| Great Southern Brevet 2014 Cue Sheet | |||||
| 18 to 26 January 2014 Lake Tekapo, New Zealand | |||||
| Leg | Total | Turn into: Road Name | Comment | ||
| 1 | 78.9 | Arrive Twizel | Txt-in 1 | ||
| 3 | 236.2 | Arrive St Bathans | Txt-in 2 | ||
| 4 | 365.2 | Arrive Wanaka | Txt-in 3 | ||
| 5 | 454.6 | Arrive Queenstown | Txt-in 4 | ||
| 6 | 566.6 | Arrive Mossburn | Txt-in 5 | ||
| 8 | 717.5 | Arrive Alexandra | Txt-in 6 | ||
| 10 | 873.1 | Arrive Ranfurly | Txt-in 7 | ||
| 11 | 978.1 | Arrive Kurow | Txt-in 8 | ||
| 12 | 1084.1 | Church of the Good Shepherd | Txt-in 9 | ||
| 12 | 1084.1 | Lake Tekapo | You've Done It! | ||
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Bike packing/gravel adventure through the South Island of New Zealand
Tuesday, 14 January 2014
Check-in Locations
These are on the Cue Sheet but here in their own list if you want to mark them on your maps (they are in the GPX file as waypoints with the phone number in the notes).
Course, GPX and Cue Sheet Updates
All have been updated recently so please re-download. The course especially had a number of in-accurate sections which have been cleaned up.
Just use the existing links as the files have been updated (or click on the Links tab above).
There may be a further update this evening for those that can afford to hold off till then.
Just use the existing links as the files have been updated (or click on the Links tab above).
There may be a further update this evening for those that can afford to hold off till then.
Food and Accomodation Info
Brian Alder has put together a helpful list of shops, pubs etc. along the route. It has been added to the Google map (and the GPX file) but is here for those using more conventional technology (paper that is!).
| place | town | ph | hours |
| 4Square | Twizel | 03 435 3262 | 8 - 7 daily |
| Ohau Lodge | Ohau | 03 438 9885 | |
| Petrol station | Omarama | 03 438 9834 | 7.30-8 daily |
| Backpackers | Omarama | 03 438 9738 | |
| 4Square | Omarama | 03 438 9895 | 8.30-6 Sun |
| Pub & Rooms | Omarama | 03 438 9713 | meals until 8.30pm |
| Wrinkly Ram | Omarama | 7-5pm | |
| Oasis Café | Omarama | 7.30-8pm | |
| camping ground | Omarama | 0800 662726 | |
| Vulcan Hotel | St Bathans | 10 am Sundays | |
| Saliz | Lake Hawea | 7.30am - late | |
| Bakery | Arrowtown | 03 442 1857 | 8-5pm |
| Mondo | Arrowtown | 7-4.30 | |
| TSS Earnslaw | Qtown | 0800 656503 | 10-8, 2hrly $55 |
| Night & Day | Qtown | 24 hrs | |
| Railway Hotel | Mossburn | 03 248 6399 | 5-30-8 pm (meals) |
| 4Square | Mossburn | 03 2486011 | 9-6pm |
| Athol café | Athol | 03 248 8859 | 8-7pm |
| 5 Rivers | Five rivers | 03 248 7755 | 8-4pm |
| Supermarket | Alexandra | 8-8pm | |
| Night & Day | Alexandra | 7-11pm | |
| Supervalue | Roxburgh | 8-7pm | |
| 4Square | Ranfurly | 7.30-6pm | |
| 4Square | Kurow | 7.30-6pm |
Cue Sheet
GSB 2014 Cue Sheet
Your directions for the ride.
Raw Cue Sheet done and ready for downloading. It is in Excel format (97-2003). If you have any problems with it just let us know.
Will look at doing a PDF with a bit better layout if get the chance but many people want the raw data to play with the format/layout to fit a size they can print/laminate.
Link to GSB 2014 Cue Sheet
Should be good once Geof has checked out it ;-)
Raw Cue Sheet done and ready for downloading. It is in Excel format (97-2003). If you have any problems with it just let us know.
Will look at doing a PDF with a bit better layout if get the chance but many people want the raw data to play with the format/layout to fit a size they can print/laminate.
Link to GSB 2014 Cue Sheet
Should be good once Geof has checked out it ;-)
Monday, 13 January 2014
GSB 2014 Riders
Hopefully this has settled down enough to publish. It has gone up and down a bit in the last few days as constantly checking and responding to emails.
A hearty welcome to the brave souls and a great week of riding awaits in a special part of the country.
If you spot your neighbour then you will know why they have been cleaning the mud off the old stead and rolling it up and down the street.
At 70+ riders it is getting a bit big to manage but hopefully there will be something left on the shelves when you get to the Mossburn 4 Square!
A hearty welcome to the brave souls and a great week of riding awaits in a special part of the country.
If you spot your neighbour then you will know why they have been cleaning the mud off the old stead and rolling it up and down the street.
At 70+ riders it is getting a bit big to manage but hopefully there will be something left on the shelves when you get to the Mossburn 4 Square!
| First Name | Last Name | Nickname |
| Gordon | Macdonald | GMaX |
| Marcus | Peters | Smokey |
| barryn | westfield | |
| kevin | moginie | mojo |
| Shelley | Girvan | |
| Paul | Conner | |
| Jasper | van der Lingen | |
| Trevor | Woodward | |
| Jill | Westenra | |
| Jason | Brown | |
| Glenn | Heenan | |
| Dirk | Naish | |
| Anja | Mcdonald | El Chubos |
| Tristan | Rawlence | |
| stephen | butterworth | stealth mode |
| Andrew | McLellan | Pooh |
| Jacqueline | O'Hagan | JackieO |
| Craig | Phillips | Phelps |
| Brian | Alder | |
| Ting | Powell | |
| Emma | McCoh | |
| Julie | Williams | Cube1 |
| Thomas | Ekholm | Cube2 |
| Dave | Fleming | |
| Jenny | Cossey | |
| Justin | Maxwell | |
| Rob | Harrow | |
| Steve | Gwilliam | |
| Dave | Cooper | |
| Hamish | Pedersen | |
| Richard | Davies | |
| Keith | Payne | |
| Debbie | Chambers | |
| Stewart | Thomas | Stew |
| Michael | Greaves | |
| Oliver | Hutchison | Ollie |
| Paul | Chaplow | |
| Andrew | Bichan | |
| Jo | Forbes | Jojo |
| Mark | Minehan | Mark |
| Olly | Powell | |
| Andy | Jones | |
| Matty | Graham | |
| Mary | McBride | McT |
| Dan | van Asch | |
| melanie | Jarratt | mel |
| Donna | Brown | |
| Peter | Keller | Pedro |
| Bruno | Geldermans | |
| Neil | Locke | |
| Ken | Scott | Scotty |
| Matthew | Hughes | |
| Lisa | Phelan | |
| David | Rae | Bear the Bear |
| Ian | Huntsman | Ian |
| Wendy | Riach | Wendy |
| courtney | shinn | |
| Julian | Morton | Jules |
| Al | Gribble | |
| Jason | McAvoy | |
| Rob | Davidson | |
| Geof | Blance | |
| David | Butler | |
| Peter | Maindonald | |
| Michael | Hoogeveen | |
| Greg | Thurlow | |
| Cliff | Clermont | |
| Darren | Tatom | The Psyclist |
| Nathan | Mawkes | |
| Jonathan | Jarratt | |
| Michi | Speck |
GSB2014 course overlaid on Topomap
Nathan has pointed out a nice tool which overlays the Great Southern Brevet 2014 course onto the New Zealand Topomap series.
Check it out below. You can print out the tricky sections to carry if you are one of the GPS-free riders.
Check it out below. You can print out the tricky sections to carry if you are one of the GPS-free riders.
 |
| GSB 2014 Course on NZ Topomap |
Checking in!
Did you know a Brevet is a Diploma or Certificate (remember that from your high school French?). The certificate refers to the card carried by riders which gets stamped or signed at checkpoints along the way (pubs, hotels, etc.). It is also used to refer to the event itself, that is, a certificated ride.
The Great Southern Brevet "certificate" is digital. By sending a Txt from each checkpoint along the route we can follow your progress. No need to get your card stamped.
Twitter versus Texting?
Twitter was looked at as an option for checking in but has a few limitations when compared with texting.
With most modern smartphones there are no limits on message length (twitter is limited to 140 characters). You can be as verbose as you feel and really let us know how you are enjoying it (or not!).
Most cell phones plans have unlimited texting included so cost is minimal.
We can easily identify you from a text message but Twitter is largely anonymous We need to know who you are and it also makes it easy for your friends experiencing your ride vicariously on the end of an internet connection as well.
For those coming from overseas (not just the North Island) a SIM for your cellphone can be obtained for as little as $NZ 2 and a complete phone on Pre-Pay for $NZ 29.
If your phone is unlocked then a Pre-Pay SIM is a cheap alternative to expensive roaming charges. Check out these providers:
Vodafone New Zealand
Telecom New Zealand
2 Degrees
Vodafone New Zealand
Telecom New Zealand
2 Degrees
From checking out the course, both Vodafone and Telecom have good coverage. Telecom would have better high speed data coverage.
Sunday, 12 January 2014
Course GPX
For those planning on using a GPS, or viewing and/or printing from a map package that can read GPX files, the course is available in GPX format.
This is a test version that has been filtered with the same level of details as the Google map. You can use it to practice loading into your GPS unit or map package.
The final version will have waypoints with food and accommodation information and the Cue Sheet added.
TIP: Select the little down arrow when Google displays the file to download it to your computer.
Link to GPX of GSB 2014 Course
If you have an outdoor series Garmin GPS such as the Etrex, Dakota or Oregon then plug it into a USB port on your computer and wait for your computer to recognise it as a USB drive.
Then navigate to the Garmin drive (little blue triangle should appear next to it) and select the GPX directory on the drive (your device). Copy the downloaded GPX file into here.
Then use the Windows "Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media" to eject the device and unplug it and power it up.
Under "Track Manager" the listing should have the leg titles for the Great Southern Brevet 2014 and you are good to go. When you want to navigate select "Where To" and "Tracks" and the first leg of the Brevet.
If you are using a Garmin cycling device the process is slightly different as the directory you are looking for is "NewFiles". Once you have copied the file into this directory, disconnect and power up your device. You will find the Brevet legs under "Ride" and "Courses".
The other option is to use Garmin "Mapsource" or "Basecamp" to upload the GPX to the device. You run Mapsource or Basecamp and select "Import" to import the GPX file saved on your computer after you downloaded it.
Once it is imported you can select it and then hit the icon for uploading to your device (in Mapsource) or right click and select "Send To" and choose your device (in Basecamp).
If you have a non-Garmin device the file upload method should still work but the correct directory will be determined by the manufacturer of your device. Check the device manual or online help.
Either way you should be good to go. Now you just have to make those batteries last ;-)
This is a test version that has been filtered with the same level of details as the Google map. You can use it to practice loading into your GPS unit or map package.
The final version will have waypoints with food and accommodation information and the Cue Sheet added.
TIP: Select the little down arrow when Google displays the file to download it to your computer.
Link to GPX of GSB 2014 Course
If you have an outdoor series Garmin GPS such as the Etrex, Dakota or Oregon then plug it into a USB port on your computer and wait for your computer to recognise it as a USB drive.
Then navigate to the Garmin drive (little blue triangle should appear next to it) and select the GPX directory on the drive (your device). Copy the downloaded GPX file into here.
 |
| Your Garmin device |
 |
| The GPX directory on your device |
Then use the Windows "Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media" to eject the device and unplug it and power it up.
Under "Track Manager" the listing should have the leg titles for the Great Southern Brevet 2014 and you are good to go. When you want to navigate select "Where To" and "Tracks" and the first leg of the Brevet.
 |
| Garmin Edge Cycling computer |
The other option is to use Garmin "Mapsource" or "Basecamp" to upload the GPX to the device. You run Mapsource or Basecamp and select "Import" to import the GPX file saved on your computer after you downloaded it.
Once it is imported you can select it and then hit the icon for uploading to your device (in Mapsource) or right click and select "Send To" and choose your device (in Basecamp).
 |
| Using Garmin Basecamp to upload GSB Course to your device |
If you have a non-Garmin device the file upload method should still work but the correct directory will be determined by the manufacturer of your device. Check the device manual or online help.
Either way you should be good to go. Now you just have to make those batteries last ;-)
A word about safety!
Not everyone's favourite subject but this is important so please read (and heed).
The basis of the ride is self-sufficiency. You must be able to support yourself when it comes to food and water, navigation and possibly basic bike repairs. Some parts of the route are some distance from population centres (if you can call Tarras, population approximately 230, a population centre that is).
The terrain (mountainous and barren) and the weather (alpine at times) also factor into the challenges of the ride. Although you are riding at the height of the New Zealand summer and will experience temperatures in the high 20's and low 30's, there is always the possibility of a severe weather change (especially at altitude). Snow is not unusual in the region at this time of year and although temporary, it can be harsh.
Snow
Last time round saw a freak event with temperatures dropping from the daytime of 25+ to below freezing overnight with the result the scene pictured above.
Please be sensible and if the weather changes for the worse seek good shelter and wait it out. Do not continue riding. The small delay to your ride is better than risking your life. You may think the temperature and conditions can't get worse but they can be extreme in Central Otago and particularly above 1000 metres.
River Crossings
The big one is being avoided (the Godley) but there may be other minor ones you have to cross. After rain (or snow) even the small crossings can be difficult with a bicycle.
If you are traveling with others then organise to shuttle bikes and people across safely. If you are by yourself then be particularly cautious. A bike wheel dragging in the water can momentarily throw you off balance. You may have to lighten the bike for the crossing and fetch your gear separately. If others are not far behind then waiting could be the option.
Other obstacles
Are too many to list.... fences, gates, stock! potholes, fallen trees, campervans! swing bridges......
Hopefully these will mostly form part of the scenery and be part of the experience (if you don't get too close).
Road rules
To re-iterate Rule 10 - Obey the road rules at all times. Even the most remote track can have farm workers or recreational 4WD vehicles on it so approach blind corners with caution. You might only see a walker on the Rock Peak Track on the Criffel Range but a 4WD is not uncommon on Thomsons Gorge Track.
Help
You are supposed to be self-sufficient but there are other riders out there which may be able to help. Your SPOT Tracker is also a safety device in that it can summons help. Please use it wisely!
If you have run out of plunger coffee at Top Hut in the Oteake Conservation Park then it is not the time to hit Help/Assist on your SPOT. However if it has all turned to custard and it is life threatening then hit SOS.
Remember SOS will bring the New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre (and the New Zealand Police) to bear. The Help/Assist will bring friends or nearby riders to assist. You need to be able to judge the situation accordingly.
And don't forget to enjoy the ride!
The basis of the ride is self-sufficiency. You must be able to support yourself when it comes to food and water, navigation and possibly basic bike repairs. Some parts of the route are some distance from population centres (if you can call Tarras, population approximately 230, a population centre that is).
The terrain (mountainous and barren) and the weather (alpine at times) also factor into the challenges of the ride. Although you are riding at the height of the New Zealand summer and will experience temperatures in the high 20's and low 30's, there is always the possibility of a severe weather change (especially at altitude). Snow is not unusual in the region at this time of year and although temporary, it can be harsh.
Snow
 |
| 400 metres above sea level in January 2012 |
Please be sensible and if the weather changes for the worse seek good shelter and wait it out. Do not continue riding. The small delay to your ride is better than risking your life. You may think the temperature and conditions can't get worse but they can be extreme in Central Otago and particularly above 1000 metres.
River Crossings
The big one is being avoided (the Godley) but there may be other minor ones you have to cross. After rain (or snow) even the small crossings can be difficult with a bicycle.
 |
| The Manuherikia at ankle deep |
Other obstacles
Are too many to list.... fences, gates, stock! potholes, fallen trees, campervans! swing bridges......
Hopefully these will mostly form part of the scenery and be part of the experience (if you don't get too close).
Road rules
To re-iterate Rule 10 - Obey the road rules at all times. Even the most remote track can have farm workers or recreational 4WD vehicles on it so approach blind corners with caution. You might only see a walker on the Rock Peak Track on the Criffel Range but a 4WD is not uncommon on Thomsons Gorge Track.
Help
You are supposed to be self-sufficient but there are other riders out there which may be able to help. Your SPOT Tracker is also a safety device in that it can summons help. Please use it wisely!
If you have run out of plunger coffee at Top Hut in the Oteake Conservation Park then it is not the time to hit Help/Assist on your SPOT. However if it has all turned to custard and it is life threatening then hit SOS.
Remember SOS will bring the New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre (and the New Zealand Police) to bear. The Help/Assist will bring friends or nearby riders to assist. You need to be able to judge the situation accordingly.
And don't forget to enjoy the ride!
Friday, 10 January 2014
Course GPX, Cue Sheet, Start Info and Location
Hello All,
I realise the information has been coming a bit late but things are approaching controlled chaos so thank you for bearing with us.
Detailed information should be available later Sunday. The course GPX (and instructions to load if you are having problems). The start time and location (looks like we are OK for 11:00 am as Twizel and Omarama are within easy reach) will be there as well.
The Cue sheet will take a day or two longer and hope to get those leg descriptions up.
I will post maps sections of the tricky parts if I can get the LINZ data loaded properly. With the exception of a few of the most remote tracks the navigation should be pretty good as you will follow well publicised trails such as the Alps 2 Ocean and Round the Mountain. The Crown Range and Knobby Range may require some care in navigating but both are good trails with just a tricky turn or two to throw you off.
The SPOT Hire info will also be up. It is a simple form as we have most of your details already but it will include details on where to deposit the hire fee.
And finally.......
I realise the information has been coming a bit late but things are approaching controlled chaos so thank you for bearing with us.
Detailed information should be available later Sunday. The course GPX (and instructions to load if you are having problems). The start time and location (looks like we are OK for 11:00 am as Twizel and Omarama are within easy reach) will be there as well.
The Cue sheet will take a day or two longer and hope to get those leg descriptions up.
I will post maps sections of the tricky parts if I can get the LINZ data loaded properly. With the exception of a few of the most remote tracks the navigation should be pretty good as you will follow well publicised trails such as the Alps 2 Ocean and Round the Mountain. The Crown Range and Knobby Range may require some care in navigating but both are good trails with just a tricky turn or two to throw you off.
The SPOT Hire info will also be up. It is a simple form as we have most of your details already but it will include details on where to deposit the hire fee.
And finally.......
Wednesday, 8 January 2014
The Map, almost?
People are needing to see the updates to the course to help in planning food and rest stops so have had a major session with GPX's and KML to get something up to work with.
There is a small gap from Arrowtown to Queenstown to be added (it will use the Queenstown Trails so is off-road and pleasant riding).
The big changes are no wet feet on day one (and a much easier day) and a hill on the way to Arrowtown.
A few tweaks may be in order as haven't had time to measure it up.
There is a small gap from Arrowtown to Queenstown to be added (it will use the Queenstown Trails so is off-road and pleasant riding).
The big changes are no wet feet on day one (and a much easier day) and a hill on the way to Arrowtown.
A few tweaks may be in order as haven't had time to measure it up.
 |
Great Southern Brevet 2014 Course
|
Friday, 3 January 2014
The Little Ride that Could
"I think I can, I think I can..."
Well it has been a roller coaster week but it is much improved. Lessons have been learned and faith in the good nature of people restored. In my line of work (yes, I have a day job which is not thinking about ridiculously long bike rides in ridiculous terrain) it would be called "failing forward".
The Great Southern Brevet is not a commercial enterprise with a team of planners operating out of an office in Queenstown or Wanaka with a big budget. It is a nod to something that may have had it's time, when people just got outdoors and enjoyed the best New Zealand has to offer without liability insurance, fire levies, etc.
This is not to say it disregards safety, just it favours simplicity over complex structure. Everyone should understand their obligations to treat the land with the care and respect it deserves whether public or private.
"Care and proper planning must be used at all times, if time permits"
Another quote from my day job which reflects the trade off of getting things done versus thinking about doing something. Got the balance wrong this time so will be more work next time but for now it is all go.
The route has changed a little as it was ambitious and the complex chain of landowners untangled. The map will be back up online over the weekend and am working on the GPX for those wanting a download.
Entries have well and truly exceeded what can be handled so the Registration Form has been taken down. Another issue needing work as what was a low key informal ride is getting a bit big. Have a few emails to answer and will try and work with those who are still keen. If you have any changes in your plans then please let us know as it will allow us to accommodate others.
Thanks again for encouragement and support.
Well it has been a roller coaster week but it is much improved. Lessons have been learned and faith in the good nature of people restored. In my line of work (yes, I have a day job which is not thinking about ridiculously long bike rides in ridiculous terrain) it would be called "failing forward".
The Great Southern Brevet is not a commercial enterprise with a team of planners operating out of an office in Queenstown or Wanaka with a big budget. It is a nod to something that may have had it's time, when people just got outdoors and enjoyed the best New Zealand has to offer without liability insurance, fire levies, etc.
This is not to say it disregards safety, just it favours simplicity over complex structure. Everyone should understand their obligations to treat the land with the care and respect it deserves whether public or private.
"Care and proper planning must be used at all times, if time permits"
Another quote from my day job which reflects the trade off of getting things done versus thinking about doing something. Got the balance wrong this time so will be more work next time but for now it is all go.
The route has changed a little as it was ambitious and the complex chain of landowners untangled. The map will be back up online over the weekend and am working on the GPX for those wanting a download.
Entries have well and truly exceeded what can be handled so the Registration Form has been taken down. Another issue needing work as what was a low key informal ride is getting a bit big. Have a few emails to answer and will try and work with those who are still keen. If you have any changes in your plans then please let us know as it will allow us to accommodate others.
Thanks again for encouragement and support.
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