Omarama to Kurow 76km


 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 photos and to just take in this scenery which is inaccessible by road. We then began a long descent until we arrived at the Benmore dam. A wonderful piece of engineering and great views from on top of it. 






We then descended to Lake Aviemore and stopped for a bite of lunch. 

The next 29km were all on a sealed road but we only saw 2 cars during this section. Unfortunately the wind became fresh and blowing right our faces so it became a bit of a slog. The E team got ourselves organised and took turns leading our little peloton to ease our passage. 

We arrived at the Aviemore dam and we then joined a well formed limestone cycle trail for the remaining 38km to Kurow. 

The wind was still against us so we were well pleased when we saw the sign announcing we had arrived. 

Our accommodation is in a converted woolshed on a working farm and was a further 4km out of town. Once again there were sighs of relief when we finally rolled in at about 3:30. 

We had very quick showers as we were due to be picked up at 4 to partake in a wine tasting at a lovely little boutique winery just down the road. It was a bit rushed but we soon relaxed enjoying our 6 glass platter of wine and a delicious platter of food. 

Ok

After a relaxing hour we were dropped back at the Woolshed and caught up on a bit of washing and relaxing until our 6;30 pickup for dinner at the Kurow hotel. 

Dinner was very nice, we all chose the blue cod and then shared a couple of  apple pie desserts. The pub itself was badly in need of an upgrade but it didn’t seem to bother the regular clientele who were clearly having a good night. The publican kindly dropped us back at the Woolshed. It will be an early night and as a bonus we can sleep in as we have a very short day tomorrow to Duntroon. 

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