Have mountain bike -will travel

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 564, 29 November 1994, Page 6 (Supplement)

Have mountain bike -will travel

Although mountain biking is not allowed on the tracks in Tongariro National Park due to the erosion and damage that can result from wheel ruts, the Department of Conservation encourages people to make use of the old timber milling roads and tracks in the nearby Forest Parks of Rangataua, Erua and Tongariro. Rangataua tracks Rangataua Forest Park near Ohakune is an ideal place for the keen mountain biker to spend a day exploring, either hard riding or on nice easy tracks. Rangataua is accessible and within riding distance of Ohakune with beautiful bush tracks and on a clear day spectacular views of Mount Ruapehu from the high points. , To get into the Rangataua Forest you can ride or drive to the very end of the Dreadnought Road, atjhe southern end of the Rangataua township. You can leave your car there and cross the railway line and the Mangaehuehu Stream and you will be on the edge of Rangataua Forest Park. You can use the access road alongside the railway line to carry on southward or take the track to your left which runs alongside the stream. If you carry on alongside the railway line you will come across three or four more tracks leading off to the left into the bush. Once you get to the Rotokura Lakes entrance (approximately 6km) you have reached the edge of the Forest Park. Rotokura is an ecological reserve and mountain bikes are not allowed on the track leading up to the lakes. Once in Rangataua Forest you will find plenty of good riding tracks, most of these are old timber milling roads or tracks in various states of repair. Some of the tracks, particularly in the top part of the forest have large pot holes and you'll probably get a bit muddy especially if its been raining recently - great for the mud hunters out there. Tongariro Forest The 42 Traverse, otherwise known as the Taurewa to Owhango route, is known as one of the classic mountain TURNTOPAGE12

Have mountain bike - will travel?

FROMPAGE6 biking trips in the area. It is not for the faint-hearted, a full day trip if you want to take in the views. If you want to race you can do it in three to four hours. The first part of track from State Highway 47 is nearly all downhill and quite fast so you need good brakes and shocks. It was a formed road using river stones. Scouring through water erosion

adds interest. The middle section is up and down, climbing three to four times in and out of stream, through somenarrow sections. Magnificent views out west and towards Taumarunui are afforded from the tops. The last section starts with a long hill climb with lots of 'last bluffs' then downhill all the way to a good gravel road across the Whakapapa River and to the end. And

just a couple of kilometres further on is the Owhango Hotel where well-earned light refreshments can be had. Maps are at the start and end of the track and it is well signposted. Great spots There are several lovely streams which make great spots for lunch/picnic areas so make sure you are prepared with lots of food and

drink. The best map of the area is the topographical map 'Ohakune S20' available from the Ohakune Ranger Station. The map has the main trails marked on it but you will find there are several tracks that have been left unmaintained and are therefore not marked, so watch you don't get confused as to which road is which.

The usual word of caution: Be prepared! Have extra warm 'waterproof clothing, some extra food and drink and let someone know where you have gone and how long you expect to be, especially if you are biking on your own. For more information on tracks and trips, call in to the Department of Conservation's visitor centres or check for guided trips.