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

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

LOCATION: Riverhead Forest - Robinson Rd carpark, near Coatesville.

DIRECTIONS: Turn left off Coatesville Riverhead Highway just before Coatesville (if coming from Riverhead) on to Sunnyside Rd, then after 1.5km turn left on to Robinson Rd and drive another 1.5km to the end of the road to the carpark - the gate is directly ahead.

Here's a Google maps link to the location: https://goo.gl/maps/3zHRziaCoiK4bTMz7

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

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

WHERE TO MEET

We will meet at the Upper Mangatawhiri Reservoir Parking at 8.45 am. Please be early to allow time to get ready before the start of the ride at 9:00am.

Note: If heavy rain is forecast the ride will be cancelled or rescheduled on short notice.

Also, there is no cell phone reception from the carpark so be sure you know where you are going and be early.

DIRECTIONS (from Auckland MTB website)

Take the Papakura off-ramp from State Highway 1 motorway. Head towards Settlement Road and turn into Hunua Road alongside Sir Edmund Hillary School. Travel all the way through to Hunua township – 6km further on and look for the yellow AA “DAMS” sign on your left, turning into Moumoukai Road. You climb via gravel road past the Waiora Dam turnoff and then drop down to Mangatawhiri Dam. Park up in the campground carpark at the foot of this impressive earth dam (by the toilet block) – then you can clean your bike at the bikewash provided by ARC Hunua.

SKILL LEVEL

This ride is suitable for intermediate riders. The intermediate tracks are not suitable for complete beginners but if you can ride grade 3 & 4 trails at Woodhill you will be fine - may have to push some short uphill sections.

FITNESS/PACE :

Ride will be at a Medium Social Pace (8 - 12kph) but attendees should have a good base level of fitness, as the accumulated elevation (slightly hilly terrain) over the 18 km trail circuit is approximately 350 metres.

EQUIPMENT: Well maintained Mountain Bike/EMTB or Gravel Bike. This is quite remote so you will need food, water, spares, small towel to dry feet (stream crossings). Also if you have knee pads, it would be advisable to wear them for the ride as well.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The ride will consist of a combination of gravel roads and single track. Total distance will be around 18km. Ride will be at a medium social pace (8-12 kph) but attendees should have a good base level of fitness.

The tracks are generally in good condition with a metal track surface. An three stream crossings so expect to get your feet wet. (A small towel, to dry your feet. Or a spare pair of socks for after the ride might make your journey home more comfortable, being spring) The intermediate tracks have quite a few narrow sections with trees or drop-offs next to the track.

We will stop to regroup after each trail section, as we have a no drop policy on this ride for all riders.

EQUIPMENT:

Well maintained Mountain Bike/EMTB or Gravel Bike. This is quite remote so will need food, water.

HELP PREVENT SPREAD OF KAURI DIEBACK

Please clean your gear before arriving at Hunua for the ride to help prevent the spread of Kauri Dieback. Remove all mud from bikes, tires and shoes and wash with detergent. Also make sure to clean your gear after the ride.

LINKS AND MORE INFO

Trails on Trailforks:

https://www.trailforks.com/region/hunua-trails/?lat=-37.100290&lon=175.155059&z=15&m=trailforks

Info on Auckland MTB website:

https://aucklandmtb.co.nz/trails/hunua-trails/

You Tube Video of River Track:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMm5T1eDMbk

Thanks and we look forward to seeing you there - Dan .

Meeting at Greenlane Woolworths we will do a 70km loop in a clockwise direction taking us through Newmarket, Tamaki Drive, Glendowie, Point England, Panmure, the Onehunga and Ambury Reserve foreshore through to the Mangere Airport Oaks commercial loop and back to Greenlane via Mangere Bridge and Onehunga, stopping towards the end of the ride for a much deserved coffee/chat.

This is a non-drop ride however you must be able to maintain an average sustained pace of 22-25 km/hr. We will regroup at intersections/stick together as a bunch so no-one is left behind. This is the ideal ride for extending yourself and wanting to gain more confidence on roads/with the distance

What to expect
All riding will be on a couple of shared paths and 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.

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 3 hours at an average sustained speed of 22-25 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/3285392769524798216