A visit to Rabbit Flat Biv on Monday finally turned all the (unremoved) huts in the Tararua Ranges yellow on my hutbagger.co.nz map.
Here are a few highlights.
@tourtewaipounamu was a rollercoaster!
Found myself in the lead and got a bit of insight into what it’s like to be in a media spotlight for a moment. Snapped a valve and nearly lost a spacer while putting a tube in. Spooned with @loicfery_ in a puddle to try and keep warm. Hallucinated hedges decorated for Christmas. Transformed a campground pod into a sauna to dry my gear. Swelled up like a blimp. Camped on Stag Saddle and thought a wallaby was nibbling my bivvy bag. Broke my shoe and repaired it with nylon suture and electrical tape. Got a matagouri puncture in the tyre which already had a tube in it. Nearly lost my bike in Camp Stream. Decided racing isn’t for me, but turns out it’s impossible to find a bed in Otematata when there’s a wedding on. Got into a cat-and-mouse race with @evadethlefsen . Found out that changing a brake pad with my multitool is harder than you think. Used a rock as a tool for bike maintenance. Discovered the joy of nesting on the side of the road, so tired you literally fall asleep the instant you lie down. Collapsed with relief at making it to the finish. Snuggled into the welcoming embrace of Slope Point ICU, a place where 1000-yard stares and trench-foot are the norm.
The enormity of the ride dawned on me looking down from the plane window as I flew back up-country.
Then, on medical advice, I ended up spending 24 hours in Wellington hospital and peeing out 8kg of excess fluid that I had been carrying around, and undergoing cardiology investigations.
Now human-shaped again and still alive for now…
Thank you @brianinpics for building this insane community and thanks to all the passionate volunteers that make it what it is. Fantastic to hang out with so many of my tribe - bonded by our love of bikes and mountains, and a just little bit of trauma.
And huge thanks for the mind-blowing support I received from dotwatchers along the way.
What a ride!
Almost time to find out if the training, faffing, stitching, carrying, googling and freaking out has prepared me for @tourtewaipounamu
🤞
Starts Sunday 7am. Tracking here
Commentary at https://dotwatcher.cc/race/tour-te-waipounamu-2026
Middle-aged dirtbagging in Te Waipounamu.
Bush seals, hut-bagging, tramping, catching up with friends, bit of work, and of course riding bikes.
Good times!
Perfect birthday Fishtail adventure with Jippee, Anna and Anna.
Hike fueled by gingercake sandwiches. Bagged a little hut. Spectacular views. Super fun descent. Only one little crash. Good times!
Ticking off life goals ✅
Thanks @djsaracox and @bbcradio2 for giving me the chance to make a fool of myself on national radio and making me the proud owner of a Sara Cox Show mug!
Stone King Rally Adventure Part 3
Fantastic week riding the #stonekingrally route with @amccafhf and our intrepid shuttle driver Aunty Helen. Great weather, breathtaking views, loam-fests, rock gardens, heat wave, cold swims, trough-dives, deep breaths, calming music, busy flowers, sore ribs, vitamins I and P, alternative therapies, McGuyvering, near heatstroke, hearing voices, enforced snacks, fresh berries, vegan chocolate, pizza, tiramisu and nougat.
The goodest of times!
Stone King Rally Adventure Part 2
Fantastic week riding the #stonekingrally route with @amccafhf and our intrepid shuttle driver Aunty Helen. Great weather, breathtaking views, loam-fests, rock gardens, heat waves, cold swims, car karaoke, beached-as B-class, marmot-whispering, pedal strike, face plant, sore ribs, near misses, McGuyvering, pizza, tiramisu and croissants.
Good times!
Stone King Rally Adventure Part 1
Fantastic week riding the #stonekingrally route with @amccafhf and our intrepid shuttle driver Aunty Helen. Great weather, breathtaking views, loam-fests, rock gardens for miles, heat waves, cold swims, marmot-whispering, pedal strike, face plant, sore ribs, near misses, McGuyvering, tiramisu and croissants.
Good times!
