Otago Central Rail Trail

Otago Central Rail Trail

Date: Saturday 2 March 2013
Route: Ranfurly to Alexandra
Distance: 88km to Alexandra, another 6 around town
Weather: overcast and cool in morning, clearing and warm in afternoon
Accommodation: Alexandra Tourist Park Cabin

It was good riding totally away from the traffic for the whole day today on the Otago Central Rail Trail. The trail is unsealed, but a better surface than yesterday’s ride. We started around 20km from the highest point, and the rest was a very gradual downhill – the inclines are very gentle, as expected on a railway line.

The arid scenery, browns and greens of the countryside and interesting rock formations add to the beauty of the trail. The most scenic part was between Auripo and Lauder where we passed through the Poolburn Gorge, which includes a viaduct and two tunnels. The viaduct could be scary for someone afraid of heights. All the bridges on the trail are wood and feel rickety under bicycle wheels. The two tunnels were about 200 metres long. About midway, when it gets too dark to see, the light from the other end of the tunnel start to cast shadowy glimpses of the tunnel walls, allowing riders to find their way (we saw riders with torches)

We passed many dozens of other cyclists on the trail. Most seemed to be out for the day or had someone else carrying their luggage (no other cycle tourists like us). All other cyclists were on mountain bikes which are more suited to the rocky terrain than our touring bikes (due to thick tyres). There were many older people and people who looked as if they don’t usually cycle. The rail trail is geared towards day outings and organised groups..

Kris got a puncture on his back tyre around 5km from our destination. We probably got off lightly after punishing our bikes for the last two days.

A downside of the trail was the fine dust that coated everything. I spent ages brushing it off panniers and Kris had to wash the bikes again.

The holiday park at Alexander is very empty. It has all the facilities we need but feels a bit melancholy, in need of care and additional tourists.. We made a huge meal in the communal kitchen and consumed it on an outside picnic table.

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