tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81132155834378797292024-03-14T03:06:47.507-07:00Matty GrahamMatty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-63092300688110686242020-09-24T19:52:00.006-07:002020-09-24T19:57:58.734-07:00Great Southern Brevet 2019<p>An insight into the 1200 km Great Southern brevet bike packing event. </p><p> </p><p>
Great Southern Brevet Part 1
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xSYphfAwei8" width="483" youtube-src-id="xSYphfAwei8"></iframe></div><p>
</p><p>Great Southern Brevet Part 2
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="391" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xQanSaSpTHg" width="486" youtube-src-id="xQanSaSpTHg"></iframe></div>Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-49839885970612741832020-09-24T19:49:00.002-07:002020-09-24T19:56:53.864-07:00230 km bike packing ride<p>Well that hurt!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="324" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R1UV1eVYolY" width="603" youtube-src-id="R1UV1eVYolY"></iframe></div>Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-25814551877407752212020-09-24T19:41:00.005-07:002020-09-24T19:46:26.426-07:00Aerobic accumulation training<p>If you do not have time for getting in long aerobic sessions, give aerobic accumulaton training a go. </p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="366" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TIvqaMdhjlI" width="600" youtube-src-id="TIvqaMdhjlI"></iframe></div>Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-15201983337096884082017-02-02T13:32:00.000-08:002017-02-02T19:40:05.756-08:00Great Southern Brevet 2017: Why do they can rain 'bad' weather?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6PzsjDVZUSMCz3U1PC9HDnNrAWpf7i0DSEdBrePV9NdD8hkD9WxrXM6hlGQInnu7mXJVVpAj4isUdhZiSMrcYbSaifAAA8NZ8vpQcYPXzxLC-pHk1aSyP5Ezk0B3Oh_WjOsRn-BmcJE/s1600/2017-02-03_0836.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6PzsjDVZUSMCz3U1PC9HDnNrAWpf7i0DSEdBrePV9NdD8hkD9WxrXM6hlGQInnu7mXJVVpAj4isUdhZiSMrcYbSaifAAA8NZ8vpQcYPXzxLC-pHk1aSyP5Ezk0B3Oh_WjOsRn-BmcJE/s640/2017-02-03_0836.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I braced myself as I was hit with another massive gust of wind. Staggering a few steps I managed to regain control as my bike was lifted off the grown and pushed across the road. I peered ahead into the narrow beam of light as my head light shone into the darkness. Through the diagonally driving rain all I could see was the hill in front of me still heading upwards. I have experienced my fair share of strong wind before but this was by far the most fierce wind I had ever been in. I was struggling to stand let alone ride my bike, so I had been pushing my bike step by painfully slow step up to Duffers Saddle (1280 m) for the last 3 hours.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was on to my second night at the <a href="http://greatsouthernbrevet.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Great Southern Brevet</a> and ever since we had started I had been soaking wet and cold for 90% of that time and the conditions did not seem to be improving. As the wind cut through my wet clothing I was starting to lose heat very quickly. Taking shelter behind a large rock I set to work trying to change into some warmer clothing. Fumbling around with numb hands I battled with zips and trying to warm up my frozen fingers. I was thankful that I had packed an extra set of gloves as without this dry set of gloves things could have gotten dangerous. I was reminded of the saying; 'There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing options'. This was so true and as I put on the dry set of gloves my mood improved instantly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally cresting Duffers Saddle I headed down the other side into the Nevis Valley. Coming down to the first bridge in the dark it sounded like there was a lot of water rushing under it. As I crossed the bridge I soon found out that a large amount of that sound was coming from the water following not under the bridge but across the road in front of it. It didn't look too bad and I could see the other side in my headlight beam. However, as I edged out into the brown current flow with my bike on my within a couple of steps the river was at thigh level and swifter than I had anticipated. I struggled to maintain my balance as I was pushed down-stream. A quick glance at the fast approaching run out downstream which pounded into some rocks and willows I decided it would be a good life choice to get out while I was still up-right.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJyEgQZOY78GITRIdmRA4NE3wptZxXHh8wRQ_5WDy2QNhthvY-DYUmzZYZ_wpBNKkkmJqOmvdlx-nyRHFwGJ4O4MCyyVpjLERZbzEOo1h8EapgtkFDhLmDrsN5pA0XHOnMiJN_ZD6uBA/s1600/P1040748.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJyEgQZOY78GITRIdmRA4NE3wptZxXHh8wRQ_5WDy2QNhthvY-DYUmzZYZ_wpBNKkkmJqOmvdlx-nyRHFwGJ4O4MCyyVpjLERZbzEOo1h8EapgtkFDhLmDrsN5pA0XHOnMiJN_ZD6uBA/s640/P1040748.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not sure exactly what to do now, I could see some lights in the distance so thought I would try and make my way to what assumed was a farm house to see if there was a bridge or another place to cross. As I headed towards the lights I was having trouble negotiating the different braids of the now swollen river which had burst its banks. This is when I came across an abandoned farm house which while it looked like it was straight out of a horror movie I decided it could be at least a dry place to sleep to wait and see if the rivers would go down overnight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMqJstybDaan7ndA1fVvRviNcV9tn1gB06vStODGTJqUsUoOZvQze2Bfe_pnUI8ha7S9FaBcFQ-CcG_4NkP_bWIHVjfHLEOFDy4Dg6zGjFC2XIjt8n-7PFaOyRnJk4pW2qX6ztyJ8RjM/s1600/P1040747.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMqJstybDaan7ndA1fVvRviNcV9tn1gB06vStODGTJqUsUoOZvQze2Bfe_pnUI8ha7S9FaBcFQ-CcG_4NkP_bWIHVjfHLEOFDy4Dg6zGjFC2XIjt8n-7PFaOyRnJk4pW2qX6ztyJ8RjM/s640/P1040747.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I approached the house the wind was rattling the iron roof and as I shone my light through the windows I was sure that there was no one in there but was half expecting a zombie staring back at me. I opened the back door and was greeted with a completely abandoned house. The wallpaper was peeling off the wall, there were blood-stained mattresses in the bedrooms and an old rusty bathtub to round out the scene. I thought to myself while I settled down 'what's the worst could happen'? I get stabbed in the night and not wake up. Which at this stage seemed like a good excuse for not having to get on my bike again in the morning :)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ujBhxJ7nzdepynYO0YLPAqnlmePfHGsis8-PtNyN7Pr12Gv1mnkdy9FtNiIt8H16IYV-rKdwiJTMtDZR0R0_5eWDRirlkpQy0O_a8lxBezv1V0T0Rw-2f4lRibn4CuXr-c_bgeyf16A/s1600/P1040727.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ujBhxJ7nzdepynYO0YLPAqnlmePfHGsis8-PtNyN7Pr12Gv1mnkdy9FtNiIt8H16IYV-rKdwiJTMtDZR0R0_5eWDRirlkpQy0O_a8lxBezv1V0T0Rw-2f4lRibn4CuXr-c_bgeyf16A/s640/P1040727.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Pre-start with the A-team</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ever since we had kicked off in Tekapo on Saturday at 10.15am the Great Southern Brevet had been a true test of endurance. As we rolled off down the Tekapo cannels the smooth going soon gave way to what I am sure is the roughest road in the world. A good 2 hours of getting shaken to pieces it was time to start climbing up behind lake Benmore. Cliff Clermont and Dave Sharpe seemed keen to push the pace early on but my legs didn't seem to have their normal get up and go so I settled into my comfortable pace and worked on keeping them insight. Craig Phillips and Brian Alder were closing in on me fast over the final few climbs before the Benmore Dam and Craig seemingly breezed past as I chugged up the hill in what had turned into a pretty hot day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After what felt like a life time I rolled into Otematata and headed for Omarama. After bit of road riding and then some smooth riding on the Alps to Ocean I arrived in Omarama. I was pretty sure there were 3 riders ahead of me so I made a quick stop at the petrol station to resupply with a few pies, cookie times and bottles of coke before pointing my nose towards the big climb up to the Omarama Saddle. I pushed up and up the tough wee 5km climb and was soon rewarded with one of the best downhill sections I have ever had. With some steady rain now starting to fall I was starting to feel strong (it must be the West Coaster in me) and I set to work trying to catch the guys in front of me (I was later to find out that they were actually behind me). I got into a pretty good rhythm working on being efficient through the river crossings, over the countless gates and through more river crossings. As darkness started to set in so did the rain. I hit the rail trail at Oturehua at full speed with a nice tail wind but in a massive downpour. I was so pleased I had brought a new <a href="https://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/5MJKJN6KK/title/marmot-men-s-precip-jacket" target="_blank">Marmot Pre-Cip rain jacket</a> the week before as it was now paying huge dividends.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uermWPpFobGZsW7wy_epByTS6OMUGk0LeVES_EaO0jYbL5FYI4Wd5yWw_bl3WBTvoMXptzJBHMbeKGylwG6gbhf_zepgRcA7jMqUwvRp8sfGDSMZUkOlhcpmdTptLzZERCfM2F3OYbE/s1600/P1040728.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uermWPpFobGZsW7wy_epByTS6OMUGk0LeVES_EaO0jYbL5FYI4Wd5yWw_bl3WBTvoMXptzJBHMbeKGylwG6gbhf_zepgRcA7jMqUwvRp8sfGDSMZUkOlhcpmdTptLzZERCfM2F3OYbE/s640/P1040728.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> The first glimpse of Lake Benmore</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I steamed through Omakau and past lots of very dry looking sleeping options. My plan was to ride until ~ 2 am and then bed down for the required 4 hours stationary time. I had my eye on a woolshed or an old sod hut in Thompsons Gorge but as I pushed on the rain seemed to get harder and harder and the going slower and slower. As I passed the sign at the start of Thompsons Gorge that read 'Dry weather track only' I could only but smile as I stood in the 'river' that was now flowing down the road due to the wet weather. It was 1 am by this stage and I pushed my bike up the hill negotiating the torrent that was carving out massive ruts in the road. I was then meet with the head lights of a farm truck coming down the road. I was not sure what to reply when the farmer and his mates who must have been out spot lighting asked where I had come from and where I was heading. I started with 'well it's a long story'. After a brief yarn, he apologised that the woolshed would be all locked up but suggested I crawl in underneath it around the back. 'It'll stink like shit, but it'll be dry' he said and we parted our ways.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVaemp7xbiAg1JRfUtWGfiNkrar44ye7DVEFALGocohq6O6PghAM8kZmXrnv1fprjFdCAwA00YsAd_31NBhlwdNMW8WZT9RZ-1TFhxZLbtgyNqYjHq5jJfwsgKyGJdBx0EK5U0JHZwZY/s1600/P1040729.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVaemp7xbiAg1JRfUtWGfiNkrar44ye7DVEFALGocohq6O6PghAM8kZmXrnv1fprjFdCAwA00YsAd_31NBhlwdNMW8WZT9RZ-1TFhxZLbtgyNqYjHq5jJfwsgKyGJdBx0EK5U0JHZwZY/s640/P1040729.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well he was right. I crawled in under the woolshed out of the rain. It was dry but it sure did stink like shit. I didn't really care. I got out my bivvy bag, put my dry sleeping gear on, curled up and drifted off to sleep. I woke up shivering before my alarm. It was cold and I was regretting my choice to only bring a bivvy bag and not a sleeping bag. I slipped back into my wet gear and packed up ready to roll out as the clock ticked over 6 am. It was still raining heavily and I was back in my full set of waterproofs. Luckily the hills soon warmed me up as I got stuck into things.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G2-jNe9lnyi68JasSY640rwyI2zmXgt5r-r5Dg6KTYoiDdUvZ4tQthlm44lhg45taupl-L_pnZINDOOkblUe4IszkKM-tws8lt5vgqbBFlPLuedf5-HJ9zymskASHER6v6NK3hRBv_4/s1600/P1040734.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G2-jNe9lnyi68JasSY640rwyI2zmXgt5r-r5Dg6KTYoiDdUvZ4tQthlm44lhg45taupl-L_pnZINDOOkblUe4IszkKM-tws8lt5vgqbBFlPLuedf5-HJ9zymskASHER6v6NK3hRBv_4/s640/P1040734.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Under the woolshed on night 1</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I pushed on through the weather to Wanaka and I quickly saw why it had been so cold last night. There was fresh snow right down on the hills and the Pisa Range where we were meant to be heading looked like it had enough snow on them to open the cross country ski area. As I rolled into Wanaka it was great to see my wife Lily and our two girls who were out planting some cookies for the brevet riders. I was pleased to hear that everyone that I thought was in front of me were actually behind me and had been since I left Omarama. I must have slipped past them while they were refuelling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another quick pit stop in Wanaka to clean my bike at a water fountain, pick up a few more pies, cookie times, lollies, coke and sandwiches at the shop and to have a quick chat with Dave the organiser who had made the call for everyone to ride over the Crown Range rather than over the Pisa Range due to the snow. Considering the 20 cm of snow that had fallen at the Cardrona ski field overnight and the forecast was for high winds it sounded like a wise decision.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZH2kTuwucDF0AYdR72wZuDHU-0vdEP-sWksV-4fhDo9pY8IpXtlD_eHhlO4x6VNqBUh4_e0PWniP1eBIXbp4BzU_L7stB2Osid4w7VxR495xpUyBwZJrvXZ0PW-VVFPCX3u4SVPeELdQ/s1600/received_10154416151877807.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZH2kTuwucDF0AYdR72wZuDHU-0vdEP-sWksV-4fhDo9pY8IpXtlD_eHhlO4x6VNqBUh4_e0PWniP1eBIXbp4BzU_L7stB2Osid4w7VxR495xpUyBwZJrvXZ0PW-VVFPCX3u4SVPeELdQ/s640/received_10154416151877807.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>In Wanaka wearing full waterproofs. This is what I wore for most of the first 2 days.</i><br />
<i>Photo credit: Nick Taylor</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While the ride over to Arrowtown was rather uneventful it was tough riding into the steady head wind and staying alert for drivers on the narrow roads. Once in Arrowtown I headed for Cromwell initially along the spectacular trail network then another long grind through the Kawaru Gorge on the road.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rolling into Cromwell around 7pm I called into the BP there for bite to eat and stock up with lots of food for this next stage down into Southland. The rain was still falling and the wind really starting to pick up as I headed towards the climb to Duffers Saddle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a solid 5 hours of sleep due to getting to bed a bit earlier due to the high rivers, I woke up in the abandoned farm house frozen again and partly disappointed I was still alive and had to get back on the bike today ;). I quickly packed up and headed out to see if the rivers had dropped at all over night. What I found was a completely flooded valley and more snow low down on the hills. I struggled to get back to the 'main' road as the track I had followed to get in last night was completely under water. After 20 min of carrying my bike through waste deep water, climbing up and down steep hills and criss-crossing fences I finally made it back to the main road. The swollen river that I had tried to cross last night had now completely blown out and the water was lapping at the bridge. There was no way anyone was going to be going anywhere up the Nevis Valley today or for a couple of days unless they were in a convoy of Unimogs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqLuPpavONBic28NOwvAEeimbyI3UM7wpRegvr3ETZHBQp6fcu9SddeqS2rFs6TVC777Yoq063MxVXMpEhGHvVI1jYxqY06YiLbL7ZDwChVGJJa-gMxC6JNiGCUWeDTTyMHNnAaYnn7Y/s1600/20170123_063005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqLuPpavONBic28NOwvAEeimbyI3UM7wpRegvr3ETZHBQp6fcu9SddeqS2rFs6TVC777Yoq063MxVXMpEhGHvVI1jYxqY06YiLbL7ZDwChVGJJa-gMxC6JNiGCUWeDTTyMHNnAaYnn7Y/s640/20170123_063005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> The road I had gone down to the house the night before. A bit damp the next morning.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MXIQr29DDpNZNEBBp0CmnlWvH8yXBiJQmxZfmKABKscjx6iAkJKL-HWhlgGE1BCp8myKHCGlfCgQwB4NLQ2fHU8SJiZTCXPL8uP9CDgDDtpUzlwcqN3T8qs9mV5caim3bSivoFFbdbE/s1600/20170123_063230.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MXIQr29DDpNZNEBBp0CmnlWvH8yXBiJQmxZfmKABKscjx6iAkJKL-HWhlgGE1BCp8myKHCGlfCgQwB4NLQ2fHU8SJiZTCXPL8uP9CDgDDtpUzlwcqN3T8qs9mV5caim3bSivoFFbdbE/s640/20170123_063230.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Where I tried to cross the night before when I was able to see the other side in my head light.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_QxW7hPrOo15SdGqWg84U6IwRUF8ttCCVfjAgxK1inajxH97RdHZ1okBsO8MZOxOrA_TGwRGL-lKdJiyT53zyLyOMN8sPqajhjdSwVb2_RyX3DMojEhrsE1WDk-tX3U92SV4413uGiE/s1600/20170123_063350.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_QxW7hPrOo15SdGqWg84U6IwRUF8ttCCVfjAgxK1inajxH97RdHZ1okBsO8MZOxOrA_TGwRGL-lKdJiyT53zyLyOMN8sPqajhjdSwVb2_RyX3DMojEhrsE1WDk-tX3U92SV4413uGiE/s640/20170123_063350.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Nevis river (usually knee deep at best) almost coming over the bridge</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfAHYSJaNgCPCHWhQz5D00V-5DbCyBnEPqeeG8aw0YwngmstzZR1-ARuHomit-1Jyf56JbXkzQtG9ExX9gLYfX9VlIZthaTqbtzB_yK58WmAcGAjTlxImDaDlDdnRr2T9bC6L-BwV61Q/s1600/20170123_062814.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfAHYSJaNgCPCHWhQz5D00V-5DbCyBnEPqeeG8aw0YwngmstzZR1-ARuHomit-1Jyf56JbXkzQtG9ExX9gLYfX9VlIZthaTqbtzB_yK58WmAcGAjTlxImDaDlDdnRr2T9bC6L-BwV61Q/s640/20170123_062814.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The rest of the Nevis river going where ever the hell it likes.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCps0m4oVUOCG82BYDkPjXqiwJi1imvLky7iZERXsNk325WlCel8Q5WDD2ywHViiECJWZHtkb1uLgxYg09EeROH8BHw0HWEmH3SbYLok5irttrqSHewYyRAn7BPhyphenhyphennwLiLiDyrnaAQ3g/s1600/20170123_061529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCps0m4oVUOCG82BYDkPjXqiwJi1imvLky7iZERXsNk325WlCel8Q5WDD2ywHViiECJWZHtkb1uLgxYg09EeROH8BHw0HWEmH3SbYLok5irttrqSHewYyRAn7BPhyphenhyphennwLiLiDyrnaAQ3g/s640/20170123_061529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With no other option I turned and headed back up the long climb to Duffers Saddle. This time the wind was at my back so it made things a bit easier than last night's slog. As I headed down the hill towards Bannockburn I was expecting to see some of the other riders chugging up the hill towards me but I didn't see anyone. Just before the bottom of the descent Dave the organiser came up the road in his car. I shared the news and some photos of the flooding in the Nevis with him and he quickly got to work rerouting the course, taking us instead over the Hawksburn Road into Clyde.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOhslvHlPvtXylvvnM19zQ0_gJ-GGbfw_7QA89kWzNs4tTgwitClQQfWNr3XX877TOD_Bp3Egd6VPSomggO8_0_LP34_8X_hz2Jcq8SHsMdQr8rTbNCtriDeGMOkMTrWimQo0SxBXD5Q/s1600/P1040752.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOhslvHlPvtXylvvnM19zQ0_gJ-GGbfw_7QA89kWzNs4tTgwitClQQfWNr3XX877TOD_Bp3Egd6VPSomggO8_0_LP34_8X_hz2Jcq8SHsMdQr8rTbNCtriDeGMOkMTrWimQo0SxBXD5Q/s640/P1040752.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Back up on Duffers Saddle</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 2014 during my first Great Southern Brevet I took a wrong turn along this section of the route and ended up way off course. However, this year equipped with a GPS and some prior knowledge I passed the T junction where I had taken the wrong turn without any problems and a smile on my face. The ride down to Clyde and through to Alexandra was amazing and was made even better by the sun breaking through the clouds for the first time I could remember in a long time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKalvi2rzFfD22S200fIfoqoHWh56__pn94ybIZer13j7gi0migScnDsLc8hfBnGyVeCuK1Mli1SwB2AdLW-fH2_eKIoFo0zNWXl_VyQPTJASSBKe6cDAChxhx_XVRIVjNDzeNjYwrcY/s1600/P1040755.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKalvi2rzFfD22S200fIfoqoHWh56__pn94ybIZer13j7gi0migScnDsLc8hfBnGyVeCuK1Mli1SwB2AdLW-fH2_eKIoFo0zNWXl_VyQPTJASSBKe6cDAChxhx_XVRIVjNDzeNjYwrcY/s640/P1040755.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Washing day Brevet style</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Alexandra I had a quick sort of my gear and saw online that a few riders had pulled the pin in Cromwell earlier that morning due to the weather. Now sitting in Alex in the sun with what looked like a tail wind for the rest of the day I was sure they would have been kicking themselves. I headed off along the rail trail and then turned onto the Old Dunstan road. I kept catching a glimpse of a rider ahead of me that turned out to be Rob Davidson who had got the news of the reroute and slipped past me as I was climbing back over Duffers Saddle. Rob seemed to be riding strong and Duffers Saddle had taken the spring out of my legs a bit so it was really good to keep Rob in sight and pace off him in the distance. It was around this time that I started to feel a pain in my left calf/ achillies. I put it down to all the pushing I had done last night up to Duffers saddle. It was managable but would give me a real pinch every now and again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49ilpx8HatSEafPwRiWHjUu_OVbQCJixM7NWT8pWQPwVWU5fWbGorjnoJ39D9K_YQXYDp-EXnwekAPYmrm6Kt2lzcNKUJYtWwTuiaVUJ0ntXYqIiy85amoLwbqXGI40RQFsQamwHSi2Q/s1600/P1040758.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49ilpx8HatSEafPwRiWHjUu_OVbQCJixM7NWT8pWQPwVWU5fWbGorjnoJ39D9K_YQXYDp-EXnwekAPYmrm6Kt2lzcNKUJYtWwTuiaVUJ0ntXYqIiy85amoLwbqXGI40RQFsQamwHSi2Q/s640/P1040758.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The wind was pretty favourable up over Poolburn and I caught up to Rob as we started the climb up to the Great Mossy Swamp. It was good to catch up with Rob and hear how he had been getting on over the last few days. Hill after hill after god damn hill. The climbs just seemed to keep coming and by the time I reached Middlemarch it was dark, I was hungry, hurting and everything was shut. A prolonged stop at the public toilets to 'reorganise' a few things and stuff more lolly snakes down my throat which I wasn't overly keen on. There were some very kind locals who had opened their home up for riders to shower, sleep and have a cuppa tea at. They were out on the street as I rode past in the dark and they offered for me to come in. It was about 10 pm and I knew that if I stepped through that door I would never leave. The warmth, human contact and offer of food would have been too much for me to break and head back out into the dark and cold.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsnfvTHpqdYhPmMDqfusPMWuzufJ9eLKlHOvtXLQJWx8bKvyEmaii-xRfeLDfCKdW3mrMcfeWvSbmQPDWRKYxdxPhaUqREWpjG9ObhcjvyAcrMovBtIkFLQB-wXeXZM1XaThahncYvfk/s1600/P1040765.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsnfvTHpqdYhPmMDqfusPMWuzufJ9eLKlHOvtXLQJWx8bKvyEmaii-xRfeLDfCKdW3mrMcfeWvSbmQPDWRKYxdxPhaUqREWpjG9ObhcjvyAcrMovBtIkFLQB-wXeXZM1XaThahncYvfk/s640/P1040765.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although it was a bit cold, the conditions were almost perfect and I was keen to take advantage of them. With a light wind still at my back and the stars shining so brightly through the crystal clear sky I rolled out of town. I was starting to feel better now so I plugged in my Ipod and cranked up the tunes as the midnight express got up to speed. I pushed hard through to Ranfurly and with some fresh water on board I pushed towards Naseby. Just outside of Naseby the clock ticked over 2.30 am and I decided it would be a good time to call it a night. I put my warm dry clothes, pulled out my bivvy bag and curled up in the long grass on the side of the road. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56NF1nh93s-IMIgeURRBTAO35QkW8I5astLjU939jDbkd0WwtBIoYVVkwooGSCW6loaWOBXryCPPs1zQLFOTuQP69ArBlKgTrU19G0BTyFFQ5plElxdqY4OVxpbJlLkYKBkcw2p8k3ck/s1600/P1040759.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56NF1nh93s-IMIgeURRBTAO35QkW8I5astLjU939jDbkd0WwtBIoYVVkwooGSCW6loaWOBXryCPPs1zQLFOTuQP69ArBlKgTrU19G0BTyFFQ5plElxdqY4OVxpbJlLkYKBkcw2p8k3ck/s640/P1040759.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was greeted by an amazing sun rise. The cold calm conditions hurried me along and I quickly got on the road to warm up. A quick lap around the bumpy Naseby Water Race was torture on my batter behind and my left calf was getting more and more painful. I was pleased to be leaving Naseby and be back on some smoother fast rolling gravel roads. As I made my way towards Dansey's Pass I past a sign saying the road was closed. Not knowing the details I pushed on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXQp3KTcM_YD_rpLRNPMJuJpyCseCdotJFB2foJ8bRJQfcryGKhjiOaP-Wb-o4J6l7HZhq257SiM763UhCmEc3lZHurumGwcfKFoB6G2kOi_6yEijEVGEg17wRbBHJQp9zxB5tDHx6po/s1600/P1040769.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXQp3KTcM_YD_rpLRNPMJuJpyCseCdotJFB2foJ8bRJQfcryGKhjiOaP-Wb-o4J6l7HZhq257SiM763UhCmEc3lZHurumGwcfKFoB6G2kOi_6yEijEVGEg17wRbBHJQp9zxB5tDHx6po/s640/P1040769.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the Dansey's Pass pub I pulled in for a raspberry and coke, red bull and hot chips for breakfast and to see if they had any news on the closed road. All I could find out was that it had been close for a few days and was 'pretty bad'. I decided to keep pushing on a see what the deal was. The worst thing that could happen was that I couldn't get through and I would have to come back to the pub for another feed!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRmB4kQbKSVZvZsB73v7knACfxzPmZQL80hwjr-_Bu25RsAzV5oW2932pxBXVC06h8zRVFkCwWmoH7RAya96sflJMJD8PIzpKBEypdFZt2FEnkmxijJ_DgyOJBp31f02WgzkbdV-GdxM/s1600/P1040770.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRmB4kQbKSVZvZsB73v7knACfxzPmZQL80hwjr-_Bu25RsAzV5oW2932pxBXVC06h8zRVFkCwWmoH7RAya96sflJMJD8PIzpKBEypdFZt2FEnkmxijJ_DgyOJBp31f02WgzkbdV-GdxM/s640/P1040770.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Dansey's Pass slip</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I slipped under the barrier that was blocking the road and started up the Dansey's Pass climb. As I climbed I was meet by a couple of contractors clearing culverts and they said that there was an impassable slip at the top of the pass and lots of wash outs on the other side and I should head back the way I had came. I was pretty keen to get to Tekapo this evening so after a bit of convincing they let me through at my own risk and that I was to turn around if I was in any danger. The slip turned out to be a bit of a none event and I easily carried my bike over it. There was a grader working on the big downhill from the pass so it was a slow trip down the hill behind it until I was eventually able to get safely by. There was flood damage everywhere on the way down but with the rivers back to near normal levels so the wash outs only required a bit of a carry to get over them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ICACJ4jpeBZigYwADkqhCQM9f5DPO2DN3UXs2GRC-d8EY4nCNdEnb5FI4ZlJ_WNLtzifzAYh1vY2GCC974JxfGPdpKpFGRL0nMqbqrjdtWPl2Br-1kpG-LyKgFQzJDrA9jrY7RugXNU/s1600/P1040771.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ICACJ4jpeBZigYwADkqhCQM9f5DPO2DN3UXs2GRC-d8EY4nCNdEnb5FI4ZlJ_WNLtzifzAYh1vY2GCC974JxfGPdpKpFGRL0nMqbqrjdtWPl2Br-1kpG-LyKgFQzJDrA9jrY7RugXNU/s640/P1040771.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>One of many wash outs</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once out to Duntroon it was another call to Dave the organiser to inform him of the road situation, then it was on to sections of the Alps to Ocean that were not closed due to flooding as I headed toward Kurow. When I rolled into Kurow I hunted out the biggest ice cream I could find, plugged in the Ipod for a second time this trip and set my sights on Tekapo. I had made plans with my wife Lily to have sushi for dinner in Tekapo so I had to get a wriggle on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpsTGO0sFa046zEmGvQyc66saBRMcmflfVQIs7fadIU6BRoSOD4VHwdbeVD-HP2ptQ8Qvcj3ztM6_3Ou7CnQYw-PqQ4h4ivAS9_01P-homCVT2_C8saRJl9BicSjj3djELH8m6M91E4h4/s1600/P1040772.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpsTGO0sFa046zEmGvQyc66saBRMcmflfVQIs7fadIU6BRoSOD4VHwdbeVD-HP2ptQ8Qvcj3ztM6_3Ou7CnQYw-PqQ4h4ivAS9_01P-homCVT2_C8saRJl9BicSjj3djELH8m6M91E4h4/s640/P1040772.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even though the going was relatively easy, the Hakataramea Valley seemed to drag on and on. The head wind steady built throughout the afternoon and by the time I hit the Hakataramea Pass it was blowing a gale. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SPD_njQD3Pc2_DJrhOcqhplLSSoXNsFTixkRCe3DrlbsA54aug5XUWEYkIlNpSxQutOL_34_4JfwIqZA_hmoyJ60fkjuyDz0DEwZSuIiX5Z8NYmhqt1im3_t4wB4eq1UlFPtsA1Mjgk/s1600/P1040774.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SPD_njQD3Pc2_DJrhOcqhplLSSoXNsFTixkRCe3DrlbsA54aug5XUWEYkIlNpSxQutOL_34_4JfwIqZA_hmoyJ60fkjuyDz0DEwZSuIiX5Z8NYmhqt1im3_t4wB4eq1UlFPtsA1Mjgk/s640/P1040774.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT-MutfMHSOCweA2Wxj1F969kz5rWLqmbizQGXiWgndS5TO32VRceaAWQlIfQMzfAuGTllkDL6mTAXJj6ocaxpZRcj0ewqL-K5aTP2ZnrJMKTTOyptxRocCKeNoc2RK3pWKtUfomeuPo/s1600/P1040775.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT-MutfMHSOCweA2Wxj1F969kz5rWLqmbizQGXiWgndS5TO32VRceaAWQlIfQMzfAuGTllkDL6mTAXJj6ocaxpZRcj0ewqL-K5aTP2ZnrJMKTTOyptxRocCKeNoc2RK3pWKtUfomeuPo/s640/P1040775.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tofuGual9MrxDjjySIC_V77r2JRKsWHvF2N_2ruqbcrfO53ZOICBcV2kYuCd1afYZhUBt66l965uHuXxNfbx8be9Y1TJG36EO9ColSo_eMyo5gYGTulYF6AmTlENrz8hdpDcDkl0MWU/s1600/P1040777.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tofuGual9MrxDjjySIC_V77r2JRKsWHvF2N_2ruqbcrfO53ZOICBcV2kYuCd1afYZhUBt66l965uHuXxNfbx8be9Y1TJG36EO9ColSo_eMyo5gYGTulYF6AmTlENrz8hdpDcDkl0MWU/s640/P1040777.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With the clock ticking until the sushi place closed up for the night I pushed on into the wind making ok time. I was greeted by a glorious sun set/ mountain scene as I rode the final few ks into Tekapo. I pulled into the car park at the church of the good Sheppard at ~ 8.30pm welcomed by my wife. I was so pleased to be finished after ~ 82 hours/ 900 odd km. Now the final challenge was to have a quick wash up in the public toilets and get our orders in at the sushi restaurant before last orders closed at 9 pm. After stuffing myself with sushi we headed home to Hawea getting into bed and passing out around 1 am. Job done!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8lgAQxeRZs7Y1aeNefVdmYKo57HOzgOOwUitRnrq52v0KZLJDV3BwyaIQWl6uQytKOYAptzdZQ9xeAKeG5EyMI8dGfwSM2x7F9FP2KvUxzYJjE0urfj0-EcpHqa8v2_2KSLBNQwb3gQ/s1600/IMG-20170124-WA0002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8lgAQxeRZs7Y1aeNefVdmYKo57HOzgOOwUitRnrq52v0KZLJDV3BwyaIQWl6uQytKOYAptzdZQ9xeAKeG5EyMI8dGfwSM2x7F9FP2KvUxzYJjE0urfj0-EcpHqa8v2_2KSLBNQwb3gQ/s640/IMG-20170124-WA0002.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaT1P8Lt4gENgjaJWqUkA0xeTdsHAYyOB2RnRHva64yRa5ovLBubU-OgWFOP3wDmSNZCAp5KrJlZzfxFVsC-ZulK_XZ4EjbOTKp0TlBYTP7V6v87PAIV1skBXVWPsxLwwXOxF3Bu6oSQ/s1600/IMG-20170124-WA0005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaT1P8Lt4gENgjaJWqUkA0xeTdsHAYyOB2RnRHva64yRa5ovLBubU-OgWFOP3wDmSNZCAp5KrJlZzfxFVsC-ZulK_XZ4EjbOTKp0TlBYTP7V6v87PAIV1skBXVWPsxLwwXOxF3Bu6oSQ/s640/IMG-20170124-WA0005.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A massive thanks go out to Dave King for all of his effort that goes into organising such an epic event. These events are truly amazing challenge on so many different levels. Thanks to my wife Lily for your support and keeping the home fires burning and to Torpedo 7 for helping my stay kitted out in the best gear there is. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oElddES-qjRZest5djqRNJgvNeUNXk_KnImforqGwv0PSj4znZj8nf0YR-2kGmpOO_3OLOUINnv0NVWM5PV-W9tG24W0liBIIfLtVChwjycjwyUsMCCq_lf_CMUS8WM-s_w4L18I4T8/s1600/20170126_201802.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oElddES-qjRZest5djqRNJgvNeUNXk_KnImforqGwv0PSj4znZj8nf0YR-2kGmpOO_3OLOUINnv0NVWM5PV-W9tG24W0liBIIfLtVChwjycjwyUsMCCq_lf_CMUS8WM-s_w4L18I4T8/s640/20170126_201802.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the next few days the body started to recover from the pounding. the slightly shorter course was a bit of ablessing as it saved the body from to much more abuse. Following the ride my left foot/ankle/calf completely blew up and was swollen for the best part of a week and the under cariage is a bit worse for wear but apart from that the body is feeling pretty good on the whole. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwQnndCPc3DL9PR011zZ9bZOFG4cZJ24pYeQpf9KmlOVJBIff8d8w4Dj-uD7EJI5_Pplb44RCiaPYP7-k_seWlWl0bjibS-S68Qdq7Y7es3JvluAN5tq7LDFlpX8IL5r2ePoSS4GZB90/s1600/20170125_171408.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwQnndCPc3DL9PR011zZ9bZOFG4cZJ24pYeQpf9KmlOVJBIff8d8w4Dj-uD7EJI5_Pplb44RCiaPYP7-k_seWlWl0bjibS-S68Qdq7Y7es3JvluAN5tq7LDFlpX8IL5r2ePoSS4GZB90/s640/20170125_171408.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-59982094664358872772016-03-19T00:29:00.002-07:002016-04-07T13:14:49.234-07:00Tour Aotearoa 2016<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">It's about the journey, not the destination.</span></i></b></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyG4fyrZegsVtSD1VircYNr48ofoJMoarzypF-s2x_EySOFtv7mrd5_t6dWXC0PJv6ZWAWfLRqgk7NspXStG8YNtUVrn_r7_tA2kzzlrroPAys_VQX3Xm94h2mUGK74Cl8T1_4yPRM2n4/s1600/P1040719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyG4fyrZegsVtSD1VircYNr48ofoJMoarzypF-s2x_EySOFtv7mrd5_t6dWXC0PJv6ZWAWfLRqgk7NspXStG8YNtUVrn_r7_tA2kzzlrroPAys_VQX3Xm94h2mUGK74Cl8T1_4yPRM2n4/s640/P1040719.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">This was something I pondered long and hard over the 3000 km <a href="http://www.touraotearoa.nz/p/the-route.html" target="_blank">Tour Aotearoa course</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">While if you were to choose a destination to travel to, Bluff would not be high on my list but it was certainly a place I was looking forward to reaching. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Like wise the journey was something that was amazing but there were times that I certainly would have been happy for it to be over right then and there. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<b>So what was it, the journey or destination? </b><br />
<b>To be honest I am not sure I have figured that out yet. </b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Standing at the start line I felt over weight and under trained. My training had gone as well as it could have. However, renovating a kitchen, preparing our house for sale and moving to Wanaka 10 days before the start had put a dampener on getting in some longer sessions, but it was to late now, lets get these wheels rolling.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkioetoEAg5gk-0tUo85OfnLiV5nieZ3lqpoT5esZVCf0qYIcFgHVaHlGpe-Qtr-rc90dAh1VqCGO86QMGCd0hujBzs_fERBGsn1-_lFLblS6aAhPhizGVIoL4AtGOLRfIahg5jtfwy8E/s1600/P1040594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkioetoEAg5gk-0tUo85OfnLiV5nieZ3lqpoT5esZVCf0qYIcFgHVaHlGpe-Qtr-rc90dAh1VqCGO86QMGCd0hujBzs_fERBGsn1-_lFLblS6aAhPhizGVIoL4AtGOLRfIahg5jtfwy8E/s400/P1040594.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b>Day 1: </b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
It was great to finally be rolling away from Cape Reinga. I had already suffered my first hick-up 10 minutes before the start after finding I had a flat tyre which must have occurred between me topping up the air, doing a bit of a warm up/ bike check ride and then waiting for the briefing. Luckily ace pre-event support crew member Grahame Spenceley sprung into action and I was back up and running just as the briefing was ending.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
The fun really started once we started to head down to 90 mile beach along a small stream bed. Water and sand was flying every where as rides pushed the pace early on. As we rolled onto the beach the bunch soon sorted itself out in to some what of a pace line. While there were plenty of people happy to sit down the back for a free ride it was great to see some had working faces continually putting in the work at the front. As the kms ticked by the wind started to pick up and it was a welcome sight to see the end of the beach. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFGsNQJ4iy2Ve1Z8o41YaCDgQDKeypiwNLEup8o_OA1NqhrzijxDvB3lG9TSs1iQeIj6DYVUlhPkNR-MZrRZAYccysVSe7ZMh_Pwvs2dtVOvAs83Qhyphenhyphen5eVgg0cLHlFKyMAE8TUWS9388/s1600/P1040596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFGsNQJ4iy2Ve1Z8o41YaCDgQDKeypiwNLEup8o_OA1NqhrzijxDvB3lG9TSs1iQeIj6DYVUlhPkNR-MZrRZAYccysVSe7ZMh_Pwvs2dtVOvAs83Qhyphenhyphen5eVgg0cLHlFKyMAE8TUWS9388/s400/P1040596.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZgHsPOcDk80KMeARFCkXBL59_Plygf-szJV2IXqjDyTKFJGWDX8DHBS4L1RlKoPOAOvew-phLH1gorK3Ui45_DjBNriVlx1Lm1evir0_rpu2MenlmlL5AxoyCVncc0loodQqs9oUqAk/s1600/P1040599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZgHsPOcDk80KMeARFCkXBL59_Plygf-szJV2IXqjDyTKFJGWDX8DHBS4L1RlKoPOAOvew-phLH1gorK3Ui45_DjBNriVlx1Lm1evir0_rpu2MenlmlL5AxoyCVncc0loodQqs9oUqAk/s400/P1040599.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
The bunch splintered as we headed through some soft sand into Ahipara. Then it was out into the hills pushing towards the first ferry deadline across the Hokianga Harbour. With the last sailing at 8 pm it was going to be a tough ask. The hills seem to just keep coming as everyone kept pushing themselves we beyond a sensible pace for the start of such an event. The group that I was riding in rolled into the ferry dock with 5 minutes to spare. The crew seemed quite relaxed about the sailing time so over the next 15 minutes or so more exhausted looking riders arrived and raided the small food caravan while the ferry hurried us along with its air horn.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Once off the ferry everyone seemed to scatter. Some to the shop, pub, toilet and some up the road. After a quick stop I found myself out the front with Kevin Moginie and was soon caught up by a bunch. As we started the climb to Tane Mahuta the body was starting to feel the effects of the days work under the hot sun. My legs were fading and I was forced to stop as I was feeling dizzy and getting shaking. As the bunch pulled away from me I was left leaning on the road side barrier in the dark in the middle of who knows where. I was approx 190 km in to a 3000 km ride and had already hit the wall! This was going to be fun. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
After knocking back some food and drink and having a few words with myself I slowly pushed on towards Tane Mahuta. As my energy levels started to return and I started to think straight it was pretty clear that I was just suffering a bit from the hot pace and weather earlier in the day. My plan was to ride until 1 am and then lay down for my compulsory 6 hour stop. Hopefully I would be able to limit anytime lost to the bunch ahead of me. Just before 1 am I found a good camping spot and pulled over for a sleep. Little did I know the front bunch had already stopped to sleep and I was out in the front. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2-NBsisZad9hM-aJoEo0ftFDrh-ZtFeunWdZlEybLxRzkA_tkPpBnZHJAljWNuFYhi1QPjdNVsZ53VILOu2BcUp20e3O0kKSeHO0_Isc9SJqbJtzHPIIW0OliHRNbZEDZ-F-PtXo_Qs/s1600/P1040604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2-NBsisZad9hM-aJoEo0ftFDrh-ZtFeunWdZlEybLxRzkA_tkPpBnZHJAljWNuFYhi1QPjdNVsZ53VILOu2BcUp20e3O0kKSeHO0_Isc9SJqbJtzHPIIW0OliHRNbZEDZ-F-PtXo_Qs/s400/P1040604.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b>Day 2:</b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Back in the saddle at 7 am I headed towards Dargaville. A quick stop to refuel and I kept pushing hoping I would catch sight of the front bunch who I assumed were still out in front of me somewhere. I bumped into Seb Dunne on the way out of town and we cruised along together for a while before Seb stopped to adjust something. The kms ticked by and I was getting a bit disheartened that I could not see the front bunch at all. That was until I rounded a corner of a climb and looked back down the road behind me and there they were. What? Behind me? That couldn't be right. As we all came together we pushed through to our next ferry deadline at Pouto Point. This little bunch of 7 (Seb Dunne, Olly Whalley, Anja MacDonld, Steve Hanigan, Nath Vessey, Cliff Clermont and myself) would stay together for the next few days and put down some serious work through these early stages as well as indulging in some very sub par chat.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Again with great timing we rolled into the beach with about 15 minutes to spare and were soon loaded onto the ferry with about a total of 20 riders also making this ferry some by the skin of their teeth.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
With 3 hours to kill as we steamed across the Kaipara Harbor it was all about eating and then clocking up some zzzs or at least resting the eyes. Somewhere during the boat ride the idea of taking another 3 hours of rest at the other end of the ferry came up. This would then mean that the 6 hour rest period had been served and we could then ride as late as we liked that night uninterrupted. It sounded like a good idea. It would mean we would miss much of the hottest part of the day, hit Auckland at the tail end of rush hour and hopefully feel super fresh to put some runs on the board later in the evening. So the 7 of us in our little bunch raided the shop and took cover in the shade of some big trees at a local park in Paraki.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_945r4bdPRMy9Co3BZIL1rHbm9DCdLLwoVdC0SoIwkQwlPZP3_mN4gti0U4BP37bPKaebcqnq10ddXQWcrHd4Rfmq5VwD-XS8X764kVEAiCbRX5wm1uZHyWgKTQrwCwGGFc0GPmZuezQ/s1600/P1040608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_945r4bdPRMy9Co3BZIL1rHbm9DCdLLwoVdC0SoIwkQwlPZP3_mN4gti0U4BP37bPKaebcqnq10ddXQWcrHd4Rfmq5VwD-XS8X764kVEAiCbRX5wm1uZHyWgKTQrwCwGGFc0GPmZuezQ/s400/P1040608.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Back on the bikes and we made good time to and through the streets of Auckland before cracking into some climbing to the south. As we rolled around the head of the Firth of Thames talks in the bunch turned to having a quick power nap to recharge the legs. Seb decided to bed down early while the rest of us pushed on a bit longer before curling up on the edge of the Hauraki rail trail around 2 am. Our sleep was cut short when Seb came rolling through around 4 am. We quickly packed up and were back on the road.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5f9zlqVG57NZx5PlkGMuwj8H4gyCDh0ya-V8sj8El9bocHk9rO2YHrDBoTLsMKe3j0a0vCgT5H_W8HoVDVRvy7FZhAqqcIvVSmUdX6H0LbPHqosguob0KJyJC-4Ho5B-ljRYJxr_Ihng/s1600/P1040609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5f9zlqVG57NZx5PlkGMuwj8H4gyCDh0ya-V8sj8El9bocHk9rO2YHrDBoTLsMKe3j0a0vCgT5H_W8HoVDVRvy7FZhAqqcIvVSmUdX6H0LbPHqosguob0KJyJC-4Ho5B-ljRYJxr_Ihng/s400/P1040609.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b style="font-size: 12.8px;">Day 3:</b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
As the sun came up we rolled into the Te Aroha petrol station for some breakfast. I didn't know it at the time but I am pretty sure the chicken wrap that I was stuffing into my mouth was not overly fresh and would come back to bite me later in the day. I headed off into the early morning light in good spirits and looking forward to the day ahead. A few hours down the road in Matamata was the first sign that something wasn't feeling right but I just shrugged it off and thought it would pass. It was at this time we lost Nath who had to stop and get some bike lube. We loaded more food and fluids on board and kept the train rolling towards the Waikato River Trail. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwbLzKdWuwdtxeAbLVEkPDsnqDlDl9ovzDDUSZVMtlfS0d4mSjWuP3s1UEVbueM7EcrbMkOpL8ARtsHEdHXr-HSRws2PdXuVCOrRSSMc6mELMwRsTCzDzf-r77GvEcMIpdV5nf0V0q0k/s1600/P1040614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwbLzKdWuwdtxeAbLVEkPDsnqDlDl9ovzDDUSZVMtlfS0d4mSjWuP3s1UEVbueM7EcrbMkOpL8ARtsHEdHXr-HSRws2PdXuVCOrRSSMc6mELMwRsTCzDzf-r77GvEcMIpdV5nf0V0q0k/s400/P1040614.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Talk about under estimating this section. We were all surprised at how tough this trail was and as Olly pushed things on the front I was doing my best to stay in touch on the back with a stomach that was really starting to head down hill. I wasn't sure if I needed to take a big dump or throw up. All I knew as I was feeling very average. Finally I arrived in Mangakino to find the others stuffing their faces and refueling. I quickly grabbed what I needed and we were back on the road again soon after heading towards the Timber Trail. What followed was some big rough climbs as we headed to the center of the North Island. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOTHn7u2L0-QNXXoLMwV_quhG9qtRYGhyphenhyphenw3G_FA5Pxk1OyyHbCsOH5kG3vwQwoWWmVcxRUCpqiJM8nm-ckvUPAVfS46puKvf-1hdddx8kXFDeKwdx-4M9C-lCu3qXxpgUXP55J8WR4Kc/s1600/P1040618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOTHn7u2L0-QNXXoLMwV_quhG9qtRYGhyphenhyphenw3G_FA5Pxk1OyyHbCsOH5kG3vwQwoWWmVcxRUCpqiJM8nm-ckvUPAVfS46puKvf-1hdddx8kXFDeKwdx-4M9C-lCu3qXxpgUXP55J8WR4Kc/s400/P1040618.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">It was somewhere along a nondescript section of forestry road that I left the not so fresh chicken wrap and everything else I had eaten that day in the ditch, including a vast amount of blue power aide and half chewed red jelly snakes. Instantly getting a feeling of relief from my technicolor spew I pushed on and caught the group again at the center of the North Island. This feeling of relief was soon replaced with a feeling to complete emptiness and as we started up the Timber Trail all I could do is watch the bunch ride away as my legs became more and more hollow.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
As darkness set in and the trial become very littered with mud holes I was ready for the journey to be over and the only destination I was interested in was at home with Lily and our girls. I felt so far away, so helpless and this was the last thing I wanted to be doing. Realising that I was on a slippery downwards slope I stopped and downed some sandwiches and lollies. I instantly started to feel some life returning to my legs and committed myself to focusing on the fun of riding this awesome muddy single track. Something that being from Dunedin I was very use to in winter and summer :) A brilliant full moon rose high in the sky and the forest seemed to glow as the moonlight bounced off the white moss and lichen. I was having so much fun riding the course that resembled a cyclo-cross course that I was almost disappointed (a big almost) when I caught up to a couple of the group and we came to our camping spot for the night where everyone was starting to bed down. I quickly worked on getting from vertical to horizontal as quickly as possible and after what felt like a couple of minutes sleep someones alarm went off and it was time to get back on the road.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b style="font-size: 12.8px;">Day 4: </b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Back out into the dark and it was great fun bombing down the Timber Trail. With my legs still feeling a bit empty I just worked on keeping things steady and enjoy the ride while having to let the others go. By the time I rolled into Taumarunui the other were already feed and watered and in the process of cleaning their bikes. Another quick refuel stop at BP and I was quickly back on the road with the bunch and feeling ok as we pointed our nose to the Bridge to Nowhere Trail. I kept working hard to hold on to the bunch as we had the last jet boat booked down the Whanganui River and I really did not want to miss this.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZ-2dEIpxqNbzCi0dTdmdbseVloZdp3LkwTU3Qh0pUChWXL6EQmoVAYEytIsXFhyW1CGdWbfmHEbucTcg-fh9BgfSuR69JapI68tAPPIUywTgT0wy3QldzzEuFlopx7oIZlDqGmcDovo/s1600/P1040621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZ-2dEIpxqNbzCi0dTdmdbseVloZdp3LkwTU3Qh0pUChWXL6EQmoVAYEytIsXFhyW1CGdWbfmHEbucTcg-fh9BgfSuR69JapI68tAPPIUywTgT0wy3QldzzEuFlopx7oIZlDqGmcDovo/s400/P1040621.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
After a bunch of back road climbing we hit the Bridge to Nowhere trail and the going got tough. Lots of climbing, rough descents and tight back country walking tracks started taking a toll on the legs. The trail went on and on with another climb, another swing bridge to dismount and push your bike over but finally we popped out at the spectacular Bridge to Nowhere. From there is was a short ride down to the jet boat pick up point and again we arrive with almost precision timing. A quick chance to soak the legs in the river before it was onto the boat and off down the river at a great rate of knots which helped bump up the average speed for the day.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eq4WRjFCPlGQBMfKKkgA3Bsqk3ZAdR2alBiE6yEJhgIhrV1jzjbF7kxN32RLW5KDr7PE5d_eZVWzYcI0EQdaNto35kyutSuWwHqA6ZSPW_p1vxyei4MDY2Ki6jOdIGTTf5b_coeIkxU/s1600/P1040628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eq4WRjFCPlGQBMfKKkgA3Bsqk3ZAdR2alBiE6yEJhgIhrV1jzjbF7kxN32RLW5KDr7PE5d_eZVWzYcI0EQdaNto35kyutSuWwHqA6ZSPW_p1vxyei4MDY2Ki6jOdIGTTf5b_coeIkxU/s640/P1040628.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Once off the boat there was not much to hang around for so it was back on the road for the hilly 70 km ride into Whanganui. A quick stop in at the convent in Jerusalem for some water was just what I needed to get me through to the end. As I rolled into Whanganui I saw that Seb, Olly, Anja and Steve had taken over a unit at a motel, so I brought a stack of cheese burgers and chips and bribed my way in for a shower and a comfortable spot on the floor to crash for the night. By the look of it Cliff had decided to call it a day at the end of the jet boat so our bunch was now down to 5 riders.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvF7H07Q5gjl_CHcMEgcXqkzBh5mdX2yHhbtXyMMIIOmqxs59vJZeyvM9fBSu8uUD1eTXW9ntcaUnFPI9RTJ0i2u9j_4zIxWN80TRF0IQcR9vD51PiCRZFojA79ejW-iVzfogP-OVg7k/s1600/P1040632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvF7H07Q5gjl_CHcMEgcXqkzBh5mdX2yHhbtXyMMIIOmqxs59vJZeyvM9fBSu8uUD1eTXW9ntcaUnFPI9RTJ0i2u9j_4zIxWN80TRF0IQcR9vD51PiCRZFojA79ejW-iVzfogP-OVg7k/s400/P1040632.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXKYMNa2aNBuVFNG1LVOpM6Tm5wmfxKBYgWTfhzi7fS9OcinF0vwj0UYHYhMmu3yPaqG7fXwS4sNt42lmCH6EcqOdFRhw7ETJkE5aOGpc8mqcgkoU11mHqVQuPBk9xLrxKq2Vad0e2xA/s1600/P1040630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXKYMNa2aNBuVFNG1LVOpM6Tm5wmfxKBYgWTfhzi7fS9OcinF0vwj0UYHYhMmu3yPaqG7fXwS4sNt42lmCH6EcqOdFRhw7ETJkE5aOGpc8mqcgkoU11mHqVQuPBk9xLrxKq2Vad0e2xA/s400/P1040630.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Day 5:</b><br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Another early alarm and we were all ready to roll. Everyone that was apart from Olly who had discovered that of the 5 pairs of stinky cycling shoes outside the motel unit someone decided to pinch his. It was hard to wrap our heads around the situation as all the shoes were really starting to develop a serious odor (hence why they were left outside) and would not be much use to anyone in the general public.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Anyway, Olly decided to go back to bed for a few hours I think and wait for the local bike shop to open saying that he would catch us up down the road, which I had no doubt he would. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
So the bunch was down to 4 as we rolled out of Whanganui in the dark. I was feeling average at best so today I really wanted to focus on riding steady at my own pace and looking after my legs the best I could. Little did I know that today was going to be one of the toughest days I have ever had on the bike.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
The morning went and passed with out any issues. I was riding well and ticking off the vertical and horizontal kms feeling ok. Then at around 3 pm my right quad started to feel a bit tight. Then the left one followed about an hour later. They progressively got worse and worse until they were at the point of me almost not being able to bend my knee to pedal. I wasn't sure what was happ<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">ening but I could not stand to climb out of the saddle and on the flat I could only spin a very easy gear.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qRFZMb2Nl6Cdh6WTXpGMf-jQ3O1LwX1WUU-Vv-6qSlCe4ktltVdtd3RbYqiheXI4dm25hEijsxCcHmjZsUx3Ym-z8ipmyWxopIO-6Q7rPni-a7OIXvCDttirZcnkpsijyhdEDD2JYyY/s1600/P1040640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qRFZMb2Nl6Cdh6WTXpGMf-jQ3O1LwX1WUU-Vv-6qSlCe4ktltVdtd3RbYqiheXI4dm25hEijsxCcHmjZsUx3Ym-z8ipmyWxopIO-6Q7rPni-a7OIXvCDttirZcnkpsijyhdEDD2JYyY/s400/P1040640.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
I pushed on toward Palmerston North where I decided to reassess the situation. I slowly rolled into Palmy after having to walk my bike up a couple of little rises on the cycle path after my legs fully locked up and I fell off my bike. What was I going to do? What was wrong with my legs?</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
So many things were running through my head. Did I have <a href="https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000473.htm" target="_blank">rhabdomyolysis</a>, was my body shutting down and self destructing, would I cause myself long term damage. I realised that this was the longest and hardest I had ever ridden for and came to the conclusion that I had a bad case of FLS (F**ked Leg Syndrome, It is a medical term I assure you) and I just needed some food and rest.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
I think the night of luxury sleeping on the floor of the Whanganui motel had made me go a little soft as while I was sitting and waiting for some Thai takeaways (this was the first time I had ordered and waited for food outside of a McDs) I started to convince myself that it would be best if I booked into a motel and soaked my legs in a bath. I soon shook off that idea and as I sat in the park eating my Pad Thai it dawned on me that I wasn't moving very far just sitting hear and all my case of FLS needed was a good dose of HTFU (Harden The F**k Up).</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
So I dumped the rest of my Pad Thai in a plastic bag and put it in my back pocket and proceeded to pedal very slowly out of town towards the hills. It wasn't fast and it wasn't pretty but I was going a darn sight faster than I was just sitting in Palmerston North feeling sorry for myself. I pedaled until about 11.30 pm when I called it a night and decided to get a bit of extra sleep to see if that would help sort the legs out.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b>Day 6: </b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
After one of the most comfortable sleeps I have ever had on the side of the road on some long cushy grass I woke and downed the rest of my Pad Thai before getting the wheels turning again. The legs were feeling better than yesterday but I had gained a couple of knee sizes and could still only maintain a slow to steady pace and had to keep stopping and stretching so they did not fully lock up.</div>
<span class="im"></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="im"><br /></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="im">I came to the conclusion that the issues that I was experiencing was due to a large amount of muscle damage and delayed onset muscle soreness from the hard rough riding through the Timber Trail and Bridge to Nowhere. The server soreness was just swelling from the muscle damage and this was interrupting the nervous signals causing them to cramp/ lock up. Thats my theory anyway. </span></div>
<span class="im">
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="im"><br /></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
K by K I kept chipping away at the course through the Wairarapa. I have a lot of family heritage through this part of the country so the thoughts of family past and present helped past the time a stoke the fire within. Enjoy the journey, enjoy the journey. By the time I started the climb up the Rimutaka Rail Trail the Wellington wind was in full force and I had to use all my strength (which was little by this stage) to stop getting blown off the trail and down the bank. Down through the Hutt Valley and into Wellington the head wind strengthened and it looked less and less likely that I would make the ferry in time. I rolled up with 30 minutes to spare thinking that my impeccable ferry timing had continued but they had already shut everything up and were not letting anyone else board. </div>
<span class="im"></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="im"><br /></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="im">There was a sailing at 3.30am that I could get on but they would not allow 'walk on' passengers, only those in vehicles. So the only way I was going to be able to get on that sailing was to see if someone could take me and my bike up the ramp onto and off the ferry in a vehicle. I must have been looking pretty sorry for myself sitting in the ferry terminal all by myself with my bike, as a guy came over and started chatting to me. He was in the process of taking his recently deceased fathers car back home to Christchurch and was hoping to get a ticket on the 3.30 sailing also. I sold him my sob story and next thing I was out in the parking lot carefully taking my filthy bike to bits and putting them in the back of this immaculate Mercedes. It must have been quite the sight. Enjoy the journey, enjoy the journey.</span></div>
<span class="im">
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="im"><br /></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="im"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmwdId3wuWeM3qgzOQAZUJE-r8J_BySnWmX-7oj5Lcn8kEgJhWTr89emVWp6MF5ZJBBhk_PvXBuUQcr5rV36A38RSBzwXj6LIwBApUKf_FmfoFJ7SaQBzAvILqxnfyRSNtZRq5uqs10s/s1600/P1040647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmwdId3wuWeM3qgzOQAZUJE-r8J_BySnWmX-7oj5Lcn8kEgJhWTr89emVWp6MF5ZJBBhk_PvXBuUQcr5rV36A38RSBzwXj6LIwBApUKf_FmfoFJ7SaQBzAvILqxnfyRSNtZRq5uqs10s/s400/P1040647.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="im"><br /></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="im"><br /></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="im">Long story short after a long wait in line solving all the problems of the world with my new best friend I made it onto the ferry. It turns of Kevin Mogine had also made it on by simply riding his bike up the ramp, being chased by several men with clip boards, high viz vests and hard hats. There must be an Oscar with his name on it somewhere or he slipped someone a brief case of unmarked US bills as when he was apprehended he manged to convince them to let him on the ferry on his bike. It was great to catch up with Kevin as I have been helping him with his training in the build up to the Tour and it was good to see he had ridden his way through the field after a couple of hick ups on the first few days. </span></div>
<span class="im">
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="im"><br /></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="im"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByFxBeNWc8yZWUsPblbS0KWwpOgneSTsuCBJsJvDJjq-mUT4q2-lONrXAx_ZhJBvwK3xa2CXQ-H-4xDEnrb0pcB3aEMI9LASuZTaVXSLEaujxrZx2-4ln_VgXJVFa8NImKgG3uLYxbUw/s1600/P1040646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByFxBeNWc8yZWUsPblbS0KWwpOgneSTsuCBJsJvDJjq-mUT4q2-lONrXAx_ZhJBvwK3xa2CXQ-H-4xDEnrb0pcB3aEMI9LASuZTaVXSLEaujxrZx2-4ln_VgXJVFa8NImKgG3uLYxbUw/s400/P1040646.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span class="im">
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<b>Day 7: </b></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
About 12 hours after I had arrived at the ferry terminal in Wellington I was in Picton putting my bike back together and getting ready to roll. Kevin had rolled straight off the boat and away so once up and running I worked at ticking off the Ks towards Nelson. Despite all of this down time I had only manged to bag about 3 hours of sleep which was not ideal. </div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejm6cuLCtBByvHVflEQHwg0aypMlVn7kLK5NinKRAWsjlJpcs9pVBlW7a8KqD46cie6wsoF-8Bc4dztx9yr9kvGHJcWjxDDNU5bDVpYQrg-3BH6PhY27e6qicYNFMnD2W8Mb71VkVwcc/s1600/P1040648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejm6cuLCtBByvHVflEQHwg0aypMlVn7kLK5NinKRAWsjlJpcs9pVBlW7a8KqD46cie6wsoF-8Bc4dztx9yr9kvGHJcWjxDDNU5bDVpYQrg-3BH6PhY27e6qicYNFMnD2W8Mb71VkVwcc/s400/P1040648.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
The climb over the Maungatapu Saddle was tough on legs that were still feeling below average at best. It was so good to be in the South Island again. As I rode through Nelson I had a number of family members come out to say high which really helped lift my sprites. I headed back out into the country via the back roads as was greeted with a glorious sun set as I clocked in for the night shift. </div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-9pLHLqILcnt6iemnurgCugFezq0-8fdodHqwS4s4eGhYN-SEDMSKxNQaVRnblNxTfaifJ9hwVDUlNH8JuHKiFtqtYQl0ysZ4sU0aN_J-ad8Od7rtjyDfszp91Ydh9w5qO1cjXQPJag/s1600/P1040652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-9pLHLqILcnt6iemnurgCugFezq0-8fdodHqwS4s4eGhYN-SEDMSKxNQaVRnblNxTfaifJ9hwVDUlNH8JuHKiFtqtYQl0ysZ4sU0aN_J-ad8Od7rtjyDfszp91Ydh9w5qO1cjXQPJag/s640/P1040652.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<b>Day 8:</b> </div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
My morning pack up was made super fast by the swarming mass of sand flies trying to each get a piece of me. I had bivvied up on the side of the road just outside of Lake Rotoroa and the sun rise did not disappoint as I got stuck into my work for the day. I didn't want to say anything to loudly but my legs were starting to feel average at best for the first time in I could not remember how many days. However, today my arse was really starting to feel a little worse for wear. The first few climbs of the day felt reasonably good and after a quick refuel in Murchison and a top up of Vaseline after running out of chammy cream last night having upped my daily usage while trying to improve my rapidly deteriorating posterior things were looking up.</div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ1iYdjwXShOI-b0hyTVGq5ICP43-8aZ1jb2lr8-YL6mjion1cudvGO6ykw9PpJbex1VMsPokwYL6ARX7OSRhQUchWAAhYVTbFF_aZuNShr-XcoUdr7rrD-LZ53J4oG63qVAEVA4SsE4/s1600/P1040657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ1iYdjwXShOI-b0hyTVGq5ICP43-8aZ1jb2lr8-YL6mjion1cudvGO6ykw9PpJbex1VMsPokwYL6ARX7OSRhQUchWAAhYVTbFF_aZuNShr-XcoUdr7rrD-LZ53J4oG63qVAEVA4SsE4/s400/P1040657.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Today was all about clocking up the vertical with a few serious climbs to tick off. The first was through the Maruia Saddle which was a beautiful bush clad road. The second on state highway 6 over Ruha Saddle and then from Reefton over to Big River before heading through to Waiuta on the rough track. I reached Big River Hut just on dark and then the slow going got even slower as I made my way through the Big River - Waiuta track primarily walking and riding very conservatively in sections so I did not do anything stupid like fall down the bank or break a leg on this very remote section of the tour. Inch by inch I moved through the rough track in the dark and eventually popped out in Waiuta. I cruised down the hill for a while and found a good bivy spot close to the main road and pulled over for the night just after midnight. The legs had hard more than enough riding for today.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWkY7mg9kQl22zeS4ynfhZ6aJRRjWKaHB3FGs3esoVU6sILmdXXxE0x3J28_m55YdntS2hY8XYChyphenhyphenPpUsz6m6yjUb-qppR2lDYX_6OhPO9J6kbFnVGes9VVm0Qc2lzeSJjfmZ8yGiqKQ/s1600/P1040661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWkY7mg9kQl22zeS4ynfhZ6aJRRjWKaHB3FGs3esoVU6sILmdXXxE0x3J28_m55YdntS2hY8XYChyphenhyphenPpUsz6m6yjUb-qppR2lDYX_6OhPO9J6kbFnVGes9VVm0Qc2lzeSJjfmZ8yGiqKQ/s640/P1040661.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<b>Day 9:</b></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
As I headed towards Greymouth on this cool morning I was battling big time. I could not get comfortable in my saddle and this was throwing everything off. I then remembered I had packed a spare pair of shorts so I quickly stopped and slipped into another pair of shorts and this instantly made a huge difference. Being able to sit on the saddle comfortably again made a huge difference and I soon got into my groove and started ticking off the Ks. Having grown up on the Coast it was nice to be on familiar soil and have familiar weather :) We had had hot and humid weather in Northland, Wind in Wellington and now I was on the West Coast it started to rain and I mean really rain. After a couple of hours it eased off and the remainder of the West Coast wilderness trail passed in dry conditions. As I arrived in Hokitika I was greeted at several different locations by friends and family all wanting to help in anyway they could and being very confused when I declined and explained the ethos of this self supported event.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSo58UXofGtLYyHNs_xRdovLYMp7dQdfyvyBnrXWwP2rvrpJnZhbwlU28XXtoQnSKB6kJ3KDHUeaiz2YqTnI_vGsxBPHdvOFHsNeNe33N0Bxsqna0veOjBtSUSITyczK-CC28lzCyWSQ/s1600/P1040664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSo58UXofGtLYyHNs_xRdovLYMp7dQdfyvyBnrXWwP2rvrpJnZhbwlU28XXtoQnSKB6kJ3KDHUeaiz2YqTnI_vGsxBPHdvOFHsNeNe33N0Bxsqna0veOjBtSUSITyczK-CC28lzCyWSQ/s400/P1040664.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
I don't know if it was the moral boost from talking with some friendly faces again, the 2 pies I downed at the petrol station or the fact that I had been pedaling painfully slow since Palmerston North, but as I headed south I felt an energy returning to my legs that I had not felt in a long time. This could not have come at a better time as when I last checked the MapProgress site there were a bunch of riders not far behind me and they seemed to be closing in fast. </div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
</span><br />
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
I pointed the compass due south and started on the long road section from Ross to Hawea. I seem to make good progress through the evening and pulled in to Whataroa just after 1 am where I punched out of my night shift stint and settled down on the grass next to the community hall knowing that tomorrow was going to be a big day. </div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Day 10:</b></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
I rolled out of town in the pre-dawn dark and started ticking off the Ks. As the sun came up I was greeted with a stunning South Westland morning which helped to shake the haze of tiredness that seemed to be engulfing me. A quick stop in Franz Josph to refuel then it was time to get climbing over to Fox. I was please that my legs seemed to be on the continual improve and I was able to climb out of the saddle and get some power down into the pedals. Once into Fox it was a quick side trip up to the Glacier walk car park for one of the compulsory photo stops before getting back on the road South. </div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvtyuuAEM6buQFzaS1weEQlnOCT4mGuhyphenhyphenR7akKCLBopOcmA7Mg5X0BJp_Zll8sPQRQSQhYF5pvOs4bUlUIVfioMoEpId_XPUdewTHnfKqj8HYlZQowvDr2tqA1CR49oZ2mDvJsSGkRfU/s1600/P1040677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvtyuuAEM6buQFzaS1weEQlnOCT4mGuhyphenhyphenR7akKCLBopOcmA7Mg5X0BJp_Zll8sPQRQSQhYF5pvOs4bUlUIVfioMoEpId_XPUdewTHnfKqj8HYlZQowvDr2tqA1CR49oZ2mDvJsSGkRfU/s400/P1040677.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
This had been one of the sections that had 'worried' me most as I wondered what the traffic was going to be like and how many close calls I would have with loopy tourist drivers. It turned that the drivers were amazing and gave me so much room it was almost awkward. Maybe it was because the tourist drivers come from country where they are use to driving with bikes on the road. All I know is that the smooth road, good grade, courteous drivers, crystal clear steams on the side of the road to drink from and brilliant weather I was really enjoying the journey today.</div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8n2h8ViJrynqij-cEmtgI0iusfYNKICO1gbLVkAeGcspmVxrNUTamJhoSb39o9SN-4eoHJa2RMVUU08oWO8LuAeHxcjKYZJO0U5_AOQiHdAHYtFj8pDujUL4PsHAHEvpXj0aULt5pDTk/s1600/P1040670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8n2h8ViJrynqij-cEmtgI0iusfYNKICO1gbLVkAeGcspmVxrNUTamJhoSb39o9SN-4eoHJa2RMVUU08oWO8LuAeHxcjKYZJO0U5_AOQiHdAHYtFj8pDujUL4PsHAHEvpXj0aULt5pDTk/s400/P1040670.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
Late afternoon I arrived in Haast and had a quick stop to refuel before clocking in for the evening shift up over the Haast Pass. A tail wind and a big can of Mother Energy drink made the early stages relatively easy going. All of the tourist must have pulled into camp for the night as the roads were completely dead. So much so I was able to get a few photos at the Gates of Haast undisturbed. I crested the top of the Haast Pass as it was starting to get dark and layered up as it was also starting to get very chilly. </div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpUZ_eYV9EVysIN9fikCmCpGgUhdBu2_8tGmcwpeJjXUiF4BgcrYIF-Sko9eb492q2nhZhCc5VgLrGxdbz_rWQxPQrtI8FR-r0SD7IFeBcVnfwIKP7UODox6PpqjdK9Gc-IaegZFitjY/s1600/P1040684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpUZ_eYV9EVysIN9fikCmCpGgUhdBu2_8tGmcwpeJjXUiF4BgcrYIF-Sko9eb492q2nhZhCc5VgLrGxdbz_rWQxPQrtI8FR-r0SD7IFeBcVnfwIKP7UODox6PpqjdK9Gc-IaegZFitjY/s640/P1040684.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
I pushed on through the darkness and into a stiffing head wind towards Hawea. I was down to a crawl by the time I reached Hawea due to the wind and it was somewhere along the Hawea - Wanaka trail that I pulled in behind a bush and bed down for the night.</div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaCxm5FYCyw_22826HHYyR4a7h868iJJJEDzlHNe7S2weLWhp4BCyAOzFfAh_Ntz8ZQYXvEANx7RoSBEo0VNzoLg6alN8HrY81u1ABks4jRSolyuDjy4jlAxVs-1RFYG8Zd9AXri-J9s/s1600/P1040688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaCxm5FYCyw_22826HHYyR4a7h868iJJJEDzlHNe7S2weLWhp4BCyAOzFfAh_Ntz8ZQYXvEANx7RoSBEo0VNzoLg6alN8HrY81u1ABks4jRSolyuDjy4jlAxVs-1RFYG8Zd9AXri-J9s/s400/P1040688.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<b style="font-size: 12.8px;">Day 11: </b></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
After what only felt like 2 minutes I woke up having over slept my alarm again. I quickly packed up my kit which was becoming second nature by now and headed towards Wanaka. It was great to see Lily at this stage and after a drink and some food at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kai-Whaka-Pai/167375443287638" target="_blank">Kai Whakapai</a> I was on the road again with some company for the first time in I don't know how long in the form of Shonagh North a Wanaka based athlete I work with. I was amazing to have a conversation with someone other than myself again or just the quick exchange of words at the shop counter which had pretty much been the extend of it over the last few days. </div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv09v4r4___bj9O6aNvUyvJDYCxPh8BSN_vhBo_q6bvv9Gtv_UCVrTyybIJlvPFgQZlupVZ3Q_NsfCylkbDBJzQyC0_RRJ7D7FrbPMVSo2E0DMMHr5TI09CsVX0eDD_lgTFQfVF37TH8c/s1600/P1040691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv09v4r4___bj9O6aNvUyvJDYCxPh8BSN_vhBo_q6bvv9Gtv_UCVrTyybIJlvPFgQZlupVZ3Q_NsfCylkbDBJzQyC0_RRJ7D7FrbPMVSo2E0DMMHr5TI09CsVX0eDD_lgTFQfVF37TH8c/s400/P1040691.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
The Cardrona Valley passed quickly and before I knew it I was on my own again as the climb up the Crown Range got stepper. A quick photo stop at the top and then it was time to enjoy the fruits of my labour with the down hill into Arrowtown. I came through here in the Great Southern Brevet and now just as then the Queenstown trail network just seemed to go on and on. Great if you want to get in some good off road Ks but not so great when you are trying to get to Queenstown to catch one last ferry. As I rounded the headland into Queenstown bay the tourists were busy snapping photos of the Earnslaw as it steamed off across the lake. Keen to keep moving South I took the water taxi option and after a quick refuel I was making my way across the lake.</div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNix3hLZDEz1c9MkIVqiAeEr9xUbuIoGRDjVhXtGXfTC3konbjCsWXYoAc9KpxboWHXNZXJw2Muzf5JQJNA1cobmsXGC6GpfKT_Q098rpMBdDtUb-I47jOYQvlRT7EtdpziUbuswkTB_o/s1600/P1040694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNix3hLZDEz1c9MkIVqiAeEr9xUbuIoGRDjVhXtGXfTC3konbjCsWXYoAc9KpxboWHXNZXJw2Muzf5JQJNA1cobmsXGC6GpfKT_Q098rpMBdDtUb-I47jOYQvlRT7EtdpziUbuswkTB_o/s640/P1040694.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwqJ4mbNAd3nVJY2z3A1t5QUbppnoE4kiXM8CUPoLkFn8XNANTd4GblSSAi3kbDl_3yRjVaJcraBsZOHMiAmA3x19xxn3GA3xkD1Pjd5LIz06HX8g4D-lXa_SXnC-7E2E_RBJgb_Bafk/s1600/P1040701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwqJ4mbNAd3nVJY2z3A1t5QUbppnoE4kiXM8CUPoLkFn8XNANTd4GblSSAi3kbDl_3yRjVaJcraBsZOHMiAmA3x19xxn3GA3xkD1Pjd5LIz06HX8g4D-lXa_SXnC-7E2E_RBJgb_Bafk/s400/P1040701.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5cbpUvU-dSf7ZeLCgUk9EGhC7bRMJeVJl1fzgY7FPksOCmDhvHvw_NgG5D07dLvgM4hVPM1TqgK5oWKVi1btkuRoKNYKOEqfuKxyUtkGYUOmF09N3XYivfDZkHPsc8QzmbbCH3JlPeU/s1600/P1040706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5cbpUvU-dSf7ZeLCgUk9EGhC7bRMJeVJl1fzgY7FPksOCmDhvHvw_NgG5D07dLvgM4hVPM1TqgK5oWKVi1btkuRoKNYKOEqfuKxyUtkGYUOmF09N3XYivfDZkHPsc8QzmbbCH3JlPeU/s400/P1040706.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
As I headed South from Walter Peak Station things were really starting to heat up. Luckily the building had wind swung around to more of a side/ tail wind and I started to really feel like I was cranking along the long flat gravel sections. The last time I was through this way was in the middle of the night during the Great Southern Brevet so it was really nice to see it in the light of day. The sun soon started to set in a brilliant Southland sun set. I rolled through Mossburn and followed the thin blue line on my gps out into the dark Southland night. Long straight roads a few climbs and more long straight roads took me through to Winton ~ 70km from Bluff. It was 1 am and I did entertain the thought of pushing through to Bluff but decided I would likely enjoy things more after some sleep. So I crawled into my wet sleeping and bivvy bag one last time and feel asleep eating the remains of a cold pie.</div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvuNFKbWqrSe7xXZ88YIz1JKmOcq91QjCUxJwJkOsd8HmKh4cUPoaeSJB2987Ovn12pOKzOPiozovjCIrwPxxDkXUxJeuvpNW_4tox8SqUtfUjtVYaqw_ldKPW9_VzUVr1FoaPDTlVkY/s1600/P1040711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvuNFKbWqrSe7xXZ88YIz1JKmOcq91QjCUxJwJkOsd8HmKh4cUPoaeSJB2987Ovn12pOKzOPiozovjCIrwPxxDkXUxJeuvpNW_4tox8SqUtfUjtVYaqw_ldKPW9_VzUVr1FoaPDTlVkY/s400/P1040711.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<b>Day 12: </b></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
As my knees creaked and I pulled on my shorts (that felt more like sand paper than a soft chammy) I breathed a sigh of relief knowing that this was the last morning I would have to go through this routine (at least for the immediate future). It was cold going to start with in the early Southland morning but soon started to warm up as the sun started to break through the clouds. Again long straight flat roads were the name of the game. I rolled around the outskirts of Invercargill and Bluff hill started to come into view in the distance. I don't really remember to much about the closely few Ks of the Tour Aotearoa apart from the heavy sea air that filled my lungs as I rode through Bluff heading to the finish at Stirling Point.</div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4RaswZGQMW3ktd9GgL3cW_qPwH3ozLIHj67RWQzFi9bd2QMzPnwh41vBhjxlVQ9hVnl65S7Bbzaze2KT2cs8g_axQscKX5kgb_7niakPO_BUkG_DjyTUIqC9Z3zpoxuE-gK_wxDSvXw/s1600/IMG-20160303-WA0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4RaswZGQMW3ktd9GgL3cW_qPwH3ozLIHj67RWQzFi9bd2QMzPnwh41vBhjxlVQ9hVnl65S7Bbzaze2KT2cs8g_axQscKX5kgb_7niakPO_BUkG_DjyTUIqC9Z3zpoxuE-gK_wxDSvXw/s640/IMG-20160303-WA0005.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">I crested the rise and there it was. The infamous yellow signs surrounded by a mass of people. A mass of people not there to see me but to have their photo taken in front of the signs. My welcoming party was there as well and it was so so good to see the familiar faces of my family and friends.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzjRRV6At8CTj4LBTGNO7qKcLrzBpvGbjte5HkazT4-sDttvsnsK6DHizn5nMjWKEu7HiAnp1OFbQWSeVrb3xnLDwJ3gDs8Gu2hX8nA6D07XzSE6XhibIed_SrQX2AWyNfwuk5jgGQV4/s1600/IMG-20160303-WA0001+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzjRRV6At8CTj4LBTGNO7qKcLrzBpvGbjte5HkazT4-sDttvsnsK6DHizn5nMjWKEu7HiAnp1OFbQWSeVrb3xnLDwJ3gDs8Gu2hX8nA6D07XzSE6XhibIed_SrQX2AWyNfwuk5jgGQV4/s640/IMG-20160303-WA0001+%25281%2529.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">While it had ticked over to my 12th calendar day on the bike, in terms of 24 hour periods since the start I had clocked up 10.9 days or 262.5 hours in total. </span>It was a really strange feeling to finally reaching my 'destination'. I wasn't overly excited, exhausted or broken. It was more a strange feeling of relief. Relief that I was now going home.<br />
<br />
A huge thanks goes out to Jonathan Kennett who put this whole crazy thing together. Also my amazing support team including Torpedo 7 who helped take care of all my gear requirements, Kursti Annison and Kelly Olsen for keeping my body in working order, Gamble Forest Harvesting for their amazing support, all the athletes I work with through <a href="http://www.exponentialperformancecoaching.com/" target="_blank">Exponential Performance Coaching</a> who provide me with endless sources of inspiration and last but not least my amazing wife Lily for keeping the home fires burning and keeping the natives under control while I was away. With out all of these amazing people there is no way that I would have made it to the start line let alone Bluff. </div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-22533540224424588642015-01-08T14:35:00.002-08:002015-01-08T14:35:36.706-08:00Giant XTC 1 29er: Long term review<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://%3Ciframe%20width%3D%22640%22%20height%3D%22360%22%20src%3D%22//www.youtube.com/embed/mbEztdDtJlM?rel=0%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/mbEztdDtJlM?rel=0" width="640"></iframe></a></div>
Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-20303634575750905172015-01-08T14:34:00.002-08:002015-01-08T14:35:01.061-08:00West Coast Adventure Run<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://%3Ciframe%20width%3D%22640%22%20height%3D%22360%22%20src%3D%22//www.youtube.com/embed/1bJ0Xmug1ko?rel=0%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1bJ0Xmug1ko?rel=0" width="640"></iframe></a><br /></div>
Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-3345863295419346982015-01-08T14:33:00.000-08:002015-01-08T14:34:07.783-08:00Giant Reign 27.5 1 Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://%3Ciframe%20width%3D%22640%22%20height%3D%22360%22%20src%3D%22//www.youtube.com/embed/r-dq2mPdE64?rel=0%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/r-dq2mPdE64?rel=0" width="640"></iframe></a><br /></div>
<br />Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-79762576961410560412014-07-11T15:41:00.000-07:002014-07-11T15:41:46.732-07:00Monumental Ass Kicking<div class="MsoNormal">
When I heard that my wife, daughter and I were heading back
to her home town of Durango Colorado for a friend's wedding I was keen to find
a race to work in with the trip. Durango is an amazing part of the world with
endless trails to ride. I found a MTB race that sounded right up my alley, the
<a href="http://coloradoes.wordpress.com/swes-event-list/durango-dirty-century-ddc/" target="_blank">Durango Dirty Century</a>. It is part of an 'underground' unofficial endurance race
series that happens through the summer. With an ethos of unsupported , self
responsibly and hard back country courses.</div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was looking for a big challenge and everything about this
ride made the hair on the back on my neck stand up! Everything from the remote
back country course, the altitude, the wildlife (bears, mountain lions and
snakes) to regular lighting strikes on the high exposed ridges. As I dug deeper
into what the race was all about I become even more excited. Emails from the
organisers to 'deter' people/ make sure everyone knew what they were in for
made the fire burn brighter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i>"This
is NOT the ride to use for your first 100-miler. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i>It is not
for beginners or intermediate riders – experts only!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i>The effort
here will be about 2 times that to complete a Leadville 100.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i>If your rain
jacket can fit in the back of your jersey pocket, this is not for you. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i>If you
cannot rig a broken derailleur into a singlespeed, this is not for you. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i>If you want
to bail when it gets cold and wet, this is not for you. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i>If you do
not have night lights, this is not for you.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i>If rain
bothers you, or you hate post holing through snow then this is not for you."</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Talk about
exciting!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ubWOYJzZa6qxjJd802PQfqZVn0mP_xPzfX9K7QJfSY5OOhcpWyEwZxQPvlSlGb-GRvpAa6p85uwii6XrKH4LVuWg7cN9Hr3L2wPFV5fNq_qrii0AWNf6E3BIXGA5SIzweEbuW-BimmA/s1600/ddc-profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ubWOYJzZa6qxjJd802PQfqZVn0mP_xPzfX9K7QJfSY5OOhcpWyEwZxQPvlSlGb-GRvpAa6p85uwii6XrKH4LVuWg7cN9Hr3L2wPFV5fNq_qrii0AWNf6E3BIXGA5SIzweEbuW-BimmA/s1600/ddc-profile.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
One of the
big things I knew was going to be a challenge was the altitude. The race
started in Durango at 6500 feet (~2000 m) and climbed to 12258 feet (3736 m) which
is close to the height of Mt Cook (3754 m) with an average elevation of 3049 m.
I had ridden in Durango many times before, but never that high. We arrived in
America 3 weeks before the race. I knew I would never be fully acclimatised in
this time but I would do my best. The first week we spent in Denver which is
~1600 m where I did some easy riding while visiting with family in the heat and
altitude so that when we headed to Durango I would hopefully already have a
head start on the acclimatisation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was also
during this week I found out that a week long family trip we were booked on was
planned for the day BEFORE the race rather than the day AFTER like I had originally
thought! I was gutted! With no way of changing the travel plans I made the
decision to ride the course as hard as I could 3 days before the race in a time
trial fashion and see how I got on. At the end of the day I wanted to challenge
myself and I could do that with or without other riders around.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
When we
arrived in Durango I really felt the altitude I was riding ok but my heart rate
was through the roof on even the most gradual climbs and I did not seem to have
the power in my legs as usual. By the end of the week I was starting to feel like
I was getting on top of the altitude, but how would it be as I went higher?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was now
or never. After a bit of a mini taper to try and freshen the legs up I was
ready to roll. As I prepared my gear the night before my ride I wrote down some
time splits that I had found online and taped them to my bike as a bit of a
carrot to chase. With everything packed and ready to roll I went to bed for a restless night's sleep. It had been
daunting enough going into the back of beyond knowing that there were 70 other
riders around you, either clearing the way of wild animals or coming behind if
something were to happen. Now it was just me! I had spent lots of time in the
back country of NZ by myself, but never in America in the Rocky Mountains. This
added another challenging aspect to the upcoming adventure. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthb1XufiewS_BFrUOwp6WKYpvjoGlan6QcVQYWZGlIVI4YTtGumtjspyk5bY9BBIOcWRuTxS-6cMfgsTYaQTgwMec0a7t40uyq-9TjLhtrSjglQ99V6Qf7_hRO_gkWLP1qXyTj5EiH8I/s1600/P1040003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthb1XufiewS_BFrUOwp6WKYpvjoGlan6QcVQYWZGlIVI4YTtGumtjspyk5bY9BBIOcWRuTxS-6cMfgsTYaQTgwMec0a7t40uyq-9TjLhtrSjglQ99V6Qf7_hRO_gkWLP1qXyTj5EiH8I/s1600/P1040003.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
As I set off
down to the 'official start' at Velorution Cycles in the main street of Durango
I had my first of what was going to be many wildlife encounters with the deer who had been hanging around the back yard for the last few days. Deer I can work with, bears
and Mountain Lions not so much.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8khO8s1tu3Fvm9pNp5PwyTvMC7GdfFJbba5AS4WaTYLlS3xsopbPHWdVNLyeu9Q6lzh-d6nPkrzbMSWLAQVPMYyizxSd9510Gn3kGV3LpWlFOlyYIeGHBELSoBCo5ASMGYKgAuC-ReH0/s1600/20140625_092912_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8khO8s1tu3Fvm9pNp5PwyTvMC7GdfFJbba5AS4WaTYLlS3xsopbPHWdVNLyeu9Q6lzh-d6nPkrzbMSWLAQVPMYyizxSd9510Gn3kGV3LpWlFOlyYIeGHBELSoBCo5ASMGYKgAuC-ReH0/s1600/20140625_092912_1.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<o:p> </o:p>The first 15
km of the course is pretty flat on sealed road before the climbing starts into
the single track of Hermosa Creek Trail. At the first time split I was only a
couple of minutes off the splits and feeling pretty good. However this was not
to last long. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AqDHV-TEDF5h0h23kgL27-FPxs-Wb6UGMoVOByrPk_rnTJNwIwziJ36Uf4A6sKChYrSCtzwogbAJCg0pq9SMk6XX9WL2ipnTb2ScTo36zulRPB-QsGacKh6RTPdsbE4lwC0kODjEVkY/s1600/P1040004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AqDHV-TEDF5h0h23kgL27-FPxs-Wb6UGMoVOByrPk_rnTJNwIwziJ36Uf4A6sKChYrSCtzwogbAJCg0pq9SMk6XX9WL2ipnTb2ScTo36zulRPB-QsGacKh6RTPdsbE4lwC0kODjEVkY/s1600/P1040004.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
After ~40 km of single track I hit a gravel road where the real
climbing and the real butt kicking started. I am not sure whether it was the
altitude, the heat, my borrowed bike not being 100% dialed in for me, my legs
not being 100% or maybe it was just one of those days. All I know is that I could
not climb to save myself. My heart rate was sky high even when I was in my
granny gear spinning away, I was hyperventilating trying to catch up breath and
my legs became burnt up after a couple of minutes of climbing. It was going to
be a long day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ffs4f5hs8pEYidiGicAM_zmmhjmsp-7VBJdCUWZAD-nRhGx6t6559g0VWqfF4bQQECZBK8MHs_pMbIGMNtWONA0UurgFrFhcykStdRzkcUX5tS9id1Cn9tbQK2TCHZ-QYq4gJ195G_c/s1600/P1040005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ffs4f5hs8pEYidiGicAM_zmmhjmsp-7VBJdCUWZAD-nRhGx6t6559g0VWqfF4bQQECZBK8MHs_pMbIGMNtWONA0UurgFrFhcykStdRzkcUX5tS9id1Cn9tbQK2TCHZ-QYq4gJ195G_c/s1600/P1040005.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFlD0maJJnmxs4e_hw4yzpJWhRVqlt4iwtQJG-7qGOh_RPgmpWDodoFCaxxeidBENKxj6olKMeSgJ5qeQXstqQDXFpWDY4tCZvPWREp9neHfM0YD_HDnHwzlsWvoAHiZDw4G5Zurvtyc/s1600/P1040006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFlD0maJJnmxs4e_hw4yzpJWhRVqlt4iwtQJG-7qGOh_RPgmpWDodoFCaxxeidBENKxj6olKMeSgJ5qeQXstqQDXFpWDY4tCZvPWREp9neHfM0YD_HDnHwzlsWvoAHiZDw4G5Zurvtyc/s1600/P1040006.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I took the
climb in short pulls having mini breaks when I could not ride any more. By the
time I hit Celebration Lake I was well off the time splits so decided to put
these away and just focus on getting through the day in one piece(which I had a
feeling was going to be a big enough challenge) while enjoying the views while
getting some awesome photos and video.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtgwlXFp2cpwRPvJtFxSOr6JPVDWCMaw2OIIM-yNTVdAzRqAq8qgUki_sh1z3Q0_3w2FRbdkz2o1-46Ei8lsHJkIoi8jYeVxD8N9jNME3tRKPv5x43VOiO3YE9k5xq2Cqv0_cuKF_BlE/s1600/P1040007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtgwlXFp2cpwRPvJtFxSOr6JPVDWCMaw2OIIM-yNTVdAzRqAq8qgUki_sh1z3Q0_3w2FRbdkz2o1-46Ei8lsHJkIoi8jYeVxD8N9jNME3tRKPv5x43VOiO3YE9k5xq2Cqv0_cuKF_BlE/s1600/P1040007.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Once up onto
the Colorado Trail the going did not get any better. The steep pinches, snow
mounds across the trial and un-rideable sections made going slow as I climbed
up to Black Hawk Pass at 3657 m. Once at the top I was greeted with amazing
views for a quick late lunch stop, then there was an amazing downhill section
(it was nice to be actually riding my bike for once).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DwNXPutpt4yStCmapvit7YzxeV9GxKwPDozvmpGmnIz55lUUfefvug65PNOiSUogiMiTp8mVpIUxkL_oKxVXdGxXycbpYiU1FJ-pi02k0rDEgiP367AY9rxsFhtmIZXZ4CSfmgoO3RU/s1600/P1040008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DwNXPutpt4yStCmapvit7YzxeV9GxKwPDozvmpGmnIz55lUUfefvug65PNOiSUogiMiTp8mVpIUxkL_oKxVXdGxXycbpYiU1FJ-pi02k0rDEgiP367AY9rxsFhtmIZXZ4CSfmgoO3RU/s1600/P1040008.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_sVDmeviUGshCqqPLxIlLwLxLI1sROKpSQRqcA4n-YqdWJFtp_5oEqHPzw46ku2W1ko5b7l1N_g9ctzz6T2R6QPRdqcmnMadc2AROnCBTo_c3dBmG__L-q7MWxG7yVjWTKEvyTBjphU/s1600/P1040010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_sVDmeviUGshCqqPLxIlLwLxLI1sROKpSQRqcA4n-YqdWJFtp_5oEqHPzw46ku2W1ko5b7l1N_g9ctzz6T2R6QPRdqcmnMadc2AROnCBTo_c3dBmG__L-q7MWxG7yVjWTKEvyTBjphU/s1600/P1040010.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i>Looking up towards Black Hawak Pass</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<o:p> </o:p>The downhill
soon gave way to another solid climb up towards the highest point on the course
Indian Ridge. Gradual at first then getting really steep on some exposed ridge
tops I kept things steady riding what my legs would and pushing/ carrying the
sections I could not. There were a number of 'bail out' options around this
section and the thought crossed my mind a number of times to bail out early and
head for home. However, I just could not do it. I did not know when I would get
the chance to come back up here and I could not admit defeat!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Flv0gpd1XPbiPnDqo6m8_CSC3Ag1bDfSKT_f_3NV3XevmO9gYWjQIssegY4F2Rws_e0Awmt3sVWBqSpe4CNQA3R80WSCU2FYshkRrJfYxFBCPNjAt85myrtT-iEJaADrga68dWNLDX4/s1600/P1040014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Flv0gpd1XPbiPnDqo6m8_CSC3Ag1bDfSKT_f_3NV3XevmO9gYWjQIssegY4F2Rws_e0Awmt3sVWBqSpe4CNQA3R80WSCU2FYshkRrJfYxFBCPNjAt85myrtT-iEJaADrga68dWNLDX4/s1600/P1040014.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
As I pushed,
sweated and gasped for oxygen on one non-descript steep ridge I heard a roar
coming from the sky and looked up and to my amazement I saw the distinct shape
of a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_Grumman_B-2_Spirit" target="_blank">B-2 Stealth Bomber</a> flying over head. Like a kid in a candy shop I quickly
got out my camera and got a photo of it, just as a second one came into view!
When I was a kid I was a bit of a plane 'nut' and seeing these two Stealth
Bombers in full flight in the amazing mountain setting rated right up there as
the coolest part of the ride!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0AxFD1AxOYEktY2FRBBN477FucyCrb4ru0DvNbdEd6wRfH24DgYl7rpXJ-nWqCXmStvliVm14WRPBaEUjjg8EYOP1Zvchi_QBC2SkJYRD-uEOlUGTgZtyzCui2q-zu68Vo3wta8U6yM/s1600/P1040013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0AxFD1AxOYEktY2FRBBN477FucyCrb4ru0DvNbdEd6wRfH24DgYl7rpXJ-nWqCXmStvliVm14WRPBaEUjjg8EYOP1Zvchi_QBC2SkJYRD-uEOlUGTgZtyzCui2q-zu68Vo3wta8U6yM/s1600/P1040013.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<o:p> </o:p>After 115km
of riding/ pushing I finally reached the highest point of the course. From here
the majority of it was down hill, apart from a couple of uphill pulls. As I
started the descent I did a few quick calculations and soon realised that I
would be riding the final hour or so in the dark. I made the most of the sweet
15 km downhill before having a grunty final 6 km climb before the final descent
to the finish.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuxRn1RFa9qLtsOKDg79t8q3nBKu9NTAYvB6h56VsXDlBRlog_KWMQTJ4fUqHVjiH1ENH5B8CrOie_A2T2rTHiQB6c3fM43s_PpXjED-tEWwO3FjpyqN9W1bjlFS1ZzDEHfax0g-Sj6A/s1600/P1040011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuxRn1RFa9qLtsOKDg79t8q3nBKu9NTAYvB6h56VsXDlBRlog_KWMQTJ4fUqHVjiH1ENH5B8CrOie_A2T2rTHiQB6c3fM43s_PpXjED-tEWwO3FjpyqN9W1bjlFS1ZzDEHfax0g-Sj6A/s1600/P1040011.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DvdMrOzvFoFgWSkrwMd3afgKH3Sc2ivLx2nP7dykPm-tbZDWHt4z5Nj2ENA_aAGvnmjD2Rde87AUYM8mnNNo510HiQZ78KfjQ3_kQ5t7TZfpUESsQ0XkvhFTHnXg5ifBXZ9icaGTFmc/s1600/P1040020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DvdMrOzvFoFgWSkrwMd3afgKH3Sc2ivLx2nP7dykPm-tbZDWHt4z5Nj2ENA_aAGvnmjD2Rde87AUYM8mnNNo510HiQZ78KfjQ3_kQ5t7TZfpUESsQ0XkvhFTHnXg5ifBXZ9icaGTFmc/s1600/P1040020.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFwZTRGhS9_OfEjrcYjUc2A0f6z2WBeRzUwdysVdJuoP59iqFkQEV85SoNZtRqhirv_Fw3z0IcLc2t_wGIOui-Y2nGKVeUWQykT47NShJJIfEuHvKHJy5-62T4QRLdovgSZhRzAogB04/s1600/P1040021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFwZTRGhS9_OfEjrcYjUc2A0f6z2WBeRzUwdysVdJuoP59iqFkQEV85SoNZtRqhirv_Fw3z0IcLc2t_wGIOui-Y2nGKVeUWQykT47NShJJIfEuHvKHJy5-62T4QRLdovgSZhRzAogB04/s1600/P1040021.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
As I rode
the closing kms by the light of my head lamp I was more than surprised to come
across two riders in the middle of nowhere caught without any lights after
doing some course familiarisation for an upcoming enduro race. I tried riding
with them for a while to provide them some light but with the technical terrain
it was difficult at best and they decided to keep walking the final 5 km or so
to the carpark by the light of their
iphone. This suited me fine as I was already running VERY late!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xgXBVKmUjZa2ILHrUKNQOIZe0tNxvA6Hn83HS-LLHepSJQtW6soLBsFiB9yOPnFEfdbDURG_PE3i6uaTYRNLPgsUYSAphzFenCcnAZsLCqhuzSjyoXKUAJOmbD0FzCIRPFZiNTG95XM/s1600/2014-07-12_1026.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xgXBVKmUjZa2ILHrUKNQOIZe0tNxvA6Hn83HS-LLHepSJQtW6soLBsFiB9yOPnFEfdbDURG_PE3i6uaTYRNLPgsUYSAphzFenCcnAZsLCqhuzSjyoXKUAJOmbD0FzCIRPFZiNTG95XM/s1600/2014-07-12_1026.png" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
As I rolled
into the finished my Garmin stopped at 16 hours 32 min, 153 km and 4000 m
vertical of climbing which had made for a long hard day in the saddle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RaDWuwUAWz9WL8prsLZS_uzyvOcSq6cx7O3KGnGGUHISUtXZyYa3bD_BSPawWiGcUs36hGFsZzPrPv6PYyyAB9MMoCAbcuPaHRTbxjsMvClGrxjyeG6KfGy1yjX_SL7z-smHldjEMQw/s1600/P1040025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RaDWuwUAWz9WL8prsLZS_uzyvOcSq6cx7O3KGnGGUHISUtXZyYa3bD_BSPawWiGcUs36hGFsZzPrPv6PYyyAB9MMoCAbcuPaHRTbxjsMvClGrxjyeG6KfGy1yjX_SL7z-smHldjEMQw/s1600/P1040025.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<o:p> </o:p>I was
disappointed that I was so far off the pace (winning time in actual race was 10
hours 26 min) , but proud of my effort and had a new found respect for the
effects of altitude and how fast the guys that live and train in this area can
ride. </div>
Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-59254593849464273782014-07-06T14:16:00.001-07:002014-07-06T14:17:41.169-07:00Contact Epic<div class="MsoNormal">
After the Naseby 12 hour I was forced to let me knee recover
which did not allow any specific final preparation for the Contact Epic. This
was to be the first time doing the Epic and I was excited to see what this
iconic race had to offer. Due to bad weather the day before the course was
changed to and an out and back format as the river crossings at the top end of
the lake were too high to safely cross.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a chilly start but things soon warmed up with a fast
pace set off the front. Carnage seems to be the only way to describe the first
30 min as riders jostled for position in the front bunch. Narrowly missing 2
crashes in which riders locked their breaks up on straight sections of road I
was happy to settle into a small group just off the back of the lead bunch. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JT9pFq9p0etSO1RawyyvsgieCwDZwwe_HH2SziRlDE4MSaFF7iDdDjGS4W2WZjkJ8WLdq-xLGma44nSHSKc3uEB2ogYRZqZQ5TYWr2XpNng50ONVHLg_K4ns_yhymlEgOu8MFD4UCC0/s1600/217_0024_med.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JT9pFq9p0etSO1RawyyvsgieCwDZwwe_HH2SziRlDE4MSaFF7iDdDjGS4W2WZjkJ8WLdq-xLGma44nSHSKc3uEB2ogYRZqZQ5TYWr2XpNng50ONVHLg_K4ns_yhymlEgOu8MFD4UCC0/s1600/217_0024_med.jpeg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not long before busting my back wheel</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from: </span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.studio5.co.nz/">www.studio5.co.nz</a></i></span></div>
<br />
About an hour into the race descending down from the bluff I
went through a rocky ford and heard a big BANG as my rear wheel slammed into a
big rock. Puncture! Bugger! I was
surprised at my tyre going instantly flat as I was running tubeless, but I did
not think too much of it. I jumped off and set to work putting in a tube, I was
confident that my day was not over yet. Back up and running with minimal time
lost, but as soon as I started pedalling I heard, psss, psss, psss, psss with
every wheel revolution! Not a another puncture surely.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I jumped off to investigate and soon found out why my tyre
had gone flat so fast in the first place. I had put a big dent in my rim and
now as I pedalled the left over sealant was leaking out. Inspecting the rim and
the spokes I was not sure if I would be able to keep riding, would my wheel
hold to pieces of disintegrate on me? I thought about turning around and
heading for home but then the thought of riding against the flow of the 500 odd competitors
soon changed my mind. I decided I would keep riding conservatively and see how
the wheel holds together. Worse case scenario I can pull out at the Dingleburn
and spend the day eating the scones at the famous aide station.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbRGVOuMU4JxKMQ0TYFHXoUGxs0nOWG9wxarJZeg4l71wJum-dSrJYhgsdwA5oL_cG6C2AL0xaI46n0xUEXrGIda3rweXfN3CQbW2L5hzgvbS1U0P24VqXQ0VcBfvbVqeToXV5yviAh0/s1600/20140503_111741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbRGVOuMU4JxKMQ0TYFHXoUGxs0nOWG9wxarJZeg4l71wJum-dSrJYhgsdwA5oL_cG6C2AL0xaI46n0xUEXrGIda3rweXfN3CQbW2L5hzgvbS1U0P24VqXQ0VcBfvbVqeToXV5yviAh0/s1600/20140503_111741.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The rim after it all</span></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I rode the wheel seemed to be holding together ok so I
started to work hard on the flats and up hills and take it easy on the down
hills. I rolled through Dingleburn and decided it was such a nice day I might
as well keep riding playing 'PAC MAN' and seeing how many of the lost places I
could make up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the half way point I was way down the field but kept
pushing trying to reel in as many riders in front of me as I could. I could
start to feel the back wheel becoming wobbly as it became more and more buckled
and hear the spokes starting to clink around. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaIIBLLD-YnKDgE7drKM4xMZIBd4QCulgoI1roiafVWL5HsSPotuZHfD7-pfVWsXcUW3iUo84ssSvEsOJdjWV8o21ikasDz8HDmLvOq4LEWSo3aQc7Ep89QRJ0oxMumDLgu87mN2AlPQ/s1600/217_1407_med.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaIIBLLD-YnKDgE7drKM4xMZIBd4QCulgoI1roiafVWL5HsSPotuZHfD7-pfVWsXcUW3iUo84ssSvEsOJdjWV8o21ikasDz8HDmLvOq4LEWSo3aQc7Ep89QRJ0oxMumDLgu87mN2AlPQ/s1600/217_1407_med.jpeg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Limping towards the finish</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from: </span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.studio5.co.nz/">www.studio5.co.nz</a></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The end could not come soon enough as I rolled in through
the finishing chute in 24th place. While it was less than a great performance, I had a great
day out on what is truly an amazing course.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My back wheel was a complete write off with multiple broken
spokes and rim damage which I was apparently lucky that it held together for me
as well as it did. Thankfully the mechanics at<a href="http://www.rrsport.co.nz/" target="_blank"> R&R Sport </a>Dunedin had me
back up and running in no time at all.</div>
Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-71924721417802801192014-04-09T21:42:00.003-07:002014-04-09T21:43:22.077-07:00Naseby 12 hour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To say my training has been up and down since the <a href="http://matty-graham.blogspot.co.nz/2014/01/i-was-exhausted-i-reached-for-my-drink.html" target="_blank">Great Southern Brevet</a> would be a huge understatement. While the event itself provided a huge learning curve the recovery time following it was also full of learning experiences.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxO2ktVTicWJfEuidaw5Qjot1DWgZKyFym6PvAjHnRkUio3n0JZbH2AWTeR5Hz4arOgnEoYGxzigtt5B1krpChfSuplhdgB53TmhkuFWiI032oFbRJgvEFqb7YufiTEP91N6PgDHnvX8/s1600/Naseby2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxO2ktVTicWJfEuidaw5Qjot1DWgZKyFym6PvAjHnRkUio3n0JZbH2AWTeR5Hz4arOgnEoYGxzigtt5B1krpChfSuplhdgB53TmhkuFWiI032oFbRJgvEFqb7YufiTEP91N6PgDHnvX8/s1600/Naseby2.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My knee took a long time to get better and then just as it
was almost 100% again, a small knock during a slow speed crash on the MTB flared
it up and I was back to square one again. This was an ongoing niggly injury
that would come back to haunt me at Naseby. Coupled with this, I was struck
down with a couple of colds and a stomach bug. The combination of still being
slightly immune compromised and Elsie starting day care and bringing germs home
meant I never got a good consistent training block.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxILRSks0_tCeEMZWSztOT3JiKwHItiWZJNdX4uI0tBNoBHbS9dsUCbnzjXFwNubZeULfXiejWy4J7HZddGvFOYuFarS0wPyFFZRtkbg1RXHpNLdMxO4PVVRLf8hsTmFekYCI-7gOSNI/s1600/Naseby3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxILRSks0_tCeEMZWSztOT3JiKwHItiWZJNdX4uI0tBNoBHbS9dsUCbnzjXFwNubZeULfXiejWy4J7HZddGvFOYuFarS0wPyFFZRtkbg1RXHpNLdMxO4PVVRLf8hsTmFekYCI-7gOSNI/s1600/Naseby3.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite all of this I rolled up to Naseby 12 hour looking
forward to the challenge that lay ahead. I had never ridden Naseby solo and it
had also been a while since my last 12 hour race, so I was keen to get stuck
into it. Arriving on Friday evening Nick (support crew extraordinaire) and I
went out for a bit of a recon on the course before it got too dark. As it
turned out, it got too dark about half way around the course so we had to bail
early and head back to camp. All in all the course was running well and was the
typical dry Naseby ridding conditions. Oh how this was about to change. At some
stage during the night it started to rain and when I emerged from the tent in
the morning it was clear to see that the track was going to be anything but dusty.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnnGs2PAxOkEzh8W2Z8HzgzCqxXT_SXV740EcaBPFjlBSYxSdfAqlYdwHyk6SG0-lmE6UVkt6ep-T-XIHIS3rffO2N60wuXSlnbRm-_lYmhS2iGTYu-7ro5qpuLGcFnTX-JGl68_AMF4/s1600/Naseby_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnnGs2PAxOkEzh8W2Z8HzgzCqxXT_SXV740EcaBPFjlBSYxSdfAqlYdwHyk6SG0-lmE6UVkt6ep-T-XIHIS3rffO2N60wuXSlnbRm-_lYmhS2iGTYu-7ro5qpuLGcFnTX-JGl68_AMF4/s1600/Naseby_1.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first lap of the course was carnage with people losing
control everywhere in the wet conditions. I was happy to sit back and cruise
knowing that I still had a long day ahead. The mud was terrible and I was
reduced to only a couple of gears until I finally did a lap on Nicks bike while
mine got a clean. Slowly lap by lap the course started to dry out and parts
even started to ride really well as it started to bed in. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Around about the half
way mark I started to feel my knee and achilles from the GSB. I was holding 3rd
place and just focused on hold a 'steady' pace and chipping away at the laps. As
the time ticked by my knee was getting more and more sore. By the final 2 hours
I was struggling to put any load through it. I was glad to hold on to 3rd place
and finally get a chance to rest the legs as I rolled in from my final lap.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
All in all a good day out in the mud. Now it is time to put
some focused effort on getting my injuries 100%.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Photo credits: <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.600000381469727px; text-indent: 2px; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/StJamesYeti" target="_blank">St James Mountain Sports</a></span></div>
Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-36147154478040137852014-01-29T13:55:00.000-08:002014-01-29T18:06:07.819-08:00The ups and downs of the Great Southern Brevet 2014<div class="MsoNormal">
I was exhausted! I reached for my drink bottle and drunk the
last mouthful of dirty warm water as I shoved a piece of cold mince pie in my
mouth. There I was, standing on the side of the road 10 km from Tekapo and the
finish of the <a href="http://greatsouthernbrevet.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Great Southern Brevet</a> 2014. My feet were throbbing, I had red hot
pains shooting through my Achilles, one knee was swollen from the 1000 odd km
of riding and my other knee was really swollen due to a crash late last night.
Oh and guess what? My arse felt like it had been repeatedly hammered by a blunt
instrument and sand papered for the last 4 days! As I looked up the road all I
could see was another hill and the consistent head wind was getting really old!
I was so close to the finish but it felt so far away.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6l9m-SlWZwJFa-AcxZvNadIp4HYs1fy3LwEh0omUAPoBVc8w2IUhgHZKkGaflr13Z9uDe8MK5lWnMhgnsDifbRSmoW6c4C3nJ__Xh1BcfUsbRn2TiNJ_1cnFX7QCo-rLw7ynpdxRWN0/s1600/GSB.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6l9m-SlWZwJFa-AcxZvNadIp4HYs1fy3LwEh0omUAPoBVc8w2IUhgHZKkGaflr13Z9uDe8MK5lWnMhgnsDifbRSmoW6c4C3nJ__Xh1BcfUsbRn2TiNJ_1cnFX7QCo-rLw7ynpdxRWN0/s1600/GSB.png" height="539" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>The course </i></b></div>
<br />
When I signed up for the Great Southern Brevet I had wanted
a challenge. A new challenge that would test my physical and mental limits. At ~1100
km, ~14000 m of climbing and the self supported solo style, the GSB ticked all
of the 'right' boxes. My goals going into the ride were simple. I wanted to
ride as much of the available 20 hour ride time each day (you were require to
stop for 4 hours every 24 hours). I planned to do this by riding until 2 am
each night/ morning and then stopping for a snooze between the hours of 2-6 am.
If I could ride as hard and as consistent as I could then no doubt my physical
and mental limits would be pushed to their limits. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAcxZBfvycRvAGAidco-06M9uLdj3uVeA64ROm767wWjdKupNIcB_VALwmTi8VQhd9bAPsZHEKmtCkeHBZh2bczLi1OKfjcGaiIKhZeHsfPxAND5XorH3vdAPkqMKRYs-sRptWPOhz5g/s1600/DSCF0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAcxZBfvycRvAGAidco-06M9uLdj3uVeA64ROm767wWjdKupNIcB_VALwmTi8VQhd9bAPsZHEKmtCkeHBZh2bczLi1OKfjcGaiIKhZeHsfPxAND5XorH3vdAPkqMKRYs-sRptWPOhz5g/s1600/DSCF0187.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaHSfhFZPFLggJjgi268wgLVGO3_PWe2TJNbpMDL1VrWQlsnSPFTQU9gjsG4zq6zpHw_CQZreqHjmxaGG3UHaayeMFwoIr2kYrt9xCWP-oqiYbcACqTyYRuA8WPsHS_11zDMIxByhiCg/s1600/DSCF0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaHSfhFZPFLggJjgi268wgLVGO3_PWe2TJNbpMDL1VrWQlsnSPFTQU9gjsG4zq6zpHw_CQZreqHjmxaGG3UHaayeMFwoIr2kYrt9xCWP-oqiYbcACqTyYRuA8WPsHS_11zDMIxByhiCg/s1600/DSCF0189.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i> Pre-start</i></b></div>
<b><i>Day 1:</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As all 70 riders meet at the start line at the Church of The
Good Shepherd overlooking lake Tekapo, I felt well out of my depth. There was a
lot of talk about previous Brevet races people had done, big training weeks (<a href="http://exponentialperformancecoaching.com/blog/training-for-a-1100-km-mtb-event/" target="_blank">see how I trained HERE</a>) and
age old gear debates (<a href="http://exponentialperformancecoaching.com/blog/ultra-endurance-mtb-gear/" target="_blank">see what gear I took HERE</a>). Being a newbie I did not know what to expect and I just
had to keep reminding myself that the only way to tackle the daunting task that
lay ahead was one pedal stroke at a time. Simple.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we rolled out of town and started to climb over towards
Lake Pukaki six or so riders started to pull away from the main field. We
settled into a steady pace and the km's started to roll by. I had planned to
carry enough food and water so I did not have to make a stop in Twizel. While
it meant carrying some extra weight it would save a lot of time not having to
stop. So while everyone pulled in for a stop at Twizel I quickly did my check
in text and then kept rolling. Out the front by myself now, I settled into a
steady pace and made my way towards the first real climb of the day up to
Flanagan Pass. This was a tough push/ carry and the calf muscles were feeling
the burn big time. Breaking the climb down into 20 - 30 steps at a time, I made
my way to the top and took a moment to admire the stunning views of Lake Ohau
before getting started on the brilliant downhill.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPjINy2dPxiiWfcsgbFBdyLjLpAOsrVarrmmUEBt4DHAY5C0tGlljpiR-kIPBLkz6Zo1zCdvETnSKNTObRsS9IhQ3ifZMSRg_yZWSnut2qUn5QqDKTSGCLbyvJZWzEGgfRJmc5w8Uhwo/s1600/P1010003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPjINy2dPxiiWfcsgbFBdyLjLpAOsrVarrmmUEBt4DHAY5C0tGlljpiR-kIPBLkz6Zo1zCdvETnSKNTObRsS9IhQ3ifZMSRg_yZWSnut2qUn5QqDKTSGCLbyvJZWzEGgfRJmc5w8Uhwo/s1600/P1010003.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>At the top of Flanagan Pass</i></b></div>
<br />
Down on the lake front there was still no wind and I was
still out on my own, so it was steady as she goes as the road joined up with
the Alps to Ocean trial. Climbing once again, this time on the opposite side of
Lake Ohau the views were amazing in the low afternoon light. Once at the
Tarnbrae High Point it was time to enjoy a fantastic downhill and final pull
into Omarama. A quick stop in at the petrol station to stock up on some water
and I was on the road out of town with a few hours of day light left in the
sky.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCVIED8kEkwc280UjtvLWpNFz5bjAHXgEDxP_0VEtszseYvqiEW3nILzuXEzCMqWpGur6RkbHwJ2ALzcSpYH0p5ErtofQ1OEQyl5KNZhe5uGac5ENH1m5P5z392YxuEoRn1qV14MpVcc/s1600/P1010004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCVIED8kEkwc280UjtvLWpNFz5bjAHXgEDxP_0VEtszseYvqiEW3nILzuXEzCMqWpGur6RkbHwJ2ALzcSpYH0p5ErtofQ1OEQyl5KNZhe5uGac5ENH1m5P5z392YxuEoRn1qV14MpVcc/s1600/P1010004.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>Tarnbrae High Point with Omarama in the distance</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6z6iK7AK20C8mPk4NVynDIzA4OuCWx_4w-tG0WtjHGyDZaQZJnggsulIqJeiXHMXAXCfDR8o92DmZXzbPNdUNTWYQWCWv34G1tC-HRLaoe7XYVOqUpO8wbfyJVoyiwLkDWAikxKuxcU/s1600/P1010005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6z6iK7AK20C8mPk4NVynDIzA4OuCWx_4w-tG0WtjHGyDZaQZJnggsulIqJeiXHMXAXCfDR8o92DmZXzbPNdUNTWYQWCWv34G1tC-HRLaoe7XYVOqUpO8wbfyJVoyiwLkDWAikxKuxcU/s1600/P1010005.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>When the going got tough all you had to do was take a look around and it was all worth it. Lake Ohau</i></b></div>
<br />
The climb up to Omarama Saddle was a tough haul with 170 odd
km in the legs. I got into a routine in which I would ride as long as I could
until my legs could not go any more. Then I would get off my bike and push it
for 100 steps to give the legs a rest before getting on and riding again. It
was not the prettiest way to get up a hill, but if there is one thing
multisport and adventure racing has taught me is that relentless forward momentum
(RFM) pays off. One pedal stroke and one step at a time, that was what was
going to get me up this hill. As it turned out the Omarama Saddle climb was the
gift that just kept on giving and it was not until around 10 pm, just as the
sun was going down that I crest the top of the saddle and started on the
descent. As I started down the Manuherika Valley I encountered the first of
many river crossings. Ranging from knee to ankle deep, there was river crossing
after river crossing. This is what it was all about. Carrying your bike through
rivers, in the dark, by yourself, in the middle of nowhere. If this was Brevet
racing then I was loving it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYeP0pezsS13Shg8tZ-vPLoYHkB-_X1RRAYF8a-dOOApy_gmHPI_2V4MpF1lU8pRzq_pvNX-nbVaKF3U9t5MJRhTz5owDcBzRUygzWpbw1rdhxz7B2CTDa81pHpivoi_PK6q3zB-Zio4/s1600/P1010007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYeP0pezsS13Shg8tZ-vPLoYHkB-_X1RRAYF8a-dOOApy_gmHPI_2V4MpF1lU8pRzq_pvNX-nbVaKF3U9t5MJRhTz5owDcBzRUygzWpbw1rdhxz7B2CTDa81pHpivoi_PK6q3zB-Zio4/s1600/P1010007.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Amazing evening sky on the climb up to the Omarama Saddle</i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I had seen some huts on the map that I thought could have
been a good place to sleep on the first night. However, as I rolled past the
first hut it was not even 11 pm yet, well short of my 2 am target. So I kept
riding to see how far I could get, St Bathans maybe?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the last of the river crossing it was back into some
solid riding on a gravel road. Just after midnight I arrived in St Bathans and
decided to sit down on the ground for the first time today. As I sat there to
send my check in text I shared some muesli bar with a friendly little hedge hog
on the side of the road. Still short of my 2 am goal I saddled back up and
pushed on. Arriving at the bottom of the Thompson Gorge climb the wind had
picked up and I could hear it howling through the gorge. Having been though
Thompson Gorge when training and racing in the Gold Rush Multisport race I knew
it could get pretty nasty in there with the wind. It was just after 1:30 am and
I figured that this would be a good place to have a kip before pushing on through
Thompsons in the morning. Who knows, the wind might even die down by then.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I huddled down behind a bush in my bivy bag and cooked up a
feed of Back Country Cuisine freeze dried spaghetti bolognaise. With a full
stomach I lay down trying to fall asleep. However, whether it was the noise of
the howling wind or the fact that I was still buzzing from the riding from day
1 there was not much sleeping happening during this 4 hour rest stop.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Day 2: </i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My alarm went off just after 5 am, I rolled over and started
heating some water for porridge and a warm drink (I was very pleased at my
choice to bring the cooker as this was one item I had hummed and harred about).
Packed up and on the bike I had a really sore right knee as I started to climb.
I must have banged it last night during the river crossings as there was a
bruise starting to come out, bugger, I hope it does not get to bad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As it turns out the wind in Thompson Gorge had not died down
and I was faced with strong gusts that would blow me across the road into the
gutter/ almost over the cliff or to a complete stop. Once out of Thompsons and
on the road to Hawea the wind did not improve any. Strong head winds made the
going very slow and tough. Thinking ahead to the crossing of Lake Wakatipu I
thought that I could potentially catch the final 6 pm crossing on the Earnslaw
tonight all going well. This wind was not helping my case though. As I made my
way into Wanaka the heavens opened and it started to pour. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZoiXMn5783HEozs-wQjPAU3S-XOaQe5mL8G2QrlZRhJ0akeSAAlUHg_8HyYvNuvGIo7itxLMIijENi6GbkHRvJbuJ7RP9OBOQyQtdGnUTZ_3BwDsNGtFmEoaz-6Ap78aEVcRmN4Qe0I/s1600/wanaka+rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZoiXMn5783HEozs-wQjPAU3S-XOaQe5mL8G2QrlZRhJ0akeSAAlUHg_8HyYvNuvGIo7itxLMIijENi6GbkHRvJbuJ7RP9OBOQyQtdGnUTZ_3BwDsNGtFmEoaz-6Ap78aEVcRmN4Qe0I/s1600/wanaka+rain.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="text-align: center;"><b>Coming into Wanaka in the Rain</b></i></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YDN0I8kNdGmPpbppC9I1K6OLQMkxWJNkAKIjcmH8viu0SX2BDhSAfWeb59-RFW4TehNL8MJPESnlA0HopB3sUdJDCrRLXsPOqGIMzCv7J4BTNjXwxAWnIQXbbrh0Z1gweUS5UkRUOTg/s1600/GSB2014+Day+2+Photos+carbo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YDN0I8kNdGmPpbppC9I1K6OLQMkxWJNkAKIjcmH8viu0SX2BDhSAfWeb59-RFW4TehNL8MJPESnlA0HopB3sUdJDCrRLXsPOqGIMzCv7J4BTNjXwxAWnIQXbbrh0Z1gweUS5UkRUOTg/s1600/GSB2014+Day+2+Photos+carbo.jpg" height="640" width="416" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Stocking up on energy products</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
It was a welcome sight in Wanaka to have some of the athletes
I work with cheering me on. After a quick stop at <a href="http://racersedge.co.nz/" target="_blank">Races Edge</a> powered by <a href="http://www.rrsport.co.nz/" target="_blank">R&RSport </a>to pick up some gels and bars, then a run through at the Bakery for a sandwich
and cream donut it was back on the road heading up the Cardrona valley. The
easy road ride soon gave way to the steep climb up to Rock Peak. This was a
very tough push climbing ~ 1200 m on steep rutted tracks. While the rain had
stopped since Wanaka the wind was unreal as I climbed higher. False summit
after false summit kept appearing and I could feel every single one of the 1200
m, was this climb ever going to end? Unfortunately the thick cloud meant that
the views from the top were very minimal. Luckily this did not affect the
quality of the downhill which was great fun and well earned after all of the
climbing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heading down into Arrowtown it was clear that I was not
going to make the 6 pm Earnslaw sailing. During a quick stop in Arrowtown there
was a rumour of an 8 pm sailing, which if I rode hard I could maybe make!
Riding hard through the endless Queenstown trail network, the clock was ticking
and it was going to be very tight. I finally rolled into Queenstown at 8:10 pm
and there was no Earnslaw! Apparently there was in fact no 8 pm sailing,
bugger. Luckily I was able to squeeze onto a water taxi and did not have to
overnight in Queenstown and give away the lead I had built up. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFz0URDfBQyIDIzXY-pmx_b4DbPYngoAVZ2OYLYrFGA9f6Ifk5IgLJBsMctO_LU2gvTok5LtuZDm_VOtm3yiaeV7ERMVoEqkyS8X5iXScrEeclCVEFQmeXjy-qFfXHUEJokwVunO7HMvE/s1600/IMG_2139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFz0URDfBQyIDIzXY-pmx_b4DbPYngoAVZ2OYLYrFGA9f6Ifk5IgLJBsMctO_LU2gvTok5LtuZDm_VOtm3yiaeV7ERMVoEqkyS8X5iXScrEeclCVEFQmeXjy-qFfXHUEJokwVunO7HMvE/s1600/IMG_2139.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Getting on the water taxi to Walter Peak Station</i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Once over at Walter Peak Station I found it hard to get into
a rhythm again. I had a quick stop and got stuck into the sandwich that I had
brought in Wanaka. I realised that this was the first solid food I had had
since the cream donut while leaving Wanaka. Instead I had opted for the fast
acting ' high octane fuel' in the form of gels and lollies to keep me going
through the high workloads over Rock Peak. Now with some solids in the stomach
I felt like a million bucks and I was soon rolling again down the Von River
Valley.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfHfHdc7kfhh2Rszvjzsyt2Co7QklBol2YNvYdF5WXCOcZ91RMo87I5WH26bKbFzqyo88oNwETINBKKMVKfAcspzg9AHi98RlJmeXl4sg0rnLTENU85CHAiMsZ53R01N37RVCH7KpxfI/s1600/P1010018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfHfHdc7kfhh2Rszvjzsyt2Co7QklBol2YNvYdF5WXCOcZ91RMo87I5WH26bKbFzqyo88oNwETINBKKMVKfAcspzg9AHi98RlJmeXl4sg0rnLTENU85CHAiMsZ53R01N37RVCH7KpxfI/s1600/P1010018.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlIg9KjAQepyULM81xukvTYIU6NwZWwubVQ-9ojI6JBGtxwoiXrdJZ1xaT1widTfYc9XmSVuyrHytaJHJFC9wCd8pzCVT5WxQfHCf50DvS-cQ8uqXdMYz6uTUCC0NfLxGxo8wOFufRmk/s1600/P1010020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlIg9KjAQepyULM81xukvTYIU6NwZWwubVQ-9ojI6JBGtxwoiXrdJZ1xaT1widTfYc9XmSVuyrHytaJHJFC9wCd8pzCVT5WxQfHCf50DvS-cQ8uqXdMYz6uTUCC0NfLxGxo8wOFufRmk/s1600/P1010020.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Amazing scenery around Walter Peak Station </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I rode along in the dark I got a huge fright as a light lit up behind me. Was it a car, a rider? As I looked around I saw the most amazing full moon climbing up from behind a ridge. It was incredibly bright and I almost did not need my lights to see. Recharged by this amazing experience I ploughed on through the cold clear night until 2 am. Finding a soft grassy spot on the side of the road I dragged myself into my bivy bag and it was lights out almost immediately.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWqmvhABhDymOYSZXQ1ekz_HA4okyAKrlgcpFc5loTCQ80Fg43rpnm7BZZB8boHXSwNAIu38BdR4fmGAXagvAerajeUnmpg_zTfKXBz24d_fO2UjHV5l6cidrePvMejG5ZghlhieRgm8/s1600/P1010026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWqmvhABhDymOYSZXQ1ekz_HA4okyAKrlgcpFc5loTCQ80Fg43rpnm7BZZB8boHXSwNAIu38BdR4fmGAXagvAerajeUnmpg_zTfKXBz24d_fO2UjHV5l6cidrePvMejG5ZghlhieRgm8/s1600/P1010026.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Crossing into Southland. I was shocked when I was not asked for my passport!</i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Day 3: </i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Waking from a deep sleep just after 5 am I cooked up the
most amazing breakfast of warm Back Country Cuisine freeze dried Three Fruit
Cheese Cake. This was the most delicious thing I had ever eaten, on the side of
a road, in the middle of nowhere! It was quite a cold morning as I headed
towards Mossburn. My right knee had not improved any since yesterday. Funny
that I though a couple of hundred km's would have sorted it out. It was really
sore and I hoped that it would not get too much worse.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsUOI6OQYx9AFHlG4DsG3bRo3XUDM7ODItiywxNzpuHmVFMBcF1yril0V1TpzjC4KLTa1OfJzQLbWNc3nPzBDvm00T6D2yuHqFxMmNHoFAkgIrk72rKuqKrDwKoyRjmG7TCj617MnRb0/s1600/P1010027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsUOI6OQYx9AFHlG4DsG3bRo3XUDM7ODItiywxNzpuHmVFMBcF1yril0V1TpzjC4KLTa1OfJzQLbWNc3nPzBDvm00T6D2yuHqFxMmNHoFAkgIrk72rKuqKrDwKoyRjmG7TCj617MnRb0/s1600/P1010027.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Early morning breakfast views</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the sun rose above
the hills it turned into a picturesque Southland morning. When I arrived in
Mossburn I had my first 'sit down' meal in the local cafe with a bunch of
confused looking Asian tourists. Ordering way to much food, I stuffed the extra
into my pack for later in the day. Rolling out of Mossburn for a relatively
short push to Garston along the main road I was feeling good and looking
forward to the upcoming haul through the Nevis Valley.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbb_SeF1ygzcn8vQDArCFesZCYuE39qU5_j12uWRRqfIqcj5wY2bl40ahcP2DEXsj6fpIaLofQ_lyaUp1sILm0r_3VtdrZ4bHHWC7th84df5L54QwNpsHGfjGzPJbL7hOrIcOQwbBSasQ/s1600/P1010034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbb_SeF1ygzcn8vQDArCFesZCYuE39qU5_j12uWRRqfIqcj5wY2bl40ahcP2DEXsj6fpIaLofQ_lyaUp1sILm0r_3VtdrZ4bHHWC7th84df5L54QwNpsHGfjGzPJbL7hOrIcOQwbBSasQ/s1600/P1010034.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Was this really a good way to go?</i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3moygH0bGaCoJnY3Em5kMqpS9mDnha4kJ2tAN4i4KFjwAVtjAQ5RUJoMbOD5pX3xCY1cY77RDV4AkP9wSxFKCzLG4OTwN1rTIyD91quA95wNJXu_n5yxdzXUBFMa7Egh-kRRLwG8v0-I/s1600/P1010036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3moygH0bGaCoJnY3Em5kMqpS9mDnha4kJ2tAN4i4KFjwAVtjAQ5RUJoMbOD5pX3xCY1cY77RDV4AkP9wSxFKCzLG4OTwN1rTIyD91quA95wNJXu_n5yxdzXUBFMa7Egh-kRRLwG8v0-I/s1600/P1010036.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i> Historic Nevis Ski Hut</i></b></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The climb up to the top of the Nevis was a Scorcher with the
sun now high in the sky. The road was in great conditioning making climbing out
of the saddle a good option to give the butt a rest now and then. A quick stop
at the historical ski hut for some body and bike maintenance, I soaked in the
views before heading off for the final part of the climb and then the downhill.
With the wind at my back the ride down through the valley was great and the
back country views were stunning. The multiple river crossings through the
valley were a welcoming break from riding and a chance to cool off. The
enjoyment soon wore off as my attention turned to the climb out of the valley
over Duffers Saddle. This steep climb was made all the more tough as there were
5 trucks carrying gravel up and down the road as part of some road works that were
going on. This meant every couple of minutes I would get a massive face full of
dust as one of the trucks roared past.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliRSC3Ygfb4yNvhC3C34ampdcNV7szsUPCck7jMfaa3uEFrl9rK9P7aWyuzYfz9eFTW85soApxnwjrw_GZPMpqSyykAXd5d4xpcdA2_GHT_pVWniPxebvJaGxXbzvXtDMrelx2SHRpNM/s1600/P1010037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliRSC3Ygfb4yNvhC3C34ampdcNV7szsUPCck7jMfaa3uEFrl9rK9P7aWyuzYfz9eFTW85soApxnwjrw_GZPMpqSyykAXd5d4xpcdA2_GHT_pVWniPxebvJaGxXbzvXtDMrelx2SHRpNM/s1600/P1010037.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Top of the climb. Still on the right road at this stage!</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>WRONG TURN</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I wound my way through the roads above Clyde I found
myself at a cross roads with the option of heading right or left. This is where
I ran into my first problem. The maps that I had printed for this leg of the
ride did not show very good detail. I had thought that the navigation was going
to be pretty straight forward here, and in hindsight I guess it was and I was
just not thinking straight due to fatigue. But I could not work out where I was
on the map. Looking through the ride notes the kilometre markers and turn
instructions were not much good to me as my odometer was out due to the fact
that it did not register at speeds below 4 km/h, meaning that the pushing and
carrying uphill and through rivers that I did earlier in the day had not been
included to the figure that was now showing on my screen. This is where it
would have been great to 1) have a GPS (which was sitting at home on my desk)
and 2) be riding with others so I could talk over route choices. With neither
of those options available at the moment I choose to turn left, which as it
turns out was the wrong way completely.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UOtKT4QI_vj3JYIdgDcEcIgzhRxp_V0qB1E3DUs4LJ7uXUYyRkZSDSvWZm0z5k0hOU4nkTkXHslz3ZQEQ-SRHoJ-jIiziK9I8pXiP48nDkFSjMvQQrnyddfjl2kERUB_cDD1ISQtq5M/s1600/Detour.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UOtKT4QI_vj3JYIdgDcEcIgzhRxp_V0qB1E3DUs4LJ7uXUYyRkZSDSvWZm0z5k0hOU4nkTkXHslz3ZQEQ-SRHoJ-jIiziK9I8pXiP48nDkFSjMvQQrnyddfjl2kERUB_cDD1ISQtq5M/s1600/Detour.png" height="640" width="464" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>The detour! The way I was meant to go (red) and the way I went (orange)</i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I soon learnt the errors of my way when I emerged at
Bannockburn. Absolutely gutted that I was now off course, I made the decision
to take the main road from Cromwell to Clyde and pick up the course there. Why
I did not choose to back track? I am not sure, as it would have likely been
much faster, but in my fatigued and pissed off state I could not face heading
back up the long hill I had just descended.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I set to work making up for lost time on the ~30 km detour.
As I crossed the Cromwell Bridge I heard the sound that no rider wants to hear,
hhhhhiiiiiisssssss as all of the air rushed out of by back tyre. I pulled out
the big piece of glass sticking out of it hoping the tubeless sealant would
seal up the hole. Unfortunately the gash was too big and before I knew it my
tyre was completely flat. I sat on the side of the road in the howling wind and
set to work changing my tyre. I had signed up for a physical and mental
challenge, this was sure doing it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Setting to work focusing on the process of how I was going
to get back on track I put my head down and started pedalling. My pace was
painfully slow as I pushed into the head wind through the Cromwell Gorge, one pedal stroke at a time, one pedal stroke
at a time. I breathed a sigh of relief as I finally caught sight of the Clyde
Dam. On to the Clyde to Alex river trail I was back on course and had managed
to lose minimal ground. Unfortunately the detour meant that I was arriving in
Alexandra in the dark which was going to slow down the next stage. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was great to see some familiar faces in Alex during my quick
refuel stop at the petrol station. Heading into the Knobby Range track I was
taking extra caution finding my way through the maze of tracks and trails
around this area. As I started my push up the track it was quite over grown and
in the dark it was slow going as I kept checking the map to make sure I was in
the right place. 10 km into the stage I came to one of the important cross
roads. In the dark I had troubles picking up the faint farm track that I was
meant to be on. After 15 min of looking I decided to bed down for the night. I
think it was around 1 am and I was not getting anywhere fast. I found a
comfortable sleeping spot back at the last point where I knew I was on the map
and waited for dawn.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Day 4: </i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was up before dawn, packed and ready to ride. The cloudy
morning meant that it took a while to see the track it needed to be on. Sitting
on top of a rock tor I could finally make out the faint farm track making its
way up the ridge in the distance. I set off up the hill with my legs feeling
surprisingly good and NO knee pain, yay. However, now my right Achilles was
sore, which potentially could have been from me over - compensating for my
knee. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisosUPxPbBRgS36VSn5hgFg-i_xFqJs_UBwZJ_D0vtNs6oWmwXtWHC66MndOq49qGkSmQzLGTqlcgRrPnNb4nbnNBkKgDZAyY0N5KVET68WBVtA5uZQ1dywOVj2pBZf-xpLdGNGjAAHyI/s1600/P1010040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisosUPxPbBRgS36VSn5hgFg-i_xFqJs_UBwZJ_D0vtNs6oWmwXtWHC66MndOq49qGkSmQzLGTqlcgRrPnNb4nbnNBkKgDZAyY0N5KVET68WBVtA5uZQ1dywOVj2pBZf-xpLdGNGjAAHyI/s1600/P1010040.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Looking back towards Alex on the Knobby Range</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had been here before, again as part of the Gold Rush
Multisport Race, however heading in the opposite (downhill) direction. The
climb to the top soon gave way to a fantastic downhill into Roxburgh which
helped bump the average speed up and clock up some easy k's for the morning. A
quick shop in Roxburgh for what I thought could be my last opportunity to get
fresh supplies and then it was off up the epic climb to Lake Onslow. The inside
of my mouth and tongue had developed some painful sores that stung when eating.
Choosing 'comfortable' foods to eat now became a real challenge. One thing I
found really good was the small bottles of favoured milk. There is even some
research out there showing flavoured milk to be an effective sports drink, so
it ticked two boxes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I broke up the ~30 km climb up to Lake Onslow into 10 km
segments having a small rest and something to eat following each segment. The
mist was hanging low around the hills keeping temperatures cool as I climbed. I
finally broke through the mist and was greeted by the sprawling Lake Onslow and
some well overdue downhill. The next few hours were taken up with rolling high
country terrain and what felt like hundreds of farm gates (it is amazing how
many different latch configurations farmers can come up with to keep their
gates closed. Over this trip I beat I have seen them all). Down onto the Maniototo
Plains and it was a strong head wind all of the way into Ranfurly for a quick
feed, air the feet out and swap some chat with some friends who meet me there. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUgFAG4KDGcRc1aSBd1I-wl_v8LF5eOmuiIbMluOydL-LSFe0wuZDeyJGBdfRTHABm0I41Mr8LMd1xENm8ZgumVGVcpQz0uFgELSKPY8F7KFHvLF9DsH_OJ8tpPYT0E7ba3ahXf0ZRGo/s1600/IMG_2161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUgFAG4KDGcRc1aSBd1I-wl_v8LF5eOmuiIbMluOydL-LSFe0wuZDeyJGBdfRTHABm0I41Mr8LMd1xENm8ZgumVGVcpQz0uFgELSKPY8F7KFHvLF9DsH_OJ8tpPYT0E7ba3ahXf0ZRGo/s1600/IMG_2161.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Somewhere on hot and dusty road</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After 10 min or so it was time to push on to Naseby, Danseys
Pass, Kurow and who knows maybe, even make a start on the Hukataramea Valley.
With 145 km already in the legs it would be a game of wait and see. While the
Naseby Water Race Track was a nice break from the 'gravel grinding' the bumps
were torture on my battered bum. Luckily it was only a short detour. The
streets of Naseby were buzzing with families enjoy the last of the sunshine as
I pasted through only stopping to use the toilet. The climb up to Danseys Pass
was a little bit of a letdown (in a good way). I had prepared myself for
another epic climb, however the grade was quite gentle and more than
manageable. As I rode towards the ominous looking dark clouds I knew that I was
going to be getting a bit wet for the second time in the Brevet. As I crested
the pass the thick fog limited visibility to about 5 meters and it was raining
quite steadily. I rugged up warm and started the descent in the fog and now the
dark. With minimal visibility the descent was extremely slow going.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>CRASH</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If the going was not already slow enough I came around the
corner onto a bridge that had raised wheel tracks. I found myself in the middle
of the bridge between the raised tracks and was drifting to the outside of the
bridge due to coming out of the corner. My wheels started rubbing up against
the raised wheel tracks and I tried to get back into the middle. However, with
the weight of my loaded bike, downhill speed and force coming out of the corner
I could not pull myself back on track and ended up hitting the ground hard. My
right knee took the full impact of the crash and almost instantly started to
swell Great, now my right knee was sore again! With blood running down my leg
and my knee stiff and swollen I took stock of the situation and did a bit of a
quick body check. Nothing else felt broken or bruised, what a relief. I
proceeded to Duntroon with whatever the equivalent is of limping on a bike is.
All I can tell you is that it was slow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjHfrvCo4wgw90ILIwJ9Mbw9br92OjkHfqPnYKNf1QL-Czrb8tzGLUI6ImeXtFiPVwgyyv-Zmg8pSeN7rMtbF7fQSQwsCChQCeiFFbyOmc_1qJzuh8Gjo1cuCKd1uxylzSMbjU5XBXQM/s1600/P1010046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjHfrvCo4wgw90ILIwJ9Mbw9br92OjkHfqPnYKNf1QL-Czrb8tzGLUI6ImeXtFiPVwgyyv-Zmg8pSeN7rMtbF7fQSQwsCChQCeiFFbyOmc_1qJzuh8Gjo1cuCKd1uxylzSMbjU5XBXQM/s1600/P1010046.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i> My knee at Duntroon</i></b></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoeUbfHxmzWU7MiDEX2dfOo-XcaRzrcSeA2mTWQ0JAhUzoC7DOBBtxp0wN73flvLy4LDKG9jcxJVYWVE84eadh3WSRjY733_p4vaQs6y6KMYjY07NkFZzS5yN8earO_wPVHLffRAGnH4/s1600/P1010054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoeUbfHxmzWU7MiDEX2dfOo-XcaRzrcSeA2mTWQ0JAhUzoC7DOBBtxp0wN73flvLy4LDKG9jcxJVYWVE84eadh3WSRjY733_p4vaQs6y6KMYjY07NkFZzS5yN8earO_wPVHLffRAGnH4/s1600/P1010054.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>My knee in Tekapo the next day after finishing</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
At Duntroon I was having trouble pedalling so I stopped to
inspect the damage. I got out my compression bandage and bandaged my knee as
tight as possible while still allowing some movement for pedalling. Then
getting back on the bike I pointed towards Kurow and half one legged pedalled
and rolled the longest 20 km of my life along the 'painfully' straight flat
highway. When I finally arrived at Kurow I doubted I would be able to make it
to Tekapo tomorrow with how my knee was. Because it was around 1.30 am I knew
Lily would not have appreciated a SOS call for a ride, so I decided to get some
sleep and see how it felt in the morning. As I lay there with my knee throbbing
I had a feeling that the morning was not going to be bring anything apart from aches
and pain!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Day 5: </i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I woke up in a content sleepy daze. This soon disappeared as
I quickly remembered where I was, how I felt and what there was left to do. I
sat up and went to get out of my bivy bag. Then I felt it, my knee. While it
was not as acutely sore as it was last night it was not very keen on bending. I
pulled on my shorts for one last time, just as well as, the chammy felt like
cardboard. I used copious amounts of chammy cream everywhere and then hobbled
around getting my bike packed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All that separated me from Tekapo now was 105 km and 1110 m
of climbing up and over the Hakataramea Pass. Luckily the going was pretty easy
early on and it gave my knee a chance to warm up. As long as I did not push too
hard with my right leg the pain in my knee was bearable, just. I plugged in the
ipod for the first time this trip and set to work ticking off some k's. As long
as the conditions stayed good I could be in Tekapo for lunch, maybe. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sun was out, it was calm and things were good. I reached
the end of the seal at Cattle Flat and had a quick stop to finish off a pie
that I had picked up in Ranfurly yesterday. I washed this down with some water
that had a mix of 1/2 tablet of Nuun Cola and 1/2 tablet of Nuun Tri berry.
Which tasted pretty close to raspberry and coke! Yum. The only complaint is
that it did not come with ice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7Rr0CjvIqiHXpKVPHkmfRzlwqN-mZczc-xWNm3KR43anM00oGMK9FHcOQNh31is73txfwDY5v4Znq52UGz9DJ8WF0BGNNGaaGQU0DG7qieI5WkmVUviVhbEycHib3d8f1hE8n8q_eyw/s1600/P1010048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7Rr0CjvIqiHXpKVPHkmfRzlwqN-mZczc-xWNm3KR43anM00oGMK9FHcOQNh31is73txfwDY5v4Znq52UGz9DJ8WF0BGNNGaaGQU0DG7qieI5WkmVUviVhbEycHib3d8f1hE8n8q_eyw/s1600/P1010048.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i> At the top of Haka Pass</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmHL3fSV5q6hYmfOHprHgGEXeUHsGV3J71Zpjpl2_-9BFb8u1iyWeWlRGeTZ7RPuPA2rJOOha_x-gYzZfXsoaI87Et0msY6jbYo64jfqVoBOcYrJMFoaYJW3WEaTmo9Y5fJsERku_s-E/s1600/P1010049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmHL3fSV5q6hYmfOHprHgGEXeUHsGV3J71Zpjpl2_-9BFb8u1iyWeWlRGeTZ7RPuPA2rJOOha_x-gYzZfXsoaI87Et0msY6jbYo64jfqVoBOcYrJMFoaYJW3WEaTmo9Y5fJsERku_s-E/s1600/P1010049.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Not far to go now!</i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Pushing on, the wind started to pick up as I climbed up
towards the Haka Pass. I was greeted with amazing views of Mt Cook and a
stunning downhill. The easy run had to end soon and as I hit the seal and
pointed my nose towards the final haul to Tekapo I was greeted with a stiff
headed wind. It ticked over 12 O'clock which meant I had missed lunch time in
Tekapo. I pushed on along the seemingly endless road and then that was it. I
was exhausted! I reached for my drink bottle and drunk the last mouthful of
dirty warm water as I shoved a piece of cold mince pie in my mouth. My feet
were throbbing, I had red hot pains shooting through my Achilles and both knees
were swollen. Oh and guess what? My arse felt like it had been repeatedly
hammered by a blunt instrument and sand papered for the last 4 days! As I
looked up the road all I could see was another hill and the consistent head
wind was getting really old! I was so close to the finish but it felt so far
away.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had signed up to push myself and find my limits. I
wondered if this was it. Was this my limit or just another low point. I took a
big deep breath and started off again, one pedal stroke at a time. Struggling
up the final climb I started to see signs advertising Tekapo, not far now,
surely. Finally I rounded a corner and caught a glimpse of the bright blue lake
peppered with white capped waves from the wind. The final downhill in to Tekapo
was magic and as I pedalled along the final straight back to the Church of the
Good Shepherd all of the fatigue, soreness and pain disappeared. I was greeted
by my wife Lily and daughter Elsie. I sat on the grass and relaxed (truly
relaxed) for what felt like the first time since I left this place. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46x1BvF3asoQyBLm-GWDkesXZwfhEGxOGmmtUmsHhSm5NY-BomBmH7AkS-U4icBXRy9uC2bbAcomxqyBxqCTxTE3HGZAl3yPoER2nNk1Ri0fVx3GwjzerriPhioypSYbzSRJanF4w1Gc/s1600/Finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46x1BvF3asoQyBLm-GWDkesXZwfhEGxOGmmtUmsHhSm5NY-BomBmH7AkS-U4icBXRy9uC2bbAcomxqyBxqCTxTE3HGZAl3yPoER2nNk1Ri0fVx3GwjzerriPhioypSYbzSRJanF4w1Gc/s1600/Finish.jpg" height="640" width="634" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwsSQYfvW9MSo0gc-G0CNLRdm8JaZSb0vZT8iV3ndknFNTahalL3g3eAKWULGarhqiel4hjajVSeVgEXuVhEUdFbOKM35FWzSw_Orh4BY_R5LEUs-fH043eVSfIBJFLakZqCAkC-D3c0/s1600/DSCF0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwsSQYfvW9MSo0gc-G0CNLRdm8JaZSb0vZT8iV3ndknFNTahalL3g3eAKWULGarhqiel4hjajVSeVgEXuVhEUdFbOKM35FWzSw_Orh4BY_R5LEUs-fH043eVSfIBJFLakZqCAkC-D3c0/s1600/DSCF0205.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Pleased to be finished</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was around 1 pm and I had done it. 1100 km + with ~14000 m
of climbing in just under 100 hours. According to my GPS
tracker I covered 279 km on average each day with an average moving speed of
15.1 km/h. I had seen some amazing places and been some places that I had no
real desire to go back to any time soon with a fully laden bike. I was truly a
trip of huge highs and lows. Would I do it again..........YES, but not for a
while.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A big thanks to Dave for organising such an amazing ride and
well done to all of those who took part. Big love to Lily and Elsie for giving me so much strength and thanks to all of you for your support on line and out on the course. Also to my sponsors who helped me get to the start line and helped kit me out with the best gear.<br />
Everyone was out there for different
reasons and with different goals. I just hope everyone found what they came
looking for. I know I did.<br />
<br />
If you are interested in the gear that I used <a href="http://exponentialperformancecoaching.com/blog/ultra-endurance-mtb-gear/" target="_blank">check out this video</a> or if you are keen to <a href="http://exponentialperformancecoaching.com/blog/training-for-a-1100-km-mtb-event/" target="_blank">know how I trained</a> for this read this article.<br />
<br /></div>
Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-79590900511722489712014-01-29T12:43:00.003-08:002014-01-29T12:43:49.789-08:00New bike! Giant XTC 1 29er<br />
Cheers to the guys in at R&R Sport for getting me my new Giant XTC 1 29er sorted out and set up for me.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Rather than writing about my new ride check out a quick review video of it below.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/427nB4kLVqo?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-86388775160399773662014-01-29T12:40:00.002-08:002014-01-29T12:40:44.948-08:002013 wind up <div class="MsoNormal">
Man 2013 just disappeared and 2014 is starting to disappear as well! It has was a whirl wind but a great time in the Graham household over 2013. Below is a summary of November and December.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In early November I competed in the Dunedin 6 hour MTB race. A very wet, muddy track meant for a tough day on the bike with my gears limited only to a few gears in the big chain ring. I ended up placing 2nd to Tom Bradshaw who is a sharp young athlete that I work with and is training for some World Cup races in 2014. So it was good to see him performing so well. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglyn1UYD35qB8q5fXhTJNp43L9frjcntguPjjnbNJEw2Yih3KjM_YqHpe6j498qnbYBKj5ka0PlY_iLBaEnQOiyRWvoTQ4jdF5cllEDNC3vO2UiuwHZ7pmYsdGNDSBYlvysDSIrbfHCs/s1600/6+hour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglyn1UYD35qB8q5fXhTJNp43L9frjcntguPjjnbNJEw2Yih3KjM_YqHpe6j498qnbYBKj5ka0PlY_iLBaEnQOiyRWvoTQ4jdF5cllEDNC3vO2UiuwHZ7pmYsdGNDSBYlvysDSIrbfHCs/s1600/6+hour.jpg" height="320" width="202" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG06-yxqTp4rlCqV0tYYSpvcMfUu1y4e8a4DUI5w55sNrRWnx2yUbO4aYcMQsN2PyNIuv9YANvJyl8yHOSdWGxYy_gvdn8NQiFB4qFDDkppE77hgk-Y82pk_HSyq54VMD2qGYUsgKKLAo/s1600/6+hour2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG06-yxqTp4rlCqV0tYYSpvcMfUu1y4e8a4DUI5w55sNrRWnx2yUbO4aYcMQsN2PyNIuv9YANvJyl8yHOSdWGxYy_gvdn8NQiFB4qFDDkppE77hgk-Y82pk_HSyq54VMD2qGYUsgKKLAo/s1600/6+hour2.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Thanks again to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrendanWardPhotographer" target="_blank">Brendan Ward Photography</a> for his amazing photos</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUN5ME8g73Ax9ddH3xvjR_VivJYI1X2UqqpbGoXjGiMHRRjWB59VL4zUee9Xg3AIBmWj5Eq2uIvPQiYPYZdL3ZbQeQlH2_rSpdOXD80S_WfOk6ldN-JNa478x545mAyThj2pBA9H7S5E/s1600/6+hour+Elsie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUN5ME8g73Ax9ddH3xvjR_VivJYI1X2UqqpbGoXjGiMHRRjWB59VL4zUee9Xg3AIBmWj5Eq2uIvPQiYPYZdL3ZbQeQlH2_rSpdOXD80S_WfOk6ldN-JNa478x545mAyThj2pBA9H7S5E/s1600/6+hour+Elsie.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In mid November we headed to America as a family to catch up with the American family and show Elsie off to everyone over there. I am pretty lucky in that Lily (my wife) is from the mountain town of Durango Colorado. This amazing high altitude town has some amazing riding so I spent most of our holiday taking in as many of the trails as possible and used the chance to demo some different bikes.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaJyI29M01VpjETmzK4rj69qHr17CIc2KdHIZdxmWtTKgo0WlEKC9I4Dn9iLcw5dmXKYgzs2kY2YyxKK8-1qnFXB4xPxcTcsUB872NUCqBCELy9Nf42NHwdtl17CdEbh6TSJGwqwiqZM/s1600/USA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaJyI29M01VpjETmzK4rj69qHr17CIc2KdHIZdxmWtTKgo0WlEKC9I4Dn9iLcw5dmXKYgzs2kY2YyxKK8-1qnFXB4xPxcTcsUB872NUCqBCELy9Nf42NHwdtl17CdEbh6TSJGwqwiqZM/s1600/USA.png" height="264" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnAlLIvY8KZltLzpsbgQP3iWc6YwmIJTzYr0bRqDeoLRl2hdtq_VdRHOudhfHNhqTKYMJUwMmfy78iE966VR3yFxPf9D0GXjignElAIhqVCrdbXOXIfeYk9qQGzGnJY7f08GLTswoX2w/s1600/durango.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnAlLIvY8KZltLzpsbgQP3iWc6YwmIJTzYr0bRqDeoLRl2hdtq_VdRHOudhfHNhqTKYMJUwMmfy78iE966VR3yFxPf9D0GXjignElAIhqVCrdbXOXIfeYk9qQGzGnJY7f08GLTswoX2w/s1600/durango.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0aHaphP0Vxw?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Bring on 2014!</i></b></span></div>
Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-81243556464610621422013-09-13T01:31:00.000-07:002013-09-13T01:31:07.384-07:00Winter Wind Up <div class="MsoNormal">
After birth our beautiful daughter Elsie in February the
2013 winter has been eventful in more than just the usual training and racing
adventures.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBUUrvSSWXEfpUYOE7zB_KuhcAxlRIT-y9yz9AjT-Syoi0JCFNW7MUrzKsVzH-LRDnZH9t_gvWfp1GKMBYTv_ooDVJYZWSnPUTb_LP1-J07jMu_Olb4sF53CuEmia3vziLlsKadd1dj8/s1600/Elsie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBUUrvSSWXEfpUYOE7zB_KuhcAxlRIT-y9yz9AjT-Syoi0JCFNW7MUrzKsVzH-LRDnZH9t_gvWfp1GKMBYTv_ooDVJYZWSnPUTb_LP1-J07jMu_Olb4sF53CuEmia3vziLlsKadd1dj8/s320/Elsie.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The <a href="http://cycleworld.co.nz/dunedin/events/cycle-world-cyclo-cross-series-2013/" target="_blank">Dunedin Cycle World Cyclo-Cross series</a> was a great motivation to get out in the wet and cold weather and enjoy some high intensity ‘racing/ training’ each Sunday. Racing the series on my MTB was great fun on the sometimes relatively technical courses and I even managed some reasonable finishes in the 5 races I competed in over the 10 race series.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrendanWardPhotographer" target="_blank">Brendan Ward Photography</a> took some fantastic photos of these races.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPxXOqCqXtMUp4Kujr6-Eww4neLMDn0C_-bp2Iyu0_FvNgqZB2tJd-_pupaNq47UspSgETVUj2tgrDb6co6P4Hi7urMdt4WiYWB8BXUdam0AsoK7HnUH8tP-8jzDBJB74yHGnLTVxv30/s1600/cx3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPxXOqCqXtMUp4Kujr6-Eww4neLMDn0C_-bp2Iyu0_FvNgqZB2tJd-_pupaNq47UspSgETVUj2tgrDb6co6P4Hi7urMdt4WiYWB8BXUdam0AsoK7HnUH8tP-8jzDBJB74yHGnLTVxv30/s400/cx3.jpg" width="258" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvM6KrmRgHlKNLNh42voA1qJ2YOkxhs2dv4YWmm97zIkMrAR-ABNp1ueNuYw_4uSVSHIVKeVLPvjSNc85IHND8vNQYWiMorpZgmEkmPIYSSGSsR7pPJeUxVFFN_726E_W3NcTQRoLRk8/s1600/cx2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvM6KrmRgHlKNLNh42voA1qJ2YOkxhs2dv4YWmm97zIkMrAR-ABNp1ueNuYw_4uSVSHIVKeVLPvjSNc85IHND8vNQYWiMorpZgmEkmPIYSSGSsR7pPJeUxVFFN_726E_W3NcTQRoLRk8/s400/cx2.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIATxFKrZtvp3OF4_9FbrdMdA2iXTxJHMsfGmRqBt6UdrfPWXvK2ttefdyDrkG6C1GJHu5_5PtDdeR1dLH15qaorHZoBLIDAFFYNtcvPeCFE6oQ78DbutycKgbR9WllhH8HtR_CaPV9Rc/s1600/cx1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIATxFKrZtvp3OF4_9FbrdMdA2iXTxJHMsfGmRqBt6UdrfPWXvK2ttefdyDrkG6C1GJHu5_5PtDdeR1dLH15qaorHZoBLIDAFFYNtcvPeCFE6oQ78DbutycKgbR9WllhH8HtR_CaPV9Rc/s320/cx1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
The annual Peak to Peak Training Camp that<a href="http://exponentialperformancecoaching.com/" target="_blank"> Exponential Performance Coaching</a> runs in Queenstown is always a great opportunity to get out and train hard with some of the athletes that I work with. This year was no exception with 4 days in Queenstown in the cold but clear conditions for the majority of the camp with heavy snow for the final day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxGFhlTqCkxrtBfDaQi6qfVUP-1ePHp0KsVENH1BOkvzA0-Pz0Ad221gJwIGav_UE9JzkWLg-39_Zn05wz5WX_xHOCB3Tm_X3ZWW9n-eAZLmCbOPupIwsKnNGNwDSYlCHkhsCHIW0q44/s1600/p2p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxGFhlTqCkxrtBfDaQi6qfVUP-1ePHp0KsVENH1BOkvzA0-Pz0Ad221gJwIGav_UE9JzkWLg-39_Zn05wz5WX_xHOCB3Tm_X3ZWW9n-eAZLmCbOPupIwsKnNGNwDSYlCHkhsCHIW0q44/s320/p2p.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This years camp included a new mind over matter challenge of swimming in Lake Wakatipu following a workshop on ‘Mastering your Mind’ in which we watched some amazing footage of Wim Hoff and his ability to control his body and mind (see below). It was a great lesson for all involved about perception of physiological signals from the body. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/v_rIYtebwLM/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/v_rIYtebwLM&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/v_rIYtebwLM&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPn2gvDcOsV3cw1Rj_PEXOS4MzvV1RrtURnBkrOMnoCLBEOEup12yWvgvLZKIYBJVV6HRL4XwsqtxAJIct3fKkrCt0f9Epdq-Kp24OvzAx9cIU7lxjNdOk71Q3cE7ViFiepdAGNU2FvcA/s1600/P2P+lake+swim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPn2gvDcOsV3cw1Rj_PEXOS4MzvV1RrtURnBkrOMnoCLBEOEup12yWvgvLZKIYBJVV6HRL4XwsqtxAJIct3fKkrCt0f9Epdq-Kp24OvzAx9cIU7lxjNdOk71Q3cE7ViFiepdAGNU2FvcA/s400/P2P+lake+swim.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">We had a great family day out in the sun at a local rogaine with Elsie in the front pack. We managed to pick up a few check points and Elsie was so excited by the whole ordeal that she slept for the entire 3 hours we were out in the hills.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEltRlhyphenhypheni5ZIsPVzgJhPVyPWU2fhnAI86rdFRRMZKtmmRQAxKj4S9Lkgnrm0XeCGkdXQH16GiFwkoDgAKsYBbvxrVEp0qYzGrVi7qbkLfeewWiTGEA8japdx6IH703qEWVNzikZL81VKw/s1600/rogaine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEltRlhyphenhypheni5ZIsPVzgJhPVyPWU2fhnAI86rdFRRMZKtmmRQAxKj4S9Lkgnrm0XeCGkdXQH16GiFwkoDgAKsYBbvxrVEp0qYzGrVi7qbkLfeewWiTGEA8japdx6IH703qEWVNzikZL81VKw/s400/rogaine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Through the Otago University School of Physical Education,
Sport and Exercise Science I run an Applied Theories and Practice course,
focused on students applying the knowledge learned throughout their degree to
training and preparing for an adventure race. This year’s final goal race that
the students prepared for was the<a href="http://adventurechallenge.co.nz/" target="_blank"> Dunedin City Mazda 6 hour AdventureChallenge</a>. Seeing a good opportunity to get out and stretch the legs at the end
of a long winter I teamed up with Jim Cotter. <a href="http://petesmallfield.wordpress.com/race-reports/dunedin-city-mazda-adventure-race-2013/" target="_blank">Pete Smallfield</a> and this team
mate Tim Farrent put the slip on us in the thick fog early in the race after we
missed a check point and had to back track for it. We ended up riding and
running around the course all day with <a href="http://www.mbrodina.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Milan Brodina</a> and Dave Slater in a very
social and fun day out coming in to draw 2<sup>nd</sup> place after 3 hour 45
min of racing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5JDw9Y9dPGU057kaodxZu0jZ298sXJW8P2AiJg2hEccB8JnbiuW0hKYWmtVydLbmk1VDlegM6m-qNlTbMNPxDn6vUZ2bdhICZXU5rVjCMUqmkhRFrq5nIoOyPXHi4CtLaNrWk4tceYc/s1600/6+hour+flying+fox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5JDw9Y9dPGU057kaodxZu0jZ298sXJW8P2AiJg2hEccB8JnbiuW0hKYWmtVydLbmk1VDlegM6m-qNlTbMNPxDn6vUZ2bdhICZXU5rVjCMUqmkhRFrq5nIoOyPXHi4CtLaNrWk4tceYc/s400/6+hour+flying+fox.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bring on the summer and warmer weather!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have fun out there.</div>
Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-27988484993073998802012-12-18T15:22:00.001-08:002012-12-19T11:34:47.421-08:00Old Dunstan Road missionI had been keen to do this mission for a while now so with the weather looking good and a few things falling into place I went for it.<br />
The Old Dunstan Road is the old stagecoach route from Dunedin to Alexandra and passes through some amazing Central Otago country side. The plan was to head off from Dunedin and ride to Clarks Junction which is the start of the Dunstan Road, head through to Alex and then ride home via the Central Otago Rail Trail a total of 400 km (give of take a few). Not really knowing what to expect and how the body would cope with the
distance I made sure I had enough kit to stop and have a sleep somewhere
if needed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiK0L3dbKWKGROD5VcOWdFD9WaZcZ5MJ6GGXWBe7AAcC9AzR3NJAqPzq4bOtmHl8TUrVuxPBgHbyg2NLRAtV8jzeCtF3Mi-88t7tQm_EETjcWCaHMrW5xlv-tt9YbeCYfUnkm8DCTGoXU/s1600/Dunstan_trip.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiK0L3dbKWKGROD5VcOWdFD9WaZcZ5MJ6GGXWBe7AAcC9AzR3NJAqPzq4bOtmHl8TUrVuxPBgHbyg2NLRAtV8jzeCtF3Mi-88t7tQm_EETjcWCaHMrW5xlv-tt9YbeCYfUnkm8DCTGoXU/s640/Dunstan_trip.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> <i>Above: Elevation profile of ride and a bit of a map. Lost a few kms along the rail trail when the GPS ran out of batteries.</i></span></div>
<br />
So with bags packed I rolled out of Dunedin at 5.30 am on Thursday 13th Dec. The added weight on my back and in my attempt at a home made saddle bag made the first few climbs out of Dunedin tough and I wondered how I was going to ride the bigger climbs to come. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0ZnnjFZf96Xu_6_luovt6uFxJlnWAkVixSStLkWbXerx4MWHVpXYabX44PGl7H44alrK0BqHjbsK8wHlXoMMPjdSLUsbN95QEECmQbLEI0VqzTjHR9eh3WM2wmQFo3mnTKwSrcVtOYc/s1600/P1080865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw54qB318vSdHZgfoly2lHnETvFrdm4m9FPNy2Ywk6Zjsx8E8g8MDryBsQM3MLrabJ5ou4HGOXBBSaZg_3OLOIiAuYpLXJD3SKQvv0NiHRPMAbj9Ad_bUuZpHNd-RiR-5kjsiogGToD8k/s1600/P1080873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw54qB318vSdHZgfoly2lHnETvFrdm4m9FPNy2Ywk6Zjsx8E8g8MDryBsQM3MLrabJ5ou4HGOXBBSaZg_3OLOIiAuYpLXJD3SKQvv0NiHRPMAbj9Ad_bUuZpHNd-RiR-5kjsiogGToD8k/s400/P1080873.JPG" width="400" /></a><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0ZnnjFZf96Xu_6_luovt6uFxJlnWAkVixSStLkWbXerx4MWHVpXYabX44PGl7H44alrK0BqHjbsK8wHlXoMMPjdSLUsbN95QEECmQbLEI0VqzTjHR9eh3WM2wmQFo3mnTKwSrcVtOYc/s400/P1080865.JPG" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Above L: At Clarks Junction ready to hit the Old Dunstan Road. R</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">ight:</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking out over Lo</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">ganburn Reservoir</span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjngWLg_m2eecAFtQfITyDGvCBhrORmZChP9ZS7er6tSGNuPZHsRWlFLm6vWByftWj5vY6K6QJgqvqYHRr-Hfbn1MI9df1NItSOKfaepQJBMbV1BRlrPlcW9s5OUnLsXmLrX8_svnUXU/s1600/P1080881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjngWLg_m2eecAFtQfITyDGvCBhrORmZChP9ZS7er6tSGNuPZHsRWlFLm6vWByftWj5vY6K6QJgqvqYHRr-Hfbn1MI9df1NItSOKfaepQJBMbV1BRlrPlcW9s5OUnLsXmLrX8_svnUXU/s320/P1080881.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Once on the Old Dunstan Road the climbing started in earnest. The sun came out and the hills seemed endless as the road zig-zaged up and up in front of me. The amazing surroundings made the climbing 'not so bad' as I pedaled through Lord of the Rings country, over the Rock and Piller Range, past the Great Mossy Swamp, across the source of the Taieri River, up over to Poolburn<i> </i>Reservoir (how they got stagecoaches up or down this section of the road is beyond imagination) and then finally over the Crawford Hills down into Alexandra. After 11 hours on the bike I had clocked up 170 km and made it through the Old Dunstan Road. Now I just had to get home!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrntzpzhpCQoHxHN59Ug2jcVAGduEKJCM0bGX6WppwNs7urD6VEuB0TtBCbl-dto-wGRdNrxMSDZar-2zQ3mUF2BGFJI-kyLWXMJ0-cAS7agsg6bnmngyvA5pnMyMQBnoLPWWaH6FktH0/s1600/P1080882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERbyZUsuI15E8V-aT43S2wF-1DTglBxcea_Mcz1QDJJUJppn6yNgBJwpfxVeMpxUHSo8is75K-rqZGvnC6otlxuzpL5xzOsuxT1vQ-Ko352Gs_sjr5jDD0K5F7KuyoNHawR7yayWx8oA/s1600/P1080883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERbyZUsuI15E8V-aT43S2wF-1DTglBxcea_Mcz1QDJJUJppn6yNgBJwpfxVeMpxUHSo8is75K-rqZGvnC6otlxuzpL5xzOsuxT1vQ-Ko352Gs_sjr5jDD0K5F7KuyoNHawR7yayWx8oA/s640/P1080883.JPG" width="640" /></a><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrntzpzhpCQoHxHN59Ug2jcVAGduEKJCM0bGX6WppwNs7urD6VEuB0TtBCbl-dto-wGRdNrxMSDZar-2zQ3mUF2BGFJI-kyLWXMJ0-cAS7agsg6bnmngyvA5pnMyMQBnoLPWWaH6FktH0/s640/P1080882.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">After s</span>topping in Alex to refuel I hit the <span style="font-size: small;">Ra<span style="font-size: small;">il Trail<span style="font-size: small;"> at around 5p<span style="font-size: small;">m<span style="font-size: small;">. With a bit of a tail wind the k<span style="font-size: small;">'s started to tick by<span style="font-size: small;">. As<span style="font-size: small;"> I rolled past Wedderburn<span style="font-size: small;"> (the highest point <span style="font-size: small;">on the r<span style="font-size: small;">ail trail<span style="font-size: small;">) the sun started to set<span style="font-size: small;">. I pushed on to Ranfurly<span style="font-size: small;"> and had <span style="font-size: small;">quick stop there to<span style="font-size: small;"> sort out my lights and<span style="font-size: small;"> have a quick bit<span style="font-size: small;">e to ea<span style="font-size: small;">t<span style="font-size: small;">. The clock ticked over </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">10.15pm</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcS6ZOuZj2WTJFCNz2Y3L4_3Ttg9bnlBCXu6R1PQBtzWNTz_D2WAcY3iZHuOw4TBuFaTxJeSExNtLfcByZMHHdX4GWwrpGVIPJUTJKVF63QKciKhGiNn6-Dnofg3_ASIWjPkTtcDj1Yus/s1600/P1080918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcS6ZOuZj2WTJFCNz2Y3L4_3Ttg9bnlBCXu6R1PQBtzWNTz_D2WAcY3iZHuOw4TBuFaTxJeSExNtLfcByZMHHdX4GWwrpGVIPJUTJKVF63QKciKhGiNn6-Dnofg3_ASIWjPkTtcDj1Yus/s400/P1080918.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Above: The sun setting over the Central Otago <span style="font-size: small;">hills</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Back<span style="font-size: small;"> into it<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>in the complete<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>darkness, it now became a game of<span style="font-size: small;"> following the<span style="font-size: small;"> light <span style="font-size: small;">be<span style="font-size: small;">am<span style="font-size: small;"> and tr<span style="font-size: small;">ying <span style="font-size: small;">n<span style="font-size: small;">ot to be taken<span style="font-size: small;"> out by<span style="font-size: small;"> the hundreds of rabbits that seemed determined to thro<span style="font-size: small;">w themselves under my w<span style="font-size: small;">heels<span style="font-size: small;">.<span style="font-size: small;"> A close encounter<span style="font-size: small;"> with<span style="font-size: small;"> som<span style="font-size: small;">e sheep an<span style="font-size: small;">d a cow! sleeping<span style="font-size: small;"> in the middle of the trail kept me <span style="font-size: small;">on my toes<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> as I pushed<span style="font-size: small;"> on.</span></span> T<span style="font-size: small;">he<span style="font-size: small;">n</span> out of the dark<span style="font-size: small;">ness came the lights of Middlemarch<span style="font-size: small;"> which <span style="font-size: small;">signaled</span> the end of <span style="font-size: small;">the</span> rail trail<span style="font-size: small;">.<span style="font-size: small;"> It was 1am on<span style="font-size: small;"> Friday mo<span style="font-size: small;">rning as I qu<span style="font-size: small;">ickly st<span style="font-size: small;">op<span style="font-size: small;">ped</span> in <span style="font-size: small;">M</span>iddle<span style="font-size: small;">march to fill my water<span style="font-size: small;"> bottles<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3MiRsx5wwEG9vtJxtwyZKQ1rpKXAgLShyphenhyphen_N4Nu57Fm2dXM9iMdJ1GiE84wFjy9UIt1GjHf03SuVAKRtKddYNVBtFH0g5hDwZnCOt-CAz7CTYkucMt1stmF-i4o6DhhIbHO78wNDqWlI/s1600/Middlemarch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3MiRsx5wwEG9vtJxtwyZKQ1rpKXAgLShyphenhyphen_N4Nu57Fm2dXM9iMdJ1GiE84wFjy9UIt1GjHf03SuVAKRtKddYNVBtFH0g5hDwZnCOt-CAz7CTYkucMt1stmF-i4o6DhhIbHO78wNDqWlI/s640/Middlemarch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> Above: At <span style="font-size: small;">Middlemarch at </span>the end of the <span style="font-size: small;">Rail Trail. 320km down<span style="font-size: small;">, only 80 to go</span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hit the final road s<span style="font-size: small;">ection<span style="font-size: small;"> back over the hill to Dunedin<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> and after my short stop<span style="font-size: small;"> my legs and bum were protesting about getting going again</span></span>.<span style="font-size: small;"> It was slow<span style="font-size: small;"> going with tired<span style="font-size: small;"> legs and the long climbs<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>i<span style="font-size: small;">n the dark<span style="font-size: small;"> seemed to have no end<span style="font-size: small;">. The body <span style="font-size: small;">was starting to hurt,<span style="font-size: small;"> in <span style="font-size: small;">particular</span> my feet and bum (<span style="font-size: small;">surprise, <span style="font-size: small;">surprise)<span style="font-size: small;">. But it was not far to go now and I ke<span style="font-size: small;">pt looking forward to the<span style="font-size: small;"> downhill that I had slogged<span style="font-size: small;"> up in the <span style="font-size: small;">opposite</span> direction yesterday<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">As<span style="font-size: small;"> I rolled<span style="font-size: small;"> into<span style="font-size: small;"> Mosg<span style="font-size: small;">ie</span>l the sky was starting to look <span style="font-size: small;">brighter and I was on<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">familiar</span> </span> terrain<span style="font-size: small;">.<span style="font-size: small;"> Almost there, only two small climbs to go!<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>I<span style="font-size: small;"> tu<span style="font-size: small;">rned down Richmond <span style="font-size: small;">Street and spied my <span style="font-size: small;">letter box<span style="font-size: small;">. Looking<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>down at my watch<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>it ticked over to 5.30<span style="font-size: small;"> am<span style="font-size: small;">. Spot<span style="font-size: small;"> on 24 hours after I left<span style="font-size: small;"> I was home again<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">with 400km under t<span style="font-size: small;">he belt<span style="font-size: small;">. What a great way to see <span style="font-size: small;">Central Otag<span style="font-size: small;">o<span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lyF_lB17cK8RUy3lHAlB-ryNUdqJKJfTIx92ejnkUtKUAUrlhL6FwnltaiZ1OoTkpsQT2qeR8vGpjJ8dS39kV_J_Hi5hdco5kiaOiJjdkDPU0sWLQAnhE6qm1JNMVjmj4DzxTlYC-Yw/s1600/foot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lyF_lB17cK8RUy3lHAlB-ryNUdqJKJfTIx92ejnkUtKUAUrlhL6FwnltaiZ1OoTkpsQT2qeR8vGpjJ8dS39kV_J_Hi5hdco5kiaOiJjdkDPU0sWLQAnhE6qm1JNMVjmj4DzxTlYC-Yw/s320/foot.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Above: <span style="font-size: small;">My feet were a little worse for<span style="font-size: small;"> w<span style="font-size: small;">ear<span style="font-size: small;"> after gettin<span style="font-size: small;">g wet earlier in the day<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-63338678426173147062012-12-18T14:01:00.002-08:002012-12-18T14:01:13.836-08:00Dunedin 6 hour <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">After recovering from the Timaru 12 hour a few weeks earlier I was keen to give the Dunedin 6 hour a good nudge. Riding my new 2013 Giant XTC </span><span style="color: black;">composite </span><span style="color: black;">29er that I picked up 2 days before the race I could not wait to get started. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Coming into the end of the first lap I had my first drama of the day, a puncture! Not to worry I thought there is still plenty of time left in front of me to catch up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjIr2vuLwWmg1OXWlPICLm2IVH4zXV2qlqeorUxC8bTUVVkbKV8iWvT2PgOqkqNVcGeOmFLJGYeg8esS25vhEbMHCclLbzsED9GabnRjVuGyfo1dEaJ9TFXgaBWvAKf4zyypTWgixj9o/s1600/dunedin+6+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjIr2vuLwWmg1OXWlPICLm2IVH4zXV2qlqeorUxC8bTUVVkbKV8iWvT2PgOqkqNVcGeOmFLJGYeg8esS25vhEbMHCclLbzsED9GabnRjVuGyfo1dEaJ9TFXgaBWvAKf4zyypTWgixj9o/s640/dunedin+6+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Back up and running I rolled through the start/ finish cute to see I was sitting in 11th place, I had some work to do. Riding hard I moved my way up through the field picking up on average 1 place each lap on the tight relatively short course. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwKF1H5IfMlb2bo3IK_H5ZgI38KIN7lk84KwCqxnMxWU3hHnV5HZPd8anZLzRKwqMaBNeMUXenI35qTJUjaNKwKrFzBqFWHN7p3RXPg_h0SJ5XDpX87eY6dP68Mzlk7edG0u2ayQuXow/s1600/IMG_5972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwKF1H5IfMlb2bo3IK_H5ZgI38KIN7lk84KwCqxnMxWU3hHnV5HZPd8anZLzRKwqMaBNeMUXenI35qTJUjaNKwKrFzBqFWHN7p3RXPg_h0SJ5XDpX87eY6dP68Mzlk7edG0u2ayQuXow/s320/IMG_5972.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifAvHuPTzhYBxjaBsrgnMRFWPd_q85ZoIUm7pLQV_HgPE5CB4DNZoqL4QvxmX6ek2CFhpfVdVivpV2G590tjMVXEEFiUiuIQLFePHkT9JtoifARexQ9t0G8wlobZIJLbgssLammu_3lQ/s1600/IMG_5701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifAvHuPTzhYBxjaBsrgnMRFWPd_q85ZoIUm7pLQV_HgPE5CB4DNZoqL4QvxmX6ek2CFhpfVdVivpV2G590tjMVXEEFiUiuIQLFePHkT9JtoifARexQ9t0G8wlobZIJLbgssLammu_3lQ/s320/IMG_5701.jpg" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7mbIWu7glMZuJDyVuWcQ7WkZJzp3aTN852gMe68oWiluIT43zhRvJi-FnkKj5l6zICb58P5xAvPCCTrNUR15XG8Sr41q3bP7rEiMH1kfVoU_qUn7HsdxQPXhweVwM4arfODcHg2QcXc/s1600/Matty+G_R&R+sport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7mbIWu7glMZuJDyVuWcQ7WkZJzp3aTN852gMe68oWiluIT43zhRvJi-FnkKj5l6zICb58P5xAvPCCTrNUR15XG8Sr41q3bP7rEiMH1kfVoU_qUn7HsdxQPXhweVwM4arfODcHg2QcXc/s320/Matty+G_R&R+sport.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
A couple of photos taken by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrendanWardPhotographer?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">Brendan Ward Photographer</a><br />
<br />
Finally I started making some head way and I could see 2nd and 3rd place up ahead of me on certain sections of the course. With some revived hope I kept pushing hard.<br />
Then on what was my second to last lap I suffered another puncture (later that evening at home I pulled a peice of wire 2 cm long out of my tyre that I must have picked up on one of the bridges).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkotGkHMf4DJs1C22HGICiF1-Y708wsct0-ALhIBL-YIsumPuSbFaRgwOSUhvHLIBxLs4yTa8yAHD1kb_LPriKhexnzkgj9jKum5wKkyHvOWj8JeRpTXCiacCjcpWH5eGtBxc0eG6jlE/s1600/DSCF6984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkotGkHMf4DJs1C22HGICiF1-Y708wsct0-ALhIBL-YIsumPuSbFaRgwOSUhvHLIBxLs4yTa8yAHD1kb_LPriKhexnzkgj9jKum5wKkyHvOWj8JeRpTXCiacCjcpWH5eGtBxc0eG6jlE/s320/DSCF6984.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
With the puncture fixed it was off for one last lap to place 4th in the solo mens section. All in all a good day out on the new bike.<br />
Cheers to the guys at R&R Sport for getting my new bike built up in time for the race and then also making my wheels tubeless the week after the race. Hopefully that will help stop my recent puncture problem. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-1788736866720699742012-11-12T16:53:00.000-08:002012-11-12T16:53:19.347-08:00Timaru 12 hour MTB race 2012<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Version>12.00</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DoNotShowInsertionsAndDeletions/>
<w:DoNotShowPropertyChanges/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-NZ</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It has been a long time between races, so going into the
Timaru 12 hour MTB race I was interested to see how my fitness would stack up against
the likes of Milan Brodina who I coach and know is going really well at the
moment. Besides this I was just fizzing at spending some time on the bike.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWhwhSfixpNna_y3ds4tqVeBuWngU7UoxC4Ov3TTm4QWud-9pPBwTDihFh_x2oZVq3Nkbh5_aIbT7B0f2AAw7XaKvmWVIvmJA6ScYbiHKBF8-3mxqlZNRgRS1F54fSR81-oQ0S8zMzkg/s1600/DSCF6926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWhwhSfixpNna_y3ds4tqVeBuWngU7UoxC4Ov3TTm4QWud-9pPBwTDihFh_x2oZVq3Nkbh5_aIbT7B0f2AAw7XaKvmWVIvmJA6ScYbiHKBF8-3mxqlZNRgRS1F54fSR81-oQ0S8zMzkg/s320/DSCF6926.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I started conservatively and quickly settled into a steady
pace lapping through in around 5<sup>th</sup> place. After an hour I was
feeling good so started pushing the laps a little harder and I started moving
through the field into 2<sup>nd</sup>. I was riding well and could not believe how
much fun I was having. It was great to be back on the bike. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At around the 3.5 hour mark I like so many others in the
field suffered a puncher. The sharp rocks over the top section of the course
were shredding tiers all over the place. A quick change soon turned into a long
one when I cross-treaded my CO2 pump and jammed up. Not being able to get it
un-jammed I resorted to begging others for their pump, which soon paid off with
a fellow competitor stopping to lend me his pump. Back on track I had only lost
1 placing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather was
perfect throughout the day with it being warm and overcast with a slight
breeze. As the day wore on the hills started to feel steeper and longer, while
the razor sharp rocks out on the course were still playing havoc with tires. I
noticed a slow leak in my front tire that would get progressively softer over
two laps. I had to make a quick stop every couple of laps to top it up with
air. After repeating this process for a couple of hours the leak was getting
worse and I was forced to stop to change it in the pits. Luckily Nick Taylor
was in the pits and he did a quick change for me while I stocked up on some
food. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrUjtHkN9HYH9XqIx2AjlE6mr2rsIlyGDjt8Un5E-m8Kqr_1K38ycvxm87-q86W8UFhbhh6qNTD0yonlI0QNOyc3dWhEk5qIv0DjabojghTf6AOB8JpUqQrQYztk6v2Q6u7T7Oq_7s-w/s1600/DSCF6932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrUjtHkN9HYH9XqIx2AjlE6mr2rsIlyGDjt8Un5E-m8Kqr_1K38ycvxm87-q86W8UFhbhh6qNTD0yonlI0QNOyc3dWhEk5qIv0DjabojghTf6AOB8JpUqQrQYztk6v2Q6u7T7Oq_7s-w/s320/DSCF6932.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With 2 hours to go Nick was reporting back to me that I was
pulling slightly faster laps than 2<sup>nd</sup> place. I keep working on
closing the gap but the legs were feeling the day’s activity. With about 26 min
until the race finish I got the call from Nick that I was on the same number of
laps as 2<sup>nd</sup> place and that he had called it a day like most of the
other riders, as it was starting to get dark and a final lap in that time would
likely be completed within the cut off time. If I could do one last lap and get
back in under the 12 hour cut off I would move into 2<sup>nd</sup> place. It
was worth a try. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So with everything I had left in the tank I took off for one
last lap. With the light fading fast all I could do through some of the tree
covered sections that were now pitch dark was hold on and hope my bike knew the
way over the obstacles. Red lining it all the way to the finish I narrowly
missed the cut off by about 2 min so my final lap did not count. Oh well, it
was worth a try!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So with 223 official kilometres under the belt I finished up
in 3<sup>rd</sup> place in the men’s solo section. More than happy with my days
work. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaA84lEwhv3jV_5MSypgN2LDGkVaF_VDim0LuHjEr80jJm2BlOHae-JyjhnFYLNC-UjB1fOyFzd_SoL41JGbKmqLYk_M_aAf5KEXxpw1gAN8s09GTU_5cNwMsczZU4ju8VMN93MPZhWk/s1600/DSCF6955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaA84lEwhv3jV_5MSypgN2LDGkVaF_VDim0LuHjEr80jJm2BlOHae-JyjhnFYLNC-UjB1fOyFzd_SoL41JGbKmqLYk_M_aAf5KEXxpw1gAN8s09GTU_5cNwMsczZU4ju8VMN93MPZhWk/s320/DSCF6955.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-33321466864119570992012-06-15T01:31:00.000-07:002012-06-15T01:31:05.584-07:00Grand Canyon adventure<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Version>12.00</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DoNotShowInsertionsAndDeletions/>
<w:DoNotShowPropertyChanges/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-NZ</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKxqvW4JpwDcugIlOVNDP06-ZcT2O6lZ8pRoqvb28vh9Y4yTrGzDW0yg8I6GFThVC30qLgK6UnfL_lSjZmO_WO8AYreLdlPTlTr00IsYoKjW1l75SGGMWhXhz5ynJkDXC2DACZh48QL0/s1600/DSCF5629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKxqvW4JpwDcugIlOVNDP06-ZcT2O6lZ8pRoqvb28vh9Y4yTrGzDW0yg8I6GFThVC30qLgK6UnfL_lSjZmO_WO8AYreLdlPTlTr00IsYoKjW1l75SGGMWhXhz5ynJkDXC2DACZh48QL0/s640/DSCF5629.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ever since I first hiked the Grand Canyon 8 years ago I had
always wanted to run the Kaibab – Bright Angel loop in a day. The 28.5 km loop
starts at the South rim drops 2300 m via the steep Kaibab trail down to the
Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon before climbing back up to the South
rim via the Bright Angel trail.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNtvOrGrmOw0wR-OeIwwqTZqbQwETzCBxNxoFNdOoUUtYodS6oo88up_ySLtcV1FEZrdui901rk0GHaf001OS0X0EibAuUlspba7nQmvD6-oJIFAcFsJzQOT6Q7wDxKuWuIdLQF1R2HQ/s1600/GC+elevation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNtvOrGrmOw0wR-OeIwwqTZqbQwETzCBxNxoFNdOoUUtYodS6oo88up_ySLtcV1FEZrdui901rk0GHaf001OS0X0EibAuUlspba7nQmvD6-oJIFAcFsJzQOT6Q7wDxKuWuIdLQF1R2HQ/s400/GC+elevation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdq-Xw-uR1RCey1Ttz3XzMDdg0ioAO_lsWcpYbIQUcZtqP_aobu2AWeuHVuqlANR6BiLPEvfgrdljMTrvPysLOnUkWrNjQ0E84UaA5rflnafeg30PagNZrj4uB5PKdMB2Qq_Cw6bVaheQ/s1600/GC+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdq-Xw-uR1RCey1Ttz3XzMDdg0ioAO_lsWcpYbIQUcZtqP_aobu2AWeuHVuqlANR6BiLPEvfgrdljMTrvPysLOnUkWrNjQ0E84UaA5rflnafeg30PagNZrj4uB5PKdMB2Qq_Cw6bVaheQ/s400/GC+map.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every year over 250 people are rescued from the Grand Canyon and
there are a number of warning signs advising against making the trip in one
day. With this in mind we made sure we carried enough water for the full trip
so we did not have to rely on the sometimes dry water sources on route. We also planned
to leave early in the morning to take advantage of the cooler part of the day
and avoid the 35<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">°</span>C+ temps that the mid afternoon serves up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwc7UVlQLtc3rdlcf2f3_pkMnf6OKCfcWm5Fyvxmprw29oE9AYmc_hNAxGJfJm0TAncjixEuUdyJIfdFDtPP0-OTk6haupuaNxGsz2nOD8cTis90510FiLOb6BKcXei60ZnYjOrUGXXHY/s1600/DSCF5613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwc7UVlQLtc3rdlcf2f3_pkMnf6OKCfcWm5Fyvxmprw29oE9AYmc_hNAxGJfJm0TAncjixEuUdyJIfdFDtPP0-OTk6haupuaNxGsz2nOD8cTis90510FiLOb6BKcXei60ZnYjOrUGXXHY/s400/DSCF5613.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All geared up my wife and I hit the trail at 6am ready to
tackle the Grand Canyon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGVuiO1sLA1xO0ceJghWMwj-mugWuBbh5cD55DUFOh9wI_9rvHV6OvWwzfI55FSNxymgQ2RpyejZAj8SdDCwNw0QdOF4_0KLgeKsT5kaM7D2D286HeNYNs9oGxOfF38_hk-5UgpRXGeE/s1600/DSCF5605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGVuiO1sLA1xO0ceJghWMwj-mugWuBbh5cD55DUFOh9wI_9rvHV6OvWwzfI55FSNxymgQ2RpyejZAj8SdDCwNw0QdOF4_0KLgeKsT5kaM7D2D286HeNYNs9oGxOfF38_hk-5UgpRXGeE/s320/DSCF5605.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The descent down to the mighty Colorado River came and went
very smoothly and we started up the climb to the top with legs feeling a little
battered but feeling good. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxWnPBMirg_fUCqXLZ1C-HPUBZr9p7aIWGOBryqVfui-iA3V2HgjRW6XclAzmRXTKiEnRyyunPn6zno8vCM9331WWSTOPX9xJowszD6_kkGy7sAgHB9T8UPAhIXifKBXyCmvcGnFge6w/s1600/DSCF5633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxWnPBMirg_fUCqXLZ1C-HPUBZr9p7aIWGOBryqVfui-iA3V2HgjRW6XclAzmRXTKiEnRyyunPn6zno8vCM9331WWSTOPX9xJowszD6_kkGy7sAgHB9T8UPAhIXifKBXyCmvcGnFge6w/s320/DSCF5633.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we climbed the sun really started to heat up and the red
dust that coated us started to become apparent as the sweat glands started to
work. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6tXu6uSY-u6ZfjtAI1A73mkXqLtNeiv8cermrXkupN7p6vlwwK9ul1YAJCqZbCV7faOVSXZLRHCJbRPAfYEASpBZ2cPgI0d1aJd1wH5o64YvS4k3mqh92KQ0IxY_J9g_27tTB1Hw1IQ/s1600/DSCF5648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6tXu6uSY-u6ZfjtAI1A73mkXqLtNeiv8cermrXkupN7p6vlwwK9ul1YAJCqZbCV7faOVSXZLRHCJbRPAfYEASpBZ2cPgI0d1aJd1wH5o64YvS4k3mqh92KQ0IxY_J9g_27tTB1Hw1IQ/s320/DSCF5648.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhDRLJgEdLJ5mxDbVDdggtj28nIfyYv0Ag85oFYu7zXNAZuGiFsvIMwV2u_F4dSZDTGKp7qrzzLstvbX1cLqGvDp7JcCz8NfMNKNje1n4Oj-LsOx-1xpdYLBkn0UF5HKrqTgp_zbMSDY/s1600/DSCF5631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the final 8km the climbing started to get serious and the
trail was flooded with day hikers heading both up and down. With the feet
really starting to feel the hammering they had taken we pushed on steadily to
the top and finished comfortably in 6 hours 40 min.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxVnc-uoRT9Mb8Vbt5eEJI2nuZ4g730da_COBQl4Ud8iFQ9fFg_l_j_EL3ETTnx2z0YxTYaQhjMwDoYBJV-5WpxUEx9Xn5zlLB-Zk4j3YLkFUjyvC3stZaiuN46rLdidBYCjPVm1Mi8A/s1600/DSCF5656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxVnc-uoRT9Mb8Vbt5eEJI2nuZ4g730da_COBQl4Ud8iFQ9fFg_l_j_EL3ETTnx2z0YxTYaQhjMwDoYBJV-5WpxUEx9Xn5zlLB-Zk4j3YLkFUjyvC3stZaiuN46rLdidBYCjPVm1Mi8A/s200/DSCF5656.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3DX3OH7XiZxjYPPcA21jcX-nhqf28AoaWkvR7Ha566RwPiCr-CczQtcwIhyMz4ciH3bVroeYzugxd1AiBgSxhQkCIUdMGsubZ2Os-YeWHILcmF4_ymqCJMxKMtU1aqUgubgUQqUIpS4/s1600/DSCF5645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3DX3OH7XiZxjYPPcA21jcX-nhqf28AoaWkvR7Ha566RwPiCr-CczQtcwIhyMz4ciH3bVroeYzugxd1AiBgSxhQkCIUdMGsubZ2Os-YeWHILcmF4_ymqCJMxKMtU1aqUgubgUQqUIpS4/s200/DSCF5645.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
<br />Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-50522974868569589552011-05-19T15:58:00.000-07:002011-05-19T16:23:12.592-07:00Dunedin Winter Multisport Series RACE 1<div style="text-align: left;">Last weekend was the first race of the Dunedin Winter Multisport Series. The race was based at Whare Flat and consisted of a 3km off road run - 10km MTB and final 3km run. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOd5LX9pT4s">Check out this You tube video of the race </a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtHJAarR81sZTS530Wi3hnmYAJl6RMP_GAz4OlYSF6lkXryFzoG_au5f6kO9R1zJ-V9xOow9-GTEzCxmiWc5mI8Rix7FkLYow9GjnWp5NV9iCXXETDBdrt2ruW_fF7-6jRFyz7Su9qaU/s1600/running.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 231px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtHJAarR81sZTS530Wi3hnmYAJl6RMP_GAz4OlYSF6lkXryFzoG_au5f6kO9R1zJ-V9xOow9-GTEzCxmiWc5mI8Rix7FkLYow9GjnWp5NV9iCXXETDBdrt2ruW_fF7-6jRFyz7Su9qaU/s320/running.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608568605549640402" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZOiGkK7J01hyphenhyphenUprxufBKVzDFPu23VxWNkv7rc8l4BiKt0B-X2xbhKxgUoL9bImQBtBNxwQe5GGk5wLoyt2TjNHPJU9kSYlC4NrkzNAAZPie7ijEvK10Rb9wFF3gphJKaszGjCf1Aas0/s1600/Transiton.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 236px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZOiGkK7J01hyphenhyphenUprxufBKVzDFPu23VxWNkv7rc8l4BiKt0B-X2xbhKxgUoL9bImQBtBNxwQe5GGk5wLoyt2TjNHPJU9kSYlC4NrkzNAAZPie7ijEvK10Rb9wFF3gphJKaszGjCf1Aas0/s320/Transiton.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608568794584237378" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div>After a fast start on some very muddy tracks I took the lead. With my new Salomon Speed Cross 2 making short work of slippery conditions. On to the MTB I was racing next to Norman Dunroy over the opening stages. The MTB consisted of a lot of slippery roots, mud holes and obstacles which was a great test for my Giant XTC-1 29er. In these tight conditions the 29er excelled and by the end of the ride I was out of sight of 2nd place. Into the final run I managed to hold a good pace only running 1 minute slower than the first 3km run and by the end I had built up a 5 minute buffer over 2nd place Norman Dunroy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXC2nNEyLzwkyOEl6XQ3RZypR7ukInsYZQsqopamEXNFwgxpR8IHzculQAz4n_r32rPzRWhQyV36WF-kqj8hk_Yb5YPdzvNz4_U9tihFdgxQxuBvdkC1bikn39S20t2u1S17AzqMugGk/s1600/transition.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXC2nNEyLzwkyOEl6XQ3RZypR7ukInsYZQsqopamEXNFwgxpR8IHzculQAz4n_r32rPzRWhQyV36WF-kqj8hk_Yb5YPdzvNz4_U9tihFdgxQxuBvdkC1bikn39S20t2u1S17AzqMugGk/s320/transition.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608568466626371778" border="0" /></a><br />It was great to get out and stretch the legs after a lack of racing recently.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4xZsRf3TyH4_ti6tFxEY3sk2Xs5vaex4rybnhkWu-wF5cvL9vMxL6iSr9qmZQfZGR2Lie_Bmt11a0TN5d6nyQgMbHQnn7NNiTOmsjPsaYVRi3MfH94FcZ9JYLPpRfNAvwfQ2om4rSJ8/s1600/P1070750.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4xZsRf3TyH4_ti6tFxEY3sk2Xs5vaex4rybnhkWu-wF5cvL9vMxL6iSr9qmZQfZGR2Lie_Bmt11a0TN5d6nyQgMbHQnn7NNiTOmsjPsaYVRi3MfH94FcZ9JYLPpRfNAvwfQ2om4rSJ8/s320/P1070750.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608568364406068194" border="0" /></a>Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-82672989378637436402011-05-11T16:50:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:27:03.327-07:00Giant XTC-1 29er<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1F5YzGvd9cCSfIqpjwxXFDi5K_i45IY1Qoexc8wFCHuKtv1uALAFl4_W7A_oVgFaozNQ1sgeSpeHrCf3FrwWwEB-kC4Kc6qejv3tv83Hf9rfgHLwCpnWzw1Nr_4lVxdZ5LCHFcQCmmA/s1600/29er+R%2526R.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1F5YzGvd9cCSfIqpjwxXFDi5K_i45IY1Qoexc8wFCHuKtv1uALAFl4_W7A_oVgFaozNQ1sgeSpeHrCf3FrwWwEB-kC4Kc6qejv3tv83Hf9rfgHLwCpnWzw1Nr_4lVxdZ5LCHFcQCmmA/s320/29er+R%2526R.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605611337115165954" border="0" /></a>I have had my new Giant XTC-1 29er for 2 weeks now and am loving it. At first I was skeptical of the 29er but now after putting it through its paces I am sold. I think that for multisport and marathon MTBing where the majority of riding is done on open trails and gravel roads the 29er is in its element. Even in tight single track where I had been told the 29er is disadvantaged compared to a 26, I feel that the 29er holds it own here as well. With my first race on the 29er being this weekend I look forward to giving it the real test.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGadhNuOOdCj-pYWtZnA8AeMxlECi8_GoO6Hx0fctumNESIr2Eee8e3mlZEu8G4O2fpPPOoVVMzFfK_1AYRqTYfJOpes3szLt99sU6iG5vbCWoRpVrBpsYYvA4QLm7E9NXqPBC5DMoT68/s1600/River+crossing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 204px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGadhNuOOdCj-pYWtZnA8AeMxlECi8_GoO6Hx0fctumNESIr2Eee8e3mlZEu8G4O2fpPPOoVVMzFfK_1AYRqTYfJOpes3szLt99sU6iG5vbCWoRpVrBpsYYvA4QLm7E9NXqPBC5DMoT68/s320/River+crossing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605611456054152274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOgJlVRheujJGmWOrud2cWg4Nay8lOcTRf4AX5o2z1XJDrxj1LaEx59VvssXRdqMkk8aE6OOEfJ5WAUjPxOtGDLxLqc3T9X0NcEpoPzJk58jauHTrKYYS4H7A9Cj0765Iu7C8-ACRK14/s1600/P1070671.JPG"><br /></a>Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-89923843348737165062011-02-17T14:24:00.000-08:002011-02-17T14:32:17.697-08:00UpdateWell what a busy few months it has been. <p class="MsoNormal">I finally handed in my masters thesis which was the culmination of 2 years work investigating repeated high intensity training compared to endurance training and the changes in blood volume that they stimulate. Now that this is away getting marked I am working on getting it published in a research journal as well as seeking funding to go to Liverpool to present my findings at the European Collage of Sport Science conference in July <a href="http://www.ecss-congress.eu/2011/">http://www.e</a><a href="http://www.ecss-congress.eu/2011/">css-congress.eu/2011/</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9D-D4_ZyRKByu93MPjSOX-g7jzzRGWwwsW-3HB6tDkDberOPxJ4EMohyphenhyphenrNcPX-LRM3C__YZcpwFA2xeXLcynpvMmJf0-EP9w0xU7_19b2XFsDl6bvIjYo0Yoi9xZbdjQE5_r53vBNKdc/s1600/c2c3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9D-D4_ZyRKByu93MPjSOX-g7jzzRGWwwsW-3HB6tDkDberOPxJ4EMohyphenhyphenrNcPX-LRM3C__YZcpwFA2xeXLcynpvMmJf0-EP9w0xU7_19b2XFsDl6bvIjYo0Yoi9xZbdjQE5_r53vBNKdc/s320/c2c3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574788592954439554" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the racing front I have just finished the Coast to Coast as part of a team with Grant Sime. We had a great weekend away and finished 7<sup>th</sup> in the men’s teams. I managed to paddle the 6<sup>th</sup> fastest time down the river which I was pleased with given I put a large hole in the side of my Sission Evolution Omega and had to stop a couple of time to empty the water out.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIuPuOw0XnbJkuTpFfAVtMzrP5QAdCKgf7hXPxbCMk-0p5qZN87XJaS7TPc-Y2OoWKw2gvAPRUx00YSwGKjuKSbXsVvDMPyhsC713ILDntX9Yf7m6N5uXst7d6_CUHSookCIasUWYZlg/s1600/P1070469.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIuPuOw0XnbJkuTpFfAVtMzrP5QAdCKgf7hXPxbCMk-0p5qZN87XJaS7TPc-Y2OoWKw2gvAPRUx00YSwGKjuKSbXsVvDMPyhsC713ILDntX9Yf7m6N5uXst7d6_CUHSookCIasUWYZlg/s320/P1070469.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574788384365366546" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuG7H9HR2RgKQRUznXFDVQBsvoqQaw_94IZrp-MRBZ1kdWE7O3bxkR9XZepgBaBxDsxQLUKkBHDdqHvRjOk2I7Z0IfdPnUGgAaXtFqSnm7Or-C_Kok6roFV5UZ3bRIb-6Sivw1VSRwsU/s1600/C2C+start+day+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuG7H9HR2RgKQRUznXFDVQBsvoqQaw_94IZrp-MRBZ1kdWE7O3bxkR9XZepgBaBxDsxQLUKkBHDdqHvRjOk2I7Z0IfdPnUGgAaXtFqSnm7Or-C_Kok6roFV5UZ3bRIb-6Sivw1VSRwsU/s320/C2C+start+day+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574789799407171490" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There is now 9 weeks until the national marathon kayak champs in Wellington. All going well I plan to be on the start line there to give the 28km loop course + portages a good nudge. The transition from multisport to K1 paddling has been an exciting one so far and the nationals will be a good indicator of where I am at. At the end of May there will also be a chance to try my hand in a few sprint competitions which I am really looking forward to.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So now as I wait to receive the results of my thesis I am busy coaching a number of athletes through <a href="http://exponentialperformancecoaching.com/">Exponential Performance Coaching</a>, working at university teaching undergrad labs as well as doing work for Bikenz with the national track squad. </p>Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-28798428155456256232010-10-11T16:06:00.000-07:002010-10-11T16:14:43.736-07:00First training session of summerSome days down in Dunedin it is starting to feel like summer. This is a short video I made of a training session I did in the Dunedin sun a few weekends ago.<br />30km bike out to Taieri mouth and then a bit of a run along the Millennium track. All in all a good day out.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyfWV63PHkikdkNZcUMyH4710lcZg3s7pfatEDsBqsRr6AdXx-IrOaCn7Y3tJwDHXIygd73hRROp3vH6iy6Iw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-56076159057826887002010-10-11T13:45:00.000-07:002010-10-11T14:06:26.239-07:00Braemar Gut Buster 12 Hr Adventure Race<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAoNoKbF008HZDaassG1wBNFPPjVYnqiLeWdiEeRt6oHih1ajeV3nRsrTmtSfIAJHSc_my69U2N7MFo4646N9O-_dP74vuHftOOE7Ym8WrWWd_Y1KRCYx_cqD2XWtn2Yw3vxA6B-4m1s/s1600/jim+and+I+run.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAoNoKbF008HZDaassG1wBNFPPjVYnqiLeWdiEeRt6oHih1ajeV3nRsrTmtSfIAJHSc_my69U2N7MFo4646N9O-_dP74vuHftOOE7Ym8WrWWd_Y1KRCYx_cqD2XWtn2Yw3vxA6B-4m1s/s320/jim+and+I+run.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526896596771714178" border="0" /></a>While the rest of NZ was hunkered down to protect themselves from the storm the size of Australia that was on its way we were on our way towards Mt Cook for the Braemar Gut Buster.<br />I was teaming up with my supervisor Dr Jim Cotter and as well as racing we were there to over see a group of students taking on the challenge as part of the Multisport practical paper offered at the PE School.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplXGubxRZMpfXIQQfC5k6NeT5nIqBHh4-MrD-Do10kyCTqppC7j-t1NhSoNlsBAhBnqDTjggJkeB3iT3qSvvMT3Ww7FZuBW7Ro6_3fqrl67n_kCXjh0gEwGX7lA3Tgd_kKLObWGBN6sU/s1600/Bramear+bike.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplXGubxRZMpfXIQQfC5k6NeT5nIqBHh4-MrD-Do10kyCTqppC7j-t1NhSoNlsBAhBnqDTjggJkeB3iT3qSvvMT3Ww7FZuBW7Ro6_3fqrl67n_kCXjh0gEwGX7lA3Tgd_kKLObWGBN6sU/s320/Bramear+bike.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526896382766469138" border="0" /></a><br />With the 1st kayak being canceled and only three teams getting out on the trekking course before it closed it turned into a big mountain bike through A LOT of snow. With all of the changes out on the course through out the day no body knew where they were placed in the field. We finished the day up in second place.<br />For the official race report check out the link below<br />http://www.sportzhub.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10741<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORNzrY5FzgnyWwLwAhGv6tMfT7HrSpm9tEuta06O50a3ioyVREBDKf17A-GuT0muLs3BQRdthbIjSMwqQaRLJJEZUJYQh17eIMZbVWEO_WTFDhd3etHMuExDc0_yFWidp_RT8rSI_Io8/s1600/pre+trek.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORNzrY5FzgnyWwLwAhGv6tMfT7HrSpm9tEuta06O50a3ioyVREBDKf17A-GuT0muLs3BQRdthbIjSMwqQaRLJJEZUJYQh17eIMZbVWEO_WTFDhd3etHMuExDc0_yFWidp_RT8rSI_Io8/s320/pre+trek.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526897466903854946" border="0" /></a>Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113215583437879729.post-4661362497983640512010-06-21T18:15:00.000-07:002010-06-21T18:37:52.348-07:00Bendigo Rogaine<div align="left">With Dunedin under water from all the recent rain it seemed like a crazy plan to head into the hills for a Rogaine. However as we travelled in land the weather cleared.<br /></div><div align="left">Now for those who do not know what rogaining is, it is a bit like orienteering but do it in a team (the team has to stay together), your team plans the route it will take and it’s done over a longer time period. There are a whole bunch of controls set up out in the middle of nowhere, each worth a different amount of points depending on the controls difficulty (e.g. a control on top of a mountain will be worth more than an easy to find control on the side of a road). There is a set time period, and during that time the goal is to get as many points as possible. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485405131263996562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnZPx2Zub4FtAz_so9ZTgzeSBSC_mGEyfWXT0se1R10nchmpddOy7RdWpGfEs1u5wP6zf0CMlJOygjdD-SXMq-Z-3coXuY7lnVQJUzN5j3U_0I9BwCGKtfa1hKZRzTbPcYudLHq4W9Wk/s320/P1060591.JPG" border="0" /><strong><em></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em>Out in the snow </em></strong></div><strong><em><div align="left"><br /></em></strong>This weekend we had entered a team from the PE school in the 6 hour race. The team consisted of my supervisor Jim Cotter, another lecturer Geoff Ockwell, student Hayden McCoy and myself. As Geoff and Hayden had never done on of these races before the goal for the race was to get out and have a look around at some of the high country around that area and if possible get up into some snow. </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485404935617256322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNEZUeDGTTuxtcguT4tfJL4IFKgFWMzNmTH3JdB1Wup0tygth2j-2bE-XPkHFzYwzSSkRrd1eT0XSwdrDHKWq1pelLsNeXMS7_DMvo4g4nM0wbR_yW5eKdF8m-GVFHu5z81L89LgFzPo/s320/P1060598.JPG" border="0" /><strong><em>The team me, Jim, Hayden and Geoff</em></strong></div><strong><em><div align="left"><br /></em></strong>After a solid 6 hours out getting controls we were still not back at the finish which meant we would be penalised 10 points for every minute we were late. A big effort by the team running as hard as tired legs would let us. We made it back 20minutes late, which we thought would put us out of any placing. But to our surprise at the prize giving we had managed to take 1st place. All in all a great day out, we got to look around some great country, we found some snow and we managed to take first place. </div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485405335612458034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliX8f4tGxB_hzIDaBdv2e-EHfLrlgA9NlM0NPbVDhY3vhJtFK92fAGGHeNx3wDQvmQMnye2dHLxlS_AlvLehhkFx187MDKXkmdehlNbfRTg5Sh8GE0GGoGc1ZzS_oC_pTYuziDXMIGco/s320/P1060642.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><strong><em>The trusted gear</em></strong></p><p>There was not much time to reflex on the day’s activities as it was straight back into the car to get home for the 3rd round of the Dunedin Winter Multisport Series the next morning. </p>Matty Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01024022102480415793noreply@blogger.com0