Day 34 - Otago Central Rail Trail (Part I)

We three started the day in Cromwell. Last night, I inspected my bike with Bryan, who confessed to me that he would have liked to become a bicycle mechanic. We suspected a small breakage in the frame or the rear sprocket of the gears due to the noises when riding. Fortunately, we could rule out a frame breakage. There was nothing to be found. Therefore, we headed to a bike shop recommended by locals in Clyde. That was about 30 kilometers through the Clutha Rivers valley. Impressive rock formations gave us a first taste of the Otago Central Rail Trail. Unfortunately, the owner of the bike shop couldn't determine anything specific. Using a special key, he tightened the pedals and the crank. He said the chain had too much play and the cracking sound might come from the rear axle or the gears. He would have to take a closer look, but the wait for an appointment was 10 days! He couldn't guarantee anything, but he said my planned route for the coming days should be doable by bike. Since it has been sounding like this for a while, we continued. At the end of the town Clyde, the 152 kilometers to Middlemarch began. The trail crosses a pass at an elevation of about 620 meters. This trail is considered particularly beautiful and is fairly easy to ride. We rode about 30 kilometers on the trail to Omakau. This is where we stopped for the day. I used the evening to plan my next days. I booked a shuttle from Middlemarch back to Cromwell and then further to Lake Tekapo. From there, I want to ride the Alps to Ocean trail. The shuttle was only available the day after tomorrow. I agreed. This meant that tomorrow I have to ride about 125 kilometers through desert-like terrain. Unfortunately, this will be where my path and the nice couple Paula and Bryan's paths will part, as they want to take more time for the route. As a farewell gift, Bryan gave me a pin from the state of 'New Mexico' and they both reiterated their invitation to the USA.