Ferry delayed = bonus holiday
Charming Creek
Date: 13 March 2023
Grade: 2
While staying up at Seddonville in the very charming ex-school camping ground so we could do the first section of the Old Ghost Rd, we decided to see if we could bike the Charming Creek Walkway. Unfortunately the bike track was washed out too much at one stream so we walked the rest, probably for the best because the track is very rough with old sleepers all the way.
Max elevation: 256 m
Min elevation: 9 m
Total climbing: 636 m
Total descent: -637 m
Total time: 10:31:37
Old Ghost Rd | Seddonville – Forks Hut
Date: 14 March 2023
Grade: 3/4
I’ve often thought the OGR was not my cup of tea and this ride, through the section rated “easy” by the real heroes who do this track, proves me right. As I may have mentioned, I don’t really enjoy Grade 4, so while the scenery might be great, who would know because you have to concentrate so hard on staying alive.
A bonus was meeting Maddy, a fellow travelling biker who was staying at the wonderful Gentle Annie camping ground further down the road, and who posted a request while we were setting up camp that if anyone was contemplating doing this ride in the next day or so to please get in touch. So we did and it was great
Max elevation: 179 m
Min elevation: 16 m
Total climbing: 1152 m
Total descent: -1145 m
Total time: 07:28:01
Oparara
Date: 18 Mar 2023
Grade: 2/3
There’s been a bit of a buzz about the Oparara Arches over the last few years. When we were up this way 25 – 30 years ago we heard about the caves from a local who told us where to go and I don’t recall there being any signposts or DOC safety fences anywhere, but I will always remember having to duck as 3 or 4 whio flew close over over us. It’s a bit more organised now, with a information centre and signposts but it’s not really that accessible. The 15km, 400m climb then 200m down again is single lane and very rough, no motor homes allowed, and it won’t ever get crowded as long as they keep it that way. And they will because of the Honeycomb Tunnels here which are seriously protected.
I was impressed by the sign at the bottom of the hill where we had to park the Egg which threatened dog owners with a $100,000 fine for bringing a dog in, even inside your car. Mostly they threaten $200, or even $800.
And it’s a lovely ride through recovering bush, with a lovely short walks to unspoilt caves and a lot of very gratifying comments from the hardy souls who had driven along the road and were seriously impressed by our athleticism.
Max elevation: 428 m
Min elevation: 16 m
Total climbing: 965 m
Total descent: -964 m
Total time: 05:46:30
Heaphy Track
Date: 19 March 2023
A stroll 6km up and back on a beautiful day