Spring updates
UK Trip As you can see from recent posts, I’ve been overseas in the UK. A trip that I would have preferred to have been for happier reasons than family illness- but while there I made the most of it . I caught up and re-connected with so many people. Ten years apart from family [...]
Afan Forest Park Mountain Biking – Wales
After a few nights in central Cardiff my brother and I headed an hour or so to Afan Lodge for a nights stay to check out the Afan Valley. Our original plan was for me to stay all week- but the weather was against us- as well as budget (one night at Afan Lodge was [...]
Melbourne trip 2010
It’s massive. It’s busy. It’s very bright and buzzy. It’s Melbourne! Staying with family in a Suburb close to the CBD was a great way to be able to catch a tram into the city heart at will and with such amazing weather of 20ish and sun for 10 days- it was like a Kiwi [...]
Mountain Biking at Woodend & the You Yangs….
Today is the first day that Amy and I have really stopped since rocking up to Melbourne last Friday. Having some internet access is also very nice! After spending time with Family and friends and craving our own bed back home- it was great waking up on Collins Street in a huge hotel bed this [...]
I love rubber…
So it was a fine fine day today when I eventually managed to roll out of bed at 11am :) What a stark contrast to yesterday when it was rainy and cold. I was pretty chuffed to have saved myself for today’s outing and after a quick call out to the gang- I remembered Spence [...]
Hello Autumn my old friend…
I love this time of year. Leaves falling from the trees, the smell of the “out doors” as it starts to breath once more and of course the colours of nature getting ready to retire for a few months. The forecast looks varied for the next few weeks with some wet and sun- then repeat. [...]
Return to the Wharfedale Track
You know what they say about falling off a horse right? Well today I headed back to the Wharfedale Track near Oxford to ride it after breaking two ribs there just a few months back. Mid week I decided it was time to get out of Gotham and sent an email to the usual group [...]
Hamner 4/8 hour
This week has been quite shit really. A virus totally wiped me out with aches (particularly the back!) from hell had me in bed for Easter (when I had 5 days off work!) and then with terrible sleep and empty batteries I’ve been in “delirious land”. And we all know that it’s the end of [...]
Vulcanizer trail at Mt. Vulcan
The infamous Vulcanizer was due to take a hammering a few weeks ago as part of the annual event run by Christchurch Singletrack Club but bad weather put a stop to that. What’s awesome is that the event organisers – Craig and Rebekka- kindly gave up their Saturday to organise a social ride for folk [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
