A group of 13 local cyclists aged between 60 and 70 are tackling the 315 km alps to ocean (A20) trail, having started yesterday (Thursday December 1).

Retired former head of the criminal investigation branch (CIB) of NZ Police in Otago Stephen (Steve) McGregor said his group of fellow riders were “90 per cent retired” but they were not likely to be found lazing around.

“In the last month we’ve been on a ride every second day, 40 or 50 km some days.”

The group has done the Lake Dunstan trail at least a dozen times, along with the river track to Doctor’s Point and lots of other rides on varied terrain around Central and Queenstown to prepare for the A20.

Steve said life does not stop just because you have finished working. 

“You’re a long time dead… so you’ve got to get out and do these things.

“Without a doubt the hardest thing will be on the bottom.”

Steve said group members had varying levels of fitness but all are experienced riders with their own tried and tested gear.

Steve and his wife Jill, a retired deputy principal, value the social aspects of cycling.

“E-bikes are the best invention…. We will be taking our time, soaking it in and enjoying what we are doing.

“[Saddled and addled] is a social group as well, we enjoy the ‘apres ski’ so to speak.”

The biggest days on the trail are the first (Aoraki to Twizel) and last day (Kurow to Oamaru) at 75 km and 81 km respectively.

The A2O trail is coarse gravel in parts. This is the section near Otamatapaio stream, where there was a washout in September

Their fluoro yellow t-shirts are a good opener for conversation when they refuel with coffee, and feature their team name ‘Saddled… and addled.”

Eleven of the group are based in Central, living in Clyde’s Sunderland Estate or across the Mata-au (Clutha) River in Earnscleugh. The final two members are friends joining them from Dunedin.

 The group is facing five days on the road, “day after day” in the saddle, and Steve said their fingers are crossed for good weather.

Mobile phone coverage is present for most of the journey. The ‘breakdown’ support offered by the trail provider they booked with is giving the group peace of mind if a mechanical issue occurs beyond their repair skills.

Find out more about the A20 Cycle Trail here.

Have you got an inspiring story of making the most of Central’s outdoors? Share it with our reporters - email [email protected]