The genesis for
this trip began in the latter half of 1997 when the idea of a South
Island traverse was first mooted. I had been keen to do the trail
and in discussion with Antony Pettinger it seemed like a good way
to clock off a few miles.
The Trail follows
the former railway line from Clyde to Middlemarch and is 150 km long,
administered by DoC. Sections have been progressively opened since
1993. The response to the trip showed a large group of bikers reside
in the club. On the morning of the 17th five vehicles and two trailers
containing 20 bikes departed from the clubrooms for an action-packed
three days.
It was fine and
sunny when the bunch left the old Clyde railway station, which is
not well sign-posted, and headed off on the first section to Alexandra,
a distance of 9 km. A feature of this part is the impressive Muttontown
Viaduct, now converted to Rail Trail use. Lunch was on the outskirts
of Alexandra in lovely sunshine where we met up with the accompanying
support vehicles. The ride from here to Chatto Creek was superb, a
gentle uphill gradient and well formed track with many small side
tracks to explore. It continued through rich green farmland and some
nice bridges until a small detour at the Chatto Creek Pub. A cold
beer (or two) seemed to be in order on such a hot day. The hotel has
a lot of historical photos and memorabilia and is worth a visit if
you're passing. After half an hour, possibly longer, we set out on
the last section of the day to Omakau, and our bed for the night at
Ophir. Within 10 minutes of leaving, a freezing cold snap descended
with driving rain and a cold head-wind. This lasted long enough to
soak us all and coat the St Bathan's range with snow. So much for
the good weather! It was on this section that we encountered the first
of many farmers' gates which were to become a curse over the next
few days. DoC certainly has to sort this issue out with the landowners
as the constant opening and closing of gates is a real nuisance. Later
on we came across complete fences, some topped with barbed wire, which
you have to lift your bike across. This is clearly illegal and shows
the selfish (and greedy?) attitude of many of the local farmers. This
is DoC land and not free grazing at our expense.
It was a wet group
that straggled into the Ophir Backpackers in the late afternoon A
hot shower and a good meal had spirits revived. Some cooks had to
be cajoled from the Black's Hotel to begin the meal!
The next day was
brisk and sunny, and following a visit to the historic Ophir Bridge
it was back on the trail. A rest stop at Lauder and we began the ascent
of the Poolburn Gorge amidst some of the most spectacular views so
far. This part of the Trail boasts two tunnels which were a lot of
fun to negotiate in total darkness. Some high viaducts were also a
great vantage point to view the stunning Central Otago landscape.
Now began the descent
to the Maniototo as the bikers strung out towards Ida Burn. Again
the efficient support team met us along the way with fresh water,
nibbles and company. Some even managed a visit to the pub at Oturehua.
From Ida to Ranfurly the track is not as yet officially open In the
true OTMC tradition several groups ignored this and carried on. Surprisingly
this is an excellent part of the track with a great downhill coming
into Wedderburn. Speaking of Wedderburn, they have a very welcoming
pub and as a fair number were thirsty, hungry and suffering from "biker's
bum", it seemed an ideal place for a late lunch stop.
A fast run to Ranturly
followed by a hot shower and it was time for a BBQ tea in the outdoor
eating area at the camping ground. The party continued at the local
pub where the NPC semi-final was showing on Sky TV. An excellent night
after an energetic day.
The last day was
again fine and sunny as the team biked down the plains and the start
of the Taieri Gorge. Pleasant willow-lined river banks gave way to
steep rocky bluffs would as we wound our way towards Daisybank. Lunch
at the Hyde Railway Station and by now a strong wind was blowing from
the Nor' west At times it made staying on the bike rather tricky,
and at one stage I was blown off! A long straight completes the run
to Middlemarch and the end of a tremendous three days. Well, almost
all, since we also stopped at Clarke's Junction Pub en-route to Dunedin.
My thanks again
to our drivers/bikers - Robyn Bell, Flona Baker, Norman Brown ('Jeffs
Dad' - Ed), Mark Borrie, and James. The trip would not have been nearly
as much fun fully loaded.
Bruce Newton for
Chris Wells, Doug Forrester, Sarah Smellie, Jeff Brown, Tracy Offen,
Paul van Kampen, Tony Fleming, Richard Barber, Lynda Jaket, Mike Brettell,
Malte Stoll, Chris Pearson, Jenny Lowe, Fiona Webster, Trevor Deaker,
Tony Campbell, Wayne Hodgkinson, and Ann Schofield.
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