2016

Lake Taupo Huka XL 2016

After being inspired by Sam Gaze’s effort in the criterium on Friday night I was ready to go Saturday morning for the 2016 Huka XL. I had never done this race before, however I knew the trails and was aiming for a top 8 after seeing the super stacked entry list. I found myself warming up at 7:30 AM on a crisp morning in Taupo for a 4 hour bike race. Just another day at the office. 8:00 AM ticked over and as it did the Elite Mountainbike field rolled out. After a…continue reading →
Whaka 100 race report

Whaka 100 race report

The 2015 Whaka 100 was a weekend full of excitement, determinations, tactics, strength, endurance and satisfaction for me. On Saturday the 22nd of October, I arrived to Waipa Carpark to another great Nduro Events atmosphere building. The start finish shoot was set up along with the event village and the course. It didn’t take me long to register and hit the trails. I was keen to learn the lines of the TT (Qualifying) course. The course began with some Zig Zags through the event village and then up Mud pool road before shooting…continue reading →

12 Hours from the book to the lead

Textbook race on Saturday. Everything went smooth. Awesome to come home 1st in Open mens after racing for 12 hours Solo at the Day Night Thriller in Tokoroa. I was happy with 170km in the tough conditions on a tight track. Couldn't do any of it without all my support especially Tony with his spot on pit crewing, thanks to Doug for sorting the gazebos for the crew and all the support from riders on course. Perimeter Coaching Cycle Obsession Tony Jump Garth Weinberg... Ben Mcleod Kirkham Racing NZ Nduro Events Little Rocket…continue reading →

NZ Schools Podium Finish

It's always tough when you give your best effort but still don't achieve your goal. After making a small mistake in one of the races I suffered by loosing 10 seconds time, 2 places and a lot of points. I struggled on and fortunately was still able to salvage a U20 2nd Overall Podium at New Zealand Secondary School Mountainbike Championships. I came three seconds short of winning, 3 seconds, so close yet so far. Although I suffered this heart break I still had an awesome time ...away in Dunedin with James Kirkham,…continue reading →

Taking on the Gambler

Cheers to Taupo Mountain Bike Club for the sweet day yesterday. The Gambler was a rad day although the weather didn't play ball. Personally it was great to be back on the bike in a racing environment.  Enjoyed every minute of the four hour tactical race. Congratulations to Carwyn on smashing everyone with 60 points and Neil on 59 points in second. I was able to snatch a third place off of a charging Garth Weinberg with 57 points. Looking forward to the next race at the end of the month.continue reading →

NDuro Winter Series Round One

Yesterday was definitely a learning day. Couldn't win overall, but I could learn. Nduro Events Winter Series round #1 was a crisp start. Not sure what got to me, the cold, fatigue, lack of strength and energy or just not in the game. Either way I have a lot to take away from yesterday and it was a great reality check where I am, and where I need to be. Giant Bicycles New Zealand Anthem ran sweet all day long. Unfortunately I was the one that couldn't keep up. On the upside I…continue reading →