Hitting the trail in an updated way
THERE is no horsing around on the Otago Goldfields Cavalcade’s Push Bike Trail.
Steeds of the cycle variety — rather than equine — were the preferred mode of transport, and cavalcader Derek Parsons was comfortable with that.
‘‘I’m probably happier on a bike — they’re easier to catch . . . and they don’t buck much,’’ he said yesterday.
The trail, led by Tim Hawkins, set off from Timburn Station yesterday on the way to Lake Hawea for the cavalcade finale on Saturday, amid the quintessential Central Otago high country landscape.
There were 37 on the trail, including ‘‘gophers’’.
Cycle and running trails have been recent additions to the cavalcade programme, which has traditionally been the domain of riders, wagoners and walkers.
On the Push Bike Trail, ebikes were welcomed and the focus was very much on the scenery and camaraderie.
The cycle route was mostly over high country and farm fourwheeldrive tracks.
Mr Parsons, who lives at Clarks Junction, fondly recalled the red Raleigh 20 bicycle he was given when he was about 7. Sixty years on, the bike was a bit flasher.
He had taken up cycling again about 20 years ago, and had competed in the Coast to Coast multisport race several times.
He signed up for the cavalcade ride as he was keen to meet new people.
Another aspect was the ‘‘compulsory’’ cycling — otherwise the bike might just sit unused in the shed, he said.
Now semiretired, he reckoned the key to a comfortable experience was padded pants, and also some ‘‘Butt Butter’’, which was appropriately produced in Wanaka.