This morning was the first time packing and loading the bike this tour, but it was all done by 8am, and I set of for the railway station, just a few minutes cycling away. The bike felt very heavy, but after a few days riding I’ll get used to it.

There’s a handy café across the road from the station, and it was one of the few operating early on a Sunday morning. It’s a funny thing but when you order a cappuccino, they ask if you want chocolate or cinnamon spinkles.

At the station the bike and gear was quickly loaded into the goods van, and we were soon on our way. The ride through the Taieri Gorge is indeed spectacular, and the railroad is an engineering marvel. Reaching Middlemarch there were many cyclists in the street – some arriving to meet the train, other about to depart on the rail trail.  I was surprised to see so many this early in the season.

The local pub was just across the road from the station, and seemed a likely place to spend the night. In no time at all I was settled into a homely room – country pub style, cheap and cheerful.

So tomorrow will be first day on the bike. I’m undecided whether to take the rail trail or stick to the road. I’ll give it a try over a short section to see how the bike handles it. If it too rough, I’ll take the road instead.

Dunedin Railway Station

Taieri Gorge

End of the railroad...