Lake Ohau to Omarama 67km

 We woke to fine but overcast conditions. Hugh and Dwayne, our hosts had prepared a fantastic breakfast for us, all the trimmings and all served on bone china and silver cutlery. Very posh.

 We signed the visitors book and prepared to leave, but as we were about to leave it began to rain so on with our raincoats. Hugh blew the “fuck off” trumpet and we were away. 

We made short work of the 6km back to Ohau Lodge into the wind and rain by travelling together and draughting an E bike. They have their uses!

We then began an 11km relentless uphill section, not really steep but as the rain eased we had to stop smartly to strip off before we overheated. We were very pleased to get to the top and the views were spectacular (again). Even though the clouds had descended over the mountains it made for a dramatic and moody scene.

 Then it was down down down. The first section was a bit tricky with a narrow path, loose rocks and switchbacks but it soon opened up to long straightaways where you could see far ahead. I’m not sure of our terminal velocity but it was probably as fast as I’ve ever been on a mountain bike. Yeehaa. We all made it down in fine style and I have to complement Robyn, she has come such a long way since we started this caper. 

The track levelled off a bit and we stopped after a while for something to eat at a picnic table near the site of an old woolshed beside a lovely fast flowing stream. Very pictureque and nice until the bloody sandflies decided they were hungry too!

Shortly after our flight from the sandflies the trail ended and we found ourselves on a gravel road. It was very well maintained with no corrugations and no deep gravel traps. All downhill so we absolutely caned it on this section. 

We then had a decision to make, continue 8km to Omararama or take a turn to the “Clay Cliffs”. A tourist attraction but adding 14km to our journey. One of our team was adamant it was a good idea to go so in the interests of team unity and with an undertaking that it wouldn’t turn into a race we went. 

At the carpark finally we trudged up the rough track to the windworn cliffs, it was all very nice but Cappadoccia it isn’t and I think the jury is out on whether the juice was worth the squeeze. 

So back on the gravel road for 7km and we then turned back onto sealed road for the final 8km. We noticed signs on the farmers fence advertising cold drinks, snacks and ice creams and sure enough we came to a small shack with an open sign. Some enterprising farmer erected this shed in the middle of nowhere, but on the cycle trail and campervan route to the clay cliffs. Inside were 3 vending machines and a coffee machine. Credit cards accepted, we were salivating at the thought of ice cream but the ice cream vending machine was out if order. I said “I wonder if we kick it, it might work”. Gillian took this literally and gave it a good thump only for me to point out the security camera watching our every move. 

So back on our bike and ice creamless we rode the last few km to our very nice motel. A hot shower, cup of tea and we felt refreshed. Our unit is furnished with a washer/drier so we can launder our dusty bike gear. 

Craig has noticed a bulge in his rear tyre which is a bit if a concern. There is a bike shop here, attached to one of the tour companies, they didn’t have a suitable tyre but put a patch in so hopefully that will hold. 

The next item on the itinerary was a hot tub experience. Very relaxing but most had to keep leaving the tub for an icy cold shower and repeating the cycle. Hopefully that is just the remedy for tired muscles. 

Then it was time for dinner pub meal at the local watering hole Rick ordered the short rib which looked like it came out of a Flintstones episode, it was huge but he ate it all like a good un.

A fine day once again, this trip is a goodie.