Most people staying in the historical town of Clyde have one thing on their minds – cycling the 4-day Central Otago Rail Trail, starting near Clyde and finishing in Middlemarch.
For a satisfying ‘taster’ we did the one-day cycle ride from Auripo to Chatto Creek (30kms). We had the Autumn sun on our backs for the whole way.
Big thumbs up to the boys at Bike it Now in Clyde. Duncan and his team operate a fantastic bike hire service and leave nothing to chance. Pete, one of the team, drove us 50kms to Auripo. We stopped on the way to take photos. Built in 1886, this building is the oldest operating Post Office in New Zealand.
Pete dropped us off at Auripo and arranged to collect us at Chatto Creek. With Michael leading the way, we set off at a blistering pace. The scenery of the Central Otago Rail Trail demands constant attention. Its hard to resist stopping every 5 mins for a photo.
March, April and May are perfect months for cycling the Central Otago Rail Trail. (Clyde can be very hot in the summer!) The bridges on the trail may be old, but they’re incredibly sturdy. Bit bumpy going over, but that’s half the fun.
There were a few tunnels to navigate and once a third of the way in, you’re plunged into impenetrable darkness. Cyclists on the Central Otago Rail Trail are advised to walk their bikes through the tunnels. Luckily our bikes were equipped with torches. Problem solved.
At this stage of the journey, I’m having a blast. Haven’t biked for months but the seat is so comfy. I have energy to spare. Meanwhile Michael’s disappeared.
I might have known, here he is always seeking out a quiet moment. Think I’ll surge ahead and leave that boy in my dust!
The trails are wide and pretty easy but in a couple of parts the gradient becomes steeper and slightly more challenging. Having forgotten the golden rule about hydrating, I’m thirsty. Yay, our first coffee stop is in sight!
Beautiful scones, muffins and slices are sold at the Stationside Cafe. You really have to rest stop here for a while. There’s great camaraderie with other cyclists, strongly represented by the very fit 50+ generation. Here’s one of them.
Now fully revived I scoff at the very idea that I was originally offered an electric bike by the Bike-it-Now team. The nerve of those guys!
It’s not just scenery you see on the way. Farmers and their working dogs are out tending to their stock. This is such a great way to see the ‘heartland’.
Can you believe this – a random apple tree growing on the trail. Back in the day, people would throw their apple cores out of the train and one took seed. Another refreshment stop. How good is my life getting!
One newly made apple core later, It’s back on the saddle and onwards to Chatto Creek. This is a great place to have a sit-down lunch or simply relax with a well earned drink.
Duncan is right on time to collect us. It’s over too soon but on the upside we’ll be back for the full trail experience next year! In the short term, it’s back to Clyde for our 2-night stay at the unique Olivers Lodge, a destination in itself.
Happy travelling
