Windfarm Ride

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41kms approx, from Balance-Gorge Road through to Summerhill Drive.

This is a fantastic ride and a must do for keen mountain bikers visiting the region. Be sure to have your camera with you as the views are nothing short of spectacular. This ride is suitable mainly for the more active, experienced riders. At a distance of approx. 41km with some good climbs scattered throughout, it is a challenging ride. Caution needs to be taken in rough weather conditions, so please keep an eye on the weather report before doing this ride, as the weather can be extreme at times. Layered clothing is recommended, to be prepared for all types of weather.

It is not recommended that you do this ride if the wind is up. It is also not recommended that you bike through the Gorge, so please arrange transport to drive you out to this ride and drop you off. This is not a return ride. You start on Gorge Road and end in Palmerston North City.

Getting there:

From Palmerston North, head East on Main Street, which becomes Napier Road. Follow this past Ashhurst and through Manawatu Gorge. When you exit the Manawatu Gorge, turn right onto Gorge Road also known as Balance-Gorge Road (over the Balance Bridge.) Hop onto your bike at the domain on your left and continue down the road. Take your first right into Hall Block Road. You will immediately start a reasonably steep climb that continues for 6km to reach the first of the Wind Turbines. Go through the wind farms (you will encounter a few gates along the way, it is a public road, but please be sure to leave the gates as you found them.) Once you get to the Pahiatua Track Road, turn right and descend the long hill down to Aokautere. Turn left at the intersection to take the road through to Summerhill Drive and across the Manawatu River into Palmerston North City.

Things to see and do:

Before your journey why not pop in for a coffee or meal at Beyond the Bridge Cafe. A great place to sit, relax and enjoy the country views.