Meeting another rider at ten, we were up and away markedly earlier. Up Guffies Creek promised nine water crossings, I was pleased they were all dry-feet rideable as the sun hadn’t quite made it to the valley floor yet. Over the last one and the track reared steeply for the climb to Buster Diggings. Either well rested, or finally getting a bit stronger again, or both, I was pleased to ride the whole thing and pottered on looking at Long Spur – scheming more rides again.

Back down to the track along Guffies Creek.

The morning sun on the diggings (alluvial gold mining from 150-odd years ago, I’ve heard the highest gold mining site in NZ) was striking. I had a bit of time to wander, and then clamber

Mt Kyeburn on left, soon…

A short distance along our trail is Buster Hut. We could have easily made it here the previous afternoon, but it is tiny (someone would have been on the floor, blocking the doorway) and Tailings Hut was nice. That is, until we were woken by bogans 4WDing in at eleven o’clock; they did apologise for waking us, and then proceeded to talk loudly for hours. Earplugs did at least mean I missed the rich colour of the language.

Over the Maniototo to the Rock and Pillar Range. Naseby, one of my current homes, in those pines right.

Across more diggings to yesterday’s big descent to the Otematata and the Southern Alps in the background.

Starting our ascent of Mt Kyeburn quickly opened up more views and tracks to ponder. Memories of skinning up here and hurtling back down (skiing down a 4WD track doesn’t give many opportunities to turn, may as well just pin it – incredible fun) and a day-ride a few summers ago. I remembered riding the whole climb relatively unloaded, so I was pleased I could clear it while loaded.

It wasn’t straightforward.

Coastal cloud. Hopefully that would burn off by the time we went over the pass.

From the top of the track.

Andy’s photo.

Time was a bit tight for our rendezvous, but I was adamant I was clambering the final little section to the summit. I think it was worth it.

Down to the Kye Burn, Danseys Pass road across the centre, our track down coming in from the left.

I think we were all pleased we got to the top. Another of Andy’s.

Time to drop eight hundred metres in no time. A complete screamer of a descent. I’m surprised I even got this photo. Again, I refer you to Andy’s excellent record of me having too much fun on a rigid, loaded bike.

I guess that’s the bottom and I can take another photo.

A short grovel and we were on the road rolling five kilometres to the pub. Unfathomably, it was closed late on a Saturday morning in the height of holiday season. Disappointing, I was looking forward to a big brunch. We met Rob, and best-sister made it from Naseby too. Thankfully with a whole tray of freshly baked brownie (which seems to be the stuff of legend, according to Andy, who was most pleased to see this trail angel when coming off the Hawkduns dry back in TTW) and some delicious Otago summer fruit. Unashamedly, we devoured it all. Goodbyes said, I’d be back in Naseby late afternoon, we were off up the pass – fuelled by brownie. Thanks Adele.

Pass crested, a short whizz downhill to this which I’d often wondered about:

Andy had somehow managed arrange access for us through about twenty kilometres of private farmland.

Looks like Rob joined us for the flattest part of the trip! Trying to find the correct track to follow the river.

The ride out was engaging and I really liked it. Dusty farm track with lots of little climbs, there was plenty of grass and the cattle looked really healthy – we got a good look at them as it took ages to get them off the track in front of us.

There was even a wee gorge to rise above.

Out of the farm, and it was twenty kilometres of flat back to our cars. Andy had done such a good job of organising the weather on this trip that even the most tedious section of the Alps2Ocean had a slight tailwind. Into town and straight to get a cone of ice cream and marvel at a fantastic four days of riding. I’ve not had many better – absolutely loved it, can’t believe all that we saw in such a small loop (ninety kilometres across) so close to home. Thanks to Andy for organising, Rachel for thinking to invite me along and both for being such excellent company. When’s the next one?