Lost The Tracks - Otago Central Rail Trail

It's a big day. Obviously, this can be run in either direction and both have equal merit. However, it is probably worth checking the weather forecast for wind as the Nor'wester can really get strong and may make an east-west run rather troublesome.

As a supported run, there are plenty of places for crew to come and visit, refuel, refresh and push you back out on track. The longest section with out access is about 13-15km. Unsupported is possible also with many small towns along the way, however, in summer be prepared to support local businesses and pay for water refills as it's a desert out there and water doesn't come easy.

In the 'off' season (winter) many of the small towns effectively close down, so it's worth phoning ahead if you are wanting to rely on shops or cafes etc.

The surface is pretty uniform, not much variety, it's well packed gravel the whole way. You don't need your deep tread mud shoes here, but a little cushioning goes well. The hills are gradual, both up and down, so much so that they pretty much feel flat... until late in the day! There are long flat and straight sections, remember it was a train alignment. However, there is generally always something new to look at, there are definitive milestones (literal and figurative) which come and go keeping things interesting.

It's worth noting that the milestones placed at kilometre intervals don't start from Middlemarch, they start some 62km further downstream, so don't be surprised if they don't match your 'kms to go'!

Spring and Autumn are probably best, with summer being brutally hot and dry and winter having a panache for frost fogs that last for weeks and don't let the temperature get above -3 degrees. There are definitely options to do it over a couple of days, but it's clearly possible in one push.