A2O Bike Ride, Duntroon to Oamaru
20th September 2015
A late decision to use the backup day of Sunday giving a better weather forecast was used and the final number of riders only known on the day made for interesting organising.
With 14 cyclists assembling at the car park, bikes loaded onto trailers we set off for Duntroon and on arrival we met Uwe who had already had a warm-up ride biking from Weston.
As we set off in fine overhead conditions with a cool southerly breeze our first stop was at the Maori rock drawings less than 1km away. Mel’s borrowed bike had a puncture and a flat front tyre requiring a quick tube change and some warm up pump exercise.
The peleton moved on to the next stop in the valley of John Hore’s farm without further incident. After a snack in the warm sheltered valley it was tempting to stay but the show had to go on.
The steep zig-zag section leaving the valley saw some walking their bikes while others challenged themselves biking and won.
The off-road section continued across Grants Road and onto Duff Farm where a gentle down hill stretch exited onto Prydes Gully Road and another regrouping. Sarah had a woopsie on the loose pine needles, but that was soon sorted with a couple of sticky plasters and Sam had had an altercation with a stick getting caught in the back wheel but no damage to bike or rider.
A short section of tarseal took us back off road following the Karara Creek through farmland with lots of new lambs to Cants Road.
A gravel hill climb to Peaks Road saw the party spread out but regrouping before the enjoyable fast downhill ride to Rakis Tunnel. The dark tunnel was negotiated with the aid of several torches and red rear flashing indicators which took us to the “light at the end of the tunnel” where an obstacle course of pine cones and a wind fell log was crossed before arriving at Peaks Road.
The gravel lead to Windsor township and a short ride up to the old church, God’s Old House, where Roger and Carol’s new venture of coffee making for the tourists was sampled in a sheltered courtyard along with our own lunch. A pleasant setting,with bodies refuelled it was back on the road where the riding was easy going, following Pig Island and Burnside Roads linking the next section of offroad trail beginning at Whitstone and connecting the old railway line through Weston. It was here where the vehicle drivers and some of the locals finished their ride, while the rest continued onto the Oamaru Harbour, riding through the gardens, streets and historic part of town.
Rumour has it that some of the finishers ended up at Scotts Brewery for well deserved refreshments.
Thanks to the transport drivers and all who attended an enjoyable day ride in pleasant surroundings.
Uwe, Bill, Robbie, Sam, Kate, Pete, Sylvia, Chris, Ross M, John, Jane, Phyllis, Mel, Sarah.
Maurice.
