7 October 2013

Trusts counting down to official opening of trails

Excitement is building as the countdown begins to the opening of the Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trail just three weeks away.

The Roxburgh Gorge Charitable Trust and Clutha Gold Charitable Trust have spent the past eight years working towards the opening of these exciting new community assets so it will be celebration time come Thursday 24 October when the trails will officially open.

“Cycling is a large part of the visitor experience for Central Otago, as well as a pastime, a passion and an integral part of the livelihood for many locals,” said Roxburgh Gorge Charitable Trust Chair Stephen Jeffery. “The Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold trusts are welcoming our community to come join us and invited guests on the day to mark this special milestone.”

The day’s festivities begin with breakfast at Monteiths Brewery Bar in Alexandra from 8am to celebrate the opening of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail. The cost of the breakfast is $40 which includes breakfast and each individual’s trail maintenance contribution. The Trails have been developed by volunteers and will be maintained into the future by volunteers, therefore each user will be asked to contribute to ensure the longevity of these wonderful community assets.

Following breakfast (at 9am) attendees will walk to the start of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail where Central Otago Mayor will cut the ribbon and those wishing to cycle the trail will set off. This first trail ride includes 22km of cycling and a 10km boat trip.

At midday the official opening of both the Clutha Gold and Roxburgh Gorge Trails will take place at Commissioner Flat at Roxburgh East, south of the dam.

At 12.35pm riders will depart for the first official ride of the Clutha Gold Trail to Lawrence and at 4.30pm those wishing to take a 5km spin on their bikes will set off from Evans Flat, destination Lawrence – site of the day’s third ribbon cutting.

Hon Bill English, Deputy PM and MP for Clutha/Southland, will cut the ribbon at the start of the Clutha Gold Trail in Lawrence and the formalities there will make way for a community BBQ at Simpson Park.

Rod Peirce, Chair of the Clutha Gold Charitable Trust, said the trails had been the collective vision of so many for so long, that opening day would mark the transition from a long-held “dream” to a reality.

“We know how special these trails are – the unique and stunning landscapes they are set in and the stories they have to tell. We now want to share this passion and let them be experienced by all who want to walk or ride them.”

To book your spot to take part in the opening day celebrations and rides contact:

For the breakfast at Monteiths in Alexandra: RSVP by Friday 18 October to the Alexandra i-SITE (03) 448 9515 or call in to purchase your ticket. Cost $40. Numbers are limited.

To join the first trail ride, which includes 22km of cycling and a 10km boat trip, you will need to book your boat at the Alexandra i-SITE (03) 448 9515. The cost of the boat ride is $35 per person.

Those requiring return transport after their ride should contact the Alexandra i-SITE to make bookings.

For the 5km Evans Flat to Lawrence ride, please register your intention to ride and pay your maintenance contribution at the Lawrence Information Centre (03) 485 9222.

Retail product associated to both trails will be available for cash sales on opening day.

ENDS

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