Otago Central Rail trail used to link numerous inland towns between Dunedin and Clyde during the early 20th century. When the trains ceased, the rails were removed and the trail was resurfaced. It is an incredibly popular trail for all kinds of people, whether cycling or hiking with over 80,000 users annually.
It is 162 km in length and today we would start our two day journey along the trail.
First things first, proper coffee.
Signage is excellent and often.
The trail has a variety of gravel surfaces, this being more common.
Lots of renovated stations and workers huts.
A local farm had this out the front.
The trail climbed for most of the day, but being a former rail line, the incline was gradual.
Today’s climbing graph shows how we were climbing fairly consistently.
The views were broad, peaceful and serene. Predominantly a farming region, lots of irrigators were busy and grazing sheep the main other activity.
An informative plaque naming all the mountains, mostly hidden by cloud at this point.
Taking up the whole path in safety, as vision was clear for long distances forward and behind.
There were multiple old railway bridges to cross. Often quite long, and various surfaces.
Chatto Creek tavern, did not open until 12 noon.
The views continued.
Orkney wetland is a new environmental project only two years old. It will develop into a lovely oasis.
There were long straights.
We had lunch at Omaku at a cafe. We ordered two iced coffees but they only had enough coffee beans left for one! He said they had been busier than anticipated. So a cafe with no coffee for the rest of the day. Ouch.
Middlemarch is our destination tomorrow night, and we had started near the Clyde railhead.
Along bridge crossing over a lovely river.
A very rickety rackety crossing that jolts your body on a non suspension bike.
The Manuherekia Bridge was completed in 1904. And the second longest on the rail trail at 110 m. It has been progressively updated over the years to continue to provide safe crossings.
The river below has had timber piled. I presume the timber is from flood waters and will be burned or somehow removed.
Then our first tunnel. This is the first of two, fairly close together, in total around 400 m in length.
Numerous cuttings as we edge our way to the top of this hill.
And around to a different but broad view.
Finally after having gently climbed most of the day, we are at the highest point, and our bums are looking forward to the downhill.
Wedderburn has this lovely accommodation option. These are nice looking units, plus there is a lodge for food. Not too badly priced either. Very pretty location.
Our last photo view before arriving in Ranfurly, a small town.
Keen to seek dinner, we enquired about the local pub and the accommodation provider told us it was “shit”. So where should we eat? Another town apparently.
So I sought the opinion of our neighbour. He told me the pub was the worst meal he had ever eaten and went on to describe all that was wrong with his steak.
So where should we eat? His answer? The pub!! 🤣
Not expecting much, we actually had an ok meal. We did not order the steak! We both had chicken schnitzel and I enjoyed both my and Tony’s salad.
Today was our longest ever gravel ride. We’ve ridden 90 km, climbed over 600 metres, and our bums are aware of having sat on a non suspension bike for that time over a variety of gravel surfaces.
The weather was great, not too hot, occasional breeze.
Another great day to be riding.
Thanks for reading 😊❣️
yakkablog 