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	<title>The personal blog of Paul Petch </title>
	
	<link>http://www.paulpetch.com</link>
	<description>Established in 2007 www.paulpetch.com is a blog style website that includes gear reviews, personal talk on cycling, running, design, photography &amp; random geekness.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sat, 24 Jul 2010 23:04:24 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Snowboarding and climbing at Porters Pass</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/co/AjlA/~3/dhMVvGMpINQ/</link>
		<comments>http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jul 2010 23:04:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Paul</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Runs & Walks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[arthurs pass]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[climing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[porters pass]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scree]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[snow boarding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stupidity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[walking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.paulpetch.com/?p=9052</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Spence and Ben headed off to snowboard and ski at Porters Pass in Arthur&#8217;s Pass yesterday so I tagged along. I had plans to do some walks so took a heavy pack and walking poles. Once we got there I discovered that I could hire some gear and do some snowboarding lessons so that was [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/10/25/the-poulter-valley-track/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Poulter Valley Track &#8211; Arthur’s Pass National Park'>The Poulter Valley Track &#8211; Arthur’s Pass National Park</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/11/bealey-spur-tramp-arthurs-pass/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Birthday bash at the Bealey Spur'>Birthday bash at the Bealey Spur</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/05/01/last-of-the-summer-mountain-biking-craigieburn/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Last of the summer mountain biking &#8211; Craigieburn'>Last of the summer mountain biking &#8211; Craigieburn</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/me.jpg" alt="Porters Pass Climb" /></p>
<p>Spence and Ben headed off to snowboard and ski at Porters Pass in Arthur&#8217;s Pass yesterday so I tagged along. I had plans to do some walks so took a heavy pack and walking poles. Once we got there I discovered that I could hire some gear and do some snowboarding lessons so that was that! I opted for a 2 hr session with an instructor and small group. I had skied before when in my teens, but the boarding was something else! My arse now hates me :D <span id="more-9052"></span></p>
<p>I kind of picked it up quickly though considering I&#8217;ve not been on the snow since childhood, and after the two hours I was &#8220;doing ok&#8221; and able to do some turns. I could have done with an extra few hours of instruction though. Come lunchtime the lure of hot food and coffee was enough to pull me away from the slope and after meeting up with the guys for food I went for my planned walk while they headed back up on the ski lift. I&#8217;m keen to do more snowboarding if it works out for the rest of the season as It was a lot of fun (read if I can get there!). So let&#8217;s see.</p>
<p>I chose a ridge high up the mountain just to the left of the main ski field and just walked up the snow covered scree. I just had to get up the top after being on the lower slope all afternoon to see the views.  But 1/4 the way up I seriously re-considered the plan! It was really hard going with the pack and the snow was like walking on marshmallow. Thankfully I kept on walking though and the view from the ridge was just amazing. It really did feel like I was on top of the world! It took 1.5 hrs to climb up and 20 minutes to get down!! And boy it was fun running down the steep scree! Once again&#8230;I would have not made it without the poles&#8230;..what a life saver! And what a day!</p>
<p>Anyway, here is a video of my walk and some photos. What a beauty.</p>
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<p><a href="http://vimeo.com/13599143">Porters Pass Walk &#8211; Arthur&#8217;s Pass</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3300133">www.paulpetch.com</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4823334574_4881299087_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4823334574_4881299087_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4823334016_a2d2df13a4_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4823334016_a2d2df13a4_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4823331080_e630a49f09_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4823331080_e630a49f09_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4823330526_9bcb676b9b_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4823330526_9bcb676b9b_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4823329068_32b800e37d_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4823329068_32b800e37d_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4823327624_31904c2f7e_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4823327624_31904c2f7e_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4823327016_99c2854b17_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4823327016_99c2854b17_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4823324948_639b575079_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4823324948_639b575079_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4823323574_5d9947dfbb_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4823323574_5d9947dfbb_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4823322852_4fd512a939_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4823322852_4fd512a939_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4823280056_df15af78a0_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4823280056_df15af78a0_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4822719445_a587f6fa27_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4822719445_a587f6fa27_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4822718835_d87c66c09c_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4822718835_d87c66c09c_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4822716377_c83ae56282_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4822716377_c83ae56282_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4822715129_5657b7432a_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4822715129_5657b7432a_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4822711851_a2674264d4_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4822711851_a2674264d4_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4822709109_8ae016e396_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4822709109_8ae016e396_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4822707665_076615e93a_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4822707665_076615e93a_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4822664937_ddc4c4179c_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4822664937_ddc4c4179c_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/25/snowboarding-and-climbing-at-porters-pass/4822664211_62430e5f93_b/' title='Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4822664211_62430e5f93_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" title="Porters Pass- Arthur&#039;s Pass" /></a>



<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/10/25/the-poulter-valley-track/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Poulter Valley Track &#8211; Arthur’s Pass National Park'>The Poulter Valley Track &#8211; Arthur’s Pass National Park</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/11/bealey-spur-tramp-arthurs-pass/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Birthday bash at the Bealey Spur'>Birthday bash at the Bealey Spur</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/05/01/last-of-the-summer-mountain-biking-craigieburn/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Last of the summer mountain biking &#8211; Craigieburn'>Last of the summer mountain biking &#8211; Craigieburn</a></li>
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		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/co/AjlA/~3/N7qtgakmavo/</link>
		<comments>http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/21/riding-the-long-white-cloud/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Jul 2010 04:22:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Paul</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Video]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cycle tour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[inspiration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new zealand]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.paulpetch.com/?p=9037</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Riding The Long White Cloud &#8211; Trailer from friendlyfire on Vimeo. Pinched from MWG Related posts:This is why&#8230;. Camelbak Cloud Walker back pack review Life is Complicated. Sport is Simple


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</ol>]]></description>
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<p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10193420">Riding The Long White Cloud &#8211; Trailer</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3385792">friendlyfire</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://mwg.com.au/wordpress/" target="_blank">Pinched from MWG</a></p>


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		<pubDate>Sun, 18 Jul 2010 22:36:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Paul</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Runs & Walks]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[wharfedale track]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Jane and I headed to the Wharfedale track today and opted for the Saddle return or 3hrs- which ever came first. It felt odd being on foot as I&#8217;ve only ever been there on bike- but once warmed up the tracks gradient was very pleasant. There was snow along most parts towards the saddle and [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/07/19/trail-running-in-the-port-hills-lessons-learnt/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Trail running in the Port Hills – lessons learnt'>Trail running in the Port Hills – lessons learnt</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/10/18/port-hills-crater-rim-30km-trail-run/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Port Hills Crater Rim 30KM trail run'>Port Hills Crater Rim 30KM trail run</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/07/11/sbs-marathon-to-kepler-challenge/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Half marathon to ultra trail in 6 months'>Half marathon to ultra trail in 6 months</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/jane.jpg" alt="Trail Running" /></p>
<p>Jane and I headed to the Wharfedale track today and opted for the Saddle return or 3hrs- which ever came first. It felt odd being on foot as I&#8217;ve only ever been there on bike- but once warmed up the tracks gradient was very pleasant. There was snow along most parts towards the saddle and characteristically the track was wet, technical and slippy from the onset. Running at endurance pace (being able to talk comfortably) it was great to finally run with Jane socially and &#8220;talk ultra training&#8221; as we zipped up and through the wet rooty goodness.<span id="more-9009"></span></p>
<p>Jane and I first met at last years <a href="http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/10/18/port-hills-crater-rim-30km-trail-run/" target="_self">Crater Rim run</a> on our way to the Kepler. We then crossed paths on the finishing straight (300m?!!) at the Kepler to cross the line together! What I did not know until recently is that Jane went on from the 2009 Kepler Challenge to then run the 100km <a href="http://www.taraweraultra.co.nz" target="_blank">Tarawera Ultra</a> and then as part of a team walked the  <a href="http://www.oxfam.org.nz" target="_blank">Oxfam 100KM </a>weeks later! For this year Jane has two of <a href="http://7in7.org.nz/" target="_blank">Mal&#8217;s 7in7 </a>runs on her radar &#8211; more specifically the Greenstone- Mavora Walkway and the Kepler Challenge. These runs equate to 112KM over two days! And then come March there is talk of a 160KM ultra&#8230;..in one sitting. Now that&#8217;s dedication!</p>
<p>The track had a fair bit of tree fall on route, but we were there at the saddle in under 2 hours. I was trying out some new food today to0, in the form of <a href="http://www.mulebar.co.nz/mules.html" target="_blank">Mule bars</a> and they were damn yummy and offered me bags of energy. I also  opted for my 10yr old Deuter pack to add more weight and to also take advantage of its really supportive waist band. I&#8217;m really over carrying  5+ KG of gear in a pack that sits into my shoulders. Aside from the  weight&#8230;.it was outstanding and will do the trick just fine until I find a replacement.</p>
<p>The climb to the saddle has always been a favorite of mine on bike and it was jut as much fun on foot! I&#8217;ve seen this section flooding with rushing water to bone baking dry. Today it was all about mud :D The Face Ultra GTX XCR&#8217;s were just plain awesome all day and in particular through the wet, muddy and slushy stuff. While Jane talked of wet cold feet- mine were toasty dry and sticking to everything. Sure footed? Hell yeah! I may have found my ultimate trail shoe here ;) After a quick feed and photo shenanigans, we were heading back to the hire car. The pace picked up slightly from here as we headed downwards skipping through the technical singletrack. I chose risky lines because I could with the GTX&#8217;s while Jane worked her magic of more suitable line choices.</p>
<p>Splashing though stream crossings, negotiating rocks, roots and the generally uneven tracks was a total buzz as the tempo sat at a comfy- but &#8220;trucking&#8221; pace. We slipped a few times- discovered &#8220;hidden&#8221; rocks in the scrub and giggled when our comfort zone was pushed some. What&#8217;s great about running with Jane is that our &#8220;training&#8221; pace is very similar&#8230;.and it&#8217;s just great to learn from such a seasoned athlete with her years of experience. Jane actually ran for 2.5hrs the previous day too..at pace and that&#8217;s just how I like it&#8230;&#8230;best to tire her out a &#8220;little&#8221; before this donkey hits the dirt :D Talking of dirt, this track is super soft and comfy on the legs&#8230;and offered the best trail running surface I&#8217;ve run on so far. We got back to the car five minutes short of 3hrs&#8230;so perfect timing! What a sweet wee run!</p>
<p>We are planning on training a fair bit together this season and this was a great way to kick it off. I was not sure how I would fare to be honest as I&#8217;ve not really &#8220;trained&#8221; as such. But to say that I&#8217;m &#8220;super stoked&#8221; at where I&#8217;m at with my running after 3hrs of technical trails today would be an under statement! I&#8217;m still hesitant to call it &#8220;training&#8221; though&#8230;.lol. Jane spoke of a future hut return&#8230;which I&#8217;m super keen on&#8230;but in a month  or so when I have a few more KM&#8217;s under my feet. I also have to sit and work  out a training plan (shudders!) this week so we will talk more about it then.</p>
<p>The Wharfedale once again did not disappoint, it&#8217;s lush, green and some how totally different on foot. More magical actually. Thanks for the run Jane and we&#8217;ll do it again soon.</p>
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<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/19/wharfedale-trail-run/4805655223_2678fb2912_b/' title='Wharfedale Track Trail Run'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4805655223_2678fb2912_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Wharfedale Track Trail Run" title="Wharfedale Track Trail Run" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/19/wharfedale-trail-run/4805650013_f5dc90383b_b/' title='Wharfedale Track Trail Run'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4805650013_f5dc90383b_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Wharfedale Track Trail Run" title="Wharfedale Track Trail Run" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/19/wharfedale-trail-run/4805646301_649fc03860_b/' title='Jane Manthorpe at Wharfedale Track'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4805646301_649fc03860_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Jane Manthorpe at Wharfedale Track" title="Jane Manthorpe at Wharfedale Track" /></a>



<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/07/19/trail-running-in-the-port-hills-lessons-learnt/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Trail running in the Port Hills – lessons learnt'>Trail running in the Port Hills – lessons learnt</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/10/18/port-hills-crater-rim-30km-trail-run/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Port Hills Crater Rim 30KM trail run'>Port Hills Crater Rim 30KM trail run</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/07/11/sbs-marathon-to-kepler-challenge/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Half marathon to ultra trail in 6 months'>Half marathon to ultra trail in 6 months</a></li>
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		<title>Birthday bash at the Bealey Spur</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/co/AjlA/~3/i1dNdMa5270/</link>
		<comments>http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/11/bealey-spur-tramp-arthurs-pass/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 11 Jul 2010 08:50:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Paul</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[arthurs pass]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bealey spur]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ben]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chris]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mountains]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North Face Ultra GTX XCR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tramping]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.paulpetch.com/?p=8971</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Yesterday was my 36th birthday. I can&#8217;t help but think of random events and &#8220;moments&#8221; in time as the calender hits July 10th each year. So here are just a few&#8230;.I was a smoker for 15yrs and it has been 6 years since I quit, It is close to ten years since I moved from [...]


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<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/10/25/the-poulter-valley-track/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Poulter Valley Track &#8211; Arthur’s Pass National Park'>The Poulter Valley Track &#8211; Arthur’s Pass National Park</a></li>
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</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Yesterday was my 36th birthday. I can&#8217;t help but think of random events and &#8220;moments&#8221; in time as the calender hits July 10th each year. So here are just a few&#8230;.I was a smoker for 15yrs and it has been 6 years since I quit, It is close to ten years since I moved from the UK, we moved to Christchurch 2.5 years ago, and exactly one year ago I did my very first run on dirt. Yep&#8230;.I&#8217;ve been running on dirt for exactly 12 months and yesterday this annual tradition continued with an awesome day with friends in the Mountains at Arthur&#8217;s Pass- the <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/canterbury/waimakariri-area/arthurs-pass-day-walks/" target="_blank">Bealey Spur</a> (and on a bit) to be exact.</p>
<p>Ben and his mate Chris from the UK (who is passing through on route to Thailand) picked me up and with the customary coffee and pie on route we were hitting the trail for about 12.30 with the sun high in the perfect blue sky. The trail had a gradient form the go (it&#8217;s New Zealand remember!) that was quite pleasant, yet tricky due to continuous ice patches and rooty ledges. I was in my trusty North Face Ultras which once again inspired confidence from the offset- ice, mud, slippy roots&#8230;.they loved them! The feet found pools of what can be described as ice cold chocolate sauce at points- but the Goretex inner kept the feet toasty dry. These things are trail runners on steroids!</p>
<p>We soon hit sections of snow covered forest and open tussock filled patches&#8230;.which were beautiful. The snow having a very high water content here in NZ glistened in the stunning days sun. It was paradise&#8230;..well and truly. Upwards we walked and the poles came out to aid with the ice and slippy stuff&#8230;.and after some photo stops and time to take in the views we were at the hut. The layers were put back as we cooled down rapidly and lunch was ate. We chatted to a European couple form Nelson who were in the process of shifting to Christchurch and discovered that he works with Ben&#8217;s friend. Small world. We also talked of mountain running and what the tramps are like in Nelson. Gotta love talking outdoors&#8230;.it just makes everyone feel connected doesn&#8217;t it?</p>
<p>We had the choice of heading back or continuing- and of course we opted fr more ascent. From this point on it was all snow and it felt great. We chose a high peak and set off to conquer it&#8230;.like the Goonies&#8230;..like the old days :) Once more the poles helped to find sensible footings in the snow. At some points the snow was knee deep&#8230;..so I tried to avoid that. As we climbed out from the tree line the sky grew larger and larger&#8230;.and the views increased. It must have been an hour before we got to the ridge and we sat taking it all in. We also commented on how I looked like a pirate, stripes are best kept hidden and that Chris&#8217;s trousers were exceptionally yellow :) The Nelson couple joined us and we pondered continuing along the ridge&#8230;.it was just begging us to continue! We also discussed heading back along an alternative route- which as much as I wanted it to happen- would have caused a bit of drama for us&#8230;.so with the daylight fading with an hour left we all opted to descend.</p>
<p>Aside from the snow and steep gradient it was icy and tricky to choose lines through the tracks we had made heading upwards. Heading back in light was a good choice! I slipped several times to be saved by the poles- the descent was typically harder work than the upwards leg- and without the poles- it would have been a  nightmare in the slop. Talking of which, the poles were new and this was their maiden voyage&#8230;&#8230;and I was impressed at how natural they felt&#8230;it was like I had used them many times before! Once back at the hut we exchanged emails with the couple and they headed for a night in the hut- which had the largest open fire I&#8217;ve seen! What a great night they would have I&#8217;m sure&#8230;.and even better is waking up to a fresh dump of snow as you open the door. What a place!</p>
<p>Now, I had plans to add some running into yesterdays adventure- but the ground was to hard (read frozen),  too icy or to steep and slippy. I managed a few bursts along trails- but it was just to dicey. As we descended- the layers came out once more and then we ran out of light. With our head torches on we clambered downwards in the dark with the sky full of stars and the snowy mountain tops refusing to give up their radiance&#8230;until the very last second. What a place!</p>
<p>6.5 hours in the snowy mountains with great company&#8230;. what a hell of a way to spend my 36th birthday! Thanks guys :)</p>
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<p><a href="http://vimeo.com/13240417">Bealey Spur tramp- Arthur&#8217;s Pass &#8211; New Zealand</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3300133">www.paulpetch.com</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

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		<title>Getting back out there…</title>
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		<comments>http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/07/04/getting-back-out-there/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Jul 2010 08:18:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Paul</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Runs & Walks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Farm Track]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mount Vernon Track]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North Face Ultra GTX XCR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[port hills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sign of the kiwi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trail running]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.paulpetch.com/?p=8936</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Today was simply glorious and with a sunny and perfect day for exploring some trails in the Porthills- off I went. The original plan was to meet up with Jane- but she called early this morning and had to bail due to her legs not wanting to &#8220;play&#8221; today. Fair call too&#8230;..as we all know [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/10/18/port-hills-crater-rim-30km-trail-run/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Port Hills Crater Rim 30KM trail run'>Port Hills Crater Rim 30KM trail run</a></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/sm.jpg" alt="Trail Running" /></p>
<p>Today was simply glorious and with a sunny and perfect day for exploring some trails in the Porthills- off I went. The original plan was to meet up with Jane- but she called early this morning and had to bail due to her legs not wanting to &#8220;play&#8221; today. Fair call too&#8230;..as we all know how it feels to have had a hard week on the dirt! Anyway, I scooted to the bottom of the Mount Vernon Track and headed upwards- walking a bit-running a bit- warming up nicely with a bit of a stretch here and there. With the recent rain which has been seemingly non stop for months- there were some magnificent mini falls and lots of running water. I&#8217;ve not been up this track for sometime and it was lush- but greasy as hell.<span id="more-8936"></span></p>
<p>Today was the maiden voyage of my new trail runners- some <a href="http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=120836&amp;storeId=202&amp;catalogId=10251&amp;langId=-12&amp;from=subCat&amp;parent_category_rn=17074&amp;variationId=Y30" target="_blank">North Face 105 Ultra GTX XCR&#8217;s</a> &#8211; and straight away I knew that we were going to have a good day together! What a sure footed runner these are. Amazing infact- but I&#8217;ll talk more about that later. Today&#8217;s mission was to head up Farm Track and meet up with Mt. Vernon to then take the Crater Rim tracks all the way to the Sign of the Kiwi &amp; then back. Since the New Year I&#8217;ve ventured out on and off to run bits of the Crater Rim for no more than an hour- and today I wanted it make it a bit longer out there. I also wanted to see where I&#8217;m at with my trail fitness overall and if the months of gym work have made a difference!</p>
<p>Half way up the track to the look out post- my Garmin flaked out on me so that was that. In a way though- it was not such a bad thing as I had no cadence or distance to care about&#8230;.which is nice. I would like the heart rate &#8220;bit&#8221; to work though- but sadly that stopped working a few weeks ago. Something tells me that I need a new training tool *sigh*. From the look out post I continued on the tracks made by sheep and then hit the steep Farm Track&#8230;.and returned to &#8220;run a bit- walk a bit&#8221;- and repeated until I popped out onto the Summit Road and then the second half of Mt. Vernon. The legs were feeling pretty good- the Achilles were a tad tender&#8230;.but seeing as they have not seen hills for a while&#8230;I was not surprised. My philosophy of power walking on steep stuff seems to be working quite well too- and to be honest a far more sensible approach for me as nothing is gained on stupid steep terrain when running other than dead calves and less energy on the fun bits!</p>
<p>I love the Mt. Vernon track..and rock hopping and stepping is what it offers. The best part of the day was then upon me as I trotted off along the tracks towards the Sign of the Kiwi. Rooty, greasy and technical&#8230;.and I loved it. It was only last October I had the pleasure of running these fine tracks as part of the annual <a href="http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/10/18/port-hills-crater-rim-30km-trail-run/" target="_self">Crater Rim run</a> and I&#8217;ve been hooked ever since. The North Face Ultra&#8217;s were extremely confidence inspiring with such a grippy tread and stable feel as I dropped down off roots and wet rocks. As for the Gore-Tex inner liner&#8230;it blew my mind as I chose to run through the mud and wet&#8230;.and felt nothing. Brilliant. On some sections there was some ice too&#8230;..which shows just how much sunlight this side of the hills get throughout the winter. ZERO. Great fun!</p>
<p>Hitting the Sign of the Kiwi I had mixed thoughts. I was not sure if I would re-trace my steps of head along the road side for a few hundred metres and then bash through the bush to the Traverse track or head back the way I had just come. Having experienced just how sloppy the tracks were on route I opted for the Traverse and why not&#8230;.as that track is fast and flowing! Half way along I bumped into Zane on his swanky new single speed trail bike&#8230;.and boy oh boy it&#8217;s nice! Having not caught up with Zane for sometime it was good to talk bikes for a few minutes before I headed off. Mount Vernon was over and done with swiftly and then I hit the descent down the Farm Track&#8230;.well half way&#8230;.where I then hit the sheep tracks back through more greasy and nasty stuff back to the scooter.</p>
<p>The down hurt a little- as usual- but I recovered fairly quickly after a leg stretch and photos. The last section was tricky as hell and I was feeling a tad weary by this point- and it did not help that I had run out of food and water sometime ago. Those skinny sheep tracks are tricky at the best of times&#8230;never mind at speed and in the wet! Again a big shout goes out for the North Face Ultra&#8217;s&#8230;.they were very  sure footed as I ran downward. By the last KM or so&#8230;all I could think of was that ice cold Coke at the service station :)</p>
<p>Sat sipping a Coke I felt pretty good. Sure, I&#8217;m gonna feel it tomorrow&#8230;.well&#8230;.maybe for the next few days&#8230;but it was a fantastic day out there and one hell of a introduction back to longer trail runs. Roast dinner and self saucing pudding for dinner tonight! All up I was out there for about 3.5 hrs today&#8230;.and I loved every minute of it!</p>
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<p><a href="http://vimeo.com/13072716">Porthills Christchurch</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3300133">www.paulpetch.com</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

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		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jul 2010 23:53:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Paul</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Thoughts & Training]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[fiordlands]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kepler challenge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online entry]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.paulpetch.com/?p=8921</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Here we go again&#8230;at 6.00 am I set my two alarms (yeah two) to go sit in front of the computer. It was about zero degrees in the back study&#8230;.and I was not impressed. For any of you who were also up at sparrows fart and tried to enter the Kepler Challenge (or Luxmore Grunt) [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/01/22/running-in-2010/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Running in 2010'>Running in 2010</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/07/17/coaching-running-technique/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Coaching – running technique'>Coaching – running technique</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/12/14/2009-kepler-challenge-race-report/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Kepler Challenge…I did it!'>Kepler Challenge…I did it!</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/pulpfictionbriefcase.jpg" alt="Bike addiction" /></p>
<p>Here we go again&#8230;at 6.00 am I set my two alarms (yeah two) to go sit in front of the computer. It was about zero degrees in the back study&#8230;.and I was not impressed. For any of you who were also up at sparrows fart and tried to enter the Kepler Challenge (or Luxmore Grunt)  you’ll know just how worryingly slow the site was this year. Infact, it was near impossible to get the <a href="http://www.keplerchallenge.co.nz" target="_blank">website </a>to refresh. I had Firefox open and ready to go. I had bookmarked the registrations site the night before and even swapped over to the newer modem without wireless. <span id="more-8921"></span></p>
<p>I could not get the damn page to load&#8230;and it was only 6.15&#8230;.some 15 minutes before entry! I was freaking out.  Sat there I was imagining the thousands of runners worldwide&#8230;all  pressing refresh from about 6am (in the hope of an early display?)  onwards. To add even more suspense to this years drama&#8230;.my wireless mouse decided to start mis behaving. I sat warming my hands on a cup of tea chuckling to myself as I pressed refresh and waited&#8230;and waited.</p>
<p>By 6.34 the entry form was still not loaded on my screen. I expected to have missed out by now as last year entries filled in 4 minutes  and 37 seconds.  And then&#8230;the entry options appeared and then the form !!&#8230;.my heart started to pound&#8230;and the adrenaline kicked in. And then the manic typing followed. I had expected the fields to auto fill&#8230;.but they did not. Damn! I kept tapping&#8230;&#8230;checked fields&#8230;..muttered about there being more crap to fill out than last years?&#8230;tap tap..check the important bit&#8230;.the email address&#8230;..and then SUBMIT!</p>
<p>After pressing the important submit button&#8230;..I was immediately taken to the &#8220;YOU ARE IN&#8221; page.  It was like the scene from Pulp Fiction where Jules opens the Brief case&#8230;&#8230;..and it was all done&#8230;I&#8217;m now in for the 2010 Kepler Challenge! What a buzz!</p>
<p>When I awoke this morning (@ 11.15!!) I headed straight to my email and Twitter to see who else got in&#8230;.and was happy to see that Jane, Neet and NZrunning got in too&#8230;.so this years training should be fun! But what about <a href="http://keplerchallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Eleanor</a>?</p>
<p>Who would have thought that computers could be this much fun! :D</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/01/22/running-in-2010/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Running in 2010'>Running in 2010</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/07/17/coaching-running-technique/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Coaching – running technique'>Coaching – running technique</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/12/14/2009-kepler-challenge-race-report/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Kepler Challenge…I did it!'>Kepler Challenge…I did it!</a></li>
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		<title>x = n+1 right?</title>
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		<comments>http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/06/30/bike-buying-addiction/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Jun 2010 01:44:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Paul</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bike Stuff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[consumerism]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.paulpetch.com/?p=8892</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Do you feel like you have to many bikes? I reckon less is more and I&#8217;m sure that you will agree&#8230;.but still feel the need for a bike for every possible terrain. I mean how many bikes do we actually need? It seems that the universal formula being pushed by the marketing gurus, bike makers [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2008/10/09/new-job-and-full-suss-considerations/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: New Job and full suspension considerations'>New Job and full suspension considerations</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2008/05/04/its-cold-and-i-want-my-single-speed-d/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: It&#8217;s cold and I want my single speed'>It&#8217;s cold and I want my single speed</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/09/07/the-gt-peace-single-speed-is-for-sale/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The GT Peace single speed is for sale'>The GT Peace single speed is for sale</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/389809672_ac71a2d473_b.jpg" alt="Bike addiction" /></p>
<p>Do you feel like you have to many bikes? I reckon less is more and I&#8217;m sure that you will agree&#8230;.but still feel the need for a bike for every possible terrain. I mean how many bikes do we actually need? It seems that the universal formula being pushed by the marketing gurus, bike makers and online forum &#8220;E-riders&#8221; goes something like this: x = n+1 where the ideal number of bikes is x, and the current collection is n. But I&#8217;ll digress- I mean we all need a light XC race hardtail, a light XC race dually, a 4&#8243; hardtail trail bike, a 4&#8243; dually, rigid single speed, 29er, downhiller&#8230;and an the &#8220;All mountain&#8221; bike too. And then there is the cyclo cross bike, &#8220;training&#8221; road bike, dirt jumping technique &#8220;builder&#8221;, fixie commuter and of course that ghetto commuter.<span id="more-8892"></span></p>
<p>All of these bikes are great as long as you have the time to <em>really</em> get to know them and enjoy them. It&#8217;s also a bonus if you have the space and care to organise. tinker, repair, maintain, service, clean and of course share photos of every purchase online. And then of course there is all the gear that comes with each bike. A smorgasbord of gloves in different colours and styles, multiple SPD shoes, helmets in varying gnarness, pads, waterproofs, Camelbaks, merino boxer shorts&#8230;.and and let&#8217;s not forget the video equipment to share the love&#8230;.in full HD of course. It&#8217;s exhausting just writing about how much gear one can store in that bike &#8220;stable&#8221;. If you are lucky enough to have a fully kitted out shed with bike racks and gear organised into neat piles based on their planned usage&#8230;.then good on you. But for most of us our bike collection resides in a spare room, corner or cold garage as far from the utopia of bike rack and neatly lined up shoes as can be imagined.</p>
<p>The average bike rooms consists of a pile of bikes lent up against a wall with cranks and handlebars tangled with gear&#8230;.like some kind of expensive Mad Max stage prop. This mess often spills throughout the house waiting to be &#8220;organised&#8221; with gear half waiting to be washed and half &#8230;..kind of lost :) The best laid plans to organise the magnitude of specialist tools has  fallen with the last cassette change that saved 25g and they are spread  across the room like mine fields hidden by the ever increasing and latest base layers, goretex shells and merino blend socks. The multiple tyres for every occasion hang from every possible hook or handlebar- with those ultimate night lights charging just in case. And of course there is that pile of stuff that will end up on Ebay or Trademe &#8220;one day&#8221;- but no rush right as that single speed project might benefit from some of that stuff. The average bike room is a mangled mess of expensive, sometimes muddy treasure trove of dreams&#8230;..right?</p>
<p>So what&#8217;s this all about? Many say personal choice and disposable income and enjoyment but often far to complex for me to understand these days. When did the simple pleasure of getting out and riding become such a chore? Is it raining? Does the trail have a gradient greater than X? Sun? Wind? Singletrack or fireroad? What are your mates riding? How long will you be out? Is it an enduro ride? XC ride? AM ride? Training ride? Does your bum look big in this? Will the trail have any downhill? Bike a hike? Titanium? Steel? Carbon? Dually? One gear? Rigid? Suspension? Tyres&#8230;.big or small? Sticky or dual compound? Wool socks or coolmax? 60mm stem? 80mm stem? 90mm stem? Maybe your riding mates will take a trail with obstacles that could cause issues so do you take the 6&#8243; dually? But will the rear tyre roll fast enough? Will you look slow? Does your shorts match the frame colour? Carbon bars? or alloy?</p>
<p>So the decision has been made. Now it&#8217;s time to enter the bike room and attempt to remove the bike from the the seemingly increasing mass of tangled precious metal. Is there enough air in the shocks? How much will suit a trail with ups and downs with rocks and stuff? Do you take a shock pump? The carbon one or alloy? Does it have enough gears for the days riding? 3 x 9 or 2 x 10 or 1 x9&#8230;&#8230;or should you go 1&#215;10 just in case? Pulling the bike of choice from the pile you find that it has a missing brake, pedal and gear cables&#8230;.because you were up two night ago until 3am swapping over parts from the winter titanium singlespeed race bike to the budget 5&#8243; AM play bike. The guys are picking you up in 30 minutes to go ride and you stand confused in a room full of bikes&#8230;..damn it&#8230;.you will have to take the 4&#8243; dually and accept that the ride won&#8217;t be perfect because the tyres are not XC tread- rather slopestyle. They also weigh in at 650g each and your preferred rolling weight for this style of trail is more 500g. What a dilemma :)</p>
<p>In the past 2 years I&#8217;ve had some major re-thinks towards my stable of bikes and how I spend my hard earnt cash. I&#8217;m now down to a single bike from a collection of 5. I often spent more time choosing, extracting and re-building that collection than actually riding them. It really shouldn&#8217;t be like this. This blog holds testament to these wasted years with reviews of gear that mean jack shit compared to the friends I&#8217;ve met and the adventures I&#8217;ve had. I&#8217;m not dissing my fellow riders by the way, rather sharing how one can easily fall into the needless buying of &#8220;stuff&#8221; over actually getting out and riding. The physiological burden of what the bikes and gear cost alongside the spares and planned upgrades coupled with the mental puzzles of where I had left my second favorite AM helmet was enough to bring on a weekly breakdown. More importantly that wasted energy has more place out on the trails than in the bike room. I mean riding a bike is a leisure activity right? An escape from the calenders, meetings, organising, competition&#8230;..</p>
<p>Adding that new downhill bike to the now ignored AM bike won&#8217;t re-light the flame. Nor will that cyclo cross help keep you trim over winter. So STOP. Because it is all about YOU not the spending. If you want motivation and inspiration go ride&#8230;go meet other mountain bikers&#8230;and go get some adventure. Trust me&#8230;.money can&#8217;t buy this :) So stop planning that spring ride purchase, stop buying the latest crank set because it weighs 30g less than last years, stop replacing the breaks just because they match the rotor bolts on your budget AM ride, stop looking though the magazines and planning your wardrobe on this seasons colours&#8230;..and for the love of god just accept that it is OK to not ride all the time and that&#8217;s life. You will be amazed how much more fun that bike it when you don&#8217;t fuss about them all the time&#8230;</p>
<p>Slim down, cut back and drop out of the marketing hype wagon. De-clutter your collection, free your mind from the financial burden and spending obsession and just ride a bike. With luck you might find yourself escaping the bike-stuff-spiral and back out on the trails having some fun, adventure and good times with some like minded people.</p>
<p>Happy trails.</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2008/10/09/new-job-and-full-suss-considerations/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: New Job and full suspension considerations'>New Job and full suspension considerations</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2008/05/04/its-cold-and-i-want-my-single-speed-d/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: It&#8217;s cold and I want my single speed'>It&#8217;s cold and I want my single speed</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/09/07/the-gt-peace-single-speed-is-for-sale/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The GT Peace single speed is for sale'>The GT Peace single speed is for sale</a></li>
</ol></p><div class="feedflare">
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		<title>2010 Western States 100 photos</title>
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		<comments>http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/06/28/2010-western-states-100-photos/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:12:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Paul</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Photography]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[inspiration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trail running]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[western states 100]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.paulpetch.com/?p=8871</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I stumbled on a sweet set of photos from Reflections Photography Studios of the recent Western States 100 via Facebook and just had to share them. WOW. These photos are inspirational! &#8220;4PM on Sunday &#8211; I am in the Starbucks in Auburn -just edited some WSER images and FTP to Runners World &#8211; I have [...]


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<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/01/11/body-surfing/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Body Surfing&#8230;'>Body Surfing&#8230;</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/01/13/landscapes-by-gato-gato-gato/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: landscapes by gato-gato-gato'>landscapes by gato-gato-gato</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/36844_445622432316_340040187316_6347241_6718474_n1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>I stumbled on a sweet set of photos from <a href="http://reflectionsphotographystudio.com/" target="_blank">Reflections Photography Studios </a>of the recent Western States 100 via <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Reflections-Photography-Studio/340040187316" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and just had to share them. WOW. These photos are inspirational!</p>
<p>&#8220;4PM  on Sunday &#8211; I am in the Starbucks in Auburn -just edited some WSER  images and FTP to Runners World &#8211; I have pretty much been awake since  Friday &#8211; chasing runners around for two days &#8211; it was a great race &#8211; <span id="more-8871"></span> very exciting &#8211; photographically, it was very successful &#8211; I have over  2000 images to edit &#8211; here are a few &#8211; please let me know what you think  &#8211; going to find a cool place to sleep now.&#8221;</p>
<p><em>Luis</em>.</p>

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<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/01/11/body-surfing/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Body Surfing&#8230;'>Body Surfing&#8230;</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/01/13/landscapes-by-gato-gato-gato/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: landscapes by gato-gato-gato'>landscapes by gato-gato-gato</a></li>
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		<title>WordPress 3.0 “Thelonious” update</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/co/AjlA/~3/gsE5GcRKQhE/</link>
		<comments>http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/06/28/wordpress-3-0-%e2%80%9cthelonious-update/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 27 Jun 2010 23:32:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Paul</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Misc Ramblings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[back up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[data base]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[plugins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thelonious]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[upgrades]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wordpress]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.paulpetch.com/?p=8857</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Last week just hours after WordPress was updated to a land mark release &#8220;Thelonious&#8221; I had to resist better judgment and not press that UPGRADE button on the dashboard. Why? Well as we know- updates can right royally root a solid WP installation if not handled correctly. I have a considerable number of plugins on [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/11/30/generating-wordpress-traffic-with-plugins/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Generating happy wordpress traffic with plugins'>Generating happy wordpress traffic with plugins</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/11/26/end-on-an-era/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: www.paulpetch.com'>www.paulpetch.com</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2008/12/17/2006-commonwealth-games-at-lysterfield-park-australia/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 2006 Commonwealth Games at Lysterfield Park, Australia'>2006 Commonwealth Games at Lysterfield Park, Australia</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/P1010479.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Last week just hours after WordPress was updated to a land mark release &#8220;Thelonious&#8221; I had to resist better judgment and not press that UPGRADE button on the dashboard. Why? Well as we know- updates can right royally root a solid WP installation if not handled correctly. I have a considerable number of plugins on this blog and a highly modded theme that might not play nicely with the installation. Anyway- after fully backing up my database (50MB and growing!) as well as the complete site via FTP&#8230;..I was ready to give it a shot after a few days of in decision. It also helped to read online that more folk were having positive results than negative. <span id="more-8857"></span></p>
<p>I pressed the update button and I waited with fingers crossed to see the results&#8230;and&#8230; it &#8220;just worked&#8221;. No crashes or dodgy error messages&#8230;.and in fact&#8230;nothing changed visually either. What an achievement from the WordPress team! This release is not just a minor update it adds some really cool features &#8211; and in particular my favorites are the ability to update plugins in bulk, and of course proper menu management! (hoorah!) There is also a sexy new default theme called Twenty Ten which replaces the fantastic (yet dated) Kubrick Theme. This theme alone is worth the upgrade- it is stunning! Talking of themes, this one does not utilize alot of the cool new features of this exciting release- but it will soon ;) Meanwhile, this video explains this release very well&#8230;.</p>
<p><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="550" height="270" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="flashvars" value="guid=BQtfIEY1&amp;width=550&amp;height=270&amp;locksize=no&amp;dynamicseek=false&amp;qc_publisherId=p-18-mFEk4J448M" /><param name="src" value="http://v.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/video/flvplayer.swf?ver=1.21" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="550" height="270" src="http://v.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/video/flvplayer.swf?ver=1.21" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" flashvars="guid=BQtfIEY1&amp;width=550&amp;height=270&amp;locksize=no&amp;dynamicseek=false&amp;qc_publisherId=p-18-mFEk4J448M"></embed></object></p>
<p>To mark the update I&#8217;ve had a bit of a play with the layout and opted to start adding an intro image to posts. This will not only make the front homepage a little bit more visual- but also the posts too- and in particular the ones with lots of text&#8230;and no images. I&#8217;ve also added a large random image to the home page- which pulls from a collection of thirty photos. If you are interested in how to somply add a random image viewer&#8230;..well here it is&#8230;</p>
<p>Simply select some images (say 10 for example) that are the same size- say 950x 500px. Save them all as JPS&#8217;s and upload to a location on your server. For example /headers. Then choose the location or page you want the images to appear and add this code;</p>
<p>&lt;img src=&#8221;http://www.yourwebsiteaddress.com/headers/header_&lt;?php echo(rand(1,10)); ?&gt;.jpg&#8221; width=&#8221;950&#8243; height=&#8221;500&#8243; alt=&#8221;What Ever You Want&#8221; /&gt; And that&#8217;s that :D</p>
<p>WordPress just gets better and better and I can&#8217;t believe after all of these years that such an iconic platform is still 100% free! Amazing work guys&#8230;.and happy blogging :)</p>


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		<title>The 7in7 2010 challenge website is live!</title>
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		<comments>http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/06/23/the-7in7-2010-challenge-design-by-paul-petch/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:30:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Paul</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[charity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[endurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Leukaemia & Blood Foundation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[malcolm law]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.paulpetch.com/?p=8648</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In recent months I&#8217;ve been busy working with a Kiwi ultra running Legend Malcolm Law to launch a re-designed website for the 2010 7in7 challenge. We had a fair bit to do with content transfer, website setup and of course &#8220;bug testing&#8221;. There was no point re-designing the wheel so we used the same template [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/01/22/running-in-2010/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Running in 2010'>Running in 2010</a></li>
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</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In recent months I&#8217;ve been busy working with a Kiwi ultra running Legend Malcolm  Law to launch a re-designed website for the <a href="http://www.7in7.org.nz/2010-challenge-overview/" target="_blank">2010 7in7 challenge.</a> We had  a fair bit to do with content transfer, website setup and of course  &#8220;bug testing&#8221;. There was no point re-designing the wheel so we used the same template from www.paulpetch.com&#8230;.that looks and works magically :)<span id="more-8648"></span> The after hours and weekend efforts on my side have been  nothing compared to Mal&#8217;s commitment and passion for the epic this year and it shows.  Even with the major sponsor pulling the pin at the last minute Mal  still continued with the plan and now our hard work is ready- so please let the donations flow.</p>
<p>Full details on the planned 2010 routes which  are located exclusively around the Southern Lakes on the South Island  are <a href="http://www.7in7.org.nz/2010-challenge-overview/" target="_blank">here</a>&#8230;&#8230;and what a crazy week it will be.  I&#8217;m not  finished with 7in7 yet though and plan on running/ or volunteering at least  one or two of the 7  days come the end of the year.</p>
<p>Here is what Mal has to say about the 7in7 challenge&#8230;</p>
<p>&#8220;In 2009 I made history by becoming the first person ever to run NZ’s 7  mainland Great Walks in just 7 days – a total distance of 360 kms in  the longest week of my life. It was an adventure to honour the memory of  my brother Alan, who died as a teenager from leukaemia. In completing  the 7in7 my support runners and I raised more than $85,000 for the Leukaemia &amp; Blood Foundation and so helped make a huge difference to people suffering from this  cruel illness.</p>
<p>This year’s Challenge promises to be even tougher than last year’s  inaugural event. While it is almost  identical in distance, it uses less  well-known tracks and frequently  takes on rougher, tougher  back-country terrain. It will be another epic  test of spirit and  endurance. As I have been known to say <em>“why  bother if it’s not  harder than last time!</em></p>
<p>This year will be notably different in another way too. Whilst last   year’s Challenge involved a total of 17 runners, this year I am hoping   to inspire many more people to join in <em>a part of</em> the Challenge  and help in its goal of raising at least $150,000 for the<a href="http://www.leukaemia.org.nz/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.7in7.org.nz/the-7-in-7-story/the-leukaemia-blood-foundation-nz/" target="_blank">Leukaemia &amp;  Blood Foundation</a> &#8221;</p>
<p><em>Malcolm Law</em></p>
<p>Good on you Mal and I&#8217;ll see you out there&#8230;I&#8217;m sure :)</p>
<p><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="550" height="320" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=12702588&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=00ADEF&amp;fullscreen=1" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="550" height="320" src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=12702588&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=00ADEF&amp;fullscreen=1" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<p><a href="http://vimeo.com/12702588">7in7 Challenge 2009</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user4067937">7in7 Challenge</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
<p><strong><strong><strong>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/06/23/the-7in7-2010-challenge-design-by-paul-petch/kepler-1/' title='7in7 at the Kepler 2009 Challenge'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/kepler-1-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="7in7 at the Kepler 2009 Challenge" title="7in7 at the Kepler 2009 Challenge" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/06/23/the-7in7-2010-challenge-design-by-paul-petch/4698401660_6b26a7ceb0_b/' title='Malcolm Law'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/4698401660_6b26a7ceb0_b-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Malcolm Law" title="Malcolm Law" /></a>
<a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2010/06/23/the-7in7-2010-challenge-design-by-paul-petch/attachment/1024/' title='Emotional Mal at the end of the 2009 7in7 Challenge'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.paulpetch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/1024-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Emotional Mal at the end of the 2009 7in7 Challenge" title="Emotional Mal at the end of the 2009 7in7 Challenge" /></a>
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<li><a href='http://www.paulpetch.com/2009/12/02/four-days-to-the-2009-kepler-challenge/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Four days to the 2009 Kepler Challenge'>Four days to the 2009 Kepler Challenge</a></li>
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