Omarama to Kurow

OMARAMA TO OTEMATATA Pre ride breakfast highlighted the proclivities people have with their breakfast rituals. As we were all in different motel rooms, anyone watching the goings on and sharing of things in brown paper bags, and liquids in various bottles, may have thought there were intricate drug deals going on. Anyway, after everyone had eaten and downed their beverage of choice, we managed to roll out the gates of the Heritage Gateway Motel at 8.25 am. A good start to the day. The A2O Guide will be quoted in italics: Leaving Omarama you ride east down the Waitaki Vallely, following the off-road Trail to the top of the Chain Hills 5 km. From here you descend beside State Highway 83, then follow the edge of Lake Benmore to Pumpkin Point 10 kms. Continue beside the lake to Sailors Cutting – a popular boating, fishing and camping destination 10 kms. Tim, Wendy and Kerry leading the pack, with the ebikers bringing up the rear. Spectacular views again of the Lake Benmore this time, as we skirted the edge of the lake. Nothing too scary so far, all quite happy to see Rick and the Trusty Bus waiting for us at the boat ramp. How not to get through the gate.

Sandie demonstrates the stylish way

Typical trail

Your next 16 km include a mix of Grade 2 and narrower Grade 3 Trail, with some drop offs, sharp bends and fall hazards. Now this is where we sort the Daredevils from the Wise and careful. Again Tim, Wendy and Kerry set off at a cracking pace, with the rest of us eating their dust? Oh, the views were spectacular – or so I am told – as we battled boulders, death defying drops down to the crystal clear waters of Lake Benmore far far below. Up up we climbed, white knuckles gripping the handlebars, giving our thumbs a good workout – Left thumb for power increase and decrease, Right thumb for gear increase or decrease. The thumb arthritis was not to be factored in! Survival was the key! Perilously steep narrow paths to the top were forgotten when we managed to take a look around at the spectacular views, yet again. And then we faced the downhill challenge as we rock hopped down steep slopes giving our thumbs a rest, but silently thanking the Disc Brake Gods for keeping the speed down to a manageable level. (Some of the front runners were high on the adrenalin rush as they sped downhill without a thought of brakes or consequences!) Here are a few snaps.

Oh the joy of the joining of the trail with the bitumen road for the magic roll down to the Benmore Dam car park, (some boast top speed of 64 kph) to find Rick waiting there with the van and LUNCH. A good find was a pear tree groaning with a full crop just waiting to be picked. My guess is pears poached, stewed, fresh, sliced, will be on the menu for the next few days. Tim on a bit tonka toy

Pretty good lunch spot

The pear tree we raided

Another gentle roll down the road to the turn off to Otematata, and there, like a beacon of delight, was Karen and her coffee van, with every type of coffee imaginable, and home cooked muffins and slices. And what’s not to love about being in a grove of tree hugging sculptures to add to the ambience.

The accommodation, a BnB named Skyrock, is delightfully quirky. Twelve beds, one toilet and bathroom…… but wait!!! TWO outside bathtubs serviced by hot water! Wendy and Chris stripped off and languished in the beautiful soaking hot water, calling for “room service” to bring bubbles. And not bubble bath variety. FOMO Denise quickly joined them – cider and gin and tonic provided the bubbles! What a way to end the day.

Valet serv

As an added side trip, while Rick was slaving away cooking corned beef for dinner, a few birding minded souls explored the Otematata Wetlands, and, with Sue and Sandy’s assistance, managed to identify a pair of grebes, scaub ducks, coots, and cheeky New Zealand fantails, to mention just a few. Greater crested grebe

NZ Scaup

This is how the "torture bike" riders get recharged!!

Meanwhile back at the house Rick had prepared another fabulous meal. Corned beef with all the trimmings. This was followed by pears poached in red wine topped with icecream. Another marathon game of 31 finished off the day. FRIDAY FEB 9th Otematata to Kurow 44k Cooler weather to start today. At Karen’s coffee van Robin appeared to assist with the mechanical concerns with the bikes. Thus corrected, we were on our way up the big hill of yesterday’s downhill breathtaking speeds. Wendy went exploring and flushed out Califorian quail. Crossed Benmore damwall and another bitumen delight down, down, down. After such easy riding we were all rather chilled as we were on the shady side of Aviemore dam. Came across two farm utes angled across the road, and a drover gang, plus dogs, who had just put lots of bleating sheep in a paddock after driving along the road for quite a distance, judging by the sheep balls on the road. Some expressed disappointment we weren’t in the action, however one look at the dogs, not the cute puppies of ABC Muster Dogs, and thought better of this. Easy cruise to morning tea before our second dam wall crossing, taking us to the more familiar gravel surface of A2O.

The off road tracks come with rewards of fabulous views of Lake Waitaki . A kingfisher spotted by our sweep! Further along the remains of a once grand stone building, the Wharekuri Hotel.

The dangerous task of the photographer

Waitaki river

Spider web/nest

Not the usual blueberries!

At the Kurow Museum a model of this ruin was on display and the sad history of the enterprise ending with a fire and bankruptcy. Rolled into Langmore Lodge fresh as daisies after our easy ride, to wonder at the number of rooms and fruit trees. The house was built for, and by, Sir Arnold Nordmeyer a Presbyterian minister, and later Labour member of Parliament. He became concerned with the welfare of hydroelectric dam workers and together with local doctor and school headmaster, developed ideas leading to the establishment of a national health service for New Zealand. Not sure who is sleeping in Sir Arnold’s bedroom – it’s easy for all to enjoy the interesting accommodation with such a connection to this town. The shops, (not many), museum, wetlands and wine bar provided the afternoon entertainment.

Toilet at the winery. Check for Wendy's feet!

Dogs waiting patiently outside the pub

Early in the day, Rick had visited a bakery and snagged a couple of bags of frozen mystery pies. They, together with veggies made yet again a delicious dinner.