You’ll meet up with Kelly and her team at the Chatto Creek Tavern where you’ll be provided with safety gear, be paired to a suitable horse and briefed. Then it’s time to meander up the Chatto Creek incline and Tiger Hill (it can sure beat cycling it). Once  you reach Omakau it’s time for a bit of Gold Panning in the river if conditions permit and then stop for a cuppa. Then it’s onto shebikeshebikes to pickup your bike which has been transported for you and you head off from there to your accommodation or further up the trail to Lauder if you’re staying there.

You’ve heard the saying, don’t leave town till you’ve seen the country (or variants to that effect). Well, we took the opportunity to do a Clutha river cruise with Steve and what an eye opener that was. It left me thinking how ignorant I was to have overlooked such a rich adventure right here on our doorstep. As I told Steve, when I’d seen the signs for the cruise I’d classified it along the lines of other general cruises when in fact it’s an incredible historical journey and a perfect compliment to an Otago Central Rail Trail adventure.

The format is simple:
- Meet Steve at the boat ramp in Alexandra and take a seat on one of his super comfy launches.
- Cruise down the Clutha and be entertained as Steve starts to talk about the Clutha back in the 1860′s while pointing out the miners dwellings alongside the Clutha. His historical account is both entertaining and rich in content, far better than all of the books that I’ve read about this period.
- View some of the massive slip zones that have dammed the Clutha through the ages.
- Pull ashore at Doctors Point and explore the old mining town. You’ll get a real appreciation of just how hard they worked and also how innovative they were.
- Have a cup of tea or coffee on-site.
- Head for home.

Did you know that the Clutha is the 2nd longest river in New Zealand and has the highest volume and is also the swiftest.

This is a highly recommend activity taking about 2 to 2.5 hours and can work in nicely whether you’re starting in Clyde in the morning or finishing up in Clyde in the afternoon. For more information see Clutha River Cruises

A little while ago we were able to experience a meal prepared by Kevin at Muddy Creek Cutting. All I can say is that if you’ve decided you’d like to stay there and eat one of his meals then you’ve made a great decision. The meal we had was absolutely fabulous due to Kevins obvious skill and the fantastically fresh produce which all come from the garden at the Muddy Creek Cutting. We can’t recommend their meal option enough and it surely compliments the great job they’ve made of their accommodation. For more information see Muddy Creek Cutting

- the seat is super comfortable

- they feel really stable and safe

- they’re fun to ride

We’ve even been stopped in the street by people who have seen the bikes on the transporter and want to know more about the bikes and where to get them. Shebikeshebikes is the first operator on the Otago Central Rail Trail to provide these fabulous bikes.

Specialized Expedition Sport Low Entry

Specialized Expedition Sport

- Alexandra to Chatto Creek (take advantage of the shade at the Chatto Creek Tavern and Leslies hospitality before embarking on the Chatto Creek incline)

- Lauder to Oturehua

- Waipiata to Hyde

- Hyde to Middlemarch

On the page that we sponsored one of us is also the model. Carols Dad (John) has been suffering from this terrible disease for some time now. In the calendar, you’ll see Steve painting a portrait of John and this has deep significance as John was a very good artist and painter in his spare time and it seemed only right to honour this skill by capturing a representation of the artist himself in paint.

The proceeds from the calendar are put straight back into the provision of services in our local community for people affected by Alzeheimers. At $10 they’re a great way to show your support, so please contact us if you’d like to purchase one.