Greenhorns – The youngest GODzone team this year. Tom, Rachel, Levi, Nathan

Just before the start

It was barely light as we stood on the start line. I was terrified, nervous and excited all at the same time. At 7am we were off with everyone running along Queenstown beach. We walked/ran our way to the top of the gondola navigating to controls along the way. It was then into a quick descent on mountain bikes. We shredded our way down the Queenstown single track and then headed to a climb. After the bike it was onto the paddle. We had one double kayak and one inflatable canoe so it wasn’t quick paddling. Next it was gorgeering where Tom enjoyed a quick dip to retrieve a control point (cp).

Tom enjoying the swim

Stage 2 – Bullendale Trek (45km)

We started running the first flat section and then settled the pace down after the quick prologue (stage 1). Early on while climbing a hill we stopped to deal with some foot issues. The plan was to look after our feet well as we had a lot of trekking to go. We arrived at the cp around the same time as some other teams and raced with them for awhile on the way to the next cp. We dropped down to the stream earlier than the other teams and headed up the other side of the stream. It was tricky working out the best route choice and it started getting dark as we got nearer to the CP. We headed back down into the stream and bashed our way through with other teams. It got to a point where it seemed like we should have found the cp. We turned around, while other teams continued, and found the control, which was in a cool spot with a waterfall. We trekked on into the night, eventually stopping for some sleep. It was going to be a long race and we knew that being young sleep would be very beneficial. After about 2.5hrs – 3hrs we were off again, walking along a river, up a big climb and then scrambling our way down to the transition area.

Stage 3 – Upper Shotover River canoe, fixed ropes & trek (23km)

I was looking forward to getting off my feet into the inflatable canoes. We transitioned and headed off for a nice grade 2 paddle down the Shotover River. I sat in the front paddling with Nathan steering and chilling in the back. We were near another team, which we managed to sneak past. We arrived at the old Shotover Bridge where we then had a cool abseil off the Bridge. Then we hit a snag, discovering that the trek to the next raft stage was taking teams 4-5hrs not the 1.5 to 2hrs stated in the book. Up until this point, we thought we had plenty of time to miss the dark zone (which is when we could not paddle on the River).

We packed up our paddle gear (which we had to carry with us) quickly and set off on a challenging leg, up and down hills. Tom did a good job navigating under a lot of pressure. We stepped up the pace with everything going pretty well until we made it to the last big climb. We did not pick the best route, as the hill climb had a rocky cliff section. Nathan managed to get up it. I eventually made it up but got well beyond my comfort zone and ended up leaving the dry bag pack behind so I could continue. I was uncomfortable as the consequences were not great if anyone fell from the cliff so we told Tom and Levi to take another route as they had ended up with extra bags to carry up. We got to the river and quickly changed into our wetsuits and got across the river to the rafts.

Stage 4 – Skippers Canyon rafting (14km)

We then got told we had missed the cut off! We couldn’t quite believe it. Our watches all said roughly 6.22pm not 6.30pm – the cut off time. We were still told that we could not paddle and had to wait for 12hrs. The time was checked on other people’s watches, which turned out to be the same as ours. We then were given the go ahead for the paddle and were ecstatic. The guide (Michele) went and changed into his raft gear to take us down. So we and another team crammed into one raft with all our gear and headed down the Shotover River for an awesome, but cold grade 4/5 paddle.

We made the raft….just

Stage 5 – Seven Mile mountain bike & mountain bike orienteering (38km)

We clambered out of the raft as cold as icicles and in desperate need of food and warm clothes. We took our time in this transition to warm up and sort ourselves out and were very glad to have avoided the dark zone. Eventually, we set off in the dark on the 38km mountain bike ride. We rode most of the leg before stopping for a decent sleep and starting the mountain bike orienteering. Roughly four hours later (in the early morning, we were back on our bikes heading to the 7 Mile bike park. We had a blast riding loops of single track and were soon heading into the transition area.

Stage 6 – Mt Crichton trek (21km)

About to head off on the trek

We set off on the trek near a bunch of other teams. I enjoyed a breakfast of Absolute Wilderness Chia pudding while we walked. We picked up the controls and headed up the hill to Lake Isobel and the cp. The day started to heat up and got hot while we climbed up the hill near a couple of other teams. We continued up while others chose to sidle across more. Once up the hill we found that the planned route was not going to work very well. Instead of dropping all the way back down we dropped over the opposite side of the ridge and traversed along until we could go back up to the ridge and down to Lake Isobel to get to the cp. Then, we climbed back up before a long downhill slog to transition.

Stage 7 – Pigeon Island kayak (18km)

It was dark by the time we reached the transition area. Once in our kayaks we couldn’t really see anything so followed the shoreline to make sure we did not miss the control. I was struggling to stay awake at this point. We made it to the transition area and got ready to set off on the bikes.

Stage 8 – Lochy mountain bike (120km)

We decided to smash out part of the mountain bike leg before stopping for some much needed shut eye. Once we got going so did the loud singing, which must have sounded terrible but was fun and kept us awake. We found a hay shed where we stopped for some sleep. It was really comfortable and all too soon we had to get up in the cold morning air and keep going.

Two teams passed us just as we were getting up. We passed one early on and then caught another further on. We set a good pace on the ride to start and just keep going. On the climb we were catching up with teams and passing them. We just kept moving on the ride and it just kept going up. We ended up walking our bikes up the last parts of the hill. It was awesome to reach the saddle. We flew down the other side, loving the downhill, while being careful not to crash. We passed one team who was unfortunately having some bike issues. Coming into transition we were surprised and stoked to find we had moved into the top 15 teams.

Stage 9 – Eyre Mountains (35km)

After an awesome mountain bike ride it was time to set out on the last big trek. We took our time in the transition to air out our feet, apply Gurney Goo (this stuff really saved my feet) and get ready for what was to come. For the start of the trek there was a compulsory route out which we followed. We had to try and make the most of the last daylight and decided to get onto the ridge and follow it. During this stage things got a bit crazy, Levi started seeing faces, the fatigue and lack of sleep hit me – I was walking like a drunk and was very confused. On the way down the track to the cp Tom started getting exciting sleep monsters. Nathan was the only sane person left. We managed to sneak into a hut for a 1hr 30ish nap before finishing the rest of the trek. Up the hill we went and then across to left and down the ridge – it was slow moving as we were bashing through scrub. We ended up dropping down into the stream, which turned out to be a bad call. It was all going fine until we got to a gorge, which took a while to navigate safely. Once we were out we started running as we had lost a bit of time in the stream. We raced into the transition, eager to get on the water and get to the finish.

Stage 10 – Lake Wakatipu kayak (45km)

We were off – all keen to smash this leg out. We settled into a steady pace and picked up the first 2 controls. There was a team not far behind us, which we wanted to stay in front of. There was another team on the side of the lake and we were confused as to what they were up to – it turned out to be team Motueka who had left their tracker behind. They got back on the water not long after we passed them so the race was on. This was also when the weather picked up and the water started white capping and we battled our way through the waves. It was exciting. The front of our kayak was sinking, which was when we discovered someone had forgotten to put the neprene cover on the hatch. Our kayak was filling up with water! While sitting in the waves we had to raft up to the other kayak so Tom could bail the water out of the front of our kayak. Then we were off again paddling through the waves to the finish. We made it to Frankton in 4 days 12hrs 40mins and were stoked to finish in 12th place as the youngest team in the race.

The finish line!

It was an awesome adventure. Thanks to all our amazing friends, family and supporters who were behind us. Also an extra thank you to our sponsors whose support and products helped get us through the race:

• Awaken Bars
• Buff NZ
• Chris Stagg from Team CP
• Guerny Goo
• Hillary Foods
• InjinJi
• Nelson Management Ltd
• Pure Sports Nutrition
• Vinnie from Duncan Venison

We couldn’t have done it without everyone’s support. I am now enjoying my recovery and have been catching up on the missed study.

Kia ora ano! (Hello again!)

Despite the hiatus in Peak of the Week communique,
There have still been peak of the week adventures- I have not missed a day!
So here is a little flash back to Peak #27, Marleys Hill,
Sadly due to the fires, it doesn’t look like this still.
It feels very odd that just a few weeks ago,
The name of this hill above the flying nun I didn’t even know!
Yet so many times I’ve ridden just below the peak,
A fun and flowing (yea right) descent down the flying nun I did seek.
This trip was my final test run on the trail before racing it in the Pioneer,
An attempt to gain a home advantage and to not get dropped by the flying Nina – my biggest fear!
The outlook is impressive to the harbour and the Coast,
And to Sugar Loaf- the hill that dominates the Port Hills outline the most.
When reflecting on Port hill adventures and glancing up to their magic outline,
One feels a sense of disbelief, great sadness for what has been lost- the singed trees a harrowing sign.
As I reflect on my Marley Hill adventure my thoughts go out to those effected by the fire,
Those that now have different hills to climb, you will climb higher and higher.

Kia kaha,

Reta

Mauri ora,

I knew when commencing the Pioneer- a 7 stage MTB race with 15,500m of elevation that we would not by shy of peaks,
The question was which of these would be THE Peak of the Week?
On stage 6 the saying, ‘the greater the challenge, the greater the reward’ held true,
As I lifted my low slung head to spot Little (not really!) Criffel- I mustered up a loud ”it’s you!”.
The climb up to Mt Criffel was stunning to say the least,
But after about 2hrs of climbing, my legs had had enough of this beast!
The pedals were turning very slowly, my legs felt like lead,
‘Where the hell is the finish?’ Was on repeat in my head.
And then came this glorious moment when out to my right,
My tired eyes were greeted with an empowering sight.
A trig, a sign, an elevation mark- something to tell us, yes we really had climbed quite high!
And if we were at a summit, the end must be nigh!
Well the first part was true- we had ridden up a mountain, yet there was still quite some kms to go,
Just how many I am quite glad in this moment of glory I didn’t know.
The backdrop was mountains; mountains, mountains galore
And in this moment, my legs didn’t hurt anymore.
My grimace gave way to a smile,
My grunts were drowned out by whoops of delight,
Twas a mountain that was hurting me but now more mountains gave me more fight.

My whoops of course were echoed, and thus held double the delight,
Because I had my incredible teammate Nina there with me, to share this beautiful sight.

I love mountains, even the ones that hurt.

Til next week,

Reta

Mauri ora,

Peak #29 – as named by me ‘The Monument’s Little Sister’

This was an alternative to the targeted peak- The Monument, due to the foggy vista.
Parked at Purau saddle I made a phone call to a friend ( a Port Levy bach owner and Monument summiter)”Where is the track up the Monument?”
”Can you see the Monument?”
”No”
”Follow the fence and then the cairns”.
We found the fence, we followed it and we never found the cairns… or the Monument.
We had to be satisfied with the little knoll that we did see somewhere in the vicinity of the Monument.
And thus it was with some relief that we actually made it back to the car.
Watch this space for the Monument, take 2!

Reta

Kia ora,

Peak #30- Mt Thomas in North Canterbury,

The sign at the top was about all that we could see!

”Twas a steep hike up through clouds and rain,

1023m of elevation we did gain!

Though the view was just like last week; 360 degrees of all encompassing cloud,

The company was fantastic- we discussed the languages of love out loud.

It was great to have Rids join me- he is my ‘dial an adventure’ mate,

With very long legs which ensure we go uphill at rather a fast rate.

It was also great to have Lucy to add extra fun to this drizzly hike-

Meaningful conversations in the outdoors is just the what I like!

This was for sure a drizzly Sunday well spent!

Til next week,
Reta

So I need to keep moving, I can’t stop, got to keep my lungs and my body fit and healthy. So next bucket list item to tick off is the Ironman70.3. This is Rotorua in December.

Richard at Team CP is going to continue to train me which is an incredible relief as I’m not sure how I would get there without his help and training has started already. Although he is insisting on having some downtime so I’m currently writing this in the hairdressers. (Love having enough hair that can now be styled and cut)

So it has now been two weeks since I came running into the most emotionally, tear jerking welcome I could have ever imagined. I knew that the coast to coast finish line would be emotional but I had never expected anything like what was there and I will be forever grateful for the incredible friends that I have. I well up even now thinking about it. But all good things have to come to an end and as does my coast to coast adventure. Although I do believe I may be back next year as a team… maybe….

Anyway onto the next exciting thing. The ironman70.3. This consist of a 1.9km ocean swim followed by a 90km bike then a 21.1km run. The biggest thing I’m looking forward to is the swimming. The least is running again. It’s quite crazy how much ideas change. I always thought running was my thing but it turns out it’s cycling. Unfortunately that means I have to get back into running again instead of scampering and climbing and sliding. First race is the city to surf. Here is hoping it won’t be a day like last year. I’ve just read my blog and I still don’t know how I actually finished it.

I plan on updating more regularly with photos etc of my next adventure as I prove to my cancer that it can F@(k off because I’m living life

Mauri ora,

Peak # 26,

Was summited on another ‘Banks Peninsula MTB fix.’

With my Pioneer teammate Nina at my side,

Up Long Bay Road from Akaroa we did ride,

Then down the other side to Otanerito and Goughs Bays,

As we crested the hill back up “Tussock Knoll” caught my gaze,

A little sign and an arrow pointing to a tussock covered knoll,

So we dismounted our bikes and took a little stroll.

The wind tried to blow us back down to the bay,

But we were the strongest ones on this day!

Til next week,

Mauri ora,

Summited in horizontal rain and blustery winds twas Peak #25,

If it wasn’t for this peak of the week challenge I think I’d have opted to stay inside!

As I scanned my topo map for an appropriately short adventure- This 298m peak appealed to me,

‘Windsor Castle’…some of you are possibly wondering if I headed overseas!

This rocky peak is nestled in our local Port Hills,

Accessed from the (new to me) Frog Pond mountain bike track,

Which is sure to provide some future thrills.

Unfortunately Windsor Castle did not provide us with High Tea,

But an unsheltered outlook to the raging, wild sea.

Til next week,

Reta

Tena koutou,

Peak # 24,

Sunshine, beautiful views, new roads, fantabulous company,

One could not ask for more (though I may have been heard asking for ice-cream)

I bet them folks way down there on that giant cruise ship have ice-cream,

But hey, they sure haven’t seen the glorious peak vista I’ve seen.

The name of this Peak is a mystery, though it lies in the Mystery Peaks,

It was a jolly long, hot, MTB climb, short, vertical walk combo above 700m this week.

My flying fit Pioneer teammate and explorer Nina is known for singing on her bike,

However the gradient inhibited singing whilst climbing to this great height.

We looked down to Akaroa Harbour on one side,

And on the other Stony and Flee Bay,

The latter of which we had gleefully explored earlier on this 30 degree day.

You can spot the long winding road up in the photos- it provided a long lasting, rewarding downhill

Ending at the beach in Akaroa for a refreshing swim- nature is such a thrill!

Til next week,

Reta

Once upon a time there were two Tramps, tramp 1(Rachel) and tramp 2(Simon). They set off on a sunny Tuesday morning from the road end for an adventure in Tararua Ranges. They had two solid days planned, but the real test would to see if they could complete their goals of hut bagging Dorset Ridge Hut, Tarn Ridge Hut and Mid King Biv.

Their first stop was Mitre Flats Hut; they had a lovely walk along the track into the hut which took 2.5hrs (DOC estimate 4hrs); they were pleased with progress and prepared themselves for the hill ahead. The Tramps started on the big climb

Peggy’s peak, it was part of the climb up to Mitre

ahead of them, it just kept going up and up. Finally they made it out of the bush line. They looked up and saw all the hill they still had to go! They just kept plodding on. Tramp 2 did not like the look of the walk along Peggy’s peak with a step drop on the side of the track. He keeping going, not looking down. The Tramps were ecstatic when they reached the top of Mitre at 1571m (the highest peak in the Tararua’s). They enjoyed the panoramic views on this glorious Tararua day. They had a nice lunch break before checking the maps and seeing what there was to come as the day was not over yet. From the peak they could see the two huts they were aiming to bag in the distance.

On the top of Mitre

This is where we still had to go along the ridge

Off the Tramps set scrambling their way down the step side of Mitre. Tramp 2 was not enjoying the downward rock climbing. Across the ridge they continued and fear entered tramp 2 as he saw the skinny ridge ahead. It didn’t look that thin on the map! Tramp 2 slowly tramped on looking at his feet and not the drop below. Tramp 1 did what she could to help tramp 2. Progress was slow but they eventually made it to a junction on the ridge. The Tramps merrily headed down the ridge to Tarn Ridge Hut. They had made it! Hut number 47 in the Tararua’s for tramp 1. After signing the hut book and scanning it for interesting comments and friends, they set off on the final leg of the day. Back up the ridge they went to the junction; they turned off and headed on their way to Dorset Ridge Hut. After a bit more up and downs, the Tramps had finally made it to hut. Tired bodies lay in the sun outside the hut enjoying the best weather the Tararua’s could offer.

Tarn Ridge Hut

Dorset Ridge Hut

The next morning the Tramps got ready for another exciting day. They had enjoyed day one but they didn’t realise what day two was about to bring. They set off on an old track no longer maintained by Doc and had an interesting time following it down to Dorset Creek. It was steep and slippery, and tricky to follow at points. Once they had made to the creek they had to find a way up to the spur. With a bit of scrabbling and looking around they decided just to head straight up the step side of the spur. It didn’t take long to reach the top of the spur which the Tramps traveled up along to South King. On the ridge they were hit with typical strong Tararua wind which prevented them from being able to walk along the ridge. They sidled just below the ridge along to South King. From there the Tramps dropped down and had to navigate their way to Mid King Biv. This turned into a challenge with slippery snow grass, hidden Spaniard and unexpected holes. Worse was still to come. Tramp 1’s frustration started to increase, the Biv was so close yet so far when they hit the thick leatherwood which they had to bush bash through. Progress was slow and challenging, with the feeling that the leatherwood was winning. The Tramps finally made it out of the leatherwood and found their way to Mid King Biv! They were stoked to have made it out of the leatherwood and to have achieved their final goal.

Enjoying the Leatherwood

Finally made it to Mid King Biv

It was now mostly downhill from Mid King Biv back to Mitre Flats Hut. The Tramps where shocked to see their first orange track marker of the day which alas only lead them up out of the Biv and them disappeared again. They tried to follow the already formed tracks down the ridge and occasionally lost it. They made it to the river and then to Mitre Flats Hut. Now it was time for the home straight. The Tramps had a snack to keep their energy levels up for the final tramp out. The Tramps where very excited to finally be back on a marked track which they followed all the way out. The two tired Tramps had made it to the end of their exciting adventure. Tramp one was happy to have bagged three new Tararua huts which only left her with two remaining huts to bag. It was a good GodZone training mission with hopefully a few more exciting training missions to come before the race.