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Central Otago Rail Trail - Bike Tour
INTRODUCTION
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Open spaces, big skies - join us for a weekend biking the now famous and increasing utilised Otago Central Rail Trail. Enjoy a stimulating off-road experience while taking in the unique history and vast landscapes on this must do trail.
DATES
101 Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 March
NOTE: Due to planning requirements the final enrolment date is:
WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH, 12.00noon
Meet at Unipol Recreation Centre, University Plaza, Anzac Ave on Saturday morning at 7.00am and return to Dunedin on Sunday night approximately 6.00pm.
COST
Students $100, Staff $135, Public $145
ITINERARY
We intend to start at Alexandra and finish at Hyde/Middlemarch, although weather conditions may dictate an alternative starting point. Please note that times given are only approximations - actual times will depend on riding conditions and the capabilities of the group.
Day 1
Meet at the Recreation Centre at 7.00am to head through to Alexandra where we begin the Rail Trail. Cycle through varied terrain with stops for breaks and lunch on the way before arriving early evening at Wedderburn and our accommodation.
Mileage Day 1 - 70km |
Length & Approximate times |
Alexandra to Chatto Creek |
17km (1-1.5 hours) |
Chatto Creek to Lauder |
19km (1.5 hours) |
Lauder to Oturehua |
23km (2-2.5 hours - lots of tunnels, river gorge, photo stops) |
Oturehua to Wedderburn |
11km (1 hour) |
Day 2
Leave Wedderburn for more riding across open plains and beside rivers, heading towards Hyde/Rock & Pillar/Middlemarch. Pack up the bikes and van and stop for refreshments before heading back to Dunedin and arriving early evening.
Mileage Day 2 - 73km |
Length & Approximate times |
Wedderburn to Ranfurly |
13km (1 hour) |
Ranfurly to Waipiata |
8km (45 minutes) |
Waipiata to Daisybank |
13km (1 hour) |
Daisybank to Hyde |
11km (1 hour) |
Hyde to Middlemarch |
27km (2 hrs) |
WHAT BIKING CONDITIONS CAN I EXPECT?
Undulating slight uphills and slight downhills - always gradual. There is a mixed riding surface e.g. hard packed to loose shingle. Each section varies - there are some straight and long bits, some well earned fast bits, some tiresome bits and some exhilarating bits. Our support vehicle will meet riders at specific parts of the trail and tired bodies and bikes can travel in the vehicle to have a breather until the next leg. The support vehicle will also carry all personal gear including your lunch - you are expected to take your own snacks, biking clothing and spares, and water with you on your own bike.
We highly recommend that you spend some time training on your bike leading up to the trip, getting your body "bike-fit". Some participants may experience some discomfort in the nether regions at times over the weekend!
GUIDES
Recreation Services
WHAT IS PROVIDED
Guide, transport and support vehicle with driver, accommodation at Wedderburn Lodge, bedding and linen, breakfast (Sunday), lunch (Sunday), and dinner (Saturday). We even have some spongy gel seats to help with any discomfort.
Please expect to help out with food preparation, dishes and give general assistance over the weekend. Accommodation provided will be on a shared basis with the rest of the group (2-4 people per room)
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Food - Additional snacks for both days (e.g. dried fruit, scroggin, energy bars, chocolate etc); a packed lunch for Saturday
Bike Gear - Mountain bike; day pack to carry snacks; puncture repair kit; spare inner tube; water bottles x2; cycle helmet; bike gloves (optional but recommended); polypropylene gloves for warmth
Clothing - Padded bike shorts; a long sleeve polypropylene top or lightweight wool top; windproof/waterproof jacket
Personal gear - Toiletries; a towel; a sleeping bag for extra warmth (optional); a change of clean clothes for "après-bike"; some cash for refreshments (if desired); sunscreen; sunglasses; your own mug for lunchtime brews; any personal medications and first aid kit; a torch for the tunnels. Please feel free to bring CDs for the van.
PRE-TRIP MEETING
A pre-trip meeting for ALL participants will be held on WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH, 5.00pm, at the Unipol Recreation Centre, University Plaza, Anzac Ave. This will take about 30 minutes and will involve checking you have the right gear, talking about the trip plan, and give you the opportunity to meet the other participants. If you are unsure about your bike, please bring it to the meeting. Attendance at the pre-trip meeting is essential for all participants.
GROUP SIZE
10
WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT THIS TRIP
"You really DO think of everything - thanks for an awesome time!"
"Decadence on two wheels - spectacular scenery, fabulous food, outstanding organisation leaving you with a fantastic sense of freedom... a veritable tasty treat of a trip!"
GENERAL INFORMATION
We also run Bike Maintenance courses for those who want to learn the basics of repair and maintenance. For more information, collect a brochure from the Unipol Recreation Centre.
LINKS
Otago Central Rail Trail http://www.centralotagorailtrail.co.nz/
Cycle Surgery Bike Hire http://www.cyclesurgery.co.nz/
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Last
updated:
11 February, 2013
