Craig's Random Outdoor Ramblings

Day 1: Tour Aotearoa - An afternoon at the beach

2016-02-23T23:45:00.001+13:00

Only 105km today, somewhat below my hundred mile a day intent by with a 2pm start, nothing wrong with polishing off a metric ton in an afternoon.

Forget the comments on the stuff Comme threads. Cyclists are good sorts and it has been great to ride with riders from all over the globe.

The takeaways stayed open late for us smelly cyclists (thankyou). This meant the day at the beach was finished appropriately with fish and chips before heading to the campground in Ahipara for a shower and kip.

https://www.strava.com/activities/500214194

Posted via Blogaway

Day -1: Tour Aotearoa - Kaitaia closed on Monday's?

2016-02-22T21:10:00.000+13:00

Strava Heatmap

Driving is never as much fun as cycling. So not to say, this is a test post - been a while since my last blog post and seeking better way to update on the move. A huge thanks to Dad for driving me up today and to the Orana Motor Lodge for having a good in-house restaurant.

The night before and Kaitaia is pretty much closed. May the pie warmers that await be full with tasty morsels.

#touraotearoa

Monday nights not a rocking time on Kaitaia's man street:

* Pub shut.
* Steak house closed.
* 2×Roast shops all shut up.
* Maccas and KFC ma be open but that does not constitute a town being "open".

I am doing Tour Aotearoa because:
Riding new places inspires me
Cycling the length of my own country "has to be done", because I am long distance cyclist.

Here is my Strava "heatmap" for rides in New Zealand before the start of the tour. Success on the tour will add lines to many new places that I have not ridden before.

Posted via Blogaway

A little too Mammoth

2014-04-02T12:38:00.001+13:00

Before the now infamous altercation I had with a wombat, I had entered the Graperide Mammoth which is a 1010km over ten laps of the 101km circuit, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Graperide event. I was confident of riding well at that time when I entered, however as I continue to rebuild strength in my right shoulder and attempt to regain fitness lost, and lise weight gained whilst injured - for the first time I will be starting an event that I do not expect to finish. It remains however, an opportunity on the long road to recovery.

I have made some bike setup changes, including a ridiculous 34-30 granny gear to enable me to climb without aggravating the injury. While I am able to stay inside the generous time limits of Randonneuring, I am sone way from being at "race" or optimum pace. With a 51hr time-limit the 1010km Mammoth's timecut is a full 24 hours shorter than a Randonneuring time limit for that same distance. It is also 9 hours less than an UltraCycling time limit set @10.5mph. As such I expect to see many DNFs or unofficial finishers among those that have entered this event as a challenge, rather than as a race.

Good luck to all the riders in this event.

There will be live tracking available at: http://graperide.co.nz/graperide/gps

Alaska’s Big Wild Ride

2014-02-06T00:09:00.000+13:00

Back in July, I travelled all the way to Alaska for the Big Wild Ride 1200k. Have to say, this was my favourite 1200k to date. The Big Wild Ride has to be among the crème de la crème of twelve-hundy’s. Big thanks to Kevin & his crew for organising this fantastic event.

The following article also appeared in Audax Australia’s Checkpoint Magazine No.58 – Summer 2014.

Landing

It is midnight local time. The sun is still up and I have just landed in Anchorage, Alaska after a 26 hour flight, which is about a week quicker, and a whole load less exhausting than the annual migration of the Kūaka (Godwit). Connect to the Airport WiFi, you have new mail…

“… when the recent local black bear, grizzly bear, and forest fire news began to gain momentum these past few weeks, we focused our attention on the one thing we could do with the BWR2013 to minimize the course's objective hazards, making the ride safer and more enjoyable for all the riders.”

And online links to follow:

“A bear killed a 64-year-old Fairbanks man late Thursday”
“A three-mile stretch of Crow Pass Trail has been closed to hikers after a "brown bear charging incident" over the weekend.”

Not exactly the most reassuring news at the start of my five week visit to “Bear Country”! Did I really need to waste my money on the return ticket?

Spectacular!!

Prince William Sound, Alaska

Cruising on Prince William Sound

The Big Wild Ride is neither an out and back, nor a loop. The journey from Anchorage to the starting town of Valdez via the Alaska Railroad and Marine Highway was nothing short of spectacular! This provided a chance to meet the riders I would see over the next 1200km and observe the scenery and marine - glaciers, icebergs, whales, sea lions, seals, purpoises, orca, sea otters - spotted along the way.

Whale's Tail, Prince William Sound

Valdez, Alaska

Day One: Valdez to Delta Junction (436km)

It was a balmy 21 degrees at 11:59pm with the light more dim than dark. The snow-capped mountain tops were clearly visible despite the street lights shining.

Big Wild Ride Start, Mountain Sky Hotel, Valdez, Alaska

The first 10km was flat with a bunch of 44 riders gently getting into the ride, at times at only 20km/h. This was a bit relaxed for my fresh legs. I moved forward, presuming a small bunch would follow. Surprisingly I found myself at the front, but progress was good and I didn’t feel like I was burning any matches. I was soon joined by Damon Taffe and Scott Griffith on Cervelo P5. A little more flat riding before the 855m climb over Thompson Pass. Scott’s time-trial bike had received a bit of attention from other riders before the start. It was here for the simple reason that it was the only bicycle he owned. I was trying to hold onto his wheel when he led out at over 40km/h and I was in the unusual position of being near the front over a major climb.

Sky at Dawn (Photo: Damon Taffe)

Riding through dawn (Photo: Damon Taffe)

The sun was already rising at 3:10am but at 9 degrees it was a tad chilly as we rolled down Thompson Pass. All my layers were now on. I had obviously acclimatised to the warm summer in Alaska, following sub-zero winter night training back in Kiwiland! My legs still felt good, but I was feeling mentally tired and lost a bit of pace through these early hours, although I was soon into the second control at Tonsina Lodge (133km) where a magnificent breakfast had been organised. This was a true testament to how Kevin, and his organising crew had worked with the lodges along the route to provide services to the riders. I wish I was feeling hungry. It all sure looked good, but I skipped the early breakfast and headed back out on the road.

Riders riding North, past the Wrangell-St Elias Mountains (Photo: Damon Taffe)

Taking in the views of the of the Wrangell-St Elias mountains to our right, we pushed on to Glenallen (191km). I had a large group of riders for company, including Craig Mathews, Kelly Smith, and Tim Wouldenberg. Craig Mathew’s ride almost came to an early demise when his derailleur snapped in two up a short pinch a few kilometres short of Glenallen. Meanwhile, Tim was riding strongly on his recumbent and doing a great job rolling back to draft riders back into the pack, that usually being me - thanks Tim!!

With few roads, and nowhere to ride but North we proceeded toward the 4^th control at the Sourdough Roadhouse (243km) where we had to wait an hour or so while the status of road construction ahead was confirmed. This allowed plenty of time to eat and rest before 61km to the next ice-cream at Paxson Lodge (304km).

Summit Lake (Photo: Damon Taffe)

Travel got a lot steeper, with a bit of climbing up to Summit Lake. Tim and I were riding together a bit here, but were spreading when it either pitched up, or down. In Tim, I had finally met my match on the descents as he flew by on his recumbent and I didn't see him again before sharing moose (actually Caribou) stories at Delta Junction.

“I also don't trust Caribou anymore. They're out there, on the tundra, waiting... Something's going down. I'm right about this.”
― Joss Whedon

As I cruised along a road that was surely longer and straighter than any road in Aotearoa, I was pushing hard, head down trying to get into Delta Junction before midnight. And things suddenly got a little interesting. I looked up, and there was a large beast starring me down, on its hind legs and displaying its antlers threateningly. I slammed my brakes and backed off very carefully. I was in for a bit of a delay as the Caribou found the grass at the edge of the road to its liking, in between displaying its antlers if I tried to advance forwards.

Caribou, preferring the grass on the edge of the road to Delta Junction

With the excitement over, it was a gentle roll into Delta Junction for a few hours' sleep on my Thermarest in the High School Gym.

Day Two: Delta Junction to Healy (334km)

I woke feeling a bit drowsy as I scoffed some breakfast made by the helpful vollies (thankyou), before heading out in a small group. Not being a noted morning person at the best of times, alertness was a bit of a struggle. Tim kindly gave me some of his spare caffeine pills. These were helpful, although I personally prefer my caffeine presented via freshly roasted beans and an espresso machine.

The snow-capped Alaskan Range glows over the Tanana River

City of North Pole, Alaska

Santa Claus House, North Pole

The ambient light enabled great views of the Alaskan Range, and local wildlife with Elk, Moose and a Mink all sighted. With the benefit of a tailwind I found myself in a large bunch riding through North Pole (563km) and down to Fairbanks (593km). I was a bit slow at organising eating, ice cream and resupply at Safeway, and it took the rest of the day to catch up again.

There were a few more hills out of Fairbanks as we crossed the Alaskan Range for the second time. I was lamenting my lack of climbing performance with two other riders, before it suddenly clicked and hot and thirsty I arrived at the Skinny Dicks Halfway Inn (637km) - one of the ummm, more cultural bars. After a thirst quenching Ale and some potato chips shared with Steve Atkins, and against the advice of a few doubters who were unconvinced of both the nutritional and hydration benefits of the Ale, I rode on to the next ice-cream control at Nenana with the after burners on.

I soon caught up to the group I lost at Fairbanks, which was now almost one hundred miles behind us. I thought I would finally be able to drop in for some drafting, after a long solo slog into the wind -- only for them to turn off to a mountain lodge 100m later for dinner. Whilst I was invited, I wasn't mentally ready to eat just then and headed on toward Healy.

Approaching Healy (765km), Scott caught up with me and we rode together for the third late evening in a row. We were soon bouncing along a long stretch of road construction, with the road covered in rocks rather than gravel. Surprisingly, there were both signs "Double Fines while workers present" and a speed limit of 65mph. As a truck came by in the opposite direction and sent a rock flying past my right ear lobe, I finally understood why every vehicle in Alaska has a cracked windshield.

Day 3: Healy to Talkeetna (269km)

Tim rides towards the snow covered Denali

Shortly before turning toward Talkeetna, I had my only mechanical, with my front derailleur bolt becoming loose. It felt like a cable break, so I rode on in the inner ring before realising what was really up and securely fastening it just before arriving at the Swiss Alaskan Inn (1030km).

This was a very comfortable overnight control, where I was greeted by Tom Parker, whom I had met a fortnight earlier when he was marshalling at the Fireweed Ultra Race. Quite promptly I was enjoying a couple of, ummm, well, er recovery drinks with Tim, who was well settled in by the time I arrived and dinner was soon on the way. A 10 hour layover was about double the most time I had ever spent at a control in a randonneuring event.

We spent much of the morning riding toward Denali, North America’s highest peak and past Denali National Park to Hurricane Gulch (885km) and Mary’s McKinley View Lodge (948km) where Tim and a few others arrived moments after me - just in time for lunch. We enjoyed an Ale while arguing that hot foot was the only ailment shared by both recumbent and upright riders alike, and surely an Ale is the only known cure?

Naturally, after lunch Tim and I had the after burners on as we rode on to Talkeetna. As with the past 400km on the George Parks Highway avoiding rumble strips was an annoyance, covering most of the wide shoulder of the road. As oncoming traffic approached it was vital to use the mirror to check for tailing traffic and when to bounce on the rumble strips, which were the only downside amongst the awe inspiring scenery.

Day 4: Talkeetna to Anchorage (190km)

After a few days out in the wild, the final morning was less memorable as I rode toward civilisation, with breakfast inhaled enroute at the McDonald's inside a Walmart at Wasilla (1148km). A short section of freeway shoulder riding led to the most complex routing of the ride through an assortment of quiet roads and cycle ways through Eagle River and onto Anchorage (1212km). This complexity was a relative thing… there were more than two turns on this section.

I finished strongly and was feeling remarkably fresh considering that I was at the end of a 1200k and much of the previous 84h54m on the saddle.

Wrapping Up

During The Big Wild Ride I saw more wild life, had more sleep, and drank more beer than in the previous three 1200k rides I had ridden. It was also the most scenic, and my quickest 1200k to date.

A big thanks to Kevin Turinsky for organising this memorable ride, and to his dedicated crew of volunteers that helped it all happen! And for my fellow randonneuring brethren that I met on the ride - maybe we’ll ride together again soon.

Wombats of Mass Destruction

2014-02-04T23:40:00.000+13:00

Randonneuring has many great rides organised by our sister clubs around the world. Often, these rides are not only scenic but place us among creatures of which we are unfamiliar. This year, while travelling to 1200k events I have unintentionally cycled with moose and caribou; hiked amongst the grizzlies and wolves; camped out with black bears and sea kayaked near(ish) killer whales.
Next up was short excursion to Australia, a land known for the presence of creatures with both poisonous and large jaws. From the worlds most toxic snake, the Inland Taipan to the more common Eastern Browns, which are responsible for more human deaths. Add to that the Redback and Funnelweb spiders and the large jaws of the Saltwater Crocodiles and Great White Sharks - it’s a dangerous place out there in the outback.

Map of Australia and surronding nations

Ultimately, my short excursion to Australia for the Sydney to Melbourne 1200 had more thrills and spills than expected. Having not dropped my road bike for two decades, I first had a blowout at over 70km/h descending the Great Dividing Range, which whilst scary fishtailing on the rims only led to two small grazes and a damaged steed. Eventually I was rolling again, although shaken up and under some time pressure, thanks to some assistance from Chris Walsh & Graham Carthews including his spare wheel and a little patching up from Tom Aczel (thankyou all!).

That'll buff out!

While I had been eliminated due to the timecut, the ethos of Randonneuring is of self-sufficiency, so I pushed on with the aim of riding onto the finish in Melbourne. Unfortunately, while descending toward Mansfield at ~30km/h, I came to a rather sudden demise from one of the few species in Australia without a fatal bite. Lurking in the woods had been some cyclist destroying marsupials. With their extra tough posterior, the Wombats were launching themselves across the road like a missiles. I had slowed and drifted left to allow one of these missiles to cross in front of me. And out from the woods, aimed straight at my front wheel like a heat seeking missile came the second. With nowhere to turn, my last thought was "I am not crashing again. This is not happening!". Then it was time to pick myself up off the road (again) feeling a little sore. Whether it was due to adrenaline or male pride, I was oblivious to exactly how much I had hurt myself and without any cellphone coverage I continued on, for at least another 200 metres before admitting some pain to myself and putting on my warm clothes and stopping for a rest. I should have pressed the SOS button on my SPOT tracker instead, but I was only a little hurt right? Shortly following, with the pain in my ribs more evident, I could not back up.

Le Randonneur wears Prada (Photo: Annette Whitton)

Rolled onto the backboard (Photo: Annette Whitton)Load him up (Photo: Tom Aczel)

I had been expecting some riders behind me, but they had opted for a sleep back in Whitfield, so it wasn't until a couple of hours later that I heard them fly past, probably thinking I was sleeping? A few minutes later Annette Whitton drove by to ask if I was alright, "Ummm, No". Shortly after which, Tom Aczel was summoned to patch up his loyal customer again, and then the Ambulance Service which delivered me to Mansfield Hospital.

Wombats of Mass Destruction: As proof that it is stopping that hurts more than the crashing - this lower speed crash resulted in five fractured ribs and a grade 3 separation of the AC Joint in my shoulder. It will likely be six* weeks before I am back on my bike - and that will be in wombat free, New Zealand!

Following the crash I was looked after by our fellow club members in Audax Australia. A special thankyou to Tim Laugher and Pat Dorey for taking such good care of me until I was able to get back to New Zealand.

My helmet did its job!

My PBP reflective vest looks like I've been mauled by a wild animal

And not much left of the Brooks Saddle

* Looking more like twelve weeks plus.

This article, also appeared in Audax Australia’s Checkpoint Magazine No.58 – Summer 2014

Brevet des Randonneurs Récupération

2014-01-15T13:41:00.001+13:00

My Physiotherapist has finally permitted me to cycle again, but only under a strictly progressive protocol. I have recently been accused as being a rules Nazi, and as such set the rules for the Super Randonneur des Récupération medal, officially sanctioned by my physiotherapist.

The Brevet des Randonneurs Récupération rides must be completed in order, and in order to homogate each ride, it must be completed pain free.
1. BRR20: A ride on the flat for twenty minutes.
2. BRR30: A ride on the flat for thirty minutes.
3. BRR60: A ride on the flat for sixty minutes.

Given that the only flat place in Wellington is along the waterfront, each ride will be verified by the presence if ice cream or coffee in the riders belly.

All riders who successfully complete the series will the full Super Randonneur des Récupération series will receive the Super Randonneur des Récupération medal, which is carefully handcrafted from unobtainium, a recently discovered weightless and wholly transparent metal.

Father Randonneurmas Delivers

2013-12-24T13:12:00.001+13:00

Thankyou Santa Mark Thomas.

I was hoping Santa was going to deliver the Audax Australia Checkpoint Magazine today, but he chose to surprise me instead .
Thank you Mark, and perhaps Santa is from quite as far north as the North Pole, as previously believed?

Mark, was riding on Audax Australia’s Sydney Melbourne 1200k where I had a bit of a spill after a collision with a wombat (more on this blog soon, or see the Summer Issue of Checkpoint Magazine). Aside from five fractured ribs and a separated AC Joint on my shoulder, I did destroy some clothing and left a few scratches on my cycle. As I’ve previously noted, finding genuinely reflective isn’t the easiest of tasks, so it was wonderful to receive this surprise in the mail.

It serves an example of the camaraderie between Randonneurs around the world.
Merry Christmas everyone.

Gerry Eddlemon sets UMCA records in New Zealand

2013-12-15T07:07:00.000+13:00

I followed along in the support vehicle as Gerry Eddlemon set about creating a UMCA record* for crossing the North Island. With no established UMCA records in New Zealand, Gerry selected a end points of Raglan and Te Araroa to set a course that travelled due west between each side of the North Island.

Riding in the support vehicle were crew chief Ron Skelton, Tim Neal, Di Chesmar, myself and UMCA officials Christine Couldrey and Tracy Parke. Add-in Gerry's ten laps of Taupo (1 x Extreme Enduro; 1 x Enduro) and there were 107 laps of the Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge crossing the North Island!

Long distance cycling is going from strength to strength in New Zealand. Now that there are some records set*, let's see if we can all encourage greater participation in the sport.

* These records are pending ratification by the Ultra-Marathon Cycling Association. Gerry also created a record* across the South Island recently.

Kime Hut Temperature Experiments

2013-10-29T23:56:00.001+13:00

This past weekend, I was on a tramping trip with the WTMC and we passed through the “new Kime Hut” twice due to the gale force winds turning us back at Mt Hector. Yes, another failed attempt at the Neill-Winchcombe Ridge.

These were of course my first visits to the “new Kime Hut”. It is located above the bushline, without any source of fuel for a fire. Without any heating it was bitterly cold inside and as an alpine hut, so I decided to repeat a past experiment of measuring the temperature inside and outside the hut. Each time leaving the thermometer away from body heat for 5-10 minutes before taking a reading. From these measurements I learned that every trampers hope that the new Hut would be warmer have been dashed. If “old Kime Hut” was “The Fridge” then “new Kime Hut” must surely be “The Chiller”. I certainly do not possess scientifically calibrated equipment, and the table below is based on very few samples. However, it does show a clear pattern - that the new Hut has not broken from the heritage and legend of the infamously cold Hut that is recently replaced.

“old Kime Hut” 1978-2013		“new Kime Hut” 2013-…
6 June 2009		26 October 2013 (Photo by Mike)
Outside temperature at 0230:	–0.8C	Inside temperature at 1120:	4.2C
Inside temperature at 0240:	0.4C	Outside temperature at 1132:	4.7C
Difference:	1.2C warmer inside	Difference:	0.5C colder inside
Outside temperature at 0930:	0.8C	Inside temperature at 1340:	4.9C
Inside temperature at 0940:	1.6C	Outside temperature at 1346:	5.2C
Difference:	0.8C warmer inside	Difference:	0.3C colder inside
Body heat in hut:	1 person	Body heat in hut:	4 persons

You can find my original post from 2009 here: http://craig.mcgregor.gen.nz/2009/06/tararua-forest-park-kime-by-moonlight.html

RAAM it Home, Art!

2013-06-10T20:56:00.001+12:00

It is June. This means only one thing. It’s RAAM time baby!

This is an epic race, with no stages, no domestiques with no contrived team tactics, nor team pharmacists. The strongest legs will win plain and simple. Some come to win, others come to finish this 3000 mile race, which is the pinnacle for an Ultra-Cyclist just as Everest is to mountaineer, the Olympics to a many athletes or a World Cup is to a rugby or a football player.

In the New Zealand corner for this years race is Art Schwencke (Team Riha) whom I met at the Lake Taupo Extreme Enduro in 2011. Like past years, I’ll be following the Race Across America very closely online, with a particular emphasis on following how our Kiwis are doing in the event. Bon Courage Art! I’ll endeavour to keep my spreadsheet of Kiwi efforts in the RAAM up to date as the race unfolds. The official race coverage can be found at http://www.ridefarther.com (Microsoft Silverlight is required to view the live tracking).

I've tried to embed the key bits of my spreadsheets below, so they will display on more devices. If you have an overlap issue due to site styling, click here.

The Graperide Ultimate 505k

2013-04-06T13:40:00.000+13:00

One year ago, I allowed a blot on my record. The ugly consecutive letters of D, N & F. I failed to complete the 505k Graperide Ultimate. This remains the only time that I have failed to complete an endurance event (although, in one instance I completed the course but narrowly missed the final time-cut). I had to avenge this terrible blot on my record and complete the Graperide Ultimate in 2013 by completing the 505km in under the 24 hour time-limit. I have ridden over 500km plenty of times, but never within, or close to 24 hours before.

Ride Data:
Distance:	494.7km
Time:	22h40m (elapsed) 20h44m (moving)
Elevation gain:	3,623m
Ride Data:	Strava / Garmin Connect
Starters / Finishers	14 / 10 (71% finished)
Location:	Renwick, Apr 5-6, 2013

Leading into the ride, I felt I had been riding stronger. Strava agreed, with (“post-Strava”) personal records being achieved almost everytime I sat on my Brooks saddle and pedalled for the month beforehand. I also reminded myself, that to improve on last year, I just had to get less than three punctures on the first lap! Thankfully, I was able to carry this form into the Ultimate, which I successfully completed in 22h40m. I was especially pleased to finish strongly, even after this distance rather than suffering, hurting and stubbornly pedalling to the finish. This finishing performance has left me pumped and motivated for larger challenges coming up later in the year.

Many of the usual New Zealand Ultra gang were at the startline – New Zealand 24hr Indoor Record holder Eugene Collins; NZ 24hr Outdoor Record holder Stu Downs, the first, and fastest Kiwi to finish the RAAM Joshua Kench, defending Ultimate champion Greg Manson, Tim “the Potato Guy” Neal, Uwe Paschke, Brandon Skilton, Damian Day and few others I hadn’t met before, including Craig Harper who finished 2nd. It looked like a strong field, and the high pace was evident with defending champion Greg Manson riding 12 minutes faster than 2012, to finish third.

Lap One (3h39m +12m):

Lap one began with most riders in a bunch, rotating out the work off the front until some of the faster guys decided to step on the gas as Blenheim approached, at which time I quickly found myself spat out in my usual place - off the back. I was resigned to not seeing any other riders for a few more laps, but was surprised to come across Eugene struggling a bit in the vicinity of Queen Charlotte Drive, and the Linkwater straights. I has passed him, but he came back riding fast and strong along the straights. I joked to myself at getting him on the approaching right-hand bend (Eugene had recently obtained the NZ Indoor 24 hour record on a velodrome, only turning left) and sure enough I did. Eugene was still overcooked from his record breaking feat and withdrew shortly after that.

Matt Oliver kindly helped me refill my bottles etc (thankyou!) and I was back underway after about 12 minutes replenishing my food and drinks, and putting my hi-viz gilet in my pocket for use later in the lap.

Lap Two (4h14m +25m):

I rode the second lap in solitude, but recall Matt Oliver advising me that Tim was aiming to catchup to me on this lap. Surprisingly, even after a bit of faffing making sure I had the right spare clothing for the pending cold of night, I still hadn’t seen Tim anywhere.

Graperide Ultimate 505k 2013
Place	Rider	Time
1st	Joshua Kench	17h46m
2nd	Craig Harper	17h49m
3rd	Greg Manson	18h47m
4th	Jamie Campbell	19h00m
5th	Gary Bence	20h29m
6th	Stu Downs	21h13m
7th	Craig McGregor	22h40m
8th	Uwe Paschke	23h10m
9th	Brandon Skilton	23h41m
10th	Jon Shutt	23h59m
Source: http://www.thetimingteam.co.nz

Lap Three: 13:15 (4h51m +15m)

Ugh! Punctured. Right outside the pub in Renwick to ensure that I got a running commentary as I changed the tube, and confirmed that bar patrons don’t know what Lance looks like (or that, he never had repair his own punctures). Following the repair in haste, I could feel a bump in the tyre as I rode off, and a short way down the road, I had to deflate and reseat the tyre into the rim wall correctly again. It was getting cooler, but the knee and merino arm warmer combo was working well.

Uwe passed early in this lap, on Queen Charlotte and I returned the favour between Havelock and Renwick. We must have been riding at a similar pace, with variance in speed depending on conditions, as this occurred a few times over the next couple of laps.

Definitely found maintaining speed in darkness an issue, especially without a high volume of cateyes and road-side post-mounted reflectors. Suicidal hedgehogs were all over the road to add some slalom action!

I completed the lap and arrived to Damian sleeping in the TPG shelter, and no sign of Matt Oliver (who I later learned had gone to fetch Tim whom had withdrawn due to achilles tightness late in his third lap). Pure self-service for refilling this time round. It was definitely getting cold. I placed a balaclava in my back pocket, for if it got any colder on my fourth lap.

Lap Four: 18:15 (4h45m +18m)

Ahead of me, was fast approaching behind me. The head to head duel for line honours between Joshua Kench and Craig Harper was on. I understand that Josh punctured, when Craig passed him. Craig passed on Queen Charlotte while I fought hard not to be lapped with my light battery slowly fading away. I swapped my battery over on the Linkwater straight and heading over Mahakipawa Hill where Josh came through and lapped me, on his way to a narrow three minute victory.

Lap Five: (4h07m)

I managed to depart for my fifth lap marginally ahead of the one-lap riders start and received some encouragement from Josh and others as I departed for my final lap. I hoped to make as much use of drafting as possible. This was good in theory, but the bunches that had just started had far too much enthusiasm for my 400km+ legs. I passed Uwe, for the final time on the way up Old Renwick Road to Blenheim. I received plenty of encouragement from other Onslow Tarbabies – Frank et al as they whizzed by. Gillian kindly offered some drafting assistance on the way into Picton until she was able to hold onto a bunch. In general, I was okay on the flats on this laps against those with fresh legs, providing they didn’t attack. I was grinding out the hills a bit more than usual on this lap.

I briefly saw fellow Tarbaby Rachel at Linkwater on her way to winning the two-lap Magnum – congratulations on your victory. Once over Mahakipawa for the final time, I was amongst split bunches of riders riding one lap in about 3h30 and was able to hold their wheels, and even lead the bunches at times. With the final hill about 6km from the finish I gave it a nudge and went hard for the line from there. When I saw Rick & Jo from the Tarbabies in their car next to me over the Wairau River bridge I knew I couldn’t let up and remained in the big-ring and down in the drops riding hard the whole way to the line – after all, this is where the cameras are, and it is important to look good for the cameras!!

All done in 22h40m13s. This is by far my fastest 500km or thereabouts. My trip data is showing a little less distance than the claimed 505km. Most likely due to both GPX file straight-lining, and not coming in and our of the Forrest Estate Driveway on each lap.

A very brief moment of Strava Glory!

2013-03-12T22:32:00.000+13:00

Strava is a GPS based training motivation tool. They reguarly have challenges, to ride at least a certain amount of time, or as far as possible within a certain timeframe. As a Randonneur, naturally the distance based challenges are well suited to me and during the “January Base Mile Blast”, while not at the top of the overall leaderboard, I successfully logged the longest ride. Not because I tried to, but because I needed a 600km brevet completed for qualifying for The Big Wild Ride 1200k in July.

It was nice to receive some goodies earn a small reward, after opening the Picton-Westort-Picton 600 with 300km of headwinds. I was impressed to get a handwritten note from a technology focussed company.

I’m a “Super Randonneur” again..

2013-02-10T23:59:00.000+13:00

The Super-Randonneur award is awarded for the completion of 200km/300km/400km/600km rides within a Randonnuering year (Nov 1 – Oct 31). It is also the qualifying requirement for many 1200km events, which was my primary motivation. This is the second time I have completed a Super-Randonneur series, the previous time being while qualifying for Paris-Brest-Paris in 2011. Here is the 2011 medal, I’ll need to wait a while to see what the 2013 edition looks like.

Randonneuring (or Audax) rides have a low profile in New Zealand, which is a shame because we have found some nice rides, in very scenic areas. If you would like me on any of these rides give me a yodel or see http://www.kiwirandonneurs.org.nz

400km – Marlborough Mayhem

Riders: Craig (22h36m); Rita (AB)

Time-limit: 27 hours

It is often argued that 400km brevets are the hardest to complete due to being longer than a 300km, but not reducing the average speed enough for a sleep break like a 600km brevet. So, naturally that is what I started with, jammed into the Christmas crunch, was our Marlborough Mayhem 400km brevet. With a desire to qualify for 1200km ride further afield later in the year, I promptly rescheduled my flights home for Christmas and booked a ferry across Cook Strait and back again.

As I rode up the long false flat that is the Wairau Valley the misty morning cleared albeit, not enough to allow us to see the mountain vistas of this area. As St Arnaud approached the false flat was replaced by real climbing as we made our way up to this alpine village. With Elaine's cafe which I frequented on many a past tramping trip no longer trading, I bought a snack from the general store, before heading to Kawatiri Junction and up over the Hope. It was soon obvious that I was not a climber as I struggled up the steep pitches.

I had a brief flat patch, with zero energy and feeling mildly faint just before reaching Nelson and had to stop for an emergency snack on the cycle way, just moments away from Nelson. I must say that I was very impressed with Nelson's integrated, and signposted cycle network.

Leaving Nelson required climbing the Whangamoa Hill, with sea fog set in on a warm and humid night. There was another bump before dropping into the Rai Valley and onto Havelock well after the shops had closed for the night.

I waited a few minutes for Rita to arrive but unfortunately it getting too late, and tiring, she chose to abandon and take a 20km shortcut back to Picton via the hillier route on Queen Charlotte Drive. Meanwhile I proceeded the flatter, but more distant route via Rapura Rd, although I will admit that I did sneek in a much needed needed a ten minute snooze to manage my tiredness en-route back to Picton.

300km – Round the Tararuas

Riders: Craig; Simon; Tim – All 17h51m

Time-limit: 20 hours

After Christmas I returned home to Wellington and was joined by Tim and Simon. We were able to meet Paris-Brest-Paris ancien Ed Allen for a snack at our first control in Carterton. Before the devastating heat of the afternoon kicked in, with the thermometer well over 30 degrees for most of the day. In Wellington we think it hot if it reaches 20 degrees! This led to us many time consuming rest-stops to eat more ice-creams, in all contributing to over four hours off our bikes.

600km – Picton – Westport – Picton

Riders: Craig (38h57m); Rita (AB)

Time-limit: 40 hours

It briefly looked like we may have had up to five riders for the 600, but after late withdrawals, it was just ride organiser Rita and myself.

Two days beforehand we swapped the route around so that more services would be open, and the overnight rest stop at Murchison could be at 382km instead if 440km. This seemed like a good idea - until getting our bikes at 5am on Saturday morning and riding into a headwind up the long false flat that is the Wairau Valley. At the top at St Arnaud we were a mere 40 minutes ahead of the time limit, so it was starting seem a tad tight even at this early stage. Time for fruitful hours of sleep was already seeming unlikely.

We met up with Kiwi Randonneurs stalwart Duncan and Tony in Murchison, where after 290km into the headwind Rita decided it wasn’t much fun and chose to abandon. As for me, this was the only 600km ride I had available for qualifying so I pushed on into wind and rain down the beautiful Buller Gorge to Westport, where all businesses decided to celebrate my arrival at 9pm by either closing or ceasing to be serving anymore food. So, it was nuts and snackbars on a concrete step outside New World (thanks for the extra snacks Duncan – was looking grim).

Then it was a climb up to Murchison for a 90 minute sleep in the motel before setting off over the Hope and into Nelson. No sign of the rain of the Buller from the night before as a sun shone and the temperature soared, especially felt when climbing over the Whangamoa Hill. The strategic placement of a control point at Pelorous Bridge for a good pie, didn’t quite work out as all I wanted was anything frozen to help cool me down before the final push around Queen Charlotte Drive and back to Picton.

200km – Taranaki Spin

Riders: Andrea (12h30m); Craig (12h30m); Rita (8h45m)

Time-limit: 13h30m

This was “multi-sport” weekend for Kiwi Randonneurs, with Rita backing up from a half-ironman the day before, and myself from an ascent of Mt Taranaki. I mostly rode with Andrea who was visiting from Brazil, although I wasn’t sure if I was going to finish when I broke two spokes near Stratford. Thankyou ‘Z Stratford’ for the loan of some tools, which enabled me to loosen the in tact spokes so the wheel would turn between the forks and enable me to complete the ride, and my Super Randonneur Series.

Our route was a variation on the Round the Mountain which would have only been 150km. Ironically, some of the best riding was in the quiet rural roads, and the scenic finish along the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway (a shared path) which had been added to bring the distance up to the required 200km.

MTB: Skyline to Red Rocks

2012-12-15T21:05:00.000+13:00

I made another feeble attempt at pretending I was mountain biker. With Mark who had recently arrived in Wellington, and is hanging out with with the folk from the Wellington Tramping & Mountaineering Club joining in the fun. I must say, I am not (yet?) a very good mountain biker, and it certainly showed. We started with the hardest bit, as I described as “aerobically challenging” with the slog up to Mt Kaukau. At an hour for the first 3km, completed it wasn’t looking good to make it all the way down to Red Rocks.

Once over Mt Kaukau, the riding seemed to get easier and we picked up the climbs up Johnsons Hill, Makara Peak, Brooklyn Wind Turbine, and Hawkins Hill along the way. Not the fastest, but had a lot of fun finding new local territory to explore. In general the tracks in the mountain bike parks, even with their deliberate obstacles were easier to ride than lose rocks, and deep rutting we found on the shared walking/livestock/biking trails. I particularly enjoyed the end-to-end aspect of the route that provided a feeling of having ridden somewhere – especially with a contiguous route off-road route free of motorised traffic (until the return ride home). Mark, told he me he saw more of Wellington on this ride than in the previous two months he had spent living here. There were plenty of views, and I should have taken a lot more photos while I was catching my breath.

It was a fun outing for the day and raises the question of why hadn’t ridden this ride sooner?

Mt Kaukau

Wrights Hill

Slightly contradictory set of signs approaching Hawkins Hill. Don't bring your road-bike, and don't run! But is a mountain bike a vehicle?

Air traffic radar on the top of Hawkins Hill

To Ride, to Race or to experience Adventure? – choose three!

2012-12-04T21:53:00.000+13:00

My post-Taupo thinking, now that have the full collection of helmet caps is toward not only finishing but being competitive. I am certainly no natural athlete and are unlikely to come close to that top step. The goal is to be competitive with those that choose to race. To not be making up the numbers, a few of hours off the back. I have more than proven I can finish events, including those with high DNF rates. Time to step it up. I have always said “ride" when others have said “race”. Can I change my mind-set?

As I have always said:

Never again until next year

But next year, the goal is set, and it has set both early and high. The goal is four laps in under 30 hours in next year’s Maxi Enduro. This is a high-bar, an hour per lap less than 2012. To achieve this I am going to have to achieve a few things that are foreign to me – proper nutrition and a methodical, planned approach to training. This should see me drop 7-10kg of the “insulation-wrap” that I carry with me everywhere.

I have always favoured adventure, over racing in my outdoor activities and this no doubt, will continue to be. But for multi-lap events, and events I have done before I think it is time to “step it up”. To step it up, I will need to be leaner, fitter and stronger. It is always important to me to keep the fun, the adventure in all things. It keeps you fresh. It keeps you inspired. To this end, obtaining the base fitness I’ll spend more time on the mountain bike finding new places to explore, tramping and climb the odd mountain. Dabble in some trail running (or more likely marginal trail-jogging) and use randonneuring rides into new and different places as a means of building the base. It will be about incorporating the desire and fun of adventure with a more disciplined training focus. Without fun, without adventure, the risk of becoming stale and bored in training is too great. In boredom all fitness gains are easily lost. With careful thought, adventures will build the base, but 10 weeks beforehand a tunnel-visioned focus must consume me. A time to focus on the specificity of training what is required to achieve the goal that has been set.

Then there are other races, that are simply unobtainium. I was a bit surprised when Tim kindly pointed out I was on the qualified list for the hardest, most gruelling and most epic of all endurance cycling races: The Race Across America. I would have thought I was many hours behind the qualifying pace, but as errant as my appearance amongst far stronger, and many truly great riders – could anything else possibly be a greater motivation to attempt to train to such toward such a high standard? [NB: I am unlikely to ever be of RAAM Solo standard, but I am huge RAAM fan!]

Buckle your seatbelts, and lets enjoy the ride, or is it a race?

For some final reflection on the 2012 Maxi-Enduro, few more photos…

More start-line, and Maxi-Enduro photos taken my Mum, Dad & nephew Jamie

Before the start with my Mum & my Dad.

Team Potato Guy

Assorted start-line photos

I wasn’t this near Joshua Kench for very long!

The official event highlights video:

Official event video – mostly the one-lappers on Saturday.

The Lanterne Rouge of the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge Maxi Enduro

2012-11-29T22:37:00.001+13:00

I recently returned home from my annual pilgrimage to Taupo for the Lake Taupo Challenge. I've Now completed 7 challenges, and 18 Laps of "the pond". This year I entered the four-times round "Maxi Enduro 640km" category, and whilst this is my quickest 600km ride by about an hour and a half, this was no rando ride and I decisively came last out of the seven finishers. With this I can provide a definitive guide on how to claim the Lanterne Rouge in this category:

Get really severely crook six weeks beforehand.
Roll on the floor crying like a girl while passing kidney stones with five weeks to go. (Trust me, Strava doesn’t know what suffering is)
Ride 1200km with mild heatstroke three weeks beforehand.
Arrive in Taupo, on the startline overcooked but pedalling on all the same
Stop at Burger King Turangi for a snack two or more times during the ride!

Ride Data:
Distance:	328.5km
Time:	34h50m
Elevation gain:	7,625m
Ride Data:	Strava / Garmin Connect
Starters / Finishers	15 / 7 (47% finished)
Location:	Taupo, Nov 23-24, 2012

Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge 640km Maxi Enduro 2012
Place	Rider	Time
1st	9810 Josh Kench	23h50m
2nd	9811 Rich Baty	25h02m
3rd	9805 Paul Lewis	25h55m
4th	9800 Colin-Wal Anderson	26h56m
5th	9801 Steven Berveling	29h29m
6th	9808 Alistair Davidson	30h09m
7th	9804 Craig McGregor	34h50m

Start-line

The start-line contained many familiar faces with legends Joshua Kench, Colin “WAL” Anderson, Graperide Ultimate Champion Greg Manson, Tim “The Potato Guy” Neal, Andrew Morrison and others. And others with non-riding support from Stu Downs, Lis, Helen and Tarbabies Paul Barnes and Rick & Jo.

Team Potato Guy was represented by Tim, Andrew Morrison and myself. Unfortunately Tim & Andrew were only able to complete two laps each, so we have since claimed to be the first ever 3-person 8-lap Extreme Enduro relay team as we completed the eight laps between us.

Lap One

Off the start-line I was able to hold Josh’s wheel for at least 3 metres – in the “neutral” zone! I didn’t see Josh again until he lapped me on the way up Waihi Hill on my third lap. The last 50km of the first lap, following the left-hand turn onto SH1 was in reasonably heavy, but friendly traffic with many cyclists arriving for the 160km and relay events beginning the following morning. I also received great support from some of the Onslow Tarbabies on their way, with Mike Faherty & Dave Flynn stopping to wave their Tarbabies jerseys as support flags – thanks guys. I really appreciated the support. I rolled around the first lap in 6h30m which was a half hour outside expectations. I found myself amongst some of the next days one-lap riders out for light spins, enquiring about the Enduro events on the way into, and out of the Caltex Station that acted as the interlap checkpoint. Traffic in Taupo was heavy as I idled my way through town, More concerning however, were the stats coming out of my heart-rate monitor. I knew that I would not able sustain these stats for another three laps, with my heartrate well up on where it should have been relative to the effort. This most likely pointing to a lack of recovery from my previous ride, the 1200km Great Southern Randonnee.

Lap Two

I stopped for a snack at the farmstay 10km into the second lap, which turned out to be well timed as the a heavy rain shower passed over while I was dry inside. In the first half of the lap, Alistair and I rode past each other a few times whilst faffing about eating, or organising lights and/or reflective clothing etc.

With Mt Tongariro letting off some steam earlier in the week, I thought there may have been viewing in the night but the live screening of “Volcano” had apparently been abruptly cancelled.

I had Tim on my wheel as I approached the Turangi checkpoint. Whilst I felt like some solid food, as good as the Hammer is, I need to chew and popped inside for a late night burger. A French Patisserie would have been more ideal?

I came back out for my bike to find Tim in the van icing a sore knee but was soon back on his bike. We exchanged places a few times en-route to Taupo, where Tim was unfortunately unable to continue. Two meal stops on a 100-mile lap, may make the 8h50m slightly more respectable. I certainly wasn’t racing and had very much slipped into 1200k generous time-limits cafe-hopping rando mode.

Lap Three

I knew that lap three would be key for me. It would be a lap in the darkness and this is where fending off the sleep wombles becomes critical, especially once the moon goes down. Thankfully, I had good support with Dad tailing me and just before day break I jumped in the car for warmth and a 15 minute snooze before sending him back to the farmstay while the road was open. Alertness did not fully return with the arrival of the sun which has been my usual experience as I struggled to get the legs going after day break. As I made my way through the Kuratau and Waihi hills, Joshua Kench came through and lapped me. It had to happen sooner or later. He was sounding a little disappointed to be outside of record setting pace as we exchanged a few sentences.

I was feeling a bit clammy and exhausted by the time I reached the Turangi Checkpoint, and shockingly returned to Burger King for breakfast, where I was able to swap “nutritional advice” with iRONman Skelton who had just finished first in the Extreme Enduro for the second year in a row. I also briefly saw Paul Rawlinson at this bustling establishment as he grabbed some food to go while supported some 2-lap Enduro riders. I seemed to be riding better with more food in my stomach as I departed BK to get the job done, passing a supportive Stu Downs who was rolling into Turangi on his touring bike. The elite race went through like I was standing still, but I did receive a rousing reception up Hatepe and into Taupo. I suspect none of these people had any idea I still had another lap to go! I was a little surprised to see Andrew Morrison cheering from the grassy slope on the way into Taupo, but he had unfortunately been forced to withdraw after two laps (his blog post here). Now realising I was the only TPG rider still rolling I was even more determined to finish.

Lap Four

Unfortunately I was too late through to gain the benefit of any of 160km bunches and I ambled through a very hot lap. This was my 18th lap of “the pond”, and the first time I can recall absolutely no wind or movement, nor cloud or rain around the back of the lake. The tar was melting, and the stones from the chipseal sticking to my tyres. On this lap I had pretty much had enough of riding of the rough chipseal that had seemed to have been dropped on wet tar, with no roller applied afterwards. I did not want to see it again! I was struggling to find any pace and appreciated the opportunity for the chance to get an ice-cream in Turangi to help cool down before final 50km to an anti-climatic finish with no timing equipment at either the Caltex checkpoint or the Great Lake Centre finish line.

Job done. I have now earned the full set of Enduro helmet caps. Yellow for the 320km Enduro, Pink for the 640km Maxi-Enduro & Green for the 1280km Extreme Enduro.

Post Ride Thoughts

Riding around the Lake, in clear weather, without a requirement to keep a close eye on a wheel in front, or a bunch around me showed many more points offering great views over the Lake than I had previously noted in single lap 160km events, or enduro’s in more inclement weather.

I find myself more of a randonneur than a racer, which can make these multi-lap events with a much greater focus on performance a conundrum for me. Should I race them, or should just ride them? Should I try force myself to save time by staying on the liquid on-bike fuels the whole way? Could “racing” them make me a stronger randonneur?

Could I train myself fit enough and light enough to “race” such events? I’m not sure, but I do feel like I have some unfinished business and am likely to give the Maxi Enduro another crack next year, with an aim of breaking 30 hours. This will require quite a different lead-in to the event to this year.

Thanks to

Keith Crate & Lynley for volunteering your time to running the Enduro events.
Mum, Dad & Jamie for supporting me on the course, even if I was occasionally grumpy
Stu, Matt Oliver and anyone else whose photos I ripped off Facebook :)
The other riders that help create the event
All those mentioned above that provided moral support
“David” who gave me a wheel to follow into the Caltex checkpoint on lap one.
Random strangers passing me food on laps three & four

Surviving the Great Southern Randonnee 1200

2012-11-21T13:38:00.001+13:00

This ride seemed to throw everything at me. From extreme heat to southerly wind and rain; illness & mechanical concerns.

!Training

To be fair, I didn't get much training in over winter. Actually, it may be more honest to say that I did not get any training in over winter. The weather was pretty awful, I had a short bout of illness. That said, following three road 1200's and a dirt 1100km event in eight months, I was overdue for some time off the bike. However I did get a small weather opening to get some hill training in :).

As you can see, from the snow and ice in shot, it was perfect weather conditions to acclimatise to riding in Australia in early summer, or perhaps it wasn't :>. That said, Mt Ruapehu has been warming up somewhat since then. (See: Mt Ruapehu could blow at any time).

I did get a pair of back to back 200's in shortly before departing for Australia. Whilst the wind served well for strength training, the rain on the 200 home may have been the instigator for mechanical issues experienced 900km later.

I’ve digressed, time to talk about the ride. The briefing mentioned being ware of kangaroos, wombats, and magpies with these black and white birds described as dressed up as New Zealanders. Fair cop. Obviously no need to mention wallabies, they have proven afterall, that they are clearly no threat. (Although the locals seem to be claiming a recent draw between the All Blacks and the Wallabies like a victory).

Moonlight

Ride Data:
Distance:	1,206km
Time:	89h00m
Elevation gain:	7,625m
Ride Data:	Strava / Garmin Connect
Location:	South-West Victoria, Australia Oct 29-Nov 2, 2012

With the ride beginning from Anglesea at 6pm on clear and calm night, for the initial Bellerine Peninsula loop. This first 200km began in the early evening and featured sunset followed by a still moonlit night, of which was most beautiful at the point when the moonlight was being reflected off the water over Port Phillip Bay.

Aided by good conditions and an early bunch, and a short time sucking Hamish’s wheel until I was dropped swapping my water bottles from my back pocket. Ooops, a little trickier to do in motion from under a reflective gilet. 197km & 3 controls (plus a secret control) down and a meal break in 8.5 hours, and I was well ahead of my planned schedule, a quick snack and I feeling great and ready to rock on!!!

Some may like it hot, but I sure don't!

I was still making good time to arrive at Apollo Bay (271km) before 7:30am, with a mere further 213km planned for the day, I was on schedule to arrive at Port Fairy (483km) at about sunset (8pm-ish) as planned. Unfortunately, it was a bit uphill & downhill for me all at the same time me as the morning became day and I started coming to a grinding halt unable to keep myself cool. In New Zealand I would have dunked my head in a stream to cool off, but here is Australia ‘t'is a dry and barren land with no such options available. I found the Lavers Hill climb to be arduous. On the one hand, this was a mere "Australian Mountain" and not much more than a false flat by home standards, but with the sun beating down, a lack of shade and the temperature at 32degC and rising, the energy was being sapped from me turning this into an epic climb. I consumed my three water bottles consumed in a mere 31km, and once I reached the top, there was a fairly hefty margin applied by the proprietors of the store on top of the hill. AUD$21 certainly doesn't go far there!

Following the joy of the descending, the ride through to Port Campbell (367km) was scenic, but featured as little shade as possible, with views of the ocean to taunt me by never quite close enough to offer the chance to jump in for a swim. The temperature continued to soar, with my Garmin fenix watch peaking at 37 degC. I can assure the last and warm mouthful of water in a bottle is neither thirst quenching, nor refreshing.

An ice bath would have been great at the Port Campbell control but I settled for beans on toast followed by some COLD ice cream. After spending an hour so at the control, gaining some respite from the sun I headed back out bound for Hopkins Falls and Port Fairy. I was soon struggling in the heat and pausing for rest whenever a shaded opportunity presented itself. The time advantage built previous evening all but evaporated as I arrived for for a quick break for soup at Hopkins Falls (435km) on dusk. I started experiencing cramps at this control but pushed on for Port Fairy. Riding late into the evening, without the temperature seeming to get much any cooler, eventually arriving at Port Fairy (483km; 11:25pm) struggling with the heat and unable to eat and promptly collapsed into a heap obviously the floor in the corner, hoping to feel better after I woke up. The offer of a comfortable bed being a few too metres away for me at the time lol.

90 minutes later I woke with simultaneous cramps in right calf; left quad; right foot & left hand! I felt rested and awake but also like I was being slowly roasted. Still feeling hot and flustered I was struggling to eat and get food down, and could barely drink a cup of tea! I was incredibly uncertain of my capability to complete the ride. In fact I was almost certain I would be recording a rare DNF at this point. Peter McCallum was quite big on telling me to HTFU (refer rule #5) at this point and advised me it hadn’t been hot at all of course, hails from North Queensland. I must invite over for some winter rides, perhaps in the deep south? A big thanks to the vollies at Port Fairy who helped me get back on the road.

Randonneuring is all about the finishing and not racing, or lowest net time. It is crucial to never redraw until it really is absolutely impossible to complete the event. I made some calculations of latest time I could leave for the next checkpoint at Macarthur and keep within the time limit. It came down to, if I could keep scrambled eggs on toast down I would continue. With this successfully I achieved Phew, not feeling great but I was still rotating. Julian and I set off for Macarthur together.

Arriving at Macarthur (532km) right on the close off time, I had soup for sustenance and headed onward for the well setup Dunkeld (600km) control where I was able to move on soup and consume a solid baked spud before heading up and through the Grampians with Mick. We tried to ride together but had different strengths so as the it briefly warmed on a sun exposed clibn and I soon found myself riding alone again climbing, at least until reaching a temporary road closure for a quick snooze during a 46 minute wait before charging with springs in my legs for Halls Gap (665km). I appeciated both the scenery and increased shade that this hillier, and more forested section of the ride presented.

A brief snack at Halls Gap before heading out for the return trip to Moyston (697km). This section seemed to drag on for a mere 31km, but after getting my card signed and turning around with a tailwind, I could understand why. This provided a nice quick return back to Halls Gap (729km).

Leaving Halls Gap, just before dusk left a chunk of night riding back to Dunkeld (794km) and featured a certain amount off kangaroo slalom as I made my way through the Grampians to Dunkeld, during which the wind turned and the temperature finally began to cool down. At Dunkeld I enjoyed another spud and a two hour sleep during much of the rain before heading back to Macarthur (863km). With the wind now a south-westerly with showers in the air, I was more-or-less riding home conditions now. With the weather bringing my body temp down, I was feeling much better and felt like I had powered down to Macarthur and onto Port Fairy (911km) regardless of the strong head and cross winds. Some of the other riders told me later that they thought they were going bit be blown over, but blowing at 50km/h – surely a mere gentle breeze?

I was pleased to arrive in Port Fairy (911km) in better health for many reasons. Perhaps one of the more important was that this time I would be able to the apple crumble that I unable my previous time through this control.

A pain in the ball bearings

On the ride back to Hopkins Falls (960km) I began to feel some movement in my cranks for the first time, and by the time I reached Port Campbell (1028km) it was becoming excessive. While I ate dinner, some of the helpful volunteers took a look and soon had the very worn ball bearings living in a grease bath that would hopefully survive the remaining 200k. All the grease had been washed out in by rain some time earlier, so the bearings wore themselves out.

I don’t usually ride the Madone in the rain unless it is during a 1200, so with no play before I started it was disappointing to encounter this issue in the middle of such a long ride. I did get drenched at home the weekend before departing for Australia, so that may not have helped.
.
I have subsequently discovered that Trek uses a proprietary flavour of bearings in the Madone, that can only be ordered from Trek. A Madone BB90 is not like other BB90's. Non-standard components are not exactly ideal for long distance cycling. My LBS suggested riding with them so worn was not a good idea because with this design (no press-fit bearings and no sleeve) as it could lead frame damage.

The return trip over Lavers Hill in the dark seemed to take an age, conscious of the bearings and crank movement I took it easy and battled a fare amount of tiredness too. I rode some of the section through to Hordern Vale (1102km) with Sarah & Bec (see Sarah’s GSR Video). The climb up to the Hordern Vale control sort of reminded me of the uphill arrivial at the controls on PBP last year.

Bringing it home

I was able to get a couple of hours sleep, once again at the same time as heavy rain before leaving on rain break for the descent to Apollo Bay and a coffee to warm up before the final push back to Anglesea (1200km).

By the finish I was having reasonable difficulty changing the front derailleur due to extensive crank movement, so spent most of it pushing the big-ring (refer rule #90). It felt a strong finish in my legs, but likely only in the context of already have 1100km in the legs.

I was pleased to finish, following an over-time-limit on the Kiwi Hunt, and after it wasn't looking good at Port Fairy, after riding in the heat on day one. To top things off, the Town Crier arrived at the post-ride barbeque and welcomed all the international riders (including those from New Zealand even). We were presented with Aussie flags and kangaroo pins.

Completion of 1200’s continues to leave me with a feeling of accomplishment, and I’d like to think I have more many more 1200’s in me yet! With 1200 routes selected proudly by local organisers to show off there part of the world, they present an excellent way to get out and see the world. I felt well looked after on the GSR, and think I will be back again when it is next schedules in 2016.

Apparently I was not the only person to suffer from the heat. About a quarter of the 1200km field, and 10 of the 12 1000km riders were unable to continue. I hope you all find conditions more in your favour for your next rides.

And a huge thanks to ride organiser Stephen Rowlands and the army of vollies that organised the ride, kept us fed, watered and rotating for 1200km. (sorry I can’t recall all of your names right now. And a special thanks to Dave for transport to and from Melbourne.

Also see:

I didn’t take many photos on this ride, but you can enjoy more multimedia from the ride visit the links below.

! Reflecting on Gilets

2012-11-14T23:12:00.000+13:00

All cats are black cats after midnight

I frequently ride long after sundown, whether it is due to cycle commuting, or long-distance cycling events such as randonneuring. On my most recent ride, I managed to destroy the zip and noted high-usage wear and tear including random unstitching from the only gilet (vest) that I have ever owned that I believe to be suitably visible at night.

I looked both at my LBS and many online stores and it is quite apparent that commercially available gilets, including flurorescent coloured ones are simply not suited for riding in the dark. The bright colours are helpful in low-light conditions e.g. rain, but are of no use after sunset due to a distinct lack of reflective material. In fact, I would say that there is typically only between no and a barely subliminal quantity of reflective material on such garments. I can understand limiting reflective material to thin strips of piping etc for aesthetics on day time gilets that are not fluorescent in colour. However, for fluorescent gilets, it seems insane to stop short of a garment that would otherwise provide greatly increased visibility, from a distance in night-time conditions.

I personally do not regard fluorescent without reflectives as “hi-viz” because after dark and travelling on the road, it is the reflectives that make the difference, not the colour.

Whilst a little heaver due to heavier polyester fabric, as well as the reflective strips, the reflective garment I purchased with my Paris-Brest-Paris entry is simply the only suitable after dark gilet I have ever owned. Note the volume of reflective strips – similar to a road safety vest, but more windproof and an open sleeve to access the rear pockets of the underlying cycling jersey.

After dark, it looked something like this. Note how brightly the reflective strips show compared with the fluorescent yellow and event the battery powered tail-lights.

In comparison, here is a gilet I received with entry to the Lake Taupo Exteme Enduro last year. This is not to be critical of this event, or this in particular garment. This is typically what is available “off-the-shelf”, as well as for custom event runs. This gilet is made of a lightweight nylon, has a rear pocket – excellent features. Unfortunately, the only reflective is a thin section of piping down either side of the rear of the garment.

I have subsequently send my PBP gilet for repair (thanks Mum), but if you are riding after dark you are probably best off wearing a road-safety vest like this one (NZD$12.45) (see http://www.stockaid.co.nz/index.html?Action=Commerce.Product&ID=424013):

As for dedicated cycle-wear, after more and more googling, I did come across two garments that appear to be more relective than those I had previous sited.

The Ontrack Reflect Vest (NZD$59 from Chain Reaction Cycles) appears to come close to being ideal, but for me it is a shame there is no vertically orientated reflective material over the back, and only a very thin section of piping across the shoulders. This seems to be a lot of surface area, that could have been more reflective.

The 2XU lightweight reflective vest which looks more promising for reflective quality, and if you can afford the NZD$170 price tag, I’m sure you can afford to pop one in the post for me too (thanks so much!).

GSR 1200 Summary

2012-11-02T11:00:00.000+13:00

The GSR felt like an eventful ride for me, so it may be a while before I have a full post of the ride up.
I struggled after the heat of day one, but managed to keep rotating and roll in, nursing what was left of my bottom bracket bearings in 89 hours - a whole hour to spare.

About 25% of the 1200km field was forced to withdraw, mostly due the heat. The timing of the 1000km start resulted in more heat, and 2/12 finishers. I struggled to keep going from Port Fairy with cramps, high body temp and barely able to eat. Mostly survived on soup until the weather turned and cooled down.

Some memories and thoughts from the ride:

Beautiful moonlit night after the 6pm start for the 200k loop around the Bellerine Peninsula, especially when the moon was reflecting off the sea in Port Phillip Bay.
Temperature control is impossible at 37degC with little shade and no cold rivers to dunk your head in.
Too many electrolytes equals heart burn; too few electrolytes equals cramp. If thou are really special you can get both on the same day!
Keep on pedalling. Carrying on when you are struggling, can yield the benefit of faster riding when you feel better (or in my case when the weather turns bad "home conditions"?) and a successful finish
Temporary road closures are a good chance for a power nap
Kangaroo slalom at night.near Halls Gap would have been even more interesting if I had been hallucinating.
Starting a 1200 on holiday and under a full moon reduces sleep requirements.
The vollies (volunteers) on Audax Victoria rides do a fabulous job looking after the participants.
Apple crumble & banana splits :)
Bottom bracket bearings can wear out fast during a 1200 if the grease runs dry.

1200km again?

2012-10-24T22:46:00.001+13:00

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein

I will be making way to the Western Islet of New Zealand shortly. This being the little island that serves as a prison colony to the western edge of this fine nation. The locals being uneducated believe they are free, and refer to their convict colony as “Australia”.

Unfortunately, the nzopengps project maps do not provide coverage for the Western Islet, and after some fickle efforts to compile OSM Australia maps myself to install on my Garmin Etrex30 I curiously discovered why the convict colony is also known as “downunder”.

However as discrepancies such as this are not present on the web version of Open Street Map, maps of the area, this is not so much a fault with that projects mapping data as my failure to compile it neatly for Garmin GPS use. (or, the fact that the convenience afforded by nzopengps is unavailable with this project)

It is very good of Mike & Stacey to put up with me for a couple of days before I head to Angelsea for the Great Southern Randonnee. 48 others and myself have entered the 1200km event organised by Audax Australia. With the ride starting at 6PM, Monday 29 October AEST. Locals along the route should be aware of the potential of 49 two-wheeled zombies arriving for halloween two days later.

For myself, the training has been lacking through a miserable winter then the painful ailment of kidney stones. However, I was able to get in a 420km last weekend around the Pahiatua Loop and three laps of the Tour of Waikanae. That pretty much serverd as both my first and my last endurance training ride for this epic event :).

Obviously I have the disappointment of being narrowly over the 90 hour time limit in the Kiwi Hunt 1200 to rectify. There is also my 1200 personal record of 85h32 to improve upon. Regardless of my lack of training, I was reasonably happy with my strength last weekend so consider the PR as on the table. Whilst the GSR has no significant mountains it does have four steep pitches of about 400 vertical metres over the Otways, of which the last two are likely to hurt after more than 1000km in the legs.

There are some 20 checkpoints including start and finish, so if you are bored at your desk jump online and check my progress on my SPOT Tracker. This is several more checkpoings than the PBP, but using average speed at similar distances to get the PR I need to be tracking ahead of these times. PBP had a 30km bonus at 1230km long, so if I am able to maintain the same times (on no training)I should finish 2 hours faster.

Checkpoint	km	PR	Time-limit
1. Angelsea	0	29th 18:00	29th 18:00
2. Geelong	54		29th 21:36
3. Queenscliff	122		30th 02:08
4. Angelsea	196	30th 02:35	30th 07:08
5. Apollo Bay	269		30th 12:04
6. Port Campbell	364	30th 11:55	30th 18:28
7. Hopkins Falls	431	30th 17:02	30th 23:00
8. Port Fairy	481	30th 19:43	31st 02:12
9. Macarthur	529	31st 01:40	31st 05:28
10. Dunkeld	597	31st 06:24	31st 10:05
11. Halls Gap	662		31st 15:47
12. Moyston	694	31st 14:46	31st 18:35
13. Halls Gap	726		31st 21:18
14. Dunkeld	791	31st 21:21	1st 03:01
15. Macarthur	859	1st 05:39	1st 09:04
16. Port Fairy	907	1st 08:33	1st 13:22
17. Hopkins Falls	957		1st 17:34
18. Port Campbell	1024	1st 16:08	1st 23:32
19. Hordern Vale	1099	1st 20:45	2nd 06:02
20. Angelsea	1200	2nd 05:20	2nd 12:00

Ruapehu Crater Lake: Summer & Winter

2012-08-25T15:02:00.000+12:00

This past weekend I completed the second weekend of a Snowcraft course with the Wellington Tramping & Mountaineering Club. On Saturday we had good weather and made it up to the Crater Lake at the top of Mt Ruapehu. Having previously visited these parts in the height of summer, I thought contrasting the summer and winter photos from the same location would be interesting.

Pinnacle Ridge

Dome Shelter

Cathedral Rocks

Crater Lake

Rangiwahia Tops; Triangle & Irongate

2012-07-15T15:01:00.000+12:00

Date: 13-15 July, 2012

Punters: Bernie, Brendan, Craig, Debbie, Jamie, Paul (L) and Sarah from the Wellington Tramping & Mountaineering Club.

On Friday night we surprised a full hut after tramping up to the elevation of 1300m.asl to Rangiwahia Hut under torchlight. Most of our group stayed on the floor, but I was not one to let a few clumps of snow sighted under torchlight discourage me and chose to stay outside under the veranda on the east deck. After all, I do not go outdoors to stay on a stuffy hut. Ironically, I spent the rest of the weekend hearing the tales of woe of how cold the rest of the party was - inside the hut!

Snowy Ridgeline

Saturday morning began with a climb up into the snow line proper. It began with mostly good travel with a few instances of stepping through the firm crust and post-holing into between knee deep and waist deep below. This was related to the snow covering the tussock shrubs. On the descent toward Triangle I found myself falling through the snow almost every other step. My knees took a hammering and with supporting cast members, Paul and Brendan we were leaving a trail of blood to mark the Ruahine Tramper massacre every time we post-holed through the snow.

On some firmer snow, Sarah let out a not quite so death curdling scream as she went for a skate down the slope. I drifted off the back of the group as I continued to post-hole through the snow, in one case having to fetch my boot which didn't come out with my leg. My knees were pretty smashed up by the time we reached Triangle Hut where we had lunch.

Descending down to Triangle

Triangle Hut

The section down the river after lunch was absolutely my favourite section of the trip. It seemed surprisingly warm given it was the middle of winter. Possibly this was due to running water being warmer than the frozen stuff we had spent the morning amongst. When we got to the track that left the river with a near vertical scramble before descending rapidly to the river. I was promptly overruled when I suggested it was a flood track and the river was not in flood. (Post trip I have been advised that is both possible and impossible to follow the river in this section. I may return to explore this for myself)

We had a large serving of pasta with tomato base for dinner. Having the fire on on the evening I found the hut too hot but the veranda was small and covered in firewood so I stayed inside on this occasion. Perhaps just as well given the heavy rain that fell in the middle of the night.

Irongate Hut

The route out on Sunday was less interesting. It was more or less, a flood track up the side of the river that went up, across and down as each slip along the river was crossed. We stopped for lunch at Heritage Lodge, which was welcome as a shower passed over. It was great that it only rained while we were indoors. On returning home the news was full of flooding woes that thankfully did not beset on ourselves.

I think this route would be more suited to a summer trip and it may or may not be possible to follow the river from Triangle to the Irongates, near the road end. This may take some exploring and some possible pack floats... Most trips seem to have this thing about following tracks these days, but I continue to consider them optional :>.

Neill-Winchcome U-turn

2012-06-03T15:05:00.000+12:00

Date: 2-3 June, 2012

Punters: Alayne, Alistair, Craig, Debbie, Kaleb, Phillip & Weimin from the Wellington Tramping & Mountaineering Club.

Unfortunately some trips do not go as well as one hopes. I had looked forward to this trip for months with the Neill-Winchcombe ridge being a major point of missing red-line on the map on my lounge wall. The best trip on the schedule I proclaimed. In different conditions it certainly could have been.

The Neill-Winchcombe ridge is a less travelled ridge which connects Cone Ridge to Mt Hector. Whereas most visitors to this part traverse the Southern Crossing traveling north to south from Otaki to Kaitoke (or Waiohine Gorge), the Neill-Winchcombe joins Mt Hector and provides a path toward the east. Our intentions were to start from Waiohine Gorge, stay at Cone Hut on Friday night, ascend Cone and the travel west along the Neill-Winchcome Ridge to Mt Hector and descend down to Kime Hut on Saturday. Then traverse the Tararua Peaks to Neill Forks on Sunday before returning to the van at Waiohine Gorge on Monday.

After a night walk on Friday night, we arrived at an occupied Cone Hut at which half our party stayed in the hut while Alistair, Phillip and myself camped out in good weather. As we departed camp on Saturday the skies were clear and no wind was present. By the time we reached Cone, we were walking in clag with limited visibility but very little wind. We entered the forest and followed the forested ridge with a brief open patch at Neill. The travel along the marked route on this track was constantly up and down with the odd rock scramble for good measure.

We did not cover this ground as fast as I had hoped, but this didn't become a problem until we reached Winchcombe. The wind was howling in from the west. Walking upright was becoming somewhat of a challenge and we soon found ourselves crawling along the ridge toward pt1378 tightly grasping the tussock. With fading light, gale-force winds and the ridge narrowing toward razorback we chose to turn back for the safety of the bushline for a night of unscheduled fly camping. Unfortunately without a water supply the array of gourmet food carried on our backs had to return with us on Sunday morning while Saturday nights dinner was limited to snackbars and chocolate.

We certainly were not the first party caught in the position, however unlike us according to other blogs I have read many have camped nearby a tarn for water supply in this area.

All trips are easier with hindsight, and I should have woken the party to leave earlier on Saturday morning and I certainly underestimated the time traveling along the undulating Neill-Winchcombe ridge. I do think that in winter with less daylight, and few bailout options to a cosy hut or a fantastic campsite it may well be a better option to approach this ridge from Mt Hector, thereby being in the bushline later in the day, or if the weather changfes.

As for my red-line, there remains a frustrating 1.2km gap between Mt Hector and .1398 which will be resolved by a future successful completion of this trip.

Tramping the Lake Dive Loop

2012-05-27T13:04:00.000+12:00

Date: 25-27 May, 2012

Punters: Anthony, Craig, John, Paul, Rebecca and Tommy from the Wellington Tramping & Mountaineering Club.

I had signed up to lead a trip on Queens Birthday weekend, so after a few years of ultra-distance cycling and not much tramping I thought it best to remember how to walk beforehand. After an ever changing list of punters due to withdrawals (including the assigned trip leader whom I replaced in a bloodless coup) and late entries, six of us met on another WTMC tramping trip that began with introductions as we made our way up to Taranaki where we stayed at the DOC managed Konini Lodge with unusual tramping luxuries including hot showers.

Throughout the weekend, the expression of outlandish theories on how to resolve the issue of New Zealand's immigrant Brushtail Possum population dominated the conversation. Suggestions by the Australian member of our party that Brushtail Possums in New Zealand were not fatter than Brushtail Possums in the western isles were soon resolved when an over fed specimen was perfectly lined up under headlights by Paul - until he showed more mercy via the brake pedal to the possum than the possum will itself provide to our native flora. Needless to say as many theories around possible biological, genetic and birth controls were found to be flawed and thus quickly dismissed in the manner as any poorly thought-out conspiracy theory.

Mt Taranaki and Fanthams Peak

We rose on Saturday to a clear day with perfect visibility to the snow covered peaks of Fanthams Peak and Mt Taranaki. There are people who visit Taranaki many times without seeing the mountain, so with half our party having never been here were lucky to see a great view of mountain.

By sight the Upper Lake Dive Track looked only marginally affected by snow, but after talking with DOC staff before leaving I was advised of the possibility of gullies filled with refrozen snow. I took my ice-axe a precaution to make some big foot-holes if such an eventuality made any members of our party uncomfortable..

Sir Edmund Hillary Memorial

Hooker Shelter

Stairs leading towards Upper Lake Dive Track & Fanthams Peak

Our tramp began with the steady, often staircased climb past Hooker Shelter and Kapuni Lodge to the junction of the Upper Lake Dive track and the track to Fanthams Peak. During this steady climb we could see a group in the distance trying to cross a gully filled with firm snow on their way toward Fanthams Peak. With this observation any prior thoughts of dropping our packs for an optional side trip to higher ground quickly evaporated.

A little way above the track junction to Kapuni Lodge we met another party coming down the mountain who kindly offered some advice. It is often hard to assess the quality of advice provided by other parties when you briefly meet for 45 seconds or so. There is after all a continuum of advice received in such circumstances ranging from never leave the house paranoia to quality advice all the way through to the she'll be right gung-ho. Therefore it is of course useful to assess how any advice provided might apply to your own party or trip. On this occasion I was advised of treacherous snow and ice filled gullies, "People have here died you know", and that I would drown the survivors in the streams when returning on the lower track with some rain in the forecast.

While I appreciated their concern, the lack of snow and dry streams did suggest that of absurdly paranoid advice. My grandfather once told me you tell a lot a about person by looking at their shoes. Whilst I couldn't care less weather their boots had been freshly polished I did note that while they had nice shiny gear, they were currently walking on dirt in crampons having just walked down wooden steps that had neither ice or snow covering then. I thanked them for their advice and that I was aware that there were showers in the forecast and continued on to Lake Dive.

We had no wind and mostly clear clear conditions across the Upper Lake Dive Track. There were some small pockets of soft snow and certainly no ice or hard snow. The track offered views across to inland Taranaki farmland "Somewhere" and overlooking the native forest surrounding Mt Taranaki. There are few places that show possum damage to the forest as evidently as here with numerous skeletons of solid native trees that now have neither foliage nor life.

Having not been tramping of late I could feel my knees a little after what is an easy descent down to Lake Dive Hut. On arrival we met a group of students who were using this tramp toward their Duke of Edinborough awards. While they were doing there homework we began playing the cardgame "Hearts". Seeing the Duke of Edinborough students studying their maps and recalling what they passed through during the day did make me think an easy trip using this approach could be an alternative method of delivering the clubs Bushcraft courses.

Our epic battle over cards was temporarily interrupted by more important things - our stomachs. A minor crisis was averted with some surgery performed with the help of Anthony to recover the fuel hose which detached from the fuel pump of my primus into the the middle of the full fuel bottle. Once reattached we set about getting on with the meal. We all had a collection of ingredients assigned to us by trip leader Paula (absent), and whilst Paul, flatmate of Paula lived in the same house as Paula he hadn't a clue as to the recipe. A fine team effort was co-ordinated to create a fine meal of satay noodles which was gratefully consumed by all.

As our card game resumed, the DoE students began playing "the famous person game" and become more and more boisterous. No matter how much sugar we ate via our oversupply of chocolate biscuits we were simply unable to compete both in decibels and pitch. Some funny lines were heard which I am sure we can credit the students as providing solely for the means of our entertainment:

"Is the fire on?" "No, the fire is going. You can't just turn it on"

and

"Invented the iPod" "Isaac Newton"

errr, I think Mr Newton was inspired by a different apple!

As the students suddenly ran out of sugar and disappeared to bed promptly, the lack of background noise and distractions made the game ever the more tense. Once Paul completed his convincing win while subtly hiding in the corner and not bringing any attention to himself we soon followed suit.

During the night, a gale westerly came up with the express purpose of proving to us that Lake Dive Hut is in fact, very securely fastened to its foundations.

With the arrival of daylight we timed our exit of the hut perfectly. It started to rain the moment we stepped out the door. The track appeared to have a lot of recent maintenance and was nowhere near as muddy as I recalled from a previous visit. Without the warmth of the sunshine, we walked faster, rested less and made good time back to Dawson Falls via the Lake Dive Lower Track. Thoughts of extending the trip around the Dawson Falls loop walk were quickly dashed with the kind offer of a hot shower at Konini Lodge.

Driving home

Just 80% Ultimate

2012-04-24T11:04:00.000+12:00

Ride Data:
Distance:	396km
Time:	21h04m (elapsed) 16h40m (moving)
Elevation gain:	3,561m
Ride Data:	Garmin Connect
Location:	Renwick, NZ March 23-24, 2012

Stu, whom I met during the Lake Taupo Extreme Enduro (8 laps) did a great job drumming up support for this years 'Ultimate' by encouraging enough riders to enter to ensure we were above the 10 rider threshold required by the end of 2011. My rubber arm was once again easily twisted and my entry was in.

When March came around and the Graperide approached I was still recovering from some big efforts in February's Kiwi Brevet and Southern Kiwi Hunt double header. Never one to pike, I was always going to be at the startline regardless.On the way I met Andrew Morrison whom, I had previously only known from the Facebook Endurance Riding group. It is certain that there is enough comradary between endurance riders that when we see each other or even first meet, its like we're all old friends.

My first lap of five was certain one of deflation. It began in the bunch of 13 or so starters of which I feeling comfortable and spent most of the first 30-40km near the front until puncturing heading toward Koromiko, and then my second a few more kilometres down the road before arriving in Picton. After the second puncture, the motivation was well and truly waning and left me barely ambling around Queen Charlotte Drive, through Linkwater and Havelock back to Renwick to sign in to complete lap one. There was one brief check of my bearings when I saw a cycle race up a side street that I was not the direction of the course. On the way into the sign-in area I received my third puncture. Unbelievable. I had recently asserted that I was wearing out more 700x25C Continental GP4 All Season tyres than I had punctures when riding them. In just 100km the law of averages rapidly came back and bit me. 3h53m was disappointing for lap one on fresh legs. I was a little surprised that I was not last to sign in. I had I somehow passed The Potato Guy without seeing him? I suggested he may have turned left down the road where the cycle race sign was. Indeed he had. TPG receives the award for the most kilometres covered during the first lap. (Thanks heaps for the spare tube Tim!).

Tim dropped me on the way up Blenheim on Lap 2. I think I spent the entire lap cursing the fact I lost the group so early with my three punctures on lap 1. The highlight of the lap was probably the ice cream I stopped for at Spring Creek. When I came around to check in with lap 2 complete (8h53m elapsed), the attrition was already showing with a couple of riders out already. While puncture-less this time around, I was already slowing down.

I had some soup and coffee between laps (thank Tim & Liz) and dragged Brandon and his sounds out to start lap 3. Brandon's MP3 player and speakers soon disappeared in front of me so I stopped in Blenheim for a pie and some chocolate milk and later curled up for a short a nap on the way out of Koromiko, getting back on my bike as race leader Greg Manson was about to lap me. We mostly rode together, or at least near each other until Linkwater when he powered beyond me along the Linkwater straights. Thankyou Greg's supporters for the coke and snacks :).

When I checked in to complete lap 3, the attrition rate was once again showing with Brandon was back at his motel, Tim asleep and a a couple of withdrawals on the sign in sheet. I headed off for my fourth lap with the main achievement of this lap being that I did not stop for pie nor chocolate milk nor ice-cream. However, my legs were gone as I ambled around, lapped by Colin on Queen Charlotte Drive and Nick Dunne at Linkwater. I surprisingly pulled the lap back from Nick on the run in to the finish which will have had more to do with his knee injuries than my own (not-so) strong form.

With lap 4 done and dark clouds over the Richmond Range I pulled the pin and recorded a very rare DNF. I was pretty knackered, but ultimately if may re-use that word I had no chance of finishing in under 24 hours and riding in the rain if it came would not be that much fun. I have ridden 500km many times, and just grinding out the final 100km was would neither prove, nor achieve anything. On the other hand the ~~craft beer~~ recovery drink on offer from Forrest Estate the "Peddlers Pilsner" was a fine drop and went down very well before I headed back to the motel for a shower followed by dinner at the Allan Scott Estate with the familiar faces of the Onslow Tarbabies.

I do find rides of this distance difficult. It is short enough to contemplate not resting at all which is possible when starting well rested. The increased average speed of a 400-500km ride over a 1000km ride makes them quite different beasts to tackle with muscular endurance coming more to the fore with less restful recovery opportunities. Stopping to eat as has become my habit doesn’t quite work that well for this distance. For myself, as much as I see the attraction of the multi-lap courses for logistics and support crews. I definitely prefer events that are not multiple laps of the same route to keep myself mentally stimulated.

I will likely ride the Ultimate again next year with my main motivation being that I know I can do much, much better and with the correct pre-event focus should be able to finish in 22 hours or less.