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Duntroon to Oamaru 54km

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 This is our last day on the trail. After an early breakfast we set out in cool and overcast conditions but at least it was dry. The trail today passed through many farms and we rode through many wetland areas where recent and extensive plantings have taken place. This seems to be a collaboration between sponsors, interested parties, service clubs, and of course the farmers. It just goes to show that when communities come together with a common goal then great things can happen.  We played leapfrog with our Australian friends today. We came together at a local viewing point called Elephant rocks but there was debate about which boulders actually resembled elephants but at least they were all gray!  On we went on this brilliant trail and then we came to one final obstacle, an old rail tunnel  it has a kink in the middle to the first part was pitch black, our limited torches got us through but we were all relieved to pass the kink and see light at the end to guide us t...
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Kurow to Duntroon 28km

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 Today could almost be classed as a rest day, only 28km over a well formed track with very little elevation. We all appeared from our rooms about 8 and set about a leisurely breakfast of cereals, toast and poached eggs, excellently cooked by Craig.  Craig had a new tyre delivered yesterday so we set about changing it. No drama and good as new. We hung around until nearly 10 as we knew the winery we were at yesterday was opening for coffee. The day was once again fine but the breeze was decidedly cool.  We enjoyed out coffee alfresco and played a couple of games of cornhole. Not sure exactly who won the honours but I think they were female. Craig and Gillian then decided on a friendly (sort of) game of Jenga. They both did extremely well but Gillian prevailed on the day.  So off we went on our arduous journey, the only stops of note were to remove clothing layers, make a minor adjustment to Gillians bike and to give way to family of Paradise ducks.  The main poin...
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Omarama to Kurow 76km

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 Right next door to our motel was the shearing shed cafe . It is obviously a tourist bus stop with a large and well stocked store full of quality merino clothing and kiwi memorabilia and souvenirs. There is also a large cafe which really delivered on the breakfast front. Great coffee, proper loose leaf tea and our meals were delicious. 1/2 big breakfast for Rick was massive, Robyn and I opted for the excellent whitebait omelette. First prize was Gillian’s pancakes, what a stack, covered in berries and fresh cream, delicious.  After a brief stop for Mark to buy new cycling gloves (don’t ask) we set off on the well formed trail adjacent to the road.  After some time we left the road and entered the area of the large reservoir lakes that feed the hydro stations. Absolutely breathtaking views and the trails were brilliant.  There was lots of climbing but the fast and flowing downhills more than compensated for the effort to get to the top.  We stopped often for phot...
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