It's a small world (New Zealand anyway)

Stopped in to catch up with riders arriving in Cromwell. As Mark, Paul, Barryn, Trevor and Rob were saddling up to leave I noticed a guy devouring his pie and giving the bikes a close examination.

From beneath his hat was the mad keen long distance runner Jim Kerse. Jim has completed 14 x 100 milers in the US and Canada. The likes of the Wasatch, Western States, Leadville, etc. 160km on foot, ouch!

I meet Jim when I was checking out the Waikaia to Alexandra stage of the GSB. He was camped at Canton Bridge when I showed up late one evening. I had my bike and he was run training but we walked up Waikaia Bush Road together (I'm not stupid, have you seen that hill, any excuse not to ride it!).

Had a great chat and a side trip to Potters Hut (off Waikaia Bush Road on top of the Old Man Range). Jim just finished Challenge Wanaka on the weekend and was relaxing with a run from Northburn to Cromwell.

Jim gives his feet a rest on the Old Man Range



Comment:


Wow ! Lucky Jim didn't have a big weekend then !
I've just given an unnamed rider my rear shock so he can carry on while his is repaired. I'm too lazy to read the rules and see if I 've compromised his chances...But I feel good about it so what the hell.
These crazies need all the help they can get.
After riding from Luggate to Albert Town with Trevor, Barryn & Paul last night I am in awe of the pace/strength/stupidity etc etc.
You guys and girls are all "O for Oarsum"