Autumnal Colours

We awoke to another clear crisp day.  We packed our bags and then walked to the car rental depot to pick up our vehicle.  I had one or two problems getting the car due to credit card problems which did not allow me to pay a bond for some peculiar reason. Eventually we were able to get the car but I had to get a different level of insurance.  Irritating and more expensive but otherwise it solved the problem. 

 

We had a lovely trip to Clyde.  The colours of autumn were on full display for us and contrasted brilliantly against the stark grey and brown landscape.  Bev got carried away with the camera clicking off photo after photo.

 

The Cromwell basin was shrouded in fog but as we drove into the Cromwell Gorge the fog dissipated.  For us the most interesting part was seeing the new Dunstan Cycle trail that follows the gorge. It looks quite challenging with some potentially decent climbs.  It will make it an interesting challenge for us oldies who choose not to use e-bikes. 

It was freezing in Clyde where we picked up our hire bikes for the ride to Ophir which is a reprise of our first ride together.  To make it different we tried a different cycle hire company.  The bikes are constructed by an enthusiast and we discovered from him that they are designed for people who are new to riding bikes.  They are adequate but don’t fit my body and style of riding now. 

Almost ready to go

 We asked about the Dunstan trail and he said he got to ride it over the weekend for the first time.  He said it was more challenging than he expected as they had said it was a grade 1 and 2 track whereas he thought it had some grade 3 elements with some quite steep climbs and switchbacks.   

Riding alongside the Clutha

 The ride took us alongside the Clutha River to Alexandra.  It is a nice easy track with lots of interesting things to look at.  Bev was in charge of the camera and spent almost as much time off the bike taking pictures as riding. 

 

We stopped here 9 years ago when it was much warmer

We lunched in Alexandra having one of the nicest pies I have had in a long time.  The pastry was to die for being thin and crisp and perfectly cooked.  We could see freshly baked pies in the kitchen, still sitting in their baking trays confirming their freshness.

 

We then rejoined the Otago Central trail on the outskirts of Alexandra.  It seemed harder than I remember but I think  the bike had fat tyres which were quite flat. This made for a soft ride but I felt I was doing more work than I did nine years ago.  I think I am bike fitter now than then, so it must be the bike configuration. 

 

At Chatto Creek we stopped for a moment and ended up having a conversation with what turned out to be the owner of the Chatto Creek Tavern.  She was an Aucklander who had travelled down this way during Covid and decided on a new life and bought the pub last November.  She said it had been a busy time since they took over with the Trail providing much of the custom.  It had just quietened down with the school holidays having finished.  She said it would give them time to take a breath.  Overall they had enjoyed the continued support of the locals but had been careful not to change the culture too much. 

 

Chatto Creek Station

After Chatto Creek the trail climbs gently over a saddle.  The last time we did it both of us thought it was really tough.  This time I found it really easy and powered up quickly.  I remembered that after we reached the top I had a really fast descent to Omakau whereas this time it was quite slow.  I suspect the bike configuration again.

 

It was a couple of kilometres to Ophir and Black’s Hotel.  Last time it felt like a long way to go but in fact this time, it took no time at all. 

 

One of the attractions of Black’s Hotel last time was it’s Blue Cod and chips which have salivated about since the last time we were here.  Unfortunately, this time there was no blue cod and the fish and chips were less than impressive.  However it is nice to come back and see a place for which we have lots of affection.

 

It's quirky

The business is for sale and it seems the owners have already checked out as the customer service was not as we experienced the previous time.  It was clean and tidy but for the price we were paying it was not up to scratch.  

Distance cycled: 44km

 

The trail

The bridge at Alexandra