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Bikes 'n' Beer - Beervet 2020

19 October 2020

Images: Tony Hutcheson, Odin Woods, Scott Emmens & Dom Blissett
Intro: Guy Wynn-Williams

Fifteen blokes on tour; varying interpretations of gravel-appropriate bikes; endless ruminations on tyre width; progress measured in pubs and pints; and cols marked with a wee dram. What could possibly go wrong? As it transpires, absolutely nothing.

Beervet 2020 is the second edition of Tony Hutcheson’s mash up of two of his favourite things - beer and bikes, with side servings of single malt and singletrack.

This year's Beervet celebrated Central Otago’s excellent riding, massive Grahame Sydney vistas, and commensurate hospitality.

The Hawkdun Range. Photo: Tony Hutcheson

Southern hospitality with a twist. Photos: Tony Hutcheson

We kicked off in Alexandra; whipped along the Otago Central Rail Trail; crossed Danseys Pass into the Waitaki; ambled up the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail to Omarama; climbed Little Omarama Saddle back to the Maniototo; cruised the OCRT a second time; explored the iconic hinterland around Manorburn Reservoir; before a final flourish down the Clock Face trails into Alexandra.

Highlights

The #notanevent goodie bag with enamel tumbler, brass bell, mini dry bag, Beervet t-shirt, stickers and a can of IPA.
Splendid food & lodgings at Dansey's Pass and Blacks Hotel Ophir.
A chilly post-breakfast climb over Dansey's Pass.
The return crossing via Little Omarama Saddle with stunning views of Lake Ohau and Aoraki to the north. Whisky slushies at the top. And a stonking nor' west tailwind that propelled us down and out (like George Orwell in Paris and London).
The 'per diem' beer allowance on the two days that pubs were scarce.
Olde world vibe at Gilchrist Store in Oturehua.
Tony's magnificent organisation and constant ebullience.

Bling and beer. Photos: Scott Emmens

Note that despite delusions and representations to the contrary, Beervet is not an event - just a bunch of loosely organised mates out for a ride. Aotearoa is brimming with cruisy cycle trails, farm roads and singletrack. Opportunities abound to conjure up your own lightweight, self-supported, multi-day itinerary based around suitable lodgings and victualling establishments. Grab a copy of Classic NZ Cycle Trails for inspiration.