Chateau to Plateau brings in the crowds out East | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

THE Third Annual "Chateau to Plateau" went roaring through Stratford on January 31.

Sponsored by Suzuki New Zealand and Riverlands, the ‘Chateau to Plateau’ was once again a fantastic 260km ride taking in State Highway 43 with its many historic sites and scenic wonders.

The ride started at the Chateau Tongariro on Mt Ruapehu and finished at the Stratford Plateau on Mt Egmont / Mt Taranaki travelling along the famed "Forgotten World Highway" between Taumarunui and Stratford.

"On the Sunday morning we all went to the Chateau to sign in," says keen biker, Gary Anderson, who undertook the trip on his friend’s Triumph Tiger 955.

"There must have been around 200 bikes all together - it was a great sight."

After a debrief from the Toko Lions’ club members who set up this run every year, the group left with a police escort. The escort travelled all the way to the Forgotten World Highway.

The Highway is a biker’s dream with plenty of corners, big hills and panoramic views of the high country down to the bush clad valleys, a route enriched with history from early pioneering days.

"We stopped for lunch at Whangamomona where there was a lucky draw. Four people got a ride in the Taranaki Rescue helicopter; this is what the run raises money for each year.

"Once we left Whangamomona, we headed into Stratford and on up to the Plateau, but due to the weather conditions, we had to turn back."

The run ended at the TET Mutisports Stadium with a fun prizegiving ceremony.

"All in all, this was a wonderful weekend. I will definitely be doing it again next year – hopefully on my own bike!" says Gary.