Cycleways

	Gorges to Sea (Gorgeous to See) Cycle Series. 5 Sept, 3 Oct & 7 Nov 2010 - FAT TYRE EVENTS Download your entry form now to register: GORGES TO SEA CYCLE SERIES - FAT TYRE EVENTS ENTRY FORM PAY ON LINE WITH CREDIT CARD With its breath-taking scenery and variety of ascents/descents, the Rangitikei Gorges to Sea Cycle Series offers something for everyone, from a leisurely family outing to an almighty challenge for even the fittest of cyclists. The first trail in the Rangitikei Gorges to Sea Cycle Series was launched on Saturday 21st November 2009. This year we are introducing Trail 2 - Pemberton on Sunday 5 September, Trail 3 - Mt Curl on Sunday 3 October and Trail 4 - Tangimoana on Sunday 7 November. Having trouble downloading the entry form? Contact Andrea Ph 063221632 For more information: Contact the Information Centre Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Phone: 06 388 0604 Fax: 06 388 1919 Click here to view all cycle trails click here to view tidal information
RIVER VALLEY	MAJOR SPONSORS OF THE GORGES TO SEA CYCLE SERIES All cyclists who complete two out of the three trails automatically go in the draw to win a River Valley 'Double Trouble' Experience. Package includes: Two nights double trouble accommodation for two people Bottle of bubbles on arrival Accommodation in an ensuited guest room including breakfast Fabulous 3 course dinner each night plus A half day horse trek, or A grade 5 White Water rafting trip, or A scenic rafting trip Visit www.rivervalley.co.nz for more information
	OTHER SUPPORTERS.... Barry from Revive, Rangitikei's YUMMIEST icecream shop, is donating vouchers to the Gorges to Sea Cycle Series Spot Prize Pool. What a way to finish the day, Revive can be found on State Highway One, Hunterville (next to Taylors). Definately worth a visit for a treat after competing the bike ride!
	Liz & Alan from Ruahine Adventure Horsetreks have donated a 2 hour horsetrek to the Gorges to Sea series. Ruahine Adventure Horsetreks offers a spectacular setting and also captured the interest of the media, featuring on Country Calendar. Check out their website http://www.ruahineadventurehorsetreks.co.nz/ to get a full appreciation of what this amazing company has to offer.





Omatane	Maps for each trail can be printed - see the PDF link next to each Trail below.
	Utiku to Mangaweka 32 km - omatane_trail A hilly ride but the effort is rewarded. The road south from Taihape to the Gorge Road turnoff (6km) is on SH1. Immediately after the turnoff a small bridge crosses the Hautapu stream. As with other bridges in the area it is worth a look down. The junction at Omatane gives views of the Rangitikei canyons at their best. Omatane South Road is arduous but is compensated by an exhilarating down hill run on Potaka Road into the picturesque Kawhatau River Valley. Shortly before the bridge over the Rangitikei River, there is a short walkway to a dam that in times past provided power and water to Mangaweka. The Mangaweka Domain is an idyllic spot for camping and swimming. Mangaweka township is a quirky village with a ghost town flavour. It is now reincarnating itself as an adventure tourism centre. There are cafés, a pub and some accommodation

Pemberton
	Mangaweka to Vinegar Hill 53.73km - pemberton_trail_2 This is a day in the country which starts and ends on the Rangitikei River. Starting from Mangaweka township, the route crosses the bridge at the domain. Following the Mangawharariki River on Ruahine Road, the route heads up towards Rangiwahia with views of the Ruahine Ranges all the way. At 11km from SH1, a 2km (return) side trip can be had to the Ruahine Dress Circle, an attractive picnic spot with a waterfall. There is a small settlement at Rangiwahia which boasts a basic camping ground (but no shops). At Pemberton the road descends and then undulates until the Vinegar Hill Domain which marks the end of the trail. The domain is a beautiful place and is ideal for camping and swimming. Hunterville is another 8km farther on but there is a steady climb out of the river and a section (6km) on SH1. To avoid a narrow section of SH1 shortly before Hunterville, head down Kotukutuku Road (left, south-east).

Mt Curl
	Hunterville to Marton 34 km - mt_curl_trail_3 This trail has a steep climb worthy of the Tour de France, but the reward is the unparalleled views from the summit of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Taranaki, Kapiti and the Ruahines. The trail begins at Hunterville which is a good place for accommodation and supplies. (For those wishing to eschew the rigours of Mount Curl there is an alternative route via Leedstown Road.) A long undulating downhill (gravel in places) follows to Marton, the capital of the Rangitikei District. Marton has ample accommodation, refreshments, supplies and two bike shops.

Tangimoana
	Marton to Himitangi 55km - tangimoana_trail_4 Marton lies at the centre of the lush Rangitikei plains. The hills are left behind and the terrain is flat. The route heads south running parallel to the Rangitikei River past Bulls to the sea. Bulls is the last town on the cycle way before Himatangi. The river provides opportunities for camping, swimming and similar. This is wide scrubby country where the Samba deer roam at large. When the sea is reached, the route heads east then south along the coast to Himatangi Beach (8km). The sand can be soft – the best time is within 2 hours each side of low tide (check Dominion or Wanganui Chronicle weather section). Partially deflate tyres. There is a motor camp at Himatangi Beach. It is a good place for refreshments. Foxton (along the beach) is 10km farther on.