[MTB/EMTB] RIDE THE HUNUA TRAILS 18KM

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 .