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Published: March 15th 2014
Last night the 10 of us met at our Motel in Twizel (The Chalets), some of us having travelled from afar - us from New Plymouth to Christchurch by plane and then car to Twizel. All of our group are Nelsonians - 2 from Nelson, the rest from the Ruby Coast, Tasman.
This morning we all met at the Cycle Journey's office just along the street where our bikes were loaded onto a trailer and we piled into a mini-bus driven by Eaven. From Twizel we were transported up the northern side of Lake Pukaki to Jollies Car Park which is 12km beyond Braemar Station and right beside Mt Cook Station. The morning was cold and foggy but very calm. We broke out of the cloud near the top of the lake to a most fantastic sight - the Alps were out in all their splendour, the lake was calm and aqua, and not a cloud to be seen. Nine of us decided to ride from here with Joyce opting to start from the Braemar Station. The ride up the far end of the lake was often through wilding pines but there were clear views out over the entire Pukaki
On the road below Braemar Station
All on the road and you have to watch out for loose gravel, dust and rocks.Basin. The cloud burned off as the day wore on and that also brought the sun and warmth.
The trail was on the road all the way until nearly back at the bottom of the lake. It is all rough gravel road and some is very rough indeed. The gravel can be loose and the rocks quite large in places. Add to that huge trucks with billowing dust and it wasn't always pleasant. But, no one could deny the amazing scenery. It has to be some of the best in the world. Just stunning - gorgeous colours, the aqua lake, snow covered mountains, tussock flatlands and typical glacial features. It is impossible to describe in it's actual glory.
I should mention that the big trucks were there because they were carting rocks to fix the dam at the bottom of the lake. They would come thundering through but slow right down when they met us to try and keep the dust down.
The constant pushing against the gravel and rolling hills for km after km soon took it's toll and I got sore thighs. These soon settled after some stretches and a rest. When we got onto
The farmer from Braemar Station
The friendly farmer and his dogs from the Station the actual bike path it made all the difference. Much easier.
We gathered again at the Information Centre and after a look around continued on our way.
From here we had to leave the spectacular scenery and head across the McKenzie Basin where it was barren and desert like - dry, tussock, rocky and hot. We had 10 kms of this to do. This part was on what appeared to be a farm track which was very rough and not made as a bike trail. However, it took us to different terrain and wasn't on the road.
We arrived in Twizel hot and dusty having covered 60kms of incredible scenery. It wasn't an easy ride and we did split up and bike at a pace that suited each person. The object was to enjoy the day. We have been so incredibly lucky with the weather. It could not have been more perfect if it tried.
The day finished with a good relaxing cleanup and drinks and nibbles outside before heading off to a Thai Restaurant for dinner.
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