join us for a bi weekly MTB ride at either Riverhead on Sundays (if wet we might head to woodhill instead). We will choose which location a few days before depending on the weather. Be sure to check back for updates and comments related to the final location choice.

In the unlikely event that none of the hosts can make it then a ride may be cancelled up to a few days before.

SKILL LEVEL
This is a blend of Intermediate and Advanced riding and I envisage we will start with intermediate and likely split up into 2 smaller groups later in the morning to allow those who want to continue to focus on an intermediate level to do so while a few in the group seek out a couple more challenging trails to end the day. You can choose which level you wish to do.

TRAILS
Mix of grade 3 & 4 through out the day but as mentioned above you can elect to do only 3's and the odd easy 4 if you aren't in the advanced camp

FITNESS
We won’t be treating these as uphill races, the ride is more focused on the ride downhill so your uphill climbing speed is not critical though you must be fit enough to climb judgement call at least 2 times.

ACG operates a no drop policy which means we regroup at trail heads and trail ends to ensure everyone is safe and accounted for.

We will be out there for a few hours but it will be at a comfortable pace and will regroup for each other at junctions and top of hills.

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MEETING POINT

Location in event is only a plavehokder currently it will vary because of the different entry iptions for riverhead - the event will be updated with confirmed location idetails prior to the eventt date

Arriving early means you won't be left behind - you socialise with the other riders while we wait for the 8:00am start time.

This is a social ride. It is suitable for beginners, building up your fitness/confidence or if you just want a social ride.

We will warm up on on an easy trail and then head up into the hills and may split into groups depending on ability and what you want to do. The pace ranges from quite slow to nearly intermediate, the ride atmosphere is relaxed and everyone is welcome.

The ride can be between 1 and 2.5 hours long, with turn around points if you decide you’ve had enough.

Sometimes we go for an after ride drink.

Entry to Woodhill is $15 or less with a pass

Look forward to riding with you.

Linda