2000km down... ONLY 2500km to go!
Kia ora koutou,
So here we are, 40 days since we rode away from Cape Reinga, over 2000km since those first pedal strokes, and we're on the South Island. In fact we're kicking back in St Arnaud at the home of the builder of our Quest Trailers that have bobbed, bounced and chased us all the way. From here we ride up to skifield No 6, Rainbow, the first of our 20 in the south.
We've been buffeted by winds, soaked by rains, burnt by sun. We've experienced unbelievable Kiwi hospitality and support, visited schools and answered loads of questions. We've ridden incredible terrain from such quiet backroads, sealed and gravel, to mountain bike trails. We even chased a double Paris Olympic gold medal winning track cyclist around a velodrome. You can watch it here.
Through the North Island regions of Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Taranaki, Manawatū-Whanganui and finally Wellington.
And we've skied! First at Snowplanet, then at each of the 3 ski fields of Mt Ruapehu - Whakapapa, Tukino and Turoa. Alas our diversion west to Maunganui, the little club ski field on imposing Mt Taranaki was nothing but grass, cloud, wind, rain, sleet but I'm sure I saw a few snowflakes. But 5 days later we took the snow to Ruapehu, as not one, but two good falls blanketed the mountain for and after our arrival. Staff faces lit up as the rocks of Ruepehu went from black to white. Finally some skiing! With the maunga consisting only of volcanic rock, more is needed, but the fields could open some limited terrain. We ski toured at Whakapapa, eventually dragging ourselves away from our fine hosts to hike 'Around The Mountain' over 2 days to tiny Tukino, where we toured and skied into rocks! Another 2 days of hiking through snow - deep for walking but not deep enough to ski tour - the last day a long 11 hours on foot - to reach Turoa. A few chairlifts were open for us the following day, well appreciated by tired legs and bodies, and so good to do some laps on the skis.
Then more glorious riding to Wellington, the capital of this fine country. Our couple of days there were busy with media commitments and Alpine Odyssey Aotearoa functions, including with Save the Children. And what a welcome we had from them at their head office!
Amongst all this goodness, some sadness. A few weeks ago a good friend, Chris Bayliss, at 75, finally lost his fight with the C word. Then 10 days ago a phone call completely stopped me in my tracks, made tears pour down my cheeks. A phone call to say Zac Dooling, not even 50, had passed away, during a MTB ride in Sydney. Zac was not just a good mate of 20 years standing and family friend, but also the marketing manager of Outdoor Agencies, a 35 year supporter of my ventures, including this one with Nemo, Osprey and more. Thoughts are with Kate, Chris's wife and Zac's wife Tammie and their two young daughters. We must all leave this life at some point, the only true inevitability of life. But such loss is still tragic so thoughts also with anyone here who is grieving or suffering.
While Australia kicks on with a cracking snow season (I must stop looking at the snow reports!) here in NZ things have been a bit slow. But, snow is in the forecast for later this week. We might have to start charging the ski areas for our good charm - a donation to the fundraising perhaps!
Thanks for all your support and generous donations to our Save the Children fundraising. We've hit the 1/3 mark of our $75,000 target so still a way to go. And look out for a $4000 Adventure South NZ cycle trip we'll be auctioning off to the highest bidder soon.
Progress of Ski Fields Sold
Good News!
In late 2024, I had the chance to meet some of the remarkable students behind Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, first in Australia and later in Vanuatu. It was their vision, five years earlier, that sparked the idea to bring a case to the International Court of Justice. These young people, from across the Pacific but based in Vanuatu, dared to ask the world’s most powerful court to recognise what their communities had lived with for years: that climate inaction is a violation of human rights.
Hearing how access to education gave them the tools to challenge global power was a turning point for me. It is why Laurence and I are riding the length of Aotearoa, to raise funds for climate resiliant classrooms in Vanuatu, so more young people can keep learning even after the storms hit. On 23 July, the International Court of Justice confirmed what they have long argued: climate change is a human rights issue and governments have a legal duty to protect the rights of children, including their right to education, health and safety.
We ask from the bottom of our hearts that you stand with Save the Children. All funds raised will go to building a better future for these children who have already taken on so much.
Partner Profile: GroundEffect
You'll notice in most our photos that we are wearing the famous Ground Effect colours as they have been part of our journey on Alpine Odyssey Aotearoa.
Ground Effect has played a role in both of our lives; Laurence, until his accident in 2013, as a former staff member, and myself as a long time wearer and grateful recipient of their support on past adventures and events.
Based and made right here in Aotearoa (yes MADE here!), GroundEffect has spent more than 30 years crafting cycle clothing that does more than survive the elements, it thrives in them. And it works well on our skis too!
Through wind, rain, mud, snow and sweat, their gear has earned its place on our bodies and in our bags. But it is not just about performance, as Ground Effect has always stayed true to its roots. Rider owned, locally made and a quiet but steady supporter of cycling across New Zealand. We are proud to be wearing their gear on Alpine Odyssey Aotearoa.
Explore their gear at: https://www.groundeffect.co.nz
