The Hawea River Trail

It was another freezing morning as we assembled in the Main St of Wanaka for our day ride. The first section took us right along the edge of Lake Wanaka. The trail was quite technical and made even more difficult by the fact that we were riding directly into the rising sun.

The combination of narrow path, abrupt steep climbs and descents, and sun glare meant that one mistake could end up in disaster. The trail then followed the amazing Clutha Mata-Au River, apparently New Zealand's largest river by volume.

A picnic lunch by Lake Hawea was absolutely delightful. By this time the sunshine was warm and there was not a cloud to dot the blue sky. It is times like this that make these rides so memorable.

Another challenge we faced was crossing several narrow suspension bridges, high above racing glacial rivers. I had been doing quite well riding over these bridges, but the final one started playing a game with my mind. Once you take your eyes off the destination and start looking around, the nerves can really take over quickly.

About half way across the front wheel started to shake from side to side. My heart started thumping and I felt concerned that I was about to go over the edge. Somehow I gave myself a stern talking to, and managed to wobble all the way to the other side. It wasn't pretty.

We finished the ride about 3 pm. By that time the sun was really making its presence felt. It is so easy to sunburnt in these high altitudes and clean air.

Tomorrow we ride the famous Lake Dunstan Trail. This is the trail that includes sections of cantilevered path attached to the cliff faces. How will we go ? Time will tell.

Sorry no pictures due to the poor Internet.Read more