Timber Trail Piropiro to Ongarue- dinner Te Kuiti

Timber Trail Piropiro to Ongrue section followed by dinner in Te Kuiti on way home

Registrations are now closed. 

Participants will need a mountain bike or a good hybrid/gravel bike.  Not suitable for road bikes.

On the Day:

We will meet at 6.30am to arrange bike transport and carpooling outside Cooney Law in Dick Street. We will leave Cambridge in convoy no later than 6.45am to arrive Ongarure at 8.30am

You will need to bring the following:

• Spare tube for your bike and a pump and bike tool kit if you have one
• Enough food and water for the day.  We plan at least 3 stops for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea along the route
• A change of clothes
• Wet weather gear
• Personal medication
• Camera
• Money for the shuttle

We will also be carrying an emergency locator beacon and a small first aid kit.

On the way home we will be stopping in Te Kuiti for dinner at the Railway Station Cafe

SOUTHERN TIMBER TRAIL
Piropiro to Ongarue: 42km
Track category: Easy/Grade 2

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There are a few steep ascents/descents that may require you to get off your bike and push, but generally it is an easy ride. Please note that once you are on the trail there are no escape routes and you are committed to completing the full 42km. You therefore need to be aware of your limits and confident of completing the distance.

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The trail starts at the Piropiro campsite around the 40km marker and winds very gently through lush green native forest to the incredible Maramataha Suspension Bridge. This a perfect spot for a rest and a photo opportunity.

From the bridge to around the 48km mark is a steady climb and the only really tough section of the trail. From this point the trail trends downhill with a few long, fast and exciting sections - the best of these runs for about 10kms from the 67km mark.

At the 74km mark is the Ongarue Spiral, an incredible feat of engineering and hard work. The trail then winds through Forestry and Farm lands to the finishing point in Ongarue.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Whilst this trail is classified as a Grade 2/3 (Easy/Intermediate), it is still a long ride and once on trail there are no escape routes or cellphone coverage. If you are new to cycling or not as fit as you could be you need to be prepared for a long day. The average time to do each section of the ride is around 5 hours (with lots of stops), but some groups have taken up to 8 hours. Ensure you bring enough water and food to last the day, and have suitable gear for both biking in and for the weather conditions.

There is a charge for shuttle of $45 per person payable on the day