Pahiatua track to Saddle Road via SH2

Pahiatua track is fairly good in terms of road surface, the first 25 km/h corner is a pin corner so slow right down else you’ll end up on the other side of the road. Occasionally road has been patched so watch out for this around the corners. All the 25 km/h corners you should slow right down for. After the majority of the twisty route, there’s a tricky right turn where the road continues straight into Ballance Road, but you want to follow the road to the right across the bridge to continue to Pahiatua township. You’ll know you’re going the right way because after 5 mins you’ll get to a passing lane, so don’t try passing before. Then you’ll find yourself on straights for a while, and you’ll get a final small set of twistys before a railway track. You’ll then go across a longer bridge, and get to Pahiatua township. Once in the township turn left to get onto SH2 and follow the signs until Woodville. The majority of this road is straight and can get very blowy on windy days as the plains surround it. Great views of Apiti wind farms from this road. As you enter Woodville you’ll see some signs to get into a Palmerston North. Then you’ll reach a stop sign where you should turn left, this can be easy to miss. Now follow the route along through Woodville towards Saddle Road, which will require a right turn and a left turn, slow down quite a bit for this because there are no curve arrows to warn you. Saddle Road is generally very good quality, maybe 1-2 potholes. You’ll now you’re on it because you’ll be riding towards the wind farm and the road will curve up and towards the right. You will often find yourself stuck behind traffic during Saturdays and Sundays as this is the only route across the Ruahine Ranges. Recommend doing it on a quiet weekday, and use the passing lanes well. You can access the wind farm from here as well but it’s gravel. Watch out for the bits of construction work.