Fabulous news, the Otago Central Rail Trail will now be part of the New Zealand Cycle Trails network – Nga Haerenga. This initiative was put together by Prime Minister John Key. You can read more about this network of trails on http://www.nzcycletrail.com/
Otago Central Rail Trail becomes part of New Zealand Cycle Trails – Nga Haerenga
New Specialized Hardrock 29rs
We’ve added some new bikes to the fleet in the form of Specialized Hardrock 29r’s. Aside from the funky detailing they’re a great ride with the big 29 inch wheel rolling over those smaller bumps.
Trail Treks – Horseback Adventures
Shebikeshebikes is pleased to be able to provide a half day horse trek activity in combination with Trail Trek Horseback Adventures, and this activity can fit right in with your first days cycling.
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.
Clutha River Boat Cruise
Clutha River Boat Cruises
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
Dinner at Muddy Creek Cutting
Muddy Creek Cutting
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
Specialized Comfort Bikes
Our new Specialized Comfort Bikes are receiving great customer reviews, the consensus is that
- 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.
Fabulous spring!
We’ve been getting some terrific days on the Rail Trail recently with the temperature climbing up towards 28 degrees recently. There have been some patches of reasonably strong wind but on the whole it’s all be relatively calm. With temperature climbing up to these levels, hydration is critical, make sure you are carrying at least 2 litres of water when cycling the following sections as they’re relatively long and there are no refill points along the way.
- 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
Forget-me-not
We’re proud to be a sponsor of the latest and final edition of the Otago Alzheimer’s 2011 calendar. The calendar is full of local people engaging in activities that are synonymous with them, but this time in a semi clad, tasteful nature. All of the models have seen or experienced the impact of Alzheimer’s on loved ones or people they care for.
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.





