Day 1 Clyde to Omakau 36km cycling Make your way to Clyde... ...and when you arrive you will be taken through your itinerary, get you to watch the introductory video and get fitted with your cycle by the Trail Journeys staff. We suggest you check out the shopping in Clyde and Alexandra or visit the many attractions in the area. From Clyde you can cycle past vineyards and over an old wooden trestle bridge on the ride to Alexandra. For the more adventurous, there is the option of riding on the Clutha River Centennial Track to Alexandra which adds another 8km to your cycle ride. ...bike to Chatto Creek, twice crossing over bridges on the Manuherikia River. You will reach the Chatto Creek Tavern, an historic stone building which is where you could stop for your lunch. After lunch you cycle up Tiger Hill, an easy gradient of 1 in 50. From the top of Tiger Hill it is all down hill to your over night accommodation in Omakau. Sites of significant interest are the Daniel O’Connor Suspension Bridge and the Ophir Post Office which will be worth checking out in this old gold mining town. A good place to dine in Omakau is the Omakau Commercial Hotel. Day 2 Omakau to Wedderburn 45km The beautiful Poolburn gorge section Highlight of today's cycle ride is the beautiful Poolburn gorge section of the trail featuring two tunnels and two viaducts all set in a secluded gorge. You then cycle through the vast open expanse of the Ida Valley farm lands past the Idaburn dam, one of New Zealands few out door winter curling sites. You could visit the Hayes Historic Engineering Works just south of Oturehua. A short ride to the Oturehua Hotel or the local cafe where you can get your lunch. 10km to Wedderburn, just past the highest point on the rail trail before stopping the night at Wedderburn Cottages B&B. The evening meal is available at the Wedderburn Hotel.which is 200m down the driveway from the cottages Day 3 Wedderburn to Hyde 43km From Wedderburn the trail is mostly down hill... ...to Ranfurly, the Art Deco Capital of Otago. Suggestion is morning tea by the old railway station, then crossing you could cross the Maniototo Plains on to the Waipiata Tavern for lunch.(Opens at 11.00am in the season) After lunch the day's highlight must be the lovely trail section between Daisybank and Hyde alongside the Taieri river which snakes around the Rock and Pillar Range. You then cross the stone Cap Burn bridge, the Price’s Creek Viaduct which is 32m high and the last tunnel which 152m long arriving at the recently restored Otago Central Hyde Hotel. This is your over night stop. Day 4 Hyde to Middlemarch 29km A shorter 29km ride today... ...and slightly downhill with views of the Rock and Pillar, Taieri Ranges, and the Hyde Railway Disaster Memorial. Suggest you take a snack for along the way. For those travelling on the Taieri Gorge Train trip to Dunedin you will need to be at our depot in Middlemarch by 3.45pm to catch the bus through to Pukerangi.(not included) On Friday's and Sundays there is a train which leaves Middlemarch at 1.00pm. An option to bus back to Clyde is available. (not included) Accommodation Accommodation is all locally operated and consists of hotels, farm stay and bed-and-breakfast accommodation. All accommodation will be on a twin share basis. Because accommodation along the trail is varied, we cannot guarantee en-suite facilities. This is an opportunity of a lifetime to experience Central Otago wilderness without sacrificing your comforts or convenience. Food and Refreshments After an invigorating day riding on the Rail Trail you will have worked up quite an appetite. All evening and mid-day meals are available in locally operated hotels. A selection of Central Otago local wines, beer and soft drinks are available for purchase from the hotel bar throughout the evening. Breakfast offers a selection of fruit and cereal, and toast and spreads. Just what is needed to send you on your way? For those with special dietary requests or requirements, let us know at the time of booking and we will endeavor to cater for your needs. Health and Fitness The cycle ride is neither easy nor difficult. It is a challenge and adventure which people of all ages and abilities will relish. To enjoy your ride you need to be able to cycle 4 to 6 hours each day at a leisurely pace, and a distance of 29km to 45km per day. We encourage you to cycle/ride at your own pace, there is no pressure to cycle/ride with others or keep up with the fastest riders. The track surface is generally well formed and a maximum gradient of 1m in 70m. If you are not a regular cyclist/rider we suggest you begin a daily cycling regime for 4 to 6 weeks before departure, gradually increasing the distance you ride. Thousands of cyclists are enjoying riding the Central Otago Rail Trail each year, of all ages with 85% of cyclists/ riders being between the age of 45 to 70 and beyond. What to Bring Soap, shampoo and conditioner will be provided at your accommodation. The following is a list of essential equipment For cycling/riding waterproof raincoat walking shoes/ jogging shoes woollen or polypropylene thermal underwear top & bottom is essential light hat (woollen or fleece) fleece jacket Mid-weight merino top or fleece lightweight T-shirts for fine weather short cycle gloves (available at Trail Journeys) cycle shorts (available at Trail Journeys) gel seat covers (available at Trail Journeys) socks water bottle sunscreen camera For evening wear shirt or sweater trousers or lightweight pants underwear sandals or light shoes night wear handkerchiefs toilet requisites (towels, shampoo and conditioner are provided) Included in this package is the transport of your baggage (10kg only per bag) each day to your accommodation. .