Mystery Bike Ride

Sunday 22nd July

Six keen cyclists set off from the Medway Street carpark at 9am on a fine sunny morning and rode through the Oamaru Gardens and along the Alps to Ocean Trail.
We continued on up Saleyards Road to meet Weston Road, turned off into the new sub-division at Waiareka, riding the streets and down a landscaped pathway to link up with the A2O Trail once again.
At Weston we rode around the sports field and then on to Twin, Parsons, Homestead and Devil’s Bridge Roads. By this time we had to battle a mild Norwesterly wind but we were soon at the sheltered Devil’s Bridge wetlands where after lifting our bikes over the stile we explored the outlet before cycling around the track and on towards Eden Road.
After a short hill climb we enjoyed an exhilarating ride down on a very smooth compacted gravel surface, turned into Ardgowan road and cruised along to the stile leading to the Oamaru Reservoir tracks. A short ride through the forest and around the reservoir lead us to Reservoir Road which we rode to the end and the entrance to the bike tracks in the Glens Reserve.
These single tracks required a bit more skill and concentration as it was a bit slippery and had some sharp corners in places. However everyone managed to negotiate them without any mishaps.
With midday approaching, we stopped for a lunch break on the 4WD track above where some members had helped clear broom and flowering currant in March. This area has now been planted out in native trees.
Our ride then took us across the stream back to Eden and Humber Streets and through to view the new bridge across Oamaru Creek.
We then followed the pathway around to the steam-punk playground and on to the penguin colony, where we left our bikes and went for a stroll out on the breakwater. There were several seals basking in the sun on the rocks below the penguin viewing shelter.
Scotts Brewery for refreshments was the next stop and then a bit of culture with a visit to the nearby art gallery to view paintings which Lyn’s husband Jeff had on display.
Our bike ride was no longer a mystery as it concluded at the carpark at 2.30pm with some riding home to Kakanui and Weston.
Thanks for the company of Jane, Lyn, John, Gary and Maurice for an enjoyable day out in the country and around our local places of interest.
Phyllis.