Day 5 – Wedderburn to Kokonga Station

The weather was fresh – overcast but not raining, as we headed towards our next stop of Kokonga Station. To give you an indication, I added a fleece jumper and this was enough to keep me warm. This was a cruisy 32km day, with multiple stops:

Ranfurly – coffee, supermarket trip for fresh fruit

Waipiata – pies and beer (I had the paneer curry pie)

The weather was actually quite lovely as we finished our descent into Kokonga station. The plan was then to get picked up, driven to Naseby for Curling and then to our overnight destination of Danseys Pass.

Initially, no-one seemed really keen on the Curling, but we did as our driver Dave told us, and went anyway. After a quick safety video (don’t walk backwards, don’t pick up the stones…) we were given a lesson by a quirky guy who showed us three different methods of yeeting the stones down the pitch. Most of us chose the ‘wand’ method, but others chose the traditional method which you may have seen on the Winter Olympics. We were also schooled in the art of ‘sweeping’ – similar to what you may do at home on your floors, but at lightning speed, covering less ground.

Our competitive sides definitely came out during the ‘boys V girls’ match – but after a few rounds, it was a 2-2 draw and we called it a day. Oh, you may we wondering how we didn’t slip on the ice? You wear rubber soles over your shoes – simple as that.

Dave hearded us onto the bus and took us to Dansys Pass Hotel. It was getting late when we arrived and we were keen to get out of our cycling gear, shower, head to the bar and have dinner. Dansys Pass is a mountain pass at 900m (3000ft in the old language) – the area is inaccessible during winter and like most of the Central Otago region, shuts down for 6 months.

The weather was wild overnight, with strong winds and rain. I thought there is no way we would be riding the next day…but I was wrong.

Day 6 – Kokonga Station to Middlemarch

This was the last day of cycling the Rail Trail. The weather was dreadful and the bus was dead silent as we made our way back to Kokonga Station. Dave braved the rain and unloaded our bikes whilst we weather-proofed ourselves and our gear. The plan was to ‘stop at the end’ – it was a 42km ride, with some elevation, but nothing too staggering. Everyone agreed that once they were through the one tunnel on this trail, the weather improved! Riding in the rain was really OK, but the brutal crosswind for the last 15km was very challenging – with me and my heavy bike often being led off the path. I tried to go aero a few times, but the hybrid tank dictated my riding position.

Once all my team were across the line, we headed to the depot where we were (eventually) transported to our accommodation in Cromwell. These were very modern apartments with none of the character of the accommodation on the rail trail.

Day 7 – Lake Dunstan Trail

This was our last day of riding. Nearly half the group who’d had a regular bike for the rail trail decided on Day 1 we were going to get an e-bike for the last day. With lots of elevation there was no way we were going to be able to ride those hybrid tanks up those hills. Plus, it seemed like a fun way to end 5 days of cycling. Michelle and I chose an e-MTB, but as has been typical of this trip, we didn’t get the bikes we requested. Instead we had an e-TANK, which to be fair, did the job. I tried to send it a few times, but she wasn’t responding.

The Lake Dunstan trail is a bit of an icon in these parts and there is little wonder. The scenery was breathtaking. Plus it’s been snowing so there was snow on the highlands which we found very exciting. Whilst it was freezing, the rain held off (even after I stupidly said “it’s a nice day for riding” and then got some drops of rain for my trouble) but the wind picked up towards the end of the ride.

I am grateful for having spent some time on MTB trails – the trail was a mix of single track with mountain on one side and a sheer drop on the other side, switchback climbs, steep descents and blind corners. It was the best ride – but definitely the most technical. We celebrated with nachos and cider at the pub in Clyde.

We have ridden 202km in 5 days with no injuries and no sore muscles until today. Five months ago today I was recovering from surgery and today I’m recovering from this adventure. I think the entire group of 9 people have raised a tick under 40K for MPA which is incredible! We have one full day in QT and fly home tomorrow after lunch.

And just before I go, some other things I have been grateful for:

Good cycling kit to keep me warm (Le Bent woollen socks, long fleece Santini nix, Pearl Izumi thermolyte cycling gloves (for under my regular gloves), Adidas 510 MTB shoes)

Friends – I couldn’t have done this without Michelle and Jacqui. Michelle is now a cycling addict and has plans to continue cycling, buy a bike (haha, her 1st bike…) We’ve shared a room each day of the cycling and chatted and giggled after lights out. It’s been fun. Jacqui, as always, is our rock. She was the sweep every day and made sure no one was left behind. She’s consistent, dependable and we just love her.

Family – knowing they’re thinking of me has really really helped on those challenging days. Love you Guys xx Thanks Rod and Hamish for the little notes of encouragement in my bag – they were just what I needed.

I have treatment Friday, so I will probably not update about that until next month. Thank you thank you thank you for your support and encouragement – from the bottom of my heart it means so much to me.

Love Bel xx