The Pedal On Podcast

In this episode Sarah speaks with Simon Noble, a keen cyclist and recreation consultant based in Dunedin. They mostly talk about trail grading – Simon’s specialist subject and a hot topic of conversation (amongst nerds like us, at least). Turns out there’s much more to trail grading than just whipping out the tape measure in order to ‘manage expectations’. Dig down a bit and you might just discover a can of worms!

Scott Emmens is a guy who bikes for the simple love of it. He's a keen bike tourer and bikepacker, who also does a lot of trail running. In this episode we chat about how, when and why he bikes. We also talk about his days of organising a couple of bikepacking events, and his work for Ground Effect, the Kiwi bike clothing manufacturer.Scott's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/multisportscott/Ground Effect: www.groundeffect.co.nz

This episode of the Pedal On Podcast follows our two earlier episodes in which we looked at the then planned Tour Te Waiponamu, and talked to some of the prospective riders. In this episode we check in after the event, with Brian Alder the race organiser, and participant, and 4 other racers. We talk to overall winner Ollie Whalley, fastest woman Georgia Whitla, Steve Halligan and Hanna Black. We hear how the race panned out for each of them, what they went through physically and mentally, what worked and what didn't, and what they'd do differently next time. And we ask each 'Will there be a next time?'.The Tour Te Waiponamu is a bikepacking race from the northern most to the southern most points of New Zealand's South Island. It is through some of the most rugged and spectacular country that Aotearoa has to offer, much of it privately owned and normally inaccessible.Check out:www.facebook.com/tourtewaipounamu/www.dotwatcher.cc - for event reports and photoswww.hikebikecake.com - for rider and rig profilesInstagram: #tourtewaipounamu

This episode is a special one. Our guest is Dr Ihirangi Heke. Ihi is a keen cyclist as you’ll hear. He’s also a really smart guy, with several degrees to his name. His main area of interest is in using the outdoors, including cycling and other activities, and traditional maori knowledge, as a medium to improve health and wellbeing, particularly of Maori, and other indigenous peoples. Ihi has an approach that is different to conventional health practices, and one that he believes has relevance for everyone. Ihi loves bikepacking, and is about to start on the Kopiko Aotearoa. His approach to bikepacking is also refreshingly different to how most people do it.https://sportnz.org.nz/resources/tapuwaekura/https://100maorileaders.com/dr-ihirangi-heke

In this episode we continue coverage of Tour Te Waipounamu, which we began in Episode 14. If you’ve listened to Ep 14 you’ll know that the TTW is a bikepacking race between the northern most and southern most points of New Zealand’s South Island. Most of it is thru the mountains and back country, and much is through private land, which is normally inaccessible to the public.The race starts on February 14, 2021. This episode was recorded 10 days out from the start.Firstly we catch up with Brian Alder, the race organizer, for some insights into what he been up to through the summer, and what goes into organizing an event. We also have a brief chat with 4 entrants, Steve Halligan, Georgia Whitla, Hana Black and Ollie Whalley, who we talked to in the earlier episode. We hear how they are feeling less than two weeks from the start, and how their preparation has been going.You can follow the event in real time at https://ttw21.maprogress.com/. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tourtewaipounamuInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tourtewaipounamu/Dotwatcher.cc, a UK based site that follows bikepacking races around the world will be providing regular updates and commentary.

It was the vandalism of Taupõ's big bike sculpture that gave Brett Cotter the idea for the fundraiser film festival, The Big Bike Film Night. It now tours nearly 50 towns and cities each year and is the must-see for lovers of biking, adventure, films – and the thrill of big screen cinema. Sarah chats to Brett about reels on wheels, and what motivates him to put in the mahi.

Episode 14. Tour Te Waipounamu - a new bikepacking eventIn this episode we’re looking into a new bikepacking event, the Tour te Waipounamu. The TTW is a 1300+ km race, scheduled to start on February 14 2021, at the northern most point of the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand, and finish at the southern most point of the island up to 12 days later.In between it will pass through the South Island’s high country, that land between the plains and the Southern Alps with a deserved reputation as a harsh, beautiful landscape.We start with a chat with Brian Alder, the event organizer who is also planning to ride, and then go on to talk with a few of the other entrants.We talk to each about their backgrounds, their expectations for the event, preparation and planning. First up is Hana Black who has an impressive bike touring background, and is now dedicating her summer to preparation for the TTW. Then there’s Ollie Whalley winner of the Tour Divide in 2012. Ollie’s been committed to family and work for the past few years, and is looking forward to getting back into racing.Following Ollie we chat with Georgia Whitla, a runner and adventure racer riding her first pure bikepacking event. Finally Steve Halligan, who we’ve talked to in a previous episode, and who’s quite likely to be competing at the front of the race..Between them they offer some great insights into what the TTW will be, and how they feel 2 months out from the event.Closer to the event we’ll be getting back in touch with each of them to record another episode looking at how preparation has gone and how they are feeling going into the race.Finally after the event we’ll do a follow up to see how it went.There will be an event facebook page set up closer to the start date, and dotwatchers will be able to follow the race on MapProgress. So, sit back and enjoy this episode of the P O P…Links:Tour Te WaipounamuInstagram #tourtewaipounamuHana BlackInstagram @hanablackFacebook https://www.facebook.com/hanablack.nzwww.highlux.co.nz/alaska-to-argentinaSteve HalliganInstagram @steve.halliganwww.selfpropelled13.com

Simon Kennett is the second of the Kennett triplets that we've chatted with. The Kennetts are the band of brothers who have contributed so much, and created a unique place for themselves in the Kiwi cycling scene.In this episode Simon talks about:Early memories of cycling, and developing a love for cycle touringBike racing in the 90s,and being one of the first Kiwis to race the Tour DivideOrganising eventsBikepacking with his young daughter Miro, and what he did to ensure that was a great experience for herWorking on planning and strategy to increase and improve cycling in New Zealand, and the changes that are coming.http://www.kennett.co.nz/people/simon/Support the Masaka Cycling Club, and help young Ugandan cyclists become champions.www.masakacyclingclub.com

Philip Wyndham is a keen mountain biker, trail runner and hiker who’s been involved in the travel and adventure tourism industry for many years. Currently, he’s the general manager of Adventure South NZ – a company specialising in small-group, guided biking and hiking holidays, many on the New Zealand Cycle Trail’s Great Rides. In this episode, Lee talks with Phil about some of his own adventures, what makes a great (and bad) guided trip, and the future of adventure holidays in Aotearoa, post Covid-19.

Stephanie Carins is woman of many and varied talents. A cycling instructor and community bike workshop mechanic, she also makes her own cycle clothing, teaches piano and is a member of the ‘South Seas psych-rock trio’, Birdfeeder. In this episode, Sarah talks with Stephanie about learning to ride as an adult, urban cycling, bike bloomers, and her six-month bike trip around Mexico, Belize and Guatemala.

Steve Halligan is an Irish Kiwi who is one of our highest achieving ultra bikepackers. He's finished 4th at the Tour Divide, twice, and won the 6400km Terra Australis Epic in 2018. Steve and his partner Mary Jo run a wellness retreat in Hanmer Springs.In this episode Steve tells us about his approach to competitive bikepacking, and has some interesting insights into that sport, and what it takes to compete. He also tells us about the Vibrant Living Retreat, the Masaka Cycling Club, having a plant based diet and how he maintains the mental strength to compete in ultra events.Links:Steve’s Blog - https://selfpropelled13.com/Steve’s Instagram: halligan.steveVibrant Living Retreat: https://www.vibrantliving.co.nz/Masaka Cycling Club: https://www.masakacyclingclub.com/Masaka Cycling Club Instagram: masakacyclingclub

We’re very aware that so far we haven’t had any women on the pod, so it's time to put that right.This episode I’m chatting with Sasha Smith. A few years ago Sasha was a successful mountain bike racer, having placed in the top 10 in a world cup enduro, and recorded some impressive New Zealand and Oceania results.These days her riding is a little less full on, more focused on the pleasure of riding for the hell of it, and helping others discover the joys of cycling. We chat about her earlier years on a bike, bikepacking adventures , her involvement with WORD, which helps Wellington kids get into biking, and the other stuff she does for fun.https://www.groundeffect.co.nz/blogs/hot-rides/the-great-divide-ridehttps://www.groundeffect.co.nz/blogs/hot-rides/the-grand-divide-ride-part-2-montanaWord (Wellington Off Road Riding Department) www.word.org.nz

Mark Inglis is known to many as the mountaineer who lost his lower legs to frostbite on Aoraki/Mt Cook in 1982 and went on to summit Everest and win a silver medal at the 2000 Paralympics. Nowadays, he is a passionate cyclist and cycling advocate whose keeps himself busy as manager of the Hurunui Trails, covering the St James Cycle Trail, the Hurunui Heartland Ride, and many more trails around Hanmer Springs.In this episode, Sarah speaks with Mark about his local trails, his love of cycling, and what it’s like to live – and ride – as a double amputee. He also offers shares advice on how to live positively when the curveballs keep on coming.

Geoff Gabites has been around the cycle tourism scene for long enough to be called a pioneer. He’s been around the NZ outdoor scene even longer. He is one of the founders of Alpsports and Macpac.Geoff went on to establish Adventure South, operating adventure bike tours in a number of overseas destinations as well as throughout NZ.A serial entrepreneur these days he is running Cycle Journeys enabling people to enjoy the Alps to Ocean, West Coast Wilderness Trail and the newly opened Paparoa Track. He’s also a Trustee on the New Zealand Cycle Trail Trust.A sage observer and a bike rider himself, Geoff provides entertaining insights into his own adventures on this year’s Tour Aotearoa, and the New Zealand cycle trail scene.Cycle Journeys: www.cyclejourneys.co.nzAlps to Ocean Cycle Trail: www.alps2ocean.comWest Coast Wilderness Trail: www.westcoastwildernesstrail.co.nzPaparoa Track

Cam is a Kiwi adventurer with a stack of amazing stories, many of which include bikes. In this episode Cam talks about his earliest memories of biking, adventures and tragedy in Africa, and his approach to a healthy, mindful and meaningful life.These days Cam and Kate are running a wellness retreat in Hawkes Bay. See https://capesouth.co.nz/Also check out Cam’s men’s health facebook videos: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007132186206Cam is an inspiring presenter, and is available as a keynote speaker. See his Linkedin profile: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/cam-mcleay-4903ab1ab

Intrepid Kiwi bikepacker Mark Watson, along with his partner Hana Black, has spent most of the past 4 years biking 45,000km from the north coast of Alaska to (almost) the southern tip of South America. In this episode Mark talks about that epic journey, and a bunch of their other adventures. He also tells us about their background and approach to bikepacking, planning and logistics, the gear they use, and how they support themselves. Mark is a professional photographer and writer. Check out his terrific photos and blog at www.highlux.co.nzMark’s Instagram: @highluxphotoHana’s Instagram: @beinghanaFollow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PedalOnPodcast/

Craig Starnes is a keen mountain biker, trail builder and conservationist who, along with other volunteers, has helped transform a relatively unknown part of Wellington's green belt into a community asset enjoyed by walkers, runners and bikers alike. In this conversation with Lee Craig shares inspiring stories as well as advice for anyone looking to create a bit of magic in their own backyard.

Riding Tour Aotearoa with ParkinsonsIn this episode our guest is Mike Havill.This guy’s an inspiration. As you’ll hear he’s a very down to earth, understated man, whose story helps to put things in perspective for the rest of us.Mike lives with Parkinsons Disease, and rode the Tour Aotearoa earlier this year.So sit back and be inspired by his story.If you would like to donate to the organisations Mike mentions which assist with research and support for Parkinsons go to:Neuro Research Charitable Trust www.nrct.org.nzParkinsons NZ www.parkinsons.org.nzFollow Mike on www.facebook.com/michael.havill.3

Marion ‘Weasel’ Boatwright is one of the dreamers behind the Old Ghost Road – one of New Zealand’s best backcountry rides, tracing the mountain ranges of the Buller region in the South Island’s West Coast. In this episode, Weasel chats with Sarah and performs the three songs he wrote about the track and its creation.

Jonathan Kennett is a cycling book publisher, trail builder, conservationist, advocate and policy advisor, and founder of the world's most popular bikepacking event, the Tour Aotearoa. He also loves riding his bike.For more information see:www,kennett.co.nzwww.touraotearoa.nz