Jan 15 - 17, 2010
Middlemarch to Dunedin
Distance: 155
Total distance: 2 474 km
Pictures
Middlemarch to Dunedin (Jan 15) 83 km
Overcast in the morning than clearing in the afternoon. It's hill time! The first 30 km is climbing and climbing. Steep and long uphills, the view is magnificent and the reward is a biker burger at Clarks Junction Hotel. After lunch, the down hill to give you a thrill, top speed at 70 km/h, you go down and up and down again all the way to Outram. You think it is over? Think twice. To go to Dunedin, the most direct route is to go over three mile hill since bikes are not allowed on the freeway. Three miles hill says it all, a three mile steep climb to Dunedin. At the end of the day, it is a true 82 km in your legs...but what a great day!
A day in Dunedin (Jan 16)
Sunny day, cool wind, we decided to give our legs a rest and went for a walk down town and on the waterfront. No rest really as we walked all day in the hilliest city I have ever been in. We visited a free museum and went to the steepest street in the world, Baldwin Street. We walked up it and yes, it is very very steep. On top we met a family, 4th generation and they gave us candies called Gaffreys. We thought that it was to eat, but it was to throw down the hill, apparently a long Kiwi tradition. So Patti lined up with the 88 year old great grandma and threw the Gaffreys, for respect of tradition. The old lady was hilarious, and we had a riot with the family at the top of the hill. It is getting late and we still have a good distance to walk so I (Yves) decided to hitchhike just for fun, Patti felt a little bit embarrassed but she put her thumb out with me and we caught a ride all the way to the campground, approx. 5 km, which saved us a good hour of walking, with the last 2 km being up an extremely steep climb.
Dunedin, Otago Peninsula (Jan 17) 72 km
A great, no, a fantastic day ride to the Otago Peninsula. Leaving the campsite, there is a huge down hill to down town, top speed 69 km within 1.5 km, very steep hill. We choose to ride the high road first and then come back on the low road. The high road is steeper to climb but shorter to get to the top. The 9 km downhill to Portobello was great, we stopped at the Portobello Hotel for lunch. From Portobello, we rode to Royal Albatross Centre located at the end of the peninsula, a 12km ride from Portobello. After checking out the centre and taking in the views of the east coast seascape, we tracked back to Portobello to get on the Low Road that follows the seashore all the way to Dunedin. Appreciation: An excellent circuit to ride. The morning was very overcast and the High Road was in the clouds so not much to see, once in while, we had a view but it was wet most of the morning. The road goes up and down and around, very exciting for a cyclist. We didn't find the climb that bad such as describe in the Lonely Planet Book. On the way back, the Low Road follow literally the seashore so close that if you get off road, you are in the water. The wind was with us on the way back, we did good time and appreciated the beauty of the scenery and really enjoyed the ride. From downtown to the campground, the climb starts again - a good push at the end of the day and a reminder that the hills are always there for us...! We stopped at a Chinese restaurant, take away food, and I had a great super sized extra veggies chicken curry and Patti a chicken satay extra veggies too. Over all, a great day...72 km...what a rest day!
Jan 12 - 14, 2010
Otago Central Rail Trail
Distance: 178 km
Total distance: 2 319 km
Pictures
Clyde to Omakau (Jan 12) 47 km
Finally a sunny day. After roaming a little bit in Clyde downtown, we headed for the Otago Central Rail Trail (http://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/)
“...Otago Central Rail Trail, or as it's sometimes referred to, Central Otago Rail Trail, Otago Rail Trail and simply, the Rail Trail, takes you on a cycling or walking adventure of a lifetime through 150km of some of New Zealand's most memorable scenery and awe-inspiring gold mining history...”
This is a great trail if you want to get out of the traffic. The trail is sometimes rough and make sure you have good tires on your bike, most of the “touring cyclists” we met had problems with punctured tires. One of the people had to hitch hike to the nearest bike shop for tire replacement. A mountain bike is also recommended, I kind of like the suspension and the 26 inches wheels, it really makes it easier for the rider and for the bike. Taking the trail starting from Clyde is mostly a gentle climb. We had lunch at Alexandra, by the “Shaky Bridge” and the giant Clock. There are great places along the river to stop for a lunch break. We cycled to Omakau where there is a neat campsite, $10.00 per person, it is a great deal. It was a hot and sunny day.
Omakau to Ranfurly (Jan 13) 65 km
A hot and overcast day. The rail trail gets better since it goes through gorges and tunnels. The scenery is interesting, lots of rocks and boulders. It follows the rivers which is easily identified by the trees growing around it. The trail still goes up so even if it is not a steep climb, you feel it at the end of the day. At Oturehua, you have to stop at the Tavern and get a “Big Biker Burger”. It has everything you need in a burger...and more. stopped at Ranfurly campsite and took a cabin, only $40.00 for 2 person. Since the forecast was calling for rain, and for that price, might as well stay in a cabin for the night.
Ranfurly to Middlemarch (Jan 14) 66 km
Rain in the morning, we left the campsite at 11:00 am, the rain had subsided by then and the forecast was calling for better weather in the afternoon. We had a light headwind all the way to Middlemarch with a gentle downhill ride home. Another nice part of the Otago Rail trail. Once again, the bridges and tunnels are back, it makes the ride enjoyable. At Hyde (3:00 pm) we wanted to have a bite to eat but at the Hyde Hotel, the kitchen closes at 3:00 pm so impossible to get food other than the cold sandwiches in the fridge. We kept on riding and had peanut butter sandwiches on the trail. The last 30km from Hyde to Middlemarch is the roughest part of the whole trail. We were really happy to have a mountain bike. The weather held on all day, overcast and colder but no more rain. We made it to Middlemarch for 6:00 pm. After getting milk and fruits at the general store, we put up our tent at Blind Billy's Holiday Park.
Jan 5 - 11, 2010
Wanaka - Cardrona - Arrowtown – Queenstown - Clyde
Distance: 215 km
Total distance: 2 141 km
Pictures
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZYrYi31qduPmGCrcA
Wanaka (Jan 6) 33 km
It is the day to go play so we went mountain biking at Sticky Forest. The day started sunny and nice blue sky with white puffy clouds. We rode along Lake Wanaka all the way to a campground where we go on a single track trail leading up to the hub. At the hub, we met a cyclist that told us where to go (the bike store was out of maps). We rode up on a nice single track dirt/sand trail to the top and made our way down. Once again, not technical, but a nice riding, cruising down hill trail. Up a second time, we went for a black trail named Venus that took us down on the other side of the mountain, once again, long descend with switch backs. Patti had a smile on her face and so was I. We came up on another single track named g-spot...yeap, g-spot and went for the view on top. We could see that the bad weather was coming in so time to go back home. Back on another single track trail that goes up and down to the campground, Patti's bike chain broke. Dam! The only tool I don't have in my tool box, that day is a my chain tool. Patti walked and rode down to the hill and we used the cable lock to tow her all the way back to town...5 km. While setting up the tow system, I noticed that the sole of my bike shoe is soft, too soft. Sure enough, my bike shoe is broken...shit, a brand new pair bought 2 month ago. It is 6 pm and and we are entering Wanaka, with me pulling Patti. We decide to head for the bike store, Racers Edge in Wanaka, hoping that it might not be closed. Lucky enough, the store manager, Lucy and the mechanic guy, James are still in the store. Lucy asked if “the bikes” were our only mode of transportation...Yes it is, we answered. She then let us in and James took the time...after opening hours...to fix Patti's bike while I am shopped for a brand new pair or bike shoes. 320 NZ dollars later, we had the bike fixed and I am walking out with new shoes. I have to say, they were so helpful and kind to take the time to put us back on the road. It is now 7:00 pm and it is pouring rain - time to go home after a Subway for a hot shower and a good rest.
Wanaka to Arrowtown (Jan 7) 63 km
For this ride, we took the Crown Range road from Wanaka to Queenstown. It is a gentle climb until Cardrona (30 km) and then, a steep climb up to 1080 m for approx 6 km. On top you get a great view over Queenstown and Lake Wakapitu. The reward is a steeper down hill on the other side through a series of sharp curves and great speed! Just when we thought the fun was over, we pulled out to a view point that display another down hill covers with switch backs all the way to the main road. So far, the Crown Range road is one the best “down hill roads” (top 10) we experienced in New Zealand. We rode by Arrowtown, a very cute old gold mining town. We took a river trail into town and then decided to rent a cabin at the campground since the weather was turning bad.
Arrowtown to Queenstown (Jan 8) 30 km
It is cold, cloudy with a sky threatening rain, but we still decided to ride into Queenstown, a short distance (30 km) The wind and the rain picked up but it did not discourage us from playing tourist, stopping here end there, visiting the area (Arrowtown Chinese settlement, Lake Hayes, Old Lower Shotover Bridge). We really enjoyed riding along Lake Hayes, a great gravel trail high up on the hill. Arriving in Queenstown on a Friday evening, it was pretty hard to get a room since there was a Rugby Tournament this weekend, everything is fully booked. We finally got a room at the Pinewood Lodge. The sky cleared out at the end of the day and we went for food and a walk in town. Patti got very excited when she literally got picked up by a bunch on “testosterone Puffy Buffy” rugby team boys.
Queenstown (Jan 9 - 10)
It is cold outside, it is like our winter in Victoria. The rain is coming down hard and it is around 10 degree. Winds picked up a bit, not the weather to ride in. We planned to ride the Mayora Lakes Road, a 84 km gravel road across the Eyre Mountains toward Te Anau. To get there, you have to take the TSS Earnslaw, a steam ship to Walter Peak station but there is no way that we will get on that wilderness road with these weather conditions. The only thing we can do right now is to wait!
Queenstown to Clyde (Jan 11) 89 km
Since it is still very cold and raining, we decided not to go on the Mayora lake road. Instead, lets go inland hoping for better weather. We left Queenstown under heavy rain, full gear on. We stopped at Kawarau Bungy Centre (27 km), for a break and to get dry and also to watch people bungy jumping off the bridge...quite entertaining. 1 ½ hours later, we are back on the bike, the rain has stopped, we continue to Cromwell. The road follows the Kawarau river, a scenic highway, winding, mostly down hill... a pleasant surprise. The landscape is quite interesting, rocky, nice mountain views, a really enjoyable ride...! At Cromwell (61 km), we went grocery shopping at New World and headed out for Clyde, our final destination for the day (89 km). The weather held on pretty good for the rest of the day but as we were deciding on a campsite or a cabin, it started to rain very hard so we took a cabin for the night.
Pictures at https://photos.app.goo.gl/hBMCpTMaDpPC6R5aA
Dec 28, 2009 - Jan 5, 2010
Christchurch - Rakaia Gorge - Geraldine - Fairlie - Lake Tekapo – Omarama - Wanaka
Distance: 541 km
Total distance: 1926 km
Christchurch - Rakaia Gorge (Dec 28) 101km
On our way on the inland scenic route, this ride was an easy one since it was slightly down hill all the way to Rakaia Gorge. It was a great opportunity to ride distances down south. Rakaia Gorge is a pretty place and the camp site has a great view overlooking the gorge. If you want to spend money, you can jet boat the river choosing from one of three different companies alongside the river.
Rakaia Gorge - Geraldine (Dec 29) 87 km
Another easy ride, not much to see. Geraldine is a cute little town. Since Patti's cousin is named Geraldine, we made her a tribute by taking pictures of “Geraldine'. The campsite, right in the middle of the town, when full, is not a great place to stay since we were squeezed in between camper vans.
Geraldine - Fairlie (Dec 30) 48 km
The climb starts. I think we must be in better bike shape as we climbed Burke Pass in our middle front gear – a great cardio and personal challenge. Patti cursed me most of the climb, but was with me all of the way! What was really impressive was the family we met from Holland, Richard and Erica and their 2 young boys (2 and 4 year old) who are biking throughout NZ – pulling the kids, the gear and the toys – WOW! Fairlie is a good place to stop if you do not want to put the distance from Geraldine all the way to Tekapo. The Top 10 Holiday Park is great, internet is free...yeah! There is great facilities and it is located walking distances from town to get food and supplies.
Fairlie - Lake Tekapo (Dec 31, Jan 1-2) 49 km + 43 (rest day)
Happy New Year! A short ride but a beautiful view at Lake Tekapo. Arriving at the campground, we were told to pitch the tent in the overflow site, which happened to be right alongside the lake, away from “tent city”. We had the best tent site of the whole campground! The next day, we decided to take a down day and went for a 41 km ride...go figure. We rode to Lake Alexandrina and then rode the 'hiking trail”. While going back to Tekapo, we decided to ride up Mt John to the Observatory, a 4 km steep climb that takes you on top of the world. After a cheese cake and drinks at the café, we decided to take the trail down but the wind had picked up...I mean really pick up - up to 130 km/h which was to strong to stay on our bikes. So we made it out on the trail for the first down hill but had to get back on the road, the wind was way to strong, Patti couldn't stand upright and it was getting a Little bit dangerous to keep on going. Back on pavement, the wind was so strong that it pushed us, without peddling, up a small hill and strong enough to feel the acceleration on flat...something we never experienced before. Back to Lake Tekapo, we were worried about the tent and the tarp...will they still be there? Lucky, everything was still at its place, only the tarp was rapped around its line but the tent held on pretty good. We didn't think the wind could get any stronger, but that night it did. We didn't sleep much as the wind howled around us. Day number 3 at Tekapo was really a down day – we didn't leave the beach even to skype Patti's sister, Lea-Ann , from our tent site. Very cool!
Lake Tekapo - Omarama (Jan 3 - 4) 93 km
After 3 days at Lake Tekapo, we rode to Omarama, a 93 km ride under heavy rain but mostly down hill all the way. The sun came out around 2 pm after riding in heavy rain. We wanted to ride up Mt Cook but because it was overcast and raining, it was no sense to go up a mountain with no view. We decided to keep on going at least to Twizel and see how we felt. At Twizel, we had a late lunch and decided, since we were already wet, to ride an extra 30 km and make it to Omarama where there is a Top 10 Campground with all the facilities. Arriving at Omarama, the sun came out and we pitched the tent, had a hot shower and dried our gear. The next day, Patti got sick (something she ate) and stayed in bed for the day, while I did maintenance on the bikes. She felt better around 4 pm and got some food.
Omarama - Wanaka (Jan 5) 120 km
Our longest distance to date... Looking at the road profile (elevation, passes, distance, etc), we thought we would only make it half way. Lindis Pass was supposed to be the challenge of the day, but compared to what we have already ridden, it was an easy gradual climb with an amazing downhill payoff. Gotta love it! We were at the pass by 12:30 pm. After an ice cream break at Tarras, the last 35 km to Wanaka was harder than the first 80. We had to battle a head wind, which made the whole distance feel like uphill all the way. We are now in Wanaka, and plan to spend a few days checking out the area...
Jan 15 - 17, 2010
