Lake Tennyson to Murchison via Rainbow.

February 15, 2025

I started on the Rainbow ride this morning at about 7. Being at about 1300 m it was a cool start but not cold. The road was super quiet and the surface was nice and i had a climb up 300 m straight away.

The views along the whole ride were beautiful. It was similar to the Molesworth stretch and equally as beautiful. After about an hour riding I passed another rider going to Hanmer and then a few more throughout the morning.

Eventually the road turned into a private road which was interesting because after 14 km I stopped at a toll booth which was just a hut with a friendly older guy collecting the $5 fee for bikes ($60 for cars).

After the toll the road was really nice with huge long shaded sections. Eventually it turned to pavement and I made really good time on that stretch and ended up in St. Arnaud by noon. That excited me because I was ready for some prepared food. I went to the lodge and got everything charging before ordering some fries and a pizza. That was a really nice break.

I then headed for Muchison on the highway that runs through town. IT was quiet and very fast with a tailwind. Eventually it dumped onto another highway that was much less pleasant with more traffic. They have these guardrails in sections which force you over. I always look for a clearing but even when you bust it sometimes a car goes roaring past.

I got off that road as soon as possible and followed the TA route towards Lake Rotoroa. That was a nice quiet paved road and I made it to the lake fairly quickly. I rode out on the dock thinking I might jump in but it was still too shallow. Then I went to the beach thinking I’d go in that way and the sand fleas were so hungrily eating me that I scratched the plan entirely.

Back on the route I looked up at the sign saying 35 km. That seemed daunting, especially another gravel climbing road. I set out and plugged away but the heat was intense (35 C today). I checked the elevation profile and saw that I just had to crest and then it would be all downhill to Murchison. I ate an entire bag of potato chips in a flash I was expending so much energy.

After cresting the surface soon switched to pavement but the wind countered some of the downhill. I made Murchison by 6, hit the 4-Square for resupply and found a nice family campground. This is a nice place to recharge with a shower and the convenience of a kitchen.

Tomorrow I’ll ride to Lyell and start day 1 of the Old Ghost Road.

Highlights:

-Rainbow riding was scenic and enjoyable

-lunch at the lodge in St. Arnaud

Distance: 148 km and 1654 m elevation gain

Today's ride: 148 km (92 miles)
Total: 1,781 km (1,106 miles)

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