April 13, 2013 -

RIDE ALONG THE ENTIRE BEACH! It doesnt show a road on the map along the beach, but its a public road and you can ride from Ahipara to Te Paki Stream at the very north past Matapia Island. You can do this as a loop or there and back along the beach, which is pretty but also very straight and flat for 85kms each way. ANY BIKE CAN RIDE THE SAND...but be careful of your lines if on a dedicated road bike. I have ridden both bikes, and my Ulysses has road tyres. Make sure you ride the tide line and fuel up in Ahipara or Kaitaia as there is nothing else other than the odd fuel truck at Pukenui or Waipapa Landing. Dont get stuck on the beach, its an expensive mission to get out and most of this area is out of phone coverage. The SH1 route is windy and fun, with not many police (ive seen one in all my years and we have a place at Ahipara). Go slower between Ahipara and Waipapakauri, as its used by locals. Respect the beach area as its sacred (Te Ara Wairua, path of the spirits).