IMPORTANT NOTICE

Hello All,

As part of this ride we depend on the goodwill of landowners and we do not assume it is a right to cross private land. We have approached all landowners we have identified from records we can access but have not heard or had all confirmed.

PLEASE do not assume you have the right to cross private land because a line appears on a Google map.

If you have concerns please contact us immediately as our records are not always accurate. We appreciate any information which allows us to properly contact landowners.

Relying on information and working remotely from the North Island means we may not get it right and in the first instance we must respect all landowners rights.

We request that riders do not ride any sections of private land prior to permission being granted.

To GPS or not to GPS, that is the question

The ethos of the Great Southern Brevet is self-sufficiency. This applies to navigation (as well as food, water and bikes repairs!)

Last time round we jotted down some tips on navigation (Click here) and advice on GPS use. With the improvement and availability of the technology it remains a vexing question whether to use a GPS or not.

A compass and paper map remain the most reliable method of navigation but arguably life with a GPS is easier. When they work, they work well. They make for one less stress on your ride.

They can be had for as little as $NZ100 for the basic model. These are capable of a basic map (monochrome) and the course. They can show when you veer off course and how far you have to go.

Thank goodness the scenery is in colour!

The colour models with increased memory can sport full topographic maps and are generally easier to use, but come at a price.

Power is a big consideration with a GPS. No power = no route! You can use power saving modes to extend battery life, and/or use it sparingly (would you really need a GPS to follow the Lake Hawea track?). Units with replaceable batteries allow you to carry a backup set to get you out of a bind while rechargeable units tend to require good discipline managing power consumption.

A copy of the cue sheet and a 1:250,000 map are always good backup, but if you want to up-tech, then you better get it on your Christmas list as time is running out!

Not sure going this small works?

Now where are my glasses?

Time to Walk the Talk!

OK, so you have been telling everyone around the water cooler that will listen, that you are about to embark on a major pain fest through the rugged central South Island of New Zealand in the New Year. Now comes the time to walk the talk!

Yes, time to get your details in so we can see how many riders will be enjoying the January sunshine in Lake Tekapo before setting off for an adventure.

We may have to limit numbers as it is a challenge to get enough trackers at the moment and although not expecting large numbers we do need to know as soon as possible. If you have your own SPOT then there should be no issue, just fill out the details on the form.

If you are not quite sure then drop us a line first and we can help with any information you may be missing. Details will be added to the site about the new course in earnest over the next couple of weeks in time for reading during your Christmas Break.

WARNING: Clicking on the link below may result in discovering you have parts that you never knew could hurt so much while sitting down (on a small surface attached to two wheels that is!).

Registration Form for the Great Southern Brevet 2014

Registration?

Will you have to register for the Great Southern Brevet 2014?

The short answer: Yes.

As the route passes through several private properties it is a condition of access that we know who will be travelling through the property. This is mostly for safety reasons but also piece of mind for the property owners. Please respect their right to know who and where and when someone is on their property. They are essentially allowing us to wander through their backyard.

Many of these "backyards", though spectacular, are not without hazards so it is important we know where you will be traveling and approximately when. Although the Brevet operates on a "self-sufficiency" ethos there may come a time when even the best of us need a hand. New Zealand has some strict health and safety laws and the Great Southern Brevet seeks to abide by these.

The registration form will be up on this site next week so please check back and if you are intending to be in Tekapo on the 18th of January, 2014 please complete the details on the form.

If you are not sure please still complete the form as it will save time if you decide at the last minute you need a serious dose of great scenery and great riding. Remember there is no entry fee.

What's the Great Southern Brevet 2014 going to be like?

Have had many questions along these lines over the past few weeks. Would guess mostly by those not sure what they will be getting themselves in for.

It will be great!

Yeah, I know too easy an answer. But really if you need an idea of what you are getting yourself into then first thing to do is read this site. Check out the Daily Txt-ins/Photos page to get a feel of what the riders experienced last time. Most of this is in their own words and their own photos.

Then check out the Leg Descriptions pages for an overview of the type of terrain and riding you can expect. And finally check out the Links page for helpful hints if it is your first big ride.

Over the next week or so the 2014 Course and Leg Descriptions will be posted. Although the scenery and riding will be fresh the idea is still the same: great riding, great country to ride through and great company.

Time to start thinking about another ride!

A low key kick off for the next Great Southern Brevet. As the updated banner suggests, January 2014 will see the Great Southern Brevet run for the second time.

Starting and finishing in Lake Tekapo as the inaugural brevet in 2012 did but this time with a new route, well 70%+ new ;-)  There will be the same challenging long days, truly spectacular vistas and satisfaction of having done it as the first Great Southern Brevet (and maybe a few bumps to test the gear attachments as well).

The website will be refreshed over the next few weeks and updated with the new course and leg descriptions. Still have a few land access issues to sort but thinking positive it will be equal to the first GSB with some new twists to make it worth the journey.

Hope to see you in Lake Tekapo on the 18th of January 2014!