The opening of the Lake Dunstan Trail this summer is a milestone for recreational cyclists and commuters and bike specialists, Bike It Now!, anticipate significant spinoffs for the Central Otago region.

Co-owner of the Clyde and Cromwell based store Duncan Randall says the opening of the first stage of the trail from Smith’s Way to Cornish Point has been eagerly awaited with the new route offering a range of opportunities.

“Local people have been very excited about the progress on the 52-kilometre trail which will eventually connect Clyde and Cromwell and we expect a lot more interest in bike hire from visitors to the region during summer.”

Duncan says while the trail, which is part of the proposed Central Otago Queenstown Trail Network, will provide a fresh option for cyclists riding for fitness and leisure it is also ideal for commuting.

“Rather than people driving their cars to work from some areas like Pisa Moorings they can jump on their bikes. With the trail surface completed to cycle trail standard if offers a very nice commute in and out of Cromwell or Clyde.”

He says the launch of the Lake Dunstan Trail is excellent for business in the region.

“Accommodation, tourist ventures and bike hire and servicing will all benefit so everyone is a winner.”

Bike It Now! which has operated from its base in Clyde for six years recently expanded into Cromwell where there has been an increasing demand for the company to set up shop.

“We already had a strong database of Cromwell clients in Clyde and it was only a matter of time before we opened a store there,” says Duncan. “Our business model of a retail store combined with a workshop is working well in Cromwell and it is also a pickup and drop off centre for bike rental.”

Duncan says the company’s tagline – it’s all about you – is an important philosophy for both stores.

“Our clients come first and we are committed to providing an all-round service to our regular customers and visitors to the region. We feel that by opening our Cromwell outlet we are further supporting the tourist industry and enhancing existing services.”

The Clyde and Cromwell stores complement each other well, according to Duncan.

“We like to think of Cromwell as an extension of our Clyde store – same company, same people, same product, same services.”

Bike It Now! stocks leading brands of both manual and e- bikes and is known as Central Otago’s e- bike specialist.

“We offer Trek, Scott, Avanti, Merida and Sinch bikes in Clyde and have recently added Specialized to the Cromwell Store which is a very strong brand, particularly for e-bikes, which is such a growing market.”