At the top of the saddle before descent on Manuherikia.
Twizel was epic all round! With 18 people this was the largest away trip group we’ve had for a long time. We had multiple ride options each day so people could choose the most suitable ride for them. For most of us Twizel was new terrain, so we were up for an adventure to discover new tracks. We stayed in two perfect, comfortable holiday houses with double rooms or dorm rooms available. We had dinners together, a BBQ one night and a pub dinner another. It was good to socialise after our rides and meet some new people who I hadn’t met before in addition to the usual crew.
Traversing the ridgeline on the short loop of Manuherikia.
Day one: We split into 2 groups one did a shorter loop of the Manuherikia track and the other group a longer loop. Both groups were challenged by the formidable amount of uphill climbing and the distance! But it was worth it for the incredible views we got from the top, of snowcapped mountains, lakes and mt cook in the distance. The longer group did 38km of intermediate 4wd trails, 2520+m climbing and lots river crossings! I was very glad I did the also challenging shorter loop of 24+km 1260+m biking climbing plus another hour of pushing the bikes after that! we had definitely had enough of uphill, but when we reached the top and started traversing along the ridge the group mood changed, as found snow and had such fun drifting down making tracks through snow, while enjoying the best view I’ve ever had on a bike ride.
View from ridgeline of Manuherikia.
Day two: We split into 2 groups again and did Flanagans pass and the dusky trail. Everyone was rather sore from the previous day so we opted for a car shuttle on the flanagans pass for a shorter ride. Still 31km and 824m climbing was no mean feat, but again everyone was rewarded with spectacular views from the saddle. The dusky trail group took a wrong turn, so did a longer ride than expected but still had smiles on their faces at the end of their adventure.
Hopkins river valley on return.
Day 3: A smaller group of 7 of us who were still up for a ride did The Hopkins river valley up to monument hut and back. It was a chilled, flat, easy 4wd track, 18km of Scenic river valley riding. A lunch in the quaint little hut, then return the same way. A good finish to our trip then driving back to chch.
The clubs catchphrase “lifes not always uphill” was debated! But overall we all said they were all great rides with great views and company.
A trip the club will definitely be repeating.