Two Otago cycle trails have received a boost from the government’s $7.1 million fund to upgrade Great Rides cycle trails around the country. Central Otago Clutha Trails would get up to $1m towards completing the gap between Alexandra and Roxburgh. Work began last year on the last 12km of trail was expected to be completed in February. The completed 33km trail would allow people to cycle between the two towns. Until then cyclists have to either travel by road or down the Clutha/Mata Au river by jetboat to connect back on to the trail. The new section would primarily follow existing farm tracks, rising above the lake edge on to natural terraces. That alignment allowed the trail to be shaped around important heritage, geological and ecological features, preserving the unique character of the gorge. It would be out of sight and sound of SH8. The Otago Central Rail Trail was given up to $302,000 for track restoration.…