Project leaders announced the Lawrence to Milton section of the Clutha Gold Trail extension would be navigable before Christmas, and several riders were out enjoying the 37km stretch in bright sunshine yesterday.
Pausing their ride to take in the historic Waitahuna Railway Station with their husbands yesterday morning were sisters Annette Kvick, of Alexandra, and Janet Leith, of Blenheim.
Describing themselves as an intermediate-advanced group of riders, the foursome said they were impressed with the trail.
Mrs Kvick said it compared favourably with the 40km Lake Dunstan Trail between Clyde and Cromwell.
"The surface is excellent, and the route has plenty of variety, much of it away from the road.
"Whereas the Dunstan Trail can be a bit of a challenge for novice cyclists, this would be perfect for anyone, including families.
"We’re very impressed."
She said the group — which departed Lawrence at 10.30am — expected to arrive in Milton for lunch, before returning to Lawrence in the afternoon.
"We’re just going to take it as it comes. It’s an adventure."
The extension to the new trail will run for 63km and terminate in Waihola, from where it is hoped it may eventually link to Dunedin, and further trails.
Earlier this month, project spokesman Murray Paterson said an anticipated March completion date for the remainder of the extension had been put back until next summer.
When completed, it will allow people to ride from Roxburgh to Waihola — a distance of 136km — and also provide links to further Central Otago trails.
"We’ve experienced some supply chain issues with materials, and some technical difficulties with boardwalks on the way to Waihola, but we’re confident everything will fall into place."
The final cost of the extension could be about $12 million, Mr Paterson said.
