Touring the South by pedal power

Riders in the Catlins Great Escape bike journey during the Owaka to Purakaunui Falls leg of the...
Riders in the Catlins Great Escape bike journey during the Owaka to Purakaunui Falls leg of the two-day event. Photo by Helena de Reus.
More than 80 cyclists escaped to the Catlins over the weekend to take part in a two-day biking event through some of the area's best scenery.

The event covered 160kmfrom the Nugget Point lighthouse to the Waipapa Point lighthouse.

Tourism Catlins project co-ordinator Kim Dodds said the event was a "sell-out" with 86 riders from Otago, Southland and as far north as Christchurch taking part.

"We've had perfect weather, beautiful scenery, and a great wildlife tour. It's been a challenging event for some people, while others enjoyed a faster pace."

Mrs Dodds said two women from Oamaru decided to try the Catlins event after spending two days last week on the Central Otago rail trail.

The event attracted a range of people, with some cyclists in their 70s taking part in the ride.

The first day of the journey covered Nugget Point to Cannibal Bay, Owaka, Purakaunui Falls, and Florence Hill before finishing at Tautuku where the day ended with a dinner and function at the Tautuku Outdoor Education Centre.

The second day took riders through the Catlins Coastal Rainforest, along the Southern Scenic Route to Waikawa and Curio Bay before ending at the Waipapa Point lighthouse and a prizegiving at Tokanui Tavern.

- helena.dereus@odt.co.nz

 

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