Plain, hills and sea in a loop

Today you'll explore a hidden valley and visit a peaceful fishing port before climbing back into the coastal hills and enjoying a spectacular swoop down to the Taieri Plain on your return to Waihola.

Waihola to Taieri Mouth, Kuri Bush and return
Distance: 41km (Tuffnut option through Taieri Gorge)
Climbs: 240m, 100m and 120m.
Estimated riding time: 3 hours without stops.

Park your car in Waihola village and ride east (seawards) on the street beside the Challenge service station.

Turn right into Goodwin St then left on to Finlayson Rd and head out of town.

At first, the sealed road climbs gradually before becoming a serious climb. As you near the top of the hill, you'll be rewarded with a great view if you take a rest and look back.

As you climb, watch out on your right for Taieri Beach Rd.

Here, turn right and take the left-hand road (not the one which leads up the hill to the right).

Taieri Beach Rd takes you down into a deserted valley and eventually the road starts climbing. At the top, you'll start catching glimpses of the Pacific Ocean as you pedal through forested areas and farmland.

When you reach the main road, turn left and head down to Taieri Mouth, a good place for lunch or at least a break and a paddle if it's hot.

You've knocked off 18km once you reach the bridge.

If you are feeling masochistic or super-fit and want to take the tough river track back to Waihola, turn left on to Riverside Rd just before the bridge and ride past the cribs above the bridge then take the Taieri River track.

This can be testing for the mountain biker, but eventually you will reach the better Millennium Track and have an easier ride out to Henley before you head south back to Waihola.

If you opt for the longer but easier road route, cross the bridge and head north on the main road.

About 4km after the bridge, turn left on to Otokia Kuri Bush Rd and set off on an undulating back-roads pedal.

The views are great, though! Eventually, you'll be able to gaze down to the Taieri River far below and also out to sea.

After 8km of ups and downs, you'll reach Christies Gully Rd.

From here, you can see out to the Taieri Plain and Lake Waipori before tackling the exciting downhill on Christies Gully Rd.

When you reach Henley Rd, turn left and ride south beside the placid Taieri River, crossing the bridge and continuing on to the State Highway 1 crossing.

Take care here.

On the other side, cruise along beside the main trunk railway line until you arrive back in Waihola after your 41km ride.

Waihola has a pub, a cafe and a store, so you've got several post-ride refreshment options.

•To find out what the AOK Social Riders are up to, Google MTB Otago and go to "forum", then "AOK Social Riders".

All riders are welcome to join the Dunedin-based Saturday afternoon rides.