This article by David Wall appeared in Adventure magazine, Issue 81, Feb-Mar 1997, pp. 49-50.
It describes The Great NZ Rail Trail Challenge, a duathlon event that took place in 1996
between Ranfurly and Middlemarch. Reproduced with permission.

THE GREAT NZ RAIL TRAIL CHALLENGE

by David Wall

Nearly a century after it first opened to steam trains, another section of the Otago Central Rail Trail (OCRT) – from Daisybank (Carey's Crossing) to Ranfurly – opened to mountain bikers, walkers and horse riders.

To mark the occasion, the Great New Zealand Rail Trail Challenge was held between the refurbished Ranfurly and Middlemarch railway stations on November 30, 1996. The event attracted 127 competitors (individuals and teams) and came into being through the efforts of organiser Bill Theyers, local communities and businesses.

The event began with a 25 km mountain bike ride along the new section of rail trail, followed by an 11km run down the Upper Taieri Gorge, which included Prices Creek Viaduct. At 90 m long and over 30 m high, the viaduct dwarfed runners and is perhaps one of the country's most impressive foot/cycle bridge. Shortly after the viaduct, some runners had problems adjusting to the dim light within Prices Creek Tunnel.

The historic gold mining town of Hyde was the change-over point between the run and the final 25 km cycle section. An air of decay hangs over the quaint town, with an old disused petrol pump in the main street beside what was formerly the old Otago Central Hotel. Two kilometres down the track, competitors cycled along the old Hyde railway station platform, past manual switch levers that had switched for the last time. Several wagons stood rusting in the sidings with nowhere to go.

The track continued towards Middlemarch, with over a dozen bridges crossing streams flowing off the Rock and Pillar Range. On the far side of the plain was the similar looking Taieri Ridge – fold after fold of barren, tussock covered hills.

First rider into Middlemarch after leading from the start was Dutchman Nico Weerkamp in a time of 2:16. Three minutes behind in second place was Dave Rowlands of Dunedin.

For recreational users, the Middlemarch end of the trail is connected to Dunedin by the Taieri Gorge train (which carries mountain bikes free).

The OCRT Charitable Trust is working with DOC on completing the trail and improving the track by grading, gravelling, installing toilets and erecting signs with points of interest and distances. The trail is perfect for cycle touring (no cars and no steep hills), passing through a scenic area steeped in history. It connects many old gold mining towns, passes old sod and stone cottages and several historic pubs – many still in use.

It is hoped that the final section of the OCRT, including two tunnels, a large bridge, a viaduct and the Poolburn Gorge will be opened mid-1997. To celebrate, organisers are looking at running a mountain bike race over the rail trail's entire 155km length – perhaps in conjunction with Otago's 1998 anniversary celebrations (150 years since settlers landed in Otago). The event may be run in two tiers-a two-day race for families and recreational riders and a one day race for elite competitors. Keep an eye on Adventure for details.

RESULTS

Individual
1 Nico Weerkamp, Netherlands 2:16;
2 Dave Rowlands, Dunedin, 2:19;
3 Neil Sutherland, Dunedin (no time recorded).

Teams
1 Paul Baskett, Ian Paulin, Duanne Coughlan, Dunedin, 2:20.

The Otago Central Rail Trail follows the former railway line from Middlemarch to Clyde and was also featured in Adventure's Dec '95–Jan '96 issue. Since that article, two more sections of the trail have been officially opened.

Looking for a great photo? Try www.davidwallphoto.com.
If you would like to subscribe to Adventure, go to www.pacificmedia.co.nz.

Dave & Donna Thomson · Mold St · Middlemarch · Central Otago · New Zealand
Tel: +64 3 464 3355 · Fax: +64 3 464 3322 · Email: info@railtrail.co.nz

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