Grant Access to Secret Roads

"...To boldy go where no man has gone before..." or rather to go adventuring where most tourist motorcyclists probably never explore. Hmmm. I have discovered that some of the coast roads, whilst marked on the map are owned privately, and cannot be accessed without permission. Is that an obstacle or a challenge?

After heading for Ocean Bay, only to find the way blocked at Turakirae head, I rode along the volcanic shale beach, looking forlornly at the adventurously rough track disappearing round the coast. I turned to retrace my steps, and glimpsed in my mirror a red pick-up coming out of the farmstead. My only hope. I pulled over, removed helmet and earplugs and pulled out the map and an 'i'm a lost tourist' expression. I motioned to the driver who stopped level with me. I innocently asked if the road was rideable, and after a few seconds of conversation, the passenger had written down for me the number of Grant, the man to ask about the track. Intriguing. I will save that for another day.


Then I headed back over the same route, back to Upper Hutt then over the Rimutaka mountain range to Featherstone. I came into Wellington on this route 2 weeks ago, the twisting roads even more beautiful in the day light, with tyres that grip properly too. It was biking heaven. Except for the car drivers. With few overtaking spots, the dream ride can be frustrating. Keeping calm, and resting quietly on my condescending laurels ("car drivers don't have a clue when it come to bends" etc) I made it through to Featherstone, back to the cafe I visited previously.

There, after a sandwich, I discussed the coast road to Rocky Point. The owner was able to tell me that it too is locked, but that I could contact the landowner who sells keys to surfers for $100 a year. That looks like a pretty good daily rate to me. I intend to plan a ride which explores both tracks. If I can persuade the keeper of the keys for the secret roads, I will truly be going where not so many Eurpoean bikers have gone before.