Jan 12 - 14, 2010Otago 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.
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