GSB 2014 Day 9 Txts Final Day of the Great Southern Brevet

With 4 riders left to complete the 2014 edition of the Great Southern Brevet they may have felt some pressure. Both groups rode well into the night to finish ahead of any perceived finish deadline (Rule 8: Riders should finish in under 8 days).

They can now have a relaxing Sunday knowing they have completed a monumental route through some of the toughest, and most scenic, the central South Island has to offer having began in Canterbury (Mackenzie Country), traversing into Otago and even dipping into Southland (Mossburn).

Mel, Jon and Donna finished at a brisk 4:20 am, followed with Keith finishing in daylight at 9 am.

Keith started a day later than the field as he had commitments on the Saturday. A top effort to cycle 1200 kms on his own.

Date: 26 January 2014 04:28
Subject: SMS with Jonathon Jarrett

Jon, Mel and Donna in at 0420 Tekapo. Serious headwind last section. Thanks Dave for organising an amazing ride.

Date: 26 January 2014 09:51
Subject: SMS with Keith Payne

Arrived around 9am at the church. Cheers keith

GSB 2014 Day 8 Photos

Another spectacular Mackenzie Country day with the sun beating down on the riders still turning over the cranks on their way to Tekapo.

Dave had mechanical issues so finished on Shelley's bike and had to retrieve Shelley after first managing a lap of  the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shore of Lake Tekapo.

Dirk and Jenny arrived just on lunchtime.

More tall tales from the back roads and tracks of the lower South Island

Debbie and Emma, still eating 2 days later

Dirk and Jenny happy to see us again. Back where it began.

Mel, Jon and Donna taking a brief break on Hakataramea Valley Road

River might be a bit strong a term here?

Keith, with time for a photo before riding well into the night to get home (literally, he is from Tekapo)

GSB 2014 Day 8 Txts

With a large numbers of riders completing the ride yesterday it was much quieter today.

The weather still held with a brilliant sunny day and no wind to begin. The wind did manage to pick up and make it's presence felt by late afternoon.

8 riders remained out on the course. 4 of these looked to be finishing today (Saturday) with the others are well within reach for Sunday.

Date: 2014-01-25
Subject: SMS with Cliff Clermont

Final kms for foursome under 6 days.

Date: 2014-01-25
Subject: SMS with Wendy Raich

At saddle. Beautiful evening. See you in a few hours

Date: 25 January 2014 09:52
Subject: SMS with Keith Payne

Enjoying a coffee in ranfurly

Date: 25 January 2014 11:26
Subject: SMS with Dave Fleming

Smashed through to Tekapo 1 lap of church

Date: 25 January 2014 14:28
Subject: SMS with Jonathon Jarrett

Jon and Mel Jarratt plus Donna Brown checking in from Kurow. All good

Date: 25 January 2014 15:29
Subject: SMS with Jasper van der Lingen

Jasper and Dan finished in 6 days 11 hours. Had a great time riding, Drinking beer looking at the scenery. Thanks for all the good company and for Dave Kings organisation.

GSB 2014 Day 7 Photos

A long and rewarding day for those pushing on to Tekapo. Excellent conditions and amazing vistas.

Jasper and Dan saddle up for the long ride to Tekapo

We've seen similar warnings before haven't we?

Leaving the Maniototo behind and climbing Danseys Pass

One last ride on the Kurow Bridge as it's replacement rises in the background

The third traffic jam today, transport woes in the Hakataramea Valley

Courtney and Al celebrate cresting the last hill of the ride

Mt. Cook looms over the road to Tekapo

And the vast Mackenzie plains to navigate the final few kilometers

Greg and Mary finally get to put a foot down

Paul and Lisa celebrate a milestone

The aftermath, nothing a bucket of ice and beer won't fix

The fog creeping through the passes into the Mackenzie basin

Jasper arriving in the dark as usual (but dry this time)

GSB 2014 Day 7 Txts

Another absolutely stunning day for many starting in the Maniototo and finishing in Mackenzie Country.

The wind was generally light with the short (15km) turn on Haldon Road at tough head wind. There was some very localised and unusual weather phenomena which resulted in rain that existed in a small 1 km square area and dramatic fog rolling over the passes from the east.

Many riders enjoyed excellent riding conditions and arrived well ahead of schedule and had to revise their day plans. Most choosing to push for the finish in Tekapo.

Those continuing on were rewarded with spectacular views of Mt Cook and the Mackenzie basin before a short roll into town.


Date: 24 January 2014 01:31
Subject: SMS with Marcus Smokey Peters

Marcus has finished the Brevet.

Date: 24 January 2014 09:15
Subject: SMS with Thomas Cube2 Ekholm

Julie. Kurow.

Date: 24 January 2014 09:15
Subject: SMS with Thomas Cube2 Ekholm

kurow thomas ekholm  julie williams all good

Date: 24 January 2014 09:15
Subject: SMS with Jenny Cossey

Four square in ran furled

Date: 24 January 2014 09:45
Subject: SMS with Al Gribble

Courtney, Al and Paul all in kurow eating breakky!! Bring on the last leg yehhhaaa

Date: 24 January 2014 09:47
Subject: SMS with Dave Cooper

Back at the church. Bloody done.

Date: 24 January 2014 09:48
Subject: SMS with Matthew Hughes

Leg 12 complete! Tekapo done. Dang that's a loop! :) till next time.

Date: 24 January 2014 10:16
Subject: SMS with Michael Hoogeveen

Complete. Riding bikes is fun! Loved most bits of it.

Date: 24 January 2014 10:21
Subject: SMS with Hamish Pedersen

Text in
Finished
Dunzo
What a roller coaster
Thanks

Date: 24 January 2014 10:41
Subject: SMS with Jacqueline JackieO O'Hagan

In Ranfurly fueling before the Naseby tikitour and headed to Dansey's Pass pub tonight. Brr that was cold this morning. Jackie and Barryn!

Date: 24 January 2014 11:31
Subject: SMS with Andrew Bichan

Andrew B checking in at Tekapo. All done.

Date: 24 January 2014 11:36
Subject: SMS with Peter Maindonald

Finai check in, 5 days, 23 h, 48 m. Full course complete. Cheers Peter M

Date: 24 January 2014 12:39
Subject: SMS with Andy Jones

In Kurow. Heading for Tekapo

Date: 24 January 2014 12:39
Subject: SMS with Greg Thurlow

Kurow.stunning day up the waitaki.slightly different to las time lol


Date: 24 January 2014 12:41
Subject: SMS with Jason Brown

Check in Kurow.

Date: 24 January 2014 12:54
Subject: SMS with Steve Gwilliam

At tekapo. Magic stuff. Steve

Date: 24 January 2014 13:20
Subject: SMS with Wendy Raich

Ian and wendy checking in from a sunny windless kurow. Wendy's swollen foot is improved so life is good. Beautiful through danseys pass then even a light tail wind to kurow. So early that we'll enjoy the cafe and then head in to somewhere

Date: 24 January 2014 14:06
Subject: SMS with Michael Greaves

Tekapo and a hard final push in the sun. What an epic week. Fark.

Date: 24 January 2014 14:07
Subject: SMS with Stewart Thomas

At a church we saw a week ago !  Big thanks to justin and Michael for the trip. And Dave for organising

Date: 24 January 2014 14:39
Subject: SMS with Justin Maxwell

Tekapo. Thanks dave, we took a few liberties with your course. Great challange, excellent time. A bit sore.

Date: 24 January 2014 14:43
Subject: SMS with Dan van Asch

Dan and Jasper eating double scoop ice cream in Kurow. Heading back out into the afternoon sun for a wee ride up the Haka valley

Date: 24 January 2014 15:18
Subject: SMS with Dirk Naish

In kurow. Up the valley for the night.

Date: 24 January 2014 16:07
Subject: SMS with Michael Greaves

Thanks Dave. For everything. Really enjoyed this, with all of the ups and downs. Every single day would have been a great ride of itself, back to back, day after day made it a huge challenge. Bests for 2014. Michael.

Date: 24 January 2014 16:07
Subject: SMS with Glenn Heenan

Arrived kurow

Date: 24 January 2014 16:17
Subject: SMS with Thomas Cube2 Ekholm

Julie. Tekapo:-)  woot.  Great route. Great camaraderie. Thanks all

Date: 24 January 2014 16:18
Subject: SMS with Al Gribble

GSB 2014 you have been epic. Peace out!! Touch down at tekapo at 4.10!! CS.

Date: 24 January 2014 16:19
Subject: SMS with Al Gribble

AL is also here

Date: 24 January 2014 16:19
Subject: SMS with Dave Fleming

In Kurow

Date: 24 January 2014 16:20
Subject: SMS with Paul and Diana Conner

What a great ride. A few lows over ridden by a good number of highs.

Date: 2014/1/24
Subject: SMS with Stewart Thomas

Breakfast up the last stage

Date: 24 January 2014 18:37
Subject: SMS with Thomas Cube2 Ekholm

tekapo finish thomas ekholm    thanks for organisation

Date: 24 January 2014 19:06
Subject: SMS with Jonathon Jarrett

Jon and Mel Jarratt and Donna Brown checking in from Ranfurly. All good

Date: 24 January 2014 20:04
Subject: SMS with Greg Thurlow

Tekapo.end of an adventure.

Date: 24 January 2014 21:25
Subject: SMS with Wendy Raich

Ian and wendy checking in at the finish. Brutal winds from every direction but mainly headwind


Date: 24 January 2014 22:59
Subject: SMS with Glenn Heenan

Finished! That was epic! Awesome!

GSB 2014 Day 6 Photos

Having turned the corner and headed in the northerly direction (the direction of Tekapo), many riders began to relax confident it was within reach.

Morning Tea anyone?

Snowing on the left and blue sky on the right, welcome to Central Otago!

The folded landscape, where's my paint brush Grahame?

Lake Onslow Outlet

Wendy adding colour to the vast landscape

Dan and Jasper, who needs gears with this tailwind

Cycle mustering, not uncommon on the Great Southern Brevet

Thomas and Julie enjoy an afternoon siesta before riding into the night

Children, stop playing in the swings and come inside it is late

Another night roughing it?

GSB 2014 Day 6 Txts

Well one word sums up day 6 of the 2014 Great Southern Brevet: Wind!

Some battled a headwind to push on through to Tekapo while others enjoyed a tailwind to drive them up the Maniototo Plain (reaching 60 kph in sections rolling along Deep Creek Road).

Although chilly at Lake Onlsow, once over the crest of the hill the temperature rose by 5 degrees and the wind was full on the back driving them to Ranfurly. A large contingent again bunched up on the Art Deco Capital of the south.

Some settled for Naseby for the night while others pushed on for the luxury of the Danseys Pass Coach Inn. And a few even bypass all comforts to have a final night out under the stars along Danseys Pass.


Date: 23 January 2014 09:36
Subject: SMS with Matty Graham

Have left spot jst inside back door (was open). Thanks so much for organising such a great event. It was a very challenging ride through some amazing places!

Date: 23 January 2014 10:04
Subject: SMS with stephen stealth mode butterworth

Having poridge in Kurow nice head wind today

Date: 23 January 2014 12:05
Subject: SMS with Nathan Mawkes

Nathan, in Ranfurly, had a great ride down from lake Onslow

Date: 23 January 2014 12:08
Subject: SMS with Andrew Bichan

Andrew B checking in from ranfurly.  One minor excursion over the handle bars, slight damage to the pride.

Date: 23 January 2014 13:56
Subject: SMS with Debbie Chambers

Debbie and Emma in kurow - coffee and panini time - one leg to go - looks massive

Date: 23 January 2014 13:56
Subject: SMS with Michael Hoogeveen

Ranferly check in

Date: 23 January 2014 13:56
Subject: SMS with Dave Cooper

In ranfurly.

Date: 23 January 2014 13:57
Subject: SMS with Richard Davies

Richie davies - kurow. Headwind about as welcome as a bacon buttie at a bar mitsvah

Date: 23 January 2014 13:57
Subject: SMS with Ken Scotty Scott

In Kurow. Will push on

Date: 23 January 2014 13:57
Subject: SMS with Julian Jules Morton

At kurow.

Date: 23 January 2014 13:57
Subject: SMS with Trevor Woodward

Jill Jo and trevor refueling in ranfurly

Date: 23 January 2014 13:57
Subject: SMS with Cliff Clermont

Cliff C. Finished. Is anyone said a thing about the wind?

Date: 23 January 2014 14:05
Subject: SMS with Steve Gwilliam

At ranfurly. Nice wind! Shit straight roads!

Date: 23 January 2014 14:24
Subject: SMS with Brian Alder

Dave , Anja dropped off our spots in town. Thanks for making this happen.  Hardest & best  thing i've done for years . Brian

Date: 23 January 2014 14:26
Subject: SMS with Michael Michi Speck

Michi in kurow, onwards to tekapo...  can I order a tailwind to go?

Date: 23 January 2014 14:42
Subject: SMS with Stuart Banks

Stu Banks withdrawn

Date: 23 January 2014 15:06
Subject: SMS with Lisa Phelan

Phew. Arrived in ranfurly after what felt like an unfeasibly tough first climb out of roxburgh. The pains of day six! Digging deep...and still loving you dave ;) lisa and paul

Date: 23 January 2014 15:16
Subject: SMS with Marcus Smokey Peters

marcus in Kurow sheltering from the southerly

Date: 23 January 2014 15:26
Subject: SMS with Thomas Cube2 Ekholm

Julie. Ranfurly eating new favorite food mousetraps.  Wild thyme on knobby range y.day.

Date: 23 January 2014 15:33
Subject: SMS with kevin mojo moginie

Kevin Marcus and Peter have arrived in kurow  we took out Dansay's pass on under 1 hour

Date: 23 January 2014 15:34
Subject: SMS with Peter Pedro Keller

Pedro in Kurow  Wow!

Date: 23 January 2014 16:08
Subject: SMS with David Butler

Tekapo check in. Hooray.

Date: 23 January 2014 16:24
Subject: SMS with kevin mojo moginie

Got accommodation thanks

Date: 23 January 2014 16:50
Subject: SMS with Greg Thurlow

Ranfurly.great tailwind over from roxburgh.trails of naseby await...

Date: 23 January 2014 17:01
Subject: SMS with stephen stealth mode butterworth

So good to have a headwind for 9 hrs on the last day woo hoo Tekapo

Date: 23 January 2014 17:17
Subject: SMS with Paul and Diana Conner

Got to feel lucky to have the wind on your back.  In Ranfurly having a cuppa

Date: 23 January 2014 17:30
Subject: SMS with Michael Greaves

Naseby and back on track. Front coming through, getting a bit damp at the minute. Michael.

Date: 23 January 2014 17:30
Subject: SMS with Jonathon Jarrett

Jon and Mel Jarratt and Donna Brown checking in from Alex. All good

Date: 23 January 2014 17:31
Subject: SMS with Michael Greaves

Sanest wind assisted climb (blown up). In duntroon great day. Kurow bound. Michael.

Date: 23 January 2014 18:05
Subject: SMS with Dirk Naish

Made it to ranfùrly

Date: 23 January 2014 18:10
Subject: SMS with Wendy Raich

Ian and wendy checking in from ranfurly. Slow day with drive train and puncture problems for us. Beautiful in the linnburn area

Date: 2014/1/23
Subject: SMS with David Butler

Done!

Date: 23 January 2014 18:24
Subject: SMS with Jason McAvoy

Tekapo: That was the hardest thing I have ever done. Challenging but rewarding. Now time to EAT!!

Date: 23 January 2014 18:35
Subject: SMS with Jasper van der Lingen

Jasper and dan in ranfurly heading to naseby for a beer

Date: 23 January 2014 22:45
Subject: SMS with Stewart Thomas

Back on course option A   Camping up at kurrow. First tail wind of the week today. Yeah!

Date: 23 January 2014 22:45
Subject: SMS with Julian Jules Morton

Finished at 7.55 at tekapo. Yay.

Date: 23 January 2014 22:45
Subject: SMS with Glenn Heenan

Arrived Ranfurly. Great day biking. Tailwind was pretty helpful. The pub I'm staying in makes a cut lunch- excellent!

Date: 23 January 2014 22:45
Subject: SMS with Ken Scotty Scott

Finished. Hard last bit into wind. Where can I drop off the tracker. Thanks for a great week

Date: 23 January 2014 22:45
Subject: SMS with Nathan Mawkes

Nathan, in Kurow, had a great ride with strong tail winds alot of the way

Date: 23 January 2014 22:45
Subject: SMS with Steve Gwilliam

Kurow pub. Awesome ride up from Ran. Steve

Date: 23 January 2014 22:45
Subject: SMS with Michael Michi Speck

Yeah boi, sweet home tekapo:-)  time for a warm shower and a home cook meal:-) Michi signing out:-)

Date: 23 January 2014 22:45
Subject: SMS with Justin Maxwell

Kurow for more food.

Date: 23 January 2014 22:45
Subject: SMS with Michael Greaves

Kurow check. Final push from duntroon block head/crosswind. Smelling tekapo now.

Date: 23 January 2014 22:45
Subject: SMS with Keith Payne

Finally in Alex. Got chased by a sleet storm all the way along the Nevis. Legs fell off halfway through the day. Not sure what happened!

Date: 23 January 2014 22:45
Subject: SMS with Debbie Chambers

Debbie and Emma done and dusted - awesome journey - thanks

Date: 23 January 2014 22:45
Subject: SMS with Richard Davies

Rd - tekapo. Dave thanks for all the trials and tribulations to get us to the startline to then have our own trials and tribulations. Headwind home not the least of them! Richard

Date: 23 January 2014 22:45
Subject: SMS with Ken Scotty Scott

1qq

Date: 23 January 2014 22:45
Subject: SMS with Michael Hoogeveen

Kurow check in.

Date: 23 January 2014 22:45
Subject: SMS with Andrew Bichan

Andrew B checking in from kurow. Great tail wind up Danseys and steak dinner at the Kurow pub. Quite a few in tonight and the tactics have already started.

GSB 2014 Day 6 Early Txts

Some trepidation in the early comments today as it dawned overcast and cooler than the last 5 days. A sprinkling of snow overnight on the Old Man Range above Alexandra probably has more to do with it than the cloud cover which is now starting to break up with patches of blue sky appearing.

Forecast is good so hopefully it is just cool early morning riding conditions. Suspect later txts will be more about the headwind and the heat.

More finishers in Tekapo overnight (and late into the night).

Date: 22 January 2014 23:57

Subject: SMS with Wendy Raich

Ian and wendy checking in from roxburgh. Very tired in Alexandra. Big feed and rest and then one of the best rides so far through the knobby range. Excellent sunset all good except for wendy's crash in the dark descent.

Date: 23 January 2014 02:27

Subject: SMS with Geof Blance

Done.. 2.07. Geof

From: Oliver Ollie Hutchison <hutchiko@gmail.com>

Date: 23 January 2014 03:46

Subject: SMS with Oliver Ollie Hutchison

GSB 2014 Done and dusted...  Arrived at 3:40am :-)

Date: 23 January 2014 06:14

Subject: SMS with Al Gribble

Leaving Alex now. Hopefully the last day of epic hills.....

Date: 23 January 2014 06:19

Subject: SMS with Michael Michi Speck

Michi ranfurly last night:-)

Date: 23 January 2014 06:21

Subject: SMS with Marcus Smokey Peters

marcus ranfurly

Date: 23 January 2014 06:47

Subject: SMS with Stewart Thomas

The team has made an executive session over night to take the tough and scenic route around to ranfurly on the rail trail today. Justin Michael and Stew

GSB 2014 Day 5 Late Txts

The first rider to complete the Great Southern Brevet 2014 arrived in Tekapo just after 1 pm today, followed by a further 4 riders just before 7 pm.

There may also be a few attempting the late push tonight while those more mortal are converging on Alexandra and Roxburgh for the Lake Onslow-Ranfurly leg tomorrow. Weather is predicted to be fine but with a headwind :-(

Date: 22 January 2014 19:10
Subject: SMS with David Butler

Ranfurly check in. Can you turn the wind down a whisker please?

Date: 22 January 2014 19:11
Subject: SMS with Anja McDonald

Phelps, brian, Tristan and Anja arrived in tekapo at 6 56.,. Another head wind laced with hail welcomed us in. Now for some food and a shower!

Date: 22 January 2014 19:17
Subject: SMS with Brian Alder

Done . Fantastic ! Feels bloody amazing . Brian A

Date: 22 January 2014 19:21
Subject: SMS with Craig Phillips

Here we are, back at the start. What a trip! Thanks to everyone who followed progress for all the calls & texts, it helps to share the mission! Good luck to everyone still out there,  & cheers to Dave for organising

From: Linda Wensley

Date: 22 January 2014 00:10
Subject: Birthday song for Craig Phillips - birthday on the 22nd January

On the off chance you are somewhere near craig phillips on the 22^nd January – a song to sing to the tune of  happy birthday J

Thanks

We’re all hoping he cracks Tekapo on his birthday!

On your bicycle you’ll stay

for 20 hours of your day

with Brian, Anje and Tristan

As you head Tekapo way

Your friends are losing sleep

To watch your tracker  go bleep

Cheering out with excitement

When it takes a big leap

We know you’ve got grit

And an intelligent wit

Hope they’re easing the pain

While on your bicycle you sit… and sit… and sit…

We know you can last

This one final blast

All the way to Lake Tekapo

Go Phelpsie  go fast!

Date: 22 January 2014 19:31
Subject: SMS with Jason McAvoy

Ranfurly: Terrain and wind dictated a frustrating slow day. Pedalling hard and going nowhere. It was like watching paint dry.

Date: 22 January 2014 19:45
Subject: SMS with Keith Payne

Forgot to text from mossburn in athol tonight

Date: 22 January 2014 20:00
Subject: SMS with Courtney Shinn

Epic Climbs Here In Nz!early Night Tonight In Alexander After Some Big Days. Courtney.

Date: 22 January 2014 20:08
Subject: SMS with Jenny Cossey

New world 5 min shop before they closed in Alex

Date: 22 January 2014 20:10
Subject: SMS with Oliver Ollie Hutchison

Last check in before I'm done! Pass was great but last 2 hours have been killer headwind. Pushing on to finish.

Date: 22 January 2014 20:22
Subject: SMS with Debbie Chambers

Debbie and Emma in ranfurly - hard day wind and storm

Date: 22 January 2014 20:34
Subject: SMS with Matty Graham

Will u be in tekapo 2moro for me 2 drop off spot and catch up? Will b heading bak 2 dunedin so cud meet u along the way depending on where u r. Thanks for a great ride. Matty Graham.


Date: 22 January 2014 20:47
Subject: SMS with Julian Jules Morton

At ranfurly.

Date: 22 January 2014 21:21
Subject: SMS with Greg Thurlow

Roxburgh.regroup and plan executed to perfection.4hrs from Alex.

Date: 22 January 2014 21:21
Subject: SMS with Anja McDonald

Hi Dave, are there details on the blog for where to return the Trackers or can i drop them in tekapo somewhere? Thanks   for an epic adventure! Anja

Date: 22 January 2014 22:05
Subject: SMS with Dave Fleming

Big day out almost 4 seasons in Nevis in Alex

Date: 22 January 2014 22:06
Subject: SMS with Ken Scotty Scott

In Ranfurly. Long & hard with some shitty weather. Perfect

Date: 22 January 2014 22:10
Subject: SMS with Cliff Clermont

Cliff C. In Kurow. Tui draughts flowing after epic beat down into town.  Waitaki Hotel.

Date: 22 January 2014 22:26
Subject: SMS with Rob Davidson

Made ranfurly for dinner. Lake Onslow pretty but took a while to get away from.. big day out tomorrow:-)

GSB 2014 Day 5 Photos

A cool but brilliant dawn over Southland for the 17 hearty souls in the Ski Hut above Garsten (should be 18 but the author slept outside as not quite as comfortable with the odour as the riders are after 4 days ;-).

3 riders had taken a wrong turn the previous day so went to check out what was up. Hawksburn Road is well marked. There is a power line access road (un-named) which heads left 10 kms in on Hawksburn Road. The Cue Sheet did have a left at Earnscleugh Road a further 13 kms on. The power line road is used for a popular MTB Race held each year in December (The Bannockburn Classic). Could be a tired rider follows a familiar route?

Sun not quite hitting the Eyre Mountains opposite

And now just striking the tops

Being from Dunedin most of their riding is done out of the sun anyway

The view back down to Schoolhouse Flat in the Nevis , some 600m below ;-)

I have just told them they have 300 m still to climb, why are they smiling?

Looking back to Cromwell (the Nevis Road at the right)

No problem here

The offending turn, straight is Hawksburn Road and left is un-named power line service road

Another hill, another smile!

The Great Southern Brevet on Facebook

If you haven't checked it out yet then head on over and see photos and videos from the Great Southern Brevet 2014 edition by clicking on the logo below:

GSB 2014 Day 5 Video

Winding through the willows alongside the Clutha on the Centennial Trail from Clyde to Alexandra

GSB 2014 Day 5 Txts

Another stunning Central Otago day (or a pretty damn good day if you were still in Southland!)

It dawned cool and with mist in the valleys but the sun burned everything off in short order. For those who did the inaugural Great Southern Brevet the Nevis was a cold and wet place but today is was warm and inviting (if you can forget the 2 x 700m + climbs).

Txts getting more animated. Reckon some are finally softening to the Great Southern Brevet ;-)

Date: 21 January 2014 09:59
Subject: SMS with kevin mojo moginie

Hi Kevin Moginie alive in moss urn. Actually starting to warm up to sitting on bike for 12 hours a day

Date: 21 January 2014 10:02
Subject: SMS with Peter Pedro Keller

Pedro in Mossburn

Date: 21 January 2014 23:28
Subject: SMS with Rob Davidson

Picked up a jacket on the trail... Anyone missing one? Looks like could be Steve's..

Date: 2014/1/22
Subject: SMS with Matty Graham

Kurow. Matty.

Date: 22 January 2014 02:01
Subject: SMS with kevin mojo moginie

Hi Kevin ,Marcus and Peter eventually arrived in Alex at 1am after following some sadistic course designers devious routing. I am sure great views but at midnight with headlamps approaching the luminosity of a faraway star it provided  extra challenge. Great day at the office. Premo vistas and weather but don't drink the water at gara ten!

Date: 22 January 2014 06:47
Subject: SMS with Debbie Chambers

In Alex big day ahead - lovely day

Date: 22 January 2014 06:48
Subject: SMS with Julian Jules Morton

In alex. Great to meet bernie tony and bree.

Date: 22 January 2014 07:38
Subject: SMS with Neil Locke

Arrived in Arrowtown yesterday and am txting in to say I'm pulling out.  Thanks for organizing a great event this year!

Date: 22 January 2014 08:37
Subject: SMS with Keith Payne

Keith payne in queenstown

Date: 2014/1/22
Subject: SMS with Bruno Geldermans

Debbie Emma and Julian on the top of the Knobbly Range … wahooo

Date: 22 January 2014 09:53
Subject: SMS with Brian Alder

Kurow. Hope the nor  west holds off a bit . Brian

Date: 22 January 2014 10:10
Subject: SMS with Anja McDonald

Tristan and Anja, just arrived in kurow. It was bliss riding  over danseys at sunrise. Fueling up and cracking on to tekapo. Yeah!

Date: 22 January 2014 10:31
Subject: SMS with Geof Blance

At Ranfurly.. Geof

Date: 22 January 2014 10:52
Subject: SMS with Michael Michi Speck

Michi roxborough, how fast was that downhill

Date: 22 January 2014 10:53
Subject: SMS with Craig Phillips

Birthday brekky in Kurow with the posse.Tekapo this avo!

Date: 22 January 2014 11:04
Subject: SMS with Steve Gwilliam

At alex. Buggered

Date: 22 January 2014 11:07
Subject: SMS with Rob Harrow

Hi dave if you get near a bike shop. Jasper is in need of a 27.2 seat post.!
Single speed and short seat height.
Ouch.
They'll be coming into phone range shortly.
Rob

Date: 22 January 2014 11:23
Subject: SMS with Andrew Bichan

Andrew B checking in from Alex. I hate bivvy bags.

Date: 22 January 2014 11:49
Subject: SMS with Stuart Banks


SB in Mossburn.
Date: 22 January 2014 11:54
Subject: SMS with Jonathon Jarrett

Jon and Mel Jarratt and Donna Brown checking in from Mossburn. Nice tailwind so far today

Date: 22 January 2014 12:29
Subject: SMS with Oliver Ollie Hutchison

Checking in. There's a pretty impressive battle going on in the main street of Ranfurly! One man verses his legs...

Date: 22 January 2014 13:10
Subject: SMS with Matty Graham

Back where it all started. Tekpo! Matty

Date: 22 January 2014 13:16
Subject: SMS with Marcus Smokey Peters

Marcus in Roxburgh. totaly cooked after 19 hours riding yesterday and the same today

Date: 22 January 2014 14:12
Subject: SMS with Michael Hoogeveen

Alex check in

Date: 22 January 2014 14:25
Subject: SMS with Hamish Pedersen

Text in
Alexandra
Feel the burn
Harness the pain
Ride the lightning

Date: 22 January 2014 14:34
Subject: SMS with Dave Cooper

Checking in at Alex.

Date: 22 January 2014 14:45
Subject: SMS with Thomas Cube2 Ekholm

Julie and Thomas. Akex'  Imbibing calories. Nice camp out in Nevis. Hawkdun descent gr8. Replacing brake pads b4 moving on.

Date: 22 January 2014 14:47
Subject: SMS with Matthew Hughes

Alex done!

Date: 22 January 2014 14:55
Subject: SMS with Paul Chaplow

In alex. Tired, great to have clear skies through nevis this time. Paul & Lisa

Date: 22 January 2014 15:13
Subject: SMS with Cliff Clermont

Cliff C. In Randurly.  Wind.  Colleen I sang today!  Bates you took off your shoes for the 100th time!

Date: 22 January 2014 16:20
Subject: SMS with Andy Jones

In Alex. Pondering next move

Date: 22 January 2014 16:22
Subject: SMS with Jason Brown

Check in Alexandra. Nice ride over the Nevis

Date: 22 January 2014 16:42
Subject: SMS with Michael Greaves

Alex check. Michael Greaves

Date: 22 January 2014 16:47
Subject: SMS with Stewart Thomas

At Alex grrrr. Getting there slowly

Date: 22 January 2014 16:47
Subject: SMS with Greg Thurlow

Alex.great morning and downhill.siesta.tactical ploy to attack the hill when it's cooler...on to roxburgh

Date: 22 January 2014 16:59
Subject: SMS with Justin Maxwell

First semi real food for twenty four hours.

Date: 22 January 2014 17:03
Subject: SMS with Steve Gwilliam

At rox staying the note here to recover from last nights silly ness

Date: 22 January 2014 17:13
Subject: SMS with Wendy Raich

Ian and wendy checking in from Alexandra. That was a long hard section. Now to look at the maps and decide what next.

Date: 22 January 2014 17:28
Subject: SMS with Jasper van der Lingen

Jasper and Dan in Alex. Interesting day riding through the Nevis and all the way to Alex with a broken seatpost!

Date: 22 January 2014 17:29
Subject: SMS with stephen stealth mode butterworth

Ranfurly that was dirty kanza

Date: 22 January 2014 17:38
Subject: SMS with Dan van Asch

Dan and Jasper in Alexandra for the night. Back of the pack racing standing order # 13. In case of the inevitable gear failure, a resourceful Crew Chief is an essential member of the team!!

Date: 22 January 2014 18:16
Subject: SMS with Glenn Heenan

In Alex. Going to stay the night and have a big day tmrw.

GSB 2014 Day 4 Photos

An easier day for most, well for those that managed to stay on track (there is no left turn on Hawksburn Road?).

The Lake Wakatipu crossing proved to be a leveller with the pack compressing into the Queenstown-Mossburn leg and the Garston pub having a busy day with those staying and many more passing by to higher accommodation.

Late evening and the Historic Ski Hut above Garsten (998m) become a mecca for tired cyclists. Can recall an article that listed 10 things for every mountain biker should have on their bucket list. Number 5 is sleep with your bike. I know 17 people who have just taken that one a bit too literal.

Michi ripping up the Nevis

And the road ahead!

Ken Scott keeping his feet dry (for now, there are 50+ crossings in the Nevis)

Nathan smiling (he's at the bottom of the hill and hasn't looked up yet!)

Wendy hasn't read the sign: Steep sections and extreme weather conditions

Party anyone?