Long time no blog…
Apologies for the lack of ramblings of late- Summer has eventually arrived over this side of the world and I’m keener to be out doing stuff rather than sat in front of this screen.Truth be known, I’ve not done anything that exciting since breaking my ribs anyway- other than attempting to keep my base fitness [...]
Man down! at the Wharfedale Track
I did not get to bed until after midnight so come the early rise I was not feeling to good. Infact- a lazy day under a tree with a book would have been my choice! And with Spencer running characteristically late we did not get going until after 10am. To further aid the poor start [...]
Craigieburn mountain biking with Mark & Ricco!
After a week up North, Richard and Mark went via Wellington to Nelson before arriving late Wednesday in Gotham (Christchurch). I chose a few rides my Aussie guests at Craigieburn and the Wharfedale to show them what the trails in Canterbury are like. If time was on our side I would have loved to have [...]
My favourite posts of 2009
Another year nearly over, and what an epic it has been at www.paulpetch.com! Some obvious highlights have been merging of personal blogs into one (that went problem free within 24hrs!), lots of riding, shed loads of running (61.7 KM ultra anyone!) and a rapid increase in internet traffic.
The more subtle stuff of 2009 has been [...]
An afternoon with the Salsa Fargo
Things have started to mellow somewhat as I taper to the biggest physical challenge of my life on the 5th December in the form of the Kepler Challenge- a 60KM Ultra mountain run. Today I rode the trusty Fargo to Bottlelake Forest for a short run.
Once I was on route- I was enjoying the Fargo [...]
November updates
Summer is here?
Eeek. Mid November already and the days are hanging on until about 9pm ish. Summer seems to have officially arrived and as odd as it sounds my mind and body take a while to adjust to having all of this extra light and seemingly more warmth (13degs with sun is warm for Christchurch!). [...]
The Poulter Valley Track – Arthur’s Pass National Park
The Poulter Valley Track is part of Arthur’s Pass National Park, access is via Mt White Road.
Mt White Road traverses along tussock flats bordering the grand Waimakariri River, with wide sweeping views up the valley. Mt White Road turns off from SH 73, about 25 km east of Arthur’s Pass village. After a kilometre the [...]
Another Flying Nun Video
We are spoilt here in Christchurch- that’s for sure….and this little gem “the flying nun” is just the tip of the iceberg *GRINS*
Mcleans Island 12hr 2009
Take what seems 24+ hrs of solid rain and a team of three to ride for 12hrs and there you have our plan. Brent arrived at 8am and I was still in my dressing gown- while Spencer running more than 30mins late rocks up outside beeping his horn. As you can tell, our hearts were [...]
One of those rides…
The mission was simple. Ride to Godley Head and beat the threat of an incoming cold front and sleet n’ snow. Yeah that’s right- 3rd October and snow. Anyhow- Brent pulled the pin due to being sick so Spencer and I headed upwards and over.
Things were sweet until the much dreaded and sadly anticipated flat [...]
Hawkes Bay – Cannonball Lector Track
This track – Cannonball Lector-at Hawkes Bay looks like a heap of fun and clocks in at nearly 9 minutes too :) It was also built at night :D
Mountain biking weekend. Porthills & Mcleans Island
Well, Spring time has indeed sprung and I met with Brent yesterday to ride Rapaki to Sumner via Captain Thomas and then today Spencer & I headed off for a social ride with a crew from the derailed forum as part of planned monthly ride. What a great weekend to be out on the bike [...]
My playground
Today is the first day of Spring and the weather has been mighty fine for some time now. With a forecast of warm sunny days and cold crisp nights- it is now my fave time of the year here in Christchurch. It won’t be long now before the snow melts and the mountains dry out [...]
A sunny afternoon of Mountain Biking in the Port Hills
Amy and I headed into the city for a quick bite to eat and a coffee before I met up with Ben at Worsley’s Road to begin the long climb up the road and then the steep and now technical muddy and slippery Worsley’s Track. The track has huge ruts running all the way up [...]
Salsa Fargo update & the first off road ride!
Getting things comfy
I can’t remember any bike that I’ve owned in the past 15yrs that has caused me so many issues when it comes to getting it dialed in. But has it been worth the hassles?
I admit that even I was confused when I picked up the Salsa Fargo……should I set it up for road…..or [...]
My bikes. 2000 – 2009
Marin Wolf Ridge. Current.
It’s a six inch machine that rides and feels like I’m on a XC bike.
This is my current trail bike. It is a 2008 Marin Wolf Ridge with 6 inches of travel. I absolutely adore this bike as it’s light enough for 8hr epics, but it has enough boing and strength to [...]
Winter ride in the Port Hills
Due to wintery weather, the Marin Wolf being at BikeHQ for a good service, repair (more of which I’ll talk about later) and of course my slackness, it has been at least a six weeks (yeah I know) since my real last MTB ride. I’ve been running, commuting and doing other sports- but it is [...]
Finally we got our Wings on AV8R at Woodhill
The weather here today was fantastic for winter… Clear skies and a crisp wind. We (Momentus, KB, Whafe) were doing more of a play jumpy ride today. We had some interesting times on some structures.
As we were heading back to the carpark, we rode up and checked out a jump called AV8R. It has caused [...]
Heli biking at Taupo – North Island
Well the weekend finally arrived to do our Heli lift downhill ride near Lake Taupo on the North Island, with Helisika.
This was booked almost a year ago when I was still living in Spain, so was great to finally use it with Momentus. It was his partner whom bought it for him for his birthday [...]
Bottlelake Forest – Laughing in the face of Winter
I cannot remember the last time that I’ve ridden at Bottlelake Forest on the single speed and was very keen to get out there this afternoon with Spencer. With cabin fever peaking due to the worst week of weather I can remember in a long time my legs were just itching to get a few [...]
Hanmer 12hr 2009 video
More Hanmer Springs content :D This brings back some fond memories of the day. Brilliant track!
Worsleys Track, Flying Nun & the Victoria Park wall ride – Christchurch
I’ve not ridden with Spencer since Easter so it was great to catchup with him today for some exploring and trail riding in the Port Hills. Meeting up at the bottom of Dyers pass we had coffee and then off to the grinding road climb to the start of the Worsleys Track. Oddly, after living [...]
Vertigo track at Makara Peak, Wellington
enderby49 recently added some photos to the MTBNZ flickr group and I just love the look of Wellington! After a few comments on his images, he pointed me towards a couple of helmet cam videos of a local Wellington trail at Makara Peak… called vertigo. I’ll be heading there next summer for sure….meanwhile check this [...]
Mountain biking at the Kirwans Reward Track – Easter 2009 Part 2
Waking up on the West Coast to the sounds of native bird song is a lovely way to start the day. Knowing that you can go ride your bike on some primo forest single track instead of heading off to work is an even better feeling!!
We met Tim, Angela and Bevan at Capleston, which back [...]
