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

Meeting in front of Greenlane McDonalds we will ride out to Clark's Beach return. The ride will take us down Great South Road to Takanini where we will jump on the Southern Bike Path through to Karaka. From Karaka we will course our way out to Clark's Beach via Waiau Pa. We will stop for a quick coffee/chat at the Clark's Beach Golf Club before returning home along the Southern Pathway, through the back of Manurewa, the Airport and back to Greenlane via Mangere Bridge and Onehunga.

There will be 1 other points on the ride where you can pick up the group:

1. At the Karaka end of the Southern Pathway at 7:30
   This is an approximate times and it would pay to be at this points in advance of the indicated time since they are not stops.

This is a non-drop ride however you must be able to maintain an average sustained pace of 26-28 km/hr for 4 1/2 - 5 hours. We will regroup at intersections/stick together as a bunch so no-one is left behind.

What to expect
All riding will be on normal roads with some riding on main roads although earlier than peak times.

If it turns out to be heavy rain the event will be cancelled or a shorter inner city loop may be scheduled.

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 1/2 - 5 hours at an average sustained speed of 25-27 km/hr. Because we are riding on roads that are in use, a good level of comfort riding in traffic is required.

Strava link
https://www.strava.com/routes/3335774792247886860

These Riverhead rides are on unmaintained rough singletrack NOT on the gravel roads and 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 7.45am hit the trails at 8am ride for approx 2-3 hours

no set tracks decided on, we will make a selection on the day, but it won’t all be creekside - we will also look at trails off Browns, Carter, and Barlow roads over that sided
NOTE There are no change or toilet facilities at any of the locations.

LOCATION: Riverhead Forest - WCRC Compound carpark opposite the WCRC trailhead.

DIRECTIONS: The parking area is approx 2.5km from the intersection of Deacon Rd and Old North Rd. Turn right onto Old North Rd, drive past the Waitemata Clay Shooting Club and the parking area is on the rhs opposite the WCRC Trailhead.

Here's a Google maps link to the location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2BxZzmMr5T36jw7M7

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.

Rick 021374467

These Riverhead rides are on unmaintained rough singletrack NOT on the gravel roads and 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 any of the locations.

LOCATION: Riverhead Forest - WCRC Compound carpark opposite the WCRC trailhead.

DIRECTIONS: The parking area is approx 2.5km from the intersection of Deacon Rd and Old North Rd. Turn right onto Old North Rd, drive past the Waitemata Clay Shooting Club and the parking area is on the rhs opposite the WCRC Trailhead.

Here's a Google maps link to the location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2BxZzmMr5T36jw7M7

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.

Kevin 0211393837

IF YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN ON AN AUCKLAND CYCLING GROUP WEEKEND RIDE BEFORE THEN COME AND JOIN US ON THIS ONE AS IT WILL BE A GOOD ONE!

The Plan

This weekend ride (staying overnight in Rotorua on Sat) is aimed at people who have not yet ridden the mountain bike trail network in the Whakawerawera Forest (Redwoods) in Rotorua and would like an easy paced ride to find out more about the riding opportunities there and why this is one of the best places to ride a mountain bike not only in New Zealand but possibly the world!

Please note that I will prioritize people who have not been on this ride previously, so if you get moved to the wait list this will be the reason why and if you are a regular ACG group ride member then please add yourself as a host

Where And When

On Saturday morning we will meet at the Waipa carpark out the front of the infomation centre/bike hire/cafe just to the left of the changing rooms and toilets at 10:00am for a quick group introduction and ride briefing, please be ready to ride as we will head off straight after the briefing. If you wish to have a coffee and a snack before we head out on the ride please do so before the 10:00am briefing

The Rides

As is the nature of mountain biking there will be a bit of climbing involved as well as descending but nothing that a moderately fit beginner rider will be able to comfortably deal with

Saturdays ride will be approximately a 30km loop ride from the Waipa carpark on the Forest Loop (grades 2 and 3) out to the Tawa Hub where we will stop for half an hour for lunch. There are two cafe's there to purchase coffee and food if you don't want to bring your own. We will then continue on the rest of the loop finishing up back at the Waipa carpark before 3pm

After returning to the carpark if anyone is still keen to do some more riding we can do some of the trails near the carpark otherwise feel free to soak you feet and have a cold drink at the Secret Spot on the right side of the carpark or head directly to your accomodation

Sundays ride will be less structured and an opportunity to explore the many trails in the forest. We will meet at the same place but at 9:00am this time. I will be leading a ride that will be slightly more challenging from the previous day and will be doing a number of Grade 3 trails and a couple of shuttle runs which will be around 3 hours in duration.

If you would like to spend the day doing a non riding activity please let me know either Sat night or on Sun morning before we head out to the Waipa carpark

What To Bring

This ride is for mountain bikes, e-mountain bikes or gravel bikes only and
please ensure you bike is in good riding condition and all functions of it are working correctly. Also please ensure that YOU are also of moderate fitness and able to ride around 30km and 3-4 hours of riding a mountain bike over moderate terrain

Besides your usual riding gear bring a tube, pump and tools to make basic repairs if required and enough water for about 3-4 hours of riding plus snacks during the ride as well as a packed lunch. There are many cafes/bakery's in Rotorua if you want to grab something before the ride commences

If you wish to do either the public shuttles on Sunday or book a private shuttle for you and your friends the costs are listed below in Other Costs

Accommodation

We usually stay at the Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park which is a one minute drive from the Waipa carpark and five minute drive to the city centre. They have various accommodation options and FREE hot pools to soak your aches away... https://rotoruathermal.co.nz/

We also go out for dinner Sat night in Rotorua but if you prefer to organise your own meals there are full kitchen facilities available and a nice Cafe on site for breakfast on Sun morning if you so wish

Other Costs

Public shuttles are from $10 per uplift or you can purchase a shareable 5 lift pass for $40 or 10 lift pass for $70

Private 4WD Charters allow riders to access most of the trails available in the forest via either the Squad Waka (4 riders max) or Battle Waka (7 riders max) and is one of the best experiences you can have mountain biking in Rotorua.
For bookings or enquiries email shuttles@mtbrotorua.co.nz
Battle Waka (up to 4 riders) - $110 per hour (minimum 3 hours)
Squad Waka (up to 7 riders) - $140 per hour (minimum 3 hours)

Any questions? Please ask away!

I'll see you there!

Kevin 0211393837