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Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Tour Aotearoa at 200 km a day - Mark Hawkins


Tour Aotearoa: two mates in their 50’s averaging 200 km a day

by Mark Hawkins
May 2020



Everyone seems to have a different goal when taking up the challenge of the Cape Reinga to Bluff 3000km Tour of Aotearoa. For good mate Tim Burfoot and I, the plan was quite simple we wanted to average 200km per day. Both in our mid to late 50’s we weren’t sure how it would play out but were confident we would be able to give it a good crack. We have been riding consistently for 14 plus years on road and mountain bikes, often trying to win our age group in various events with success for both of us on the odd occasion. 

Bike packing was new to us both and an exciting new challenge. Our fully loaded bikes weighed around 22kgs which was a completely different experience to jumping on a 9kg road bike to head out for a long-fast ride. In general, we did an excellent job of not taking too much gear, for first timers we pretty much nailed it. We saw others who seemed to have so much more on their bikes especially when it came to water supply which must have added so much unnecessary weight. There are plenty of water stops along the way so topping up water was never an issue, you just needed to plan. Doing a 3 day tour prior to the event certainly helped sort out what you did and didn’t need.

Fully loaded bike - West Coast Wilderness Trail

I won’t go into a blow by blow of every day as the entire trip was a highlight however, I will gloss over a few highlights and low lights.

Part one of day one was the one part I can honestly say I didn’t enjoy.  88km down a sandy beach trying to find the firmest spot to ride into a head wind surrounded by fog was hardly what I would call fun, regardless of how fit you are. This may have been a more pleasant experience if you were happy to take your time however, we were on a mission from the get-go. I came off the beach feeling completely shattered. We refuelled, washed our bikes and pushed on after the beach ride clocking up 240km for the day sleeping on the side of the road that night. We nestled down late, and I got a grand total of 1.5 hours sleep. Between possums, hunters and being uncomfortable it was impossible to sleep. We were up at 4am on a mission to get to Pouto Point to catch the boat across the Kaipara harbour by 1pm; otherwise we would lose a day or have to bike the long way around. Mission accomplished, we made it with time to spare with the bonus of running into a few friends from Blenheim along the way.

If anybody told me falling asleep while sitting upright on a bumpy boat was possible, I would have disputed it as I am somebody who needs to go to bed to sleep. Surprisingly, I had no issue with my newfound sleeping position.

Helensville to Auckland.  Side tracking a little I believe John Keys legacy will be the development of cycle trails from one end of the country to the other. The cycle ways through Auckland are incredible. All the cycle trails throughout the ride (whether sealed or off road) keep you safe and have injected life back into smaller communities helping keep them alive all year around. Kudos to those involved for having this vision.

The next few days we were consistent, averaging around 200km per day and sleeping very little. Early one morning we took a wrong turn adding 45 unnecessary kms to our journey. So, my advice is to double check the route before heading out, no matter how tired you are on a dark and cold morning (we weren’t using a GPS device). At this point we were averaging about 19km per hour so a lot of time in the saddle. Stops chewed up time and we had plenty of them, mainly to eat and man could we eat! I didn’t need a tracker for my family to follow me they just needed to follow credit card café transactions. Small amounts of food on a regular basis definitely worked better for me rather than a large feed which often resulted in a lack of energy on the bike until the food was fully digested.
The Timber trail was always going to be a highlight, unfortunately we only got to do half of it and yes, the first half was amazing with a very scenic climb. Unfortunately, I split my tyre which was entirely my fault as my tyres were way too firm for the terrain.  We did a patch job with a piece of plastic milk bottle between the tyre and tube, then found a slightly longer (but not so rugged) alternative route to Taumarunui.

Rolling into Taumarunui I was excited at the thought of finding a bike shop and buying a tyre as we arrived just before 5pm - then it dawned on us both, it was a Sunday. Yes, you lose all track of what day it is. We wanted to kick on that night hoping to do another 70-80 km as we were keen to catch the 1pm jet boat ride the next day down the Wanganui river - staying focused on our 200km per day challenge.  Concerned my tyre wouldn’t cut the mustard, I tried twice to buy a tyre off a couple staying at a motel at an exorbitant price with no joy. Desperate for a tyre, I approached a young lady at a local tourist shop and bingo!!!  ex-boyfriend had left a bike at her house and she thought it may have been a 29er. It’s a long and funny story but I headed out of town that night laughing with the perfect new tyre on board.

We soon found that we both loved riding late into the night. Our initial plan was to start our days early around 4am, however, as time went on we naturally rode later - often past 10 pm and still getting back on our bikes before the sun was up to kick on, keeping an eye on the compulsory 6 hour stop per 24hours. The quietness at night, lack of vehicles, no wind and regular full moons made riding super enjoyable. We were extremely lucky with weather on our whole journey, although I don’t recall too many tail winds.

Something that took us both by surprise was the time involved at the end of the day or beginning. Whether we were tented or staying somewhere it pretty much took a good hour unpacking or packing, eating, pitching or pulling down tents or when staying at accommodation showering and doing washing. When tired this could often be a frustrating process as all we really wanted to do was sleep.   

The journey from the Blue Duck Café at Whakahoro to Mangapurua Landing was definitely one of the more challenging parts of the ride (Grade 4-5), especially as we were pushing hard to catch the Wanganui jet boat on time. Rocks, mud, drop offs etc all part of the journey. My advice is this: if in doubt get off and walk.  My understanding is many riders came to grief on this section trying to ride the unrideable. Most of the technical parts are early in the ride so don’t panic if you are on a mission to catch your boat as the tracks get wider and smoother the higher you get. The downhill over the Mangapurua trig was a definite highlight, one of the best I have ever done (fast and smooth).

Another major highlight along the way is the support you receive from others. Fellow cyclist, cafes, bars, garages, random people on the side of the road as you pass through smaller communities. Many people follow the tracking site and know who is coming through; we were offered a bed, food or just somewhere to rest on a regular basis. Tim was once ordered off his bike by a lady insisting he join her for a snack and something to drink. A big shout out to the people in the Apiti region as their community has fully embraced the event.

Our biggest day was day 7 from Wanganui to Eketahuna totalling 264km with an elevation gain of 3,806 metres. Some of the days seem like a blur and I can’t remember why we did such a big day, but my guess is we were slipping behind our 200km goal and wanted to make up time.

For the entire ride fitness was never an issue for either Tim or I, however, lack of sleep over the first 5 days was. We both had our moments when we nearly fell asleep while riding but as the days rolled over our bodies just got used to it. Yes, it’s true you get stronger as you go. One of our inspirations was good friend Craig Harper who has the 2100km road bike record for the length of NZ: four days, nine hours and 45 minutes on about 6 hours sleep. I have witnessed what he can put his body through on limited sleep hence his advice and tips along the way were invaluable.

Rolling off the ferry into Picton at 6 am being greeted by friends and family from Blenheim was a definite highlight which gave us both a massive boost. We were looking forward to the South Island as it was way more familiar to us both including what many call the dreaded Maungatapu hill between Pelorus and Havelock. For me, I had done it a few weeks prior so I knew what I was in for. Many bypass this part of the ride however (coming from somebody who is not a great technical rider) I would highly recommend doing it. The extra weight on your bike makes it difficult to descend so walking parts of it is a good option. In general, most of the Maungatapu is rideable. The scenery along the Pelorus river leading to Maungatapu is stunning hence why parts the Hobbit movie were filmed in that area.

Nelson is a great place to get your bike serviced. Tim and I give a big shout to Village Cycles in Richmond. They are a passionate team who did a great job of giving our bikes a good going over, with both bikes looking like new when starting our journey to Tapawera that night.

Nelson through to Reefton was another highlight. Nothing technical along the way, amazing bike trails with some stunning scenery especially through the back roads of lake Rotoroa, Murchison & Reefton. You can’t beat West Coast hospitality! If you have never experienced it you are missing out on something special. The people are incredible. We rocked into Reefton just after 8pm and the supermarket had just closed. The lady closing the shop saw the desperate look on our faces as we needed supplies for the next day. Next thing we are inside filling a basket while the till is being reopened so we could buy our supplies. Next we headed to the pub to find out the kitchen was closing and yes, we were instructed to go shower up (we must have smelt) and the chef was asked to stay late to cook our meal when we returned. Unbelievable!

By this stage my quad muscles were giving me grief. Grief being an understatement, I was in a lot of pain when peddling. I think the loaded bike (extra weight) and the amount of climbing we had been doing were contributing factors.  I have never been a great one for stretching and massage so next time it will be a top priority. We bi-passed big river the next day as the track was in very poor condition due to the amount of recent rain. Plus I was keen to get to Greymouth before the chemist closed on Saturday lunch time to find some Voltaren. I have done big river before. It’s a challenge and takes many 8 hours+ to cover 40km - so brace yourself, if you tackle it you are in for a treat.
The Wilderness trail from Greymouth to Ross is something I have now done 4 times. I enjoyed it as much this time as I did the first. If I was asked to tell people what ride you should put on your bucket list the Wilderness trail would be the one. It’s not overly technical so suitable for all (even E-bikes) weaving its way through native bush, swing bridges, following water ways and crossing lagoons. Its simply amazing. Many reviews tell you not to stop at Cowboy Paradise. However, I say it’s a must for the experience. Yes, it all seems a bit dodgy with a salon type bar and poles for pole dancing but everyone who visits leaves unscathed and with something interesting to talk about. Another must is a stop at the Ross Pub for a beer and one of the best pub meals you could ever find. I highly rate the award-winning seafood chowder.

The rest of the West Coast, over the Haast saddle to Wanaka then tackling the Crown Range to Queenstown, is predominantly on the road. Don’t be fooled that it is easier; there is a serious amount of climbing the whole way with amazing scenery to see along the way. This is when I felt a Gravel bike rather than a mountain bike would be a better bike option, definitely a bit quicker with the amount of sealed roads. If I could have swapped bikes (not that I have a gravel bike) I would have.

Classic West Coast scenery

Most of this part of the journey for me was pretty much going into survival mode as my Quads were killing me. I had to resort to sitting the whole time not getting out of my very comfortable Brooks B17 bike saddle which was my only saving grace. I didn’t get out of my seat for the last 5 days of the journey. Tim’s body was holding up well apart from wishing he had purchased a Brooks saddle as sitting for him was not a comfortable experience and he’d resorted to wearing 2 pairs of cycle pants at once. Yes, it works! We were still managing to maintain our 200km distance per day although at times for me this was tough as my quads were not good.

Sitting in Queenstown looking at the Earnslaw was the only time I ever questioned whether we could stick to the 200km per day plan. My legs were telling me they needed a day off or some serious treatment. It was very frustrating as in general I still felt fit and strong - I just wasn’t sure if I could handle riding with such discomfort for much longer. Tim and I didn’t really discuss it but I knew he was aware I was hurting. Tim was in good shape and the thought of letting him down played a major part in me getting on the Earnslaw and pushing on.

Leaving the jetty at Walter Peak I knew I only had one last 700 metre climb up Von hill and once that was out of the way from there to Bluff was predominantly flat or down hill. This gave me a new lease of life pushing through the discomfort determined to get to the top. A pat on the back from Timbo at the top was a great feeling - the climbing was over for us both. Be warned it gets cold (very cold) in the Mavora lakes district where you will be treated to some of the journey’s most amazing scenery.  We stopped just short of the Mavora lakes taking advantage of an empty cabin on the side of the road, where we settled down to sleep before the sun had gone down which was by far our earliest night. Tim getting great joy watching me rip strapping tape off my legs before bunking down.

We had only 200km to go and our journey would be complete! So we were up early on our bikes at 4.30 am heading for Mossburn which was about 50km away. It was dark and extremely cold; I would have to say it is the coldest I have ever been on a bike even though we both had the right warm clothes for biking. The breeze while moving would cut straight through you and anywhere exposed around your face went numb. We were excited to reach Mossburn to see the young lady inside the café only wearing shorts and a tee shirt so we knew it would be warm. This would be our longest café stop, family and friends who were tracking our progress had thought something had gone wrong. We ate heaps while defrosting, I am pretty sure we were there for a couple of hours. Tim had one of many power naps - he was now a master of falling asleep in cafes. The minute I would leave the table for anything he was lights out!  I have numerous photos of this along the way.

The 140km to Bluff was pretty straight forward. We cruised and took a mandatory stop for Tim to have a cream bun at the Winton Bakery which he had been talking about for a few days as it’s a family tradition when in the area. The wind was kind until we turned off the estuary in Invercargill to head to Bluff where we struck the worst head wind of the entire ride. We were punished for about 10km before turning again to head to the Stirling point.

I would have to say, the finish itself was somewhat of an anti-climax.  We rolled down to Stirling Point just after 5 pm to find a few random people standing around unaware of what we had just completed, no brass band or greeting party. Just Tim & I and the Stirling Point signpost for the final photo and a quick man hug. Yes, I did feel quite emotional - probably because my quads were desperate for a rest but I was also overwhelmed with a great sense of achievement. We managed to knock off our 200 km + a day goal, travelled 3000km in just under 15 days and climbed over 35,000 metres of elevation according to my Strava App which is over 4 times up Mount Everest. No wonder my legs were spent.

I could write a whole list of advice/tips for people thinking of tackling this event, however, I will limit it to two.

No 1: They say you get fitter as you go (which is very much true) so my guess is some people turn up slightly or very under prepared which I believe would be a big mistake. If you are wanting to tackle this cycle challenge as quick as you can you need to turn up at the start line super fit and jumping out of your skin ready to go. It is tough right from the get-go. Make sure you put the time in with your bike fully loaded. Thankfully, Tim and I ticked that box. We were both extremely fit at the start line and only slightly broken at the finish.

No 2. If you are planning on doing it with somebody else or others make sure they are of similar ability. If not, things could get very frustrating for the stronger rider over such a distance. Ensure you have the same level of fitness and most of all the same goals otherwise it just won’t work. This was another major box ticked for Tim and I.

Hawkie on the left,Timbo on the right

The Tour Aoteroa was an epic experience hopefully the first of many bike packing experiences.  If you are up for a challenge, I highly recommend it.

Many thanks to the Kennett Brothers.

Job done!

Mark Hawkins
           

Monday, February 10, 2020

Tour Aotearoa Update – 7 February 2020

Only ten days to go for the first wave of riders! Let the countdown begin!

Start times
Not everyone realises it yet, but the start times coincide with low tides on Ninety Mile Beach.

7am, 17th February
8am, 18th February
9am, 19th February
10am, 20th February
11am, 21th February
12 noon, 22th February
1pm, 23rd February

7am, 3 March
8am, 4 March
9am, 5 March
10am, 6 March
11am, 7 March
12noon, 8 March

If you are not sure of your start date, please check your details on the public start list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1e2VTW2D5BcBY-zlNcgmESIR0uqX3-nhgbhYDD6E61m8/

If you can’t find your name on the list, and want to enter, then please email us by the end of the next week (touraotearoa@kennett.co.nz). There are spaces left in the last three starts.


Final changes
Correction: in the last update I mistakenly referred to Whakamaru Dam, which is not even on the TA course. I meant Waipapa Dam. The on-road alternative route that has just been signposted on the Waikato River Trail route, is from Arapuni Dam to Waipapa Dam. It is optional.

Te Paki Stream, between Te Paki Stream Road and Ninety Mile Beach is open to walkers and cylists. The closure you may have seen mentioned on Facebook only applied to motor vehicles.

The holiday park at Waipapakauri is currently closed for renovations. It is the one about 15 km north of Ahipara, on Ninety Mile Beach.

Kaipara Harbour: Please don’t forget that there is only one boat you can legally take across the Kaipara Harbour – Kaipara Cruises. The other boat, AliCat has been sold and left the district. And remember, you don’t have to take the boat, you can take the alternative option around the harbour, which is detailed in the TA guidebooks. But it is about 100 km longer.

The Arataki Wire Bridge has been repaired by DOC and so the course is still as described in the guidebooks (from Mangakino to the Centre of New Zealand). There is no change.

There are ‘road closed’ signs on Maruia Saddle at the moment, but cyclists are getting through ok. A report from riders says that it looks like a new bridge and general repair works have just about finished.

There is a great new cafe with accommodation in Maruia right on SH65. They opened at Christmas. The cafe is new and first class. Contact details are:

Reids Roadhouse 65
1956 State Highway 65
Email: enquiries@dogsdelight.co.nz
Ph: 0274 750 780

Reefton is gearing up for you. The town will be decked out in TA street flags, and some of the businesses will open longer hours if they see your dots heading their way. Keep an eye out for TA signs in town, and the Merijigs Hotel snack bar on the track to Big River.

There is a kissing gate below Big River Hut that you have to lift your bike over. If you are knackered, then open the gate with the combination 1969 (= the number of km you have ridden from Cape Reinga).

In Bluff there are medals available for $10 each to anyone who has walked or cycled from Cape Reinga to Bluff. You can pick them up from the café at Sterling Point, overlooking the AA signs at the end of the tour.

There are bound to be dozens of other changes you discover along the way!

Maprogress
Just a reminder that you need to sign up for tracking on MAProgress by going to https://touraotearoa2020.maprogress.com/event/register. There are various options to hire / buy / or connect your own tracker to the Satellite network.

Shane will be at Cape Reinga to meet you and hand out the trackers for those that are hiring them.

Transport from Auckland to Cape Reinga

Real Far North Tours are offering bus trips from Auckland Airport (and Whangarei and Kerikeri) to Cape Reinga. Riders will be taken to a camping ground 6 km from Cape Reinga. There will be large tents with mattresses set up for riders to use at the camping ground. The cost will be $200 all up. Bookings essential. Contact: realfarnorthtours@gmail.com


Congestion on the course
There will be a lot of riders out on the course this year, so there might be a few choke points. Please be patient. You are no more, or less, important than anyone else travelling the tracks and trails of TA.


For more information…
Go to the Tour Aotearoa website or the Tour Aotearoa: General Forum on Facebook

During the event, Paul will be cycling the tour on a tandem with his son, and I will be riding Kopiko Aotearoa. Simon Kennett will be fielding any urgent questions. His email is simon@kennett.co.nz and he will be keeping an eye on the Facebook forum and posting Official Updates.

What could possibly go wrong?

Well... in 2018 three cyclones hit NZ during the tour, four unlocked bikes were stolen (two recovered) and two riders crashed and went to hospital with injuries. Almost every mechanical issue you can imagine happened, but never stopped anyone for long. And by the end of March, 87% of the riders had made it to Bluff, although many had been forced off the course in places. If the outcome of this adventure was certain, then it wouldn’t really be an adventure.

If there is a course change, Simon will post about it.

Tour Aotearoa Update – 20 December 2019

There are a few updates this time, and more to come in the early New Year.


First, the Kaipara Crossing only has one boat option now. That is Kaipara Cruises, which most of you have been booking with anyway. But a few of you may have booked with the Ali-Kat, which is a smaller boat, which has just been sold and won’t be operating on the Kaipara Harbour next year! So please make sure you are not booked with Ali Kat Charters!

The Hokianga Harbour boat is no problems as it runs almost all day long, seven days a week, and only costs $2 because it is subsidised by the government.

Further south, you should book your trip down the Whanganui River a day before you get there. They will run in all but the worst storm conditions.

Crossing the Cook Strait to the South Island also requires booking ahead, and we recommend two days ahead.

The only boat trip in the South Island is across Lake Whakatipu, and there are a few boat operators. You must book ahead.

Details for all the boats are in the TA Official Guides.

Here is a message from Magaret at Mangakino
“Last year I helped out with overflow from the hotel and really enjoyed the contact with the riders. I run an Airbnb here in Mangakino (I know I should have contacted you before the booklet was printed) and am happy to provide accommodation as are others. I have volunteered to be the first contact riders can use and once I am full I will give them other places to go.
I have a cottage that sleeps 8 and home stay that sleeps 4 plus plenty of room for tents.
Regards Margaret
33 Moana crescent, Mangakino
Phone 021 997274

And from the Timber Trail Lodge…
This lodge in the middle of the Timber Trail must be booked before you get there. They are likely to be booked out on some days, so we can’t assume we can just walk in and get a bed. They are a victim of their own success apparently!
A message from the lodge is “we will not be able to provide services, other than pizza and drinks between 1pm and 5pm, to anyone who hasn’t made a prior reservation.”

Bridge to Nowhere/Maungaparua Track
Contractors are currently working on this track, and all indications suggest it will be open again next week.

West Coast Highway update – and alternate
The West Coast highway opened again today, although sections of it are single lane with traffic lights, and it will be that way for quite some time. As extreme weather events close this highway quite often now we will create an ‘East of the Main Divide’ alternate and have that ready for you if needed.


Maprogress

Early Bird pricing ends on 6th Jan for GPS Tracking on Tour Aotearoa 2020, save by registering now at https://touraotearoa2020.maprogress.com/event/register
1. Purchase your own Spot Gen3 to take on the TA and other adventures, save $50 off retail until 6th Jan.
2. Spot tracker rental price increases to $230 from $190 after 6th. If you hold off and leave it last minute it will cost you more.
Find more details go to https://maprogress.com/tracking/touraotearoa

Please make sure you are all sorted with a spot tracker. It is important for your safety and enables us to know where you are on the Tour Aotearoa.


Motutapu Challenge in Queenstown

“We do have a short road closure Tobins Track (near Arrowtown) on Sunday 15th March between 8 – 11am. At this time there will be approx. 600 runners coming up the track. It would be great if you could advise your participantr to travel down the Crown Range if they happen to hit exactly that time. Appreciate your understanding!”


And… a few summaries from the last update:


Official Guide Books

The TA guides (PDF version and paper version) are out now. They describe in detail the 2020 course, and include maps, cue sheets, a list of services, and an introduction full of updated information.
For those happy to read the guide on their phone or computer, you can get a pdf version by going to https://www.kennett.co.nz/product/tour-aotearoa-official-guides-pdf
The Paper version is available at most independent bookshops, bike shops, and online at http://www.kennett.co.nz or, if you are an overseas rider, we recommend www.groundeffect.co.nz (the postage is cheaper).


Official GPS files
Paul and I have just finished updating the gpx/kml files for you to load onto your gps. Here they are:
http://www.touraotearoa.nz/p/routegpx-downloads.html
Note 1: these may be updated before your start. If they are, we will let you know.
Note 2: the GPX files have limitations. Basically, it's fine as a file to import into your GPS cycle computer, but if you try to load it into a website like Strava or RideWithGPS, those sites just can't handle the complex nature of the TA course.
Note 3: Peter Mitchell has created a little video that shows how to load KMZ to Google Maps (suitable for iPhone and Samsung), not the other platforms. Check it out here: https://youtu.be/ATfqMfNRBCY
Note 4: There is a known limitation of the Garmin system -- it expects the file you upload to consist of only one GPS "track", while the file you download from the TA website actually combines 25 separate tracks into a single GPX file. The only way to get Garmin to understand this file is to split it up into separate parts, one track per file, and import each one individually.


Entries
If for any reason you cannot take part in the event, please send me an email at touraotearoa@kennett.co.nz. This will possibly provide room for another rider.
Please check your details on this start list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1e2VTW2D5BcBY-zlNcgmESIR0uqX3-nhgbhYDD6E61m8/


For more information…
Go to the website: http://www.touraotearoa.nz
There are also two Tour Aotearoa Facebook pages, where you can ask questions of other riders.
Until the next update, I hope your training is gaining momentum and you’re keeping it fun!

Monday, November 25, 2019

Tour Aotearoa Update – 25 November 2019

Wow! There are now over 1000 entrants in next year’s Tour Aotearoa. It is going to be quite an incredible event! In this update we will cover three things:

1. Tour Aotearoa Official Guides out now
2. Presentation at Taupo this Friday, 29 November 2019
3. GPX/KML files now updated

First some miscellaneous updates.

BREVET BUNDLES: Amy has asked me to remind you that she has produced a little bundle of brevet goodies like a TA map bandanna, a Blow on the Pie patch, stickers, discounts to help you get through the TA and freebies. They are available at www.kitupforta.co.nz  

POUTO POINT CAMPING: camp leader Janeen from Pouto Point wants to remind everyone that there is no freedom camping at Pouto Point, and riders should make a donation to use the camp facilities. They aren’t cheap to run, so make sure you chip in and contribute to this campsite.

Some riders have booked a stay at the camp ground already. There is only space for 50 people (council rules), so this is a good idea. Also, there is a small shop at the campground.  Camp phone number is 09 4350596. Janeen

We will compile all the useful notes like these (and others that are going up on Facebook) over the next two months and put out a list of them before you start your ride. Most of this sort of detail is in the guidebooks.

One last item, please don’t forget to register with Maprogress so that you can be tracked during the Tour Aotearoa. Goto https://app.maprogress.com/  for more information.

Official Guide Books

The TA guides (PDF version and paper version) are out now. They describe in detail the 2020 course, and include maps, cue sheets, a list of services, and an introduction full of updated information.

For those happy to read the guide on their phone or computer, you can get a pdf version by going to https://www.kennett.co.nz/product/tour-aotearoa-official-guides-pdf

The paper version is available at most independent bookshops, bike shops, and online at www.kennett.co.nz or if  you are an overseas rider we recommend www.groundeffect.co.nz (the postage is cheaper).

Tour Aotearoa presentation this Friday

At the Taupo Cycle Challenge this Friday we are giving a presentation about Tour Aotearoa and NZs top 40 Mountain Bike Rides. This is an opportunity to ask questions and meet other TA riders. The talk will be at 4pm at the Great Lake Centre theatre on Friday the 29 November.

This is also where riders doing the Taupo Cycle Challenge can pick up their race packs. We will have a book stall at Taupo all Friday and most of Saturday.

Pop by and say hello.

Official GPS files now ready

Paul and I have just finished updating the gpx/kml files for you to load onto your gps. Here they are:

http://www.touraotearoa.nz/p/routegpx-downloads.html
Note 1: these may be updated before your start. If they are, we will let you know.
Note 2: he GPX files have limitations.  Basically, it's fine as a file to import into your GPS cycle computer, but if you try to load it into a website like Strava or RideWithGPS, those sites just can't handle the complex nature of the TA course.

Entries

There are now 1010 entrants!  If for any reason you cannot take part in the event, please send me an email. This will possibly provide room for another rider.

Please check your details on this start list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1e2VTW2D5BcBY-zlNcgmESIR0uqX3-nhgbhYDD6E61m8/

If you can’t find your name on the list, then you haven’t entered. If you want to enter, then please email us by the end of the next week at touraotearoa@kennett.co.nz

For more information 

Go to  http://www.touraotearoa.nz

There are also two Tour Aotearoa Facebook pages, where you can ask questions of other riders.

Until the next update, I hope your training is gaining momentum and you’re keeping it fun!

Hope to see you at Taupo!


Pedal on!
Jonathan Kennett

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Tour Aotearoa Update – 24 October 2019

In this update we will cover three things:
1. Final call for entries
2. Official Guidebook launch
3. Last minute advocacy for three sections that need improvements

Final call for entries!

There are now 1001 entrants!  This is the last call to join Tour Aotearoa. If you aren’t on the start list, then you are not yet entered.

Please check your details on this start list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1e2VTW2D5BcBY-zlNcgmESIR0uqX3-nhgbhYDD6E61m8/

If you can’t find your name on the list, then you haven’t entered. If you want to enter, then please email us by the end of the next week at touraotearoa@kennett.co.nz (see details below).

Official Guide Book Launches

Last week we finally finished updating the Tour Aotearoa Official Guide. It outlines the 2020 route, and includes maps, cue sheets, a list of services, and an introduction full of updated information.

The new PDF version is available now and the paper version will be out early next month.

For those happy to read the guide on their phone or computer, you can get the PDF here: https://www.kennett.co.nz/product/tour-aotearoa-official-guides-pdf

The Paper version will be launched in Wellington on the 5th November and in Taupo on the 29th November (Taupo Cycle Challenge weekend). It will be available at most independent bookshops, bike shops, and online at www.kennett.co.nz. If  you are buying overseas we recommend going to  www.groundeffect.co.nz (the postage is cheaper).

At the Taupo Launch, we will take the opportunity to give a talk about Tour Aotearoa and meet riders. The talk will be at 4pm at the Great Lake Centre Theatre on Friday the 29 November. This is also where riders doing the Taupo Cycle Challenge can pick up their race packs. We will have a book stall there all weekend with our full range of cycling books.

Advocacy for Tour Aotearoa

As you probably know, dozens of sections of the Tour Aotearoa course have been enhanced over the last two years. But there are three sections that really need some advocacy.
  1. SH6 Speed Limit Reduction. NZTA is currently seeking submissions on their plan to reduce the speed limit from Picton to Nelson (18 km of the TA course is on this section). They are considering lowering the speed limit from 100kph to 80kph because international research shows this would save lives. It seems like a no brainer, but there is a lot of opposition to it. So please consider writing a submission to support safer speeds. Go to: nzta.govt.nz/blenheim-nelson-speed-review
  2. Invercargill to Bluff shared path. Invercargill City Council and Environment Southland have been slowly planning a new path to Bluff, so that people walking and cycling the length of New Zealand can finish their last hour in safety. But’s it’s not really a high priority and it looks like they might not start work until Febuary, when you are riding the Tour. Perhaps you could email the mayor and let him know that you’re coming and would like to finish your 3000 km journey on his new path.  Contact Mayor Tim Shadbolt by emailing mayor@icc.govt.nz
  3. Auckland Cycle Improvements. Riding into and out of Auckland is currently a challenge. Auckland Transport is in charge of the roads, and although they seem to have plans for speed reduction and shoulder widening, they don’t necessarily align with the Tour Aotearoa course. Let them know, where you will be riding, and that any safety improvements would be appreaciated. Contact Mayor Phil Goff by emailing phil.goff@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Good news

Significant enhancements on the Tour Aotearoa course since 2018 include:
  • there is a new section of cycle path in Auckland,
  • a 30 km extension to the the Hauraki Rail Trail,
  • an upgrade of the The Timber Trail including more toilets,
  • DOC now have contractors upgrading the Kaiwhakauka Track,
  • the Whanganui District Council has almost finished a trail from Upokongaro into town,
  • NZTA contractors start widening the shoulders on the Pahiatua Track on Tuesday,
  • DOC are currently building a new bridge across Siberia Gully on the Remutaka Cycle Trail,
  • several upgrades have happened on the Hutt River Trail,
  • the Great Taste Trail has been extended to Kohatu,
  • there have been three new sections built on the West Coast Wilderness Trail,
  • DOC are building a new cycleway access to a Fox Glacier lookout on the south side of Fox River (the north side has been destroyed by the largest slip in New Zealand),
  • the Queenstown Trail has built a new section near Frankton,
  • and new shelters and toilets have been built on the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail.
All of these improvements are incorporated into the new Tour Aotearoa Official Guide.

Entries

There are now 1001 entrants!  There are still places available on later starts. We need to spread riders out so that transport and accommodation is not congested in Northland.

7am, 17th Feb: FULL
8am, 18th Feb: FULL
9am, 19th Feb: FULL
10am, 20th Feb: FULL
11am, 21th Feb: FULL
12 noon, 22th Feb: FULL
1pm, 23rd Feb: FULL

7am, 3 March: FULL
8am,  4 March: FULL
9am, 5 March: 31 entries
10am, 6 March: 9 entries
11am, 7 March: 9 entries
12noon, 8 March: 30 entries

And if you still haven’t entered, the process is explained below, one last time. After this update we won’t be taking more entries.

Entry Process

There is no entry fee, but you do have to pay at least $100 to a charity and offset your carbon footprint. Once you’ve emailed touraotearoa@kennett.co.nz the receipts, along with your name and where you’re from, we will confirm your entry (obviously there will be no refunds if you pull out later).

THE CHARITY
You can choose your own charity, but it must be registered – all the bonafide charitable organisations are. Pay $100, or more, to that charity in lieu of an entry fee, and send us a copy of the receipt. Simple!
A good charity to donate to is the Waikato River Trail: https://www.waikatorivertrails.co.nz/page/donate-now/

CARBON OFFSETTING
Carbon offsetting is what needs to be done to pay for your travel pollution now rather than deferring the cost to future generations. I believe most northern hemisphere riders will have their heads around this concept already. Some airlines already offer offsetting as a service, but I'd like you to use Ekos or Enviromark because they are independent.

The carbon offsetting for your travel emissions depends on how far you are travelling to get to the start of the event and back home again. It will be approximately:
Londoners = 8 tonnes = $300
Australians = 2 tonne = $60
New Zealanders = 0.4 tonne = $30

Dr Sean Weaver from Ekos has calculated the average emissions for entrants from different parts of the world and set up a page especially for the Tour Aotearoa, so that you can offset very easily:
https://ekos.org.nz/touraotearoa

For even more information

Go to the website: http://www.touraotearoa.nz

There are also two Tour Aotearoa Facebook pages, where you can ask questions of other riders.

Until the next update, I hope your training is gaining momentum and you’re keeping it fun!

Pedal on!
Jonathan Kennett


P.S. Here is what TA rider Bevan Woodward recently wrote in his submission for SH6:

“I commend NZTA's proposal to adopt the safe and appropriate speed limit between Nelson and Blenheim. 

I note that a significant part of this 100km/h route is used by cyclists on Tour Aotearoa length of NZ journeys. From personal experience I can advise that this is an intimidating road to cycle.

I note that some local residents claim that lowering the speed limit will encourage reckless driving and therefore more road trauma.  I attach the research from the International Transport Forum on speed limit reductions from 10 nations providing evidence that this does not happen in practice:

All the cases indicated a strong relationship between speed and the number of crashes, i.e , an increase in mean speed was accompanied by an increase in the number of crashes and/or injured road users. Conversely, a decrease in mean speed was associated with a decrease in the number of crashes and
injured road users. [Page 5]


Thanks,
Bevan Woodward”

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Tour Aotearoa Update – 8 October 2019

Those of you starting on the 17 February now have 19 weeks left to train for your 3,000 km adventure. Hopefully you are building up to the sort of distance you plan to average each day on the tour and are taking your gear on your training rides. If you are good for 50 km loaded right now and you want to average 100 km per day, then you should add an average of 5 km per week, taking an easy week once a month. Also plan for a two-week taper before your start, so you are fresh and keen at Cape Reinga.

If you would like to check out a simple TA training plan, read this blog by Jeff Lyall: http://www.touraotearoa.nz/p/training.html

One really good training tip is “make it fun”. There are some great biking holidays in NZ and ‘training’ is a good excuse to go out there and do those classic trips you’ve always wanted to do.  Also, commuting by bike is a sensible way to just keep gaining/maintaining a dependable base fitness.

Tour Aotearoa course details

Paul is furiously creating new maps for the TA Official Guide, and I am writing over 300 changes to the cue sheets and support services, etc. We aim to get the course finalised and released by 5 November.

We will create a list of all the major changes since 2018 and email these to you in a few weeks’ time. We will also revise the gpx files, so you can load those into your gps. You don’t need to use a gps to follow the Tour, but they do help when riding through complex areas like Auckland.

The TA Official Guides have the cue sheets as well as the information you need to plan where you might like to stay and eat, and book ferries, etc. They are being printed later this month and will be available at shops and online from 5 November for $20 (go to www.kennett.co.nz to preorder).

If you would prefer a PDF version, it will be available from next week (also at www.kennett.co.nz). We still recommend carrying the paper editions as backup.

Where and why?

You may sometimes wonder why the course goes where it does. Our goal is to follow the safest and most enjoyable route from Cape Reinga to Bluff. Choosing a safe route means we avoid busy roads wherever reasonably possible, even though a main highway would be more direct. Sometimes this involves taking off-road trails like the Timber Trail and the West Coast Wilderness Trail, which are highlights of the tour.  In a few cases, it’s a real balancing act, and so we give you a choice in the form of “Alternates”. The Hunuas are a good example – we provide two routes, one to the north and one to the south of the Hunua Ranges, and you decide on the day.

How you can help!

I’ve been out and about gpsing new sections of trail, such as the Hauraki Rail Trail and the Great Taste Trail, but it would be a great help if a few riders could check out the following new sections of trail and send me new gps files.
  1. If you live in Auckland, could you please go and gps the new section of the Northwest Cycle Route, between Takau Street and Alex Evans Street? Describe the route as you go, and email me the file.
  2. If you live in Invercargill, could you please go and gps any new sections of the cycle path to Bluff that have been built south of Kekeno Place.
Thanks!

Message from Shane at Maprogress

Just a reminder that you need to sign up for tracking on MAProgress by going to https://touraotearoa2020.maprogress.com/event/register. There are various options to hire / buy / or connect your own tracker to the Satellite network. We will be adding a new FAQs page in the next few days, just for TA riders - look out for this at http://maprogress.com/. We have limited numbers of Spot Gen 3s (with an SOS function), if you don't book in early, you'll miss out on one of these.

Message from Sue at the Cancer Society

We have been approached by one of your participants, Dylan Turner, wanting to fundraise for Cancer Society with his ride. As a result of his approach, we have created an online fundraising website where anyone doing the tour can sign up and fundraise for the Cancer Society.  
The link to the site is http://everydayhero.co.nz/event/tour-aotearoa-2020
In 2018, we had a few riders support us and they raised over $8,000.

Message from Amy – new TA kit 

Tour Aotearoa rider and designer, Amy, launched the TA kit and Brevet Bundle last month (includes TA cycle shorts and jersey, and a funky bandanna in the Brevet Bundle).
This gear is very cheerful! Check it out on  www.kitupforta.co.nz
The final cut-off date for orders is 23 October.

Message from Soigneur

David Carman at Soigneur.co.nz , produces a merino Tour Aotearoa jersey, which you can check out here: https://www.soigneur.co.nz/product/Tour-Aotearoa-Merino-Wool-Cycling-Jersey-Bikepacking 

Note

And just in case you’re wondering, the Kennett Brothers do not take any commission/advertising revenue from any of these businesses, or any of the businesses listed in the Tour Aotearoa guide books. That’s not our gig.

Entries

There are now 980 entrants and the first eight start waves are full.  There are still places available on later starts. We need to spread riders out so that transport and accommodation is not congested in Northland.

7am, 17th Feb: FULL
8am, 18th Feb: FULL
9am, 19th Feb: FULL
10am, 20th Feb: FULL
11am, 21th Feb: FULL
12 noon, 22th Feb: FULL
1pm, 23rd Feb: FULL

7am, 3 March: FULL
8am,  4 March: 89 entries
9am, 5 March: 30 entries
10am, 6 March: 9 entries
11am, 7 March: 9 entries
12noon, 8 March: 30 entries

Please check your details on the public start list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1e2VTW2D5BcBY-zlNcgmESIR0uqX3-nhgbhYDD6E61m8/

And if you still haven’t entered, the process is explained below.

Transport from Auckland to Cape Reinga

Real Far North Tours are offering bus trips from Auckland Airport (and Whangarei and Kerikeri) to Cape Reinga. Riders will be taken to a camping ground 6 km from Cape Reinga. There will be large tents with mattresses set up for riders to use at the camping ground. The cost will be $200 all up. Bookings essential.
Contact: realfarnorthtours@gmail.com

Entry Process

There is no entry fee, but you do have to pay at least $100 to a charity and offset your carbon footprint. Once you’ve emailed touraotearoa@kennett.co.nz the receipts, along with your name and where you’re from, we will confirm your entry (obviously there will be no refunds if you pull out later).

THE CHARITY
You can choose your own charity, but it must be registered – all the bonafide charitable organisations are. Pay $100, or more, to that charity in lieu of an entry fee, and send us a copy of the receipt. Simple!
A good charity to donate to is the Waikato River Trail: https://www.waikatorivertrails.co.nz/page/donate-now/

CARBON OFFSETTING
Carbon offsetting is what needs to be done to pay for your travel pollution now rather than deferring the cost to future generations. I believe most northern hemisphere riders will have their heads around this concept already. Some airlines already offer offsetting as a service, but I'd like you to use Ekos or Enviromark because they are independent.

The carbon offsetting for your travel emissions depends on how far you are travelling to get to the start of the event and back home again. It will be approximately:
Londoners = 8 tonnes = $300
Australians = 2 tonne = $60
New Zealanders = 0.4 tonne = $30

Dr Sean Weaver from Ekos has calculated the average emissions for entrants from different parts of the world and set up a page especially for the Tour Aotearoa, so that you can offset very easily:
https://ekos.org.nz/touraotearoa

For more information…
Go to the website: http://www.touraotearoa.nz/p/home.html
There are also two Tour Aotearoa Facebook pages, where you can ask questions of other riders.
And if you are looking for inspiration, we still have a few copies of the Tour Aotearoa coffee table book: http://www.kennett.co.nz/product/tour-aotearoa-bikepacking-odyssey/

Until the next update, I hope your training has started and you’re focusing on the best ways to make it fun for you!

Pedal on!
Jonathan Kennett

Friday, August 23, 2019

Tour Aotearoa Update – 23 August 2019


Just a very brief update this time, as wes are flat tack working on the 10th Edition of Classic NZ Mountain Bike Rides (yes, it is hard to believe!).

Storm closures

A few people have been asking us “what happens if storms close a part of the route?”.  This is most likely to happen on the Maungapurua Track or the Waiuta Track, but it could also happen on the West Coast Wilderness Trail, or even the highway.  In this case, you should first see if there is an alternative route listed in the guidebooks. If there isn’t, then you take a look at the Tour Aotearoa Facebook Page, because as soon as a closure happens we will be posting reroutes on it. 

Throughout this time, when the weather may be at it’s worst, you need to be excercising your own judgement and keeping yourself (and others) safe!  There will be a solution, there always is. But it might involve waiting for a track to reopen, or finding a way of getting across a bridge that has been washed out (last summer a huge dump truck was taking cycle tourers across the Waiho River on the West Coast for $20 each while the highway bridge was being rebuilt). Think laterally, and take your time to make good decisions.

Entries

There are now 940 entrants and the first eight start waves are full.  But there are places available on other starts. We need to spread riders out so that transport and accommodation is not congested in Northland.

7am, 17th Feb: FULL
8am, 18th Feb: FULL
9am, 19th Feb: FULL
10am, 20th Feb: FULL
11am, 21th Feb: FULL
12 noon, 22th Feb: FULL
1pm, 23rd Feb: FULL (could squeeze a few more in)

7am, 3 March: FULL
8am,  4 March: 70 entries
9am, 5 March: 25 entries
10am, 6 March: 10 entries
11am, 7 March: 9 entries
12noon, 8 March: 18 entries

Please check your details on the public start list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1e2VTW2D5BcBY-zlNcgmESIR0uqX3-nhgbhYDD6E61m8/
And if you still haven’t entered, the process is explained below.

Transport from Auckland to Cape Reinga

Real Far North Tours are offering bus trips from Auckland Airport to Cape Reinga next year (pick up also available from Whangarei and Kerikeri). Riders will be given the opportunity to do last minute shopping for food at a supermarket in Kaitaia, and then taken to a camping ground 6 km from Cape Reinga. There will be large tents set up for riders to use at the camping ground, with mattresses for those who need them. The cost will be $200 all up. Bookings essential.
Contact: realfarnorthtours@gmail.com

GPS Tracking of the event

Every rider, or group of riders, must have a gps Spot Tracker for the event. Many of you will already own one. These have three great advantages:
  1. In an emergency you can call for help
  2. Your friends and family can follow your progress from anywhere in the world
  3. We can see if you’re following the TA course.
Shane from Maprogress has now set up the registration page for Tour Aotearoa at https://touraotearoa2020.maprogress.com/event/register.

Whether you have a tracker or not, you need to register with Maprogress to be shown on the Tour Aotearoa webpage that Shane has developed. And if you need a spot tracker you can buy/hire one on top of that.

Note: If you own a SPOT NZ (trackme.kiwi), it is not compatable with the TA site at Maprogress, so you’ll need to borrow/hire another one that is compatible.

Entry Process

There is no entry fee, but you do have to pay at least $100 to a charity and offset your carbon footprint. Once you’ve emailed touraotearoa@kennett.co.nz the receipts, along with your name and where you’re from, we will confirm your entry (obviously there will be no refunds if you pull out later).

THE CHARITY

You can choose your own registered charity, but it must be registered – all the bonafide charitable organisations are. Pay $100, or more, to that charity in lieu of an entry fee, and send us a copy of the receipt. Simple!

A good charity to donate to is the Waikato River Trail: https://www.waikatorivertrails.co.nz/page/donate-now/

CARBON OFFSETTING

Carbon offsetting is what needs to be done to pay for your travel pollution now rather than deferring the cost to future generations. I believe most northern hemisphere riders will have their heads around this concept already. Some airlines already offer offsetting as a service, but I'd like you to use Ekos or Enviromark because they are independant.

The carbon offsetting for your travel emissions depends on how far you are travelling to get to the start of the event and back home again. It will be approximately:

Londoners = 8 tonnes = $300
Australians = 2 tonne = $60
New Zealanders = 0.4 tonne = $30

Dr Sean Weaver from Ekos has calculated the average emissions for entrants from different parts of the world and set up a page especially for the Tour Aotearoa, so that you can offset very quickly:
https://ekos.org.nz/touraotearoa

Things change

There are several new sections of trail being built at the moment, on the Hauraki Rail Trail, Waikato River Trail, Mountains to Sea Trail, Tasman’s Great Taste Trail, West Coast Wilderness Trail, Fox Glacier Track and more! So the TA2020 will have significant changes!

There are also at least 100 changes to services along the TA course, with some businesses closing down, and others opening up.

All the changes will be included in the next edition of the Tour Aotearoa Official Guides, which will be released in November. We will also provide updated GPX files on the website.

Until the next update, I hope your planning is going well.

Pedal on!
Jonathan Kennett