Berm Buster Trail Ride Taupo Trail

Location

SH 5, Napier-Taupo Road, Taharua Rd, Wainui Forest, about 25 minutes from Taupo.

Directions: off Taharua Rd from SH 5 (Napier/Taupo Rd). Follow arrows at the SH 5 corner into Taharua, then just past the one-lane bridge turn right into the forest at Homestead Road.

The ride

Suitable for all 2-wheel abilities.

The Taupo pumice terrain is described as rideable in all weather, with over 100 km of rolling hills, winding gullies, firebreaks and jumps. Main trails are freshly groomed after each event. Optional expert-only trails are available, along with purpose-built novice and kids trails.

Weekend trail information notes that tracks are changed during the year and riders should check at sign-on for updates.

Trails listed:

• KTM Trail: 31 km, fluro arrows, 7 optional breakout tracks graded 2-6
• HUSQVARNA Trail: 25 km, fluro arrows, 4 optional breakout tracks graded 2-6
• GASGAS Trail: 15 km, fluro arrows, 7 optional breakout tracks graded 2-6
• MOTOREX Trail: 10 km, fluro arrows, 1 optional breakout track graded 2
• Kids forest track: 0.6 km, for kids on small bikes; no full size bikes unless looking after kids
• Novice kids track: 0.4 km, for kids learning to ride; no fast kids please
• Little Wittle track: 0.1 km, small and flat for novice kids
• MUD Track: 3 km, can get muddy, near the kids tracks

Times

• Sign-on from 8:00am
• Starts between 9:00am and 9:30am
• Tracks open 9:00am to 3:00pm

Fees

Saturday:

• Adult: $70
• Child under 11: $40
• Youth 11-15: $50
• Family 2+3: $200

Weekend:

• Adult: $100
• Child under 11: $50
• Youth 11-15: $60
• Family 2+3: $300

Sunday:

• Adult: $60
• Child under 11: $20
• Youth 11-15: $30
• Family 2+3: $140

Families means Mum and Dad (parents) and their children, up to 3 kids maximum, aged 15 years or younger.

Enter on the day by cash. No Eftpos.

Requirements

• No quads or dogs; this is a forestry rule
• Fire extinguishers are compulsory for adult riders
• Fire extinguishers can be bought on the day for $30, with a return system giving $20 back

Facilities

Food, coffee and cold drinks for sale. Savannahs Food Cart noted.

Demo bikes and hire bikes available at each event. Book hire bikes early. Bike service with Huka Honda.

Motorcycle and accessories displays from AFC, plus riding gear and outlet store deals.

Camping and accommodation

Accommodation options are available in Taupo and early booking is recommended.

Camping is available in a paddock near the ride. No charge at this stage. The paddock opens Friday afternoon. It is described as a bare paddock with only 1 portaloo.

Text Dee. No dogs, fires or riding around the paddock. This is a working forest, so there is absolutely no entry to the forest before the event on Saturday and Sunday.