Update

Hi Breveteers!

We have 105 total entries, 74 Brevet Individuals, 11 Brevet Teams, 13 Brevette Individuals and 6 Brevette Teams.
At this stage we have allocated 71 Spot Trackers.

YOU have donated a whopping $5940 on our official Givealittle page and I know of a few donations which were made that somehow ended up with the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust, but not on our page, THANK YOU all!

Thanks to some eagle eyes (thanks Ross and Brian) I have corrected a couple of mistakes on the full Brevet map which is here, there are a couple of further adjustments that need to be made to the track in the next week. Please note that through a couple of sections the .gpx might not be exact BUT at those points you will be on a well formed and obvious track so navigation should not be a problem.
We will have comprehensive cue sheets which we will email out around the middle of January.
It is your responsibility to make yourselves familiar with the course by using the link above for the Brevet and the Brevette link here.
Start looking at the distances between services, find out what time those services are open etc.
We will provide a lot of information but certainly not all.
Some of you may want to start thinking about how far you will get each day and make separate maps for those days. You can create elevation profiles from these, mark where towns etc are.

This preparation is just as important to completing the event as fitness is. It is also the fun part of the prep, enjoy it.

OK, that's all for tonight.

Cheers, Scott and Jo

Updated Entry List

Brevet Individuals Alistair Davidson

Andy Beale

Arran Pearson

Ben Wotherspoon

Bethany Dunne

Brenda Clapp

Brendan Pheasant

Brian Alder

Bruno Geldermans

Chris Bennett

Chris (Pure Sports NZ)

Colin Dodge

Craig Phillips

Davidson Kingan

Dan du Bern

Darren Gosse

Darren Tatom

Dave Cooper

Dave Sharpe

David Connor

Dean Ford

Dean Marshall

Dirk Naish

Gareth Rapley

Gary MacPherson

Gary Mckenzie

Geoff Gabites

Glenn Wright

Greg Galway

Greg Thurlow

Grenville Hirst

Hamish Dalglish

Hamish Southcott

Jackson Foster

Jason Flood

Jasper van der Lingen

Jeremy Bray

Jesse Patel

John de Garnham

John Etherington

Jonathan Kennett

Karl Yager

Keith Payne

Kirk Hamiltom

Luke Thompson

Margaret Leyland

Mark Wattie

Matt Roberts

Matt Quirk

Michael Dann

Michael Emerson

Mitch Potter

Nathan Mawkes

Oli de Bern

Paul Chaplow

Paul Horton

Paul Nicholls

Peter Maindonald

Peter Schaap

Phil Brownie

Rob Davidson

Rob Hoult

Ross Friedrich

Scotti Andrews

Scott Symes

Sebastien Dunne

Shelley Friedrich

Steve Bilton

Steve Halligan

Steve Makin

Steven Mac Leod

Stuart Maxwell

Thomas Crowley

Thomas Ekholm

Brevet Teams

Craig Madsen & Mark Humphries Geof & Denise Thorne Kim Daubney, Allister Adams Derek Poshtar & Evan Bywater Barryn Westfield, Jackie O'hagan & Trever Woodword Sam Davidson & Jon Keyzer Meg & Kim Carrigan Coastal Crew' Kirsty Moran & Robyn Blyth Bike Fit Marlborough' (Craig Murphy & Ant Clark) Ben Taylor & Chris Todd Brevette Individuals Andy Gilbert Craig Moss Dean Cameron Elisha Nuttall Emily Powell Gordon Sloane Iain Dephoff John Carman Lou Perkins Mike O'Connor Nicki Squire Peter Goodman Phil Jones Brevette Teams James Burgess & Alex Dyer Scrambled Legs Richard Hiles-smith & Nigel Walls Alex & Dianne Grigg Marcus Peters & Kieran Tibble Alastair McDowell, Ben Gibson, Isla Smith

2015 Route and Map links

We have just emailed this out to all registered entrants:

Good evening,

As most of you will be aware the Kiwi Brevet has been run three times previously. The first year in an anti-clockwise direction, the second time in a clockwise direction, the third iteration was back to anti-clockwise but it used the Rainbow Road in place of the Molesworth Road. 

Following on in this tradition, the 2015 edition will go in a clockwise direction and will also use the Rainbow Road with a couple of wee changes from the 2014 route.

The dreaded North Bank Rd is back! I have it on good authority that it has had a years use by logging trucks and is in much much better condition than earlier this year. We aim to stay on the lower road the whole way because we can guarantee the forestry managers that everyone will be through on day one (Saturday 31st January).

The Brevet will take in the St James Cycleway which starts just after the glorious Island Saddle descent, past Lake Tennyson, and will therefore miss out (nearly) all of the body jarring corrugations on the Lake Tennyson Road :-)

The Brevette will hang a left at Sedgemere Lakes, just before the ascent of Island Saddle, and take in the beautiful Alma Valley (Severn to Sedgemere 4WD Road) which brings you out near Red Gate on the Acheron Road (Molesworth Station Rd), which you will then follow out to Acheron Accommodation and onto Hanmer.

The other change is near the other end of the courses. The fantastic ascent of the Porika Track is still there but you won't be turn right when you hit St Arnaurd-Kawatiri Road, instead you will turn left and head down the valley to Kawatiri, then right again onto Kohatu-Kawatiri Road. You head up the valley turning off the main road onto Tadmor-Glenhope Rd for some more gravel and tarsal before popping out at Tapawera.

The course then follows the main road North for 6 or 7kms before turning onto another nice gravel road which pops you out on part of the Great Taste Trail. From there the next stop is Wakefield and then the same course as previous Brevets to finish. 

The Brevet will be 1151kms and the Brevette 739kms.

I will come back with some points about the route changes but will leave you to digest it all for now.

Please find the two links below to the Brevet and Brevette course maps.

2015 Full Brevet 

2015 Brevette

Enjoy the planning, Scott and Jo

Update

Good morning everyone,

I have updated the Entry List in the previous post.

Currently we have 94 places (teams and individuals, Brevet and Brevette) taken up and 115 individual people taking part.

We have had about 80 donations, so still waiting for a few to put money where their mouth is ;-)

We will have the course map up this week.

Keep up your training and adventuring,

Cheers, Scott and Jo

Updated - Entrant list so far

This is the list so far, as at 8am on Monday the 8th December If you think your name should be here or if something is wrong please email us at kiwibrevet@gmail.com

Brevet Individuals

Alistair Davidson

Andy Beale

Arran Pearson

Bethany Dunne

Brenda Clapp

Brendan Pheasant

Brian Alder

Bruno Geldermans

Chris Bennett

Chris (Pure Sports NZ)

Colin Dodge

Craig Phillips

David Kingin

Dan du Bern

Darren Gosse

Darren Tatom

Dave Cooper

Dave Sharpe

David Connor

Dean Cameron

Dean Ford

Dean Marshall

Derek Poshtar

Dirk Naish

Gareth Rapley

Gary MacPherson

Greg Galway

Greg Thurlow

Hamish Dalglish

Hamish Southcott

Jackson Foster

Jason Flood

Jasper van der Lingen

Jeremy Bray

Jesse Patel

John de Garnham

John Etherington

Jonathan Kennett

Karl Yager

Keith Payne

Kirk Hamiltom

Luke Thompson

Mark Wattie

Matt Roberts

Matt Quirk

Michael Dann

Mitch Potter

Nathan Mawkes

Oli de Bern

Paul Chaplow

Paul Horton

Paul Nicholls

Peter Maindonald

Phil Brownie

Rob Davidson

Rob Hoult

Ross Friedrich

Scott Symes

Sebastien Dunne

Shelley Friedrich

Steve Halligan

Steve Makin

Steven Mac Leod

Stuart Maxwell

Thomas Crowley

Thomas Ekholm

Brevet Teams

Craig Madsen & Mark Humphries

Geof & Denise Thorne

Kim Daubney, Allister Adams

Derek Poshtar & Evan Bywater

Barryn Westfield, Jackie O'hagan & Trever Woodword

Sam Davidson & Jon Keyzer

Meg & Kim Carrigan

Coastal Crew'

Kirsty Moran & Robyn Blyth

Bike Fit Marlborough' (Craig Murphy & Ant Clark)

Ben Taylor & Chris Todd

Brevette Individuals

Andy Gilbert

Craig Moss

Elisha Nuttall

Emily Powell

Gordon Sloane

John Carman

Lou Perkins

Mike O'Connor

Nicki Squire

Peter Goodman

Phil Jones

Brevette Teams

James Burgess & Alex Dyer

Scrambled Legs

Richard Hiles-smith & Nigel Walls

Alex & Dianne Grigg

Marcus Peters & Kieran Tibble

Alastair McDowell, Ben Gibson, Isla Smith

Entry Process

Hi Breveteers,
As we mentioned on Thursday, we are initially capping the entries at 120 for both the Brevet and Brevette . This will be reviewed once we have an indication of how popular the event actually is!
We ARE restricted by the number of Spot Tracker devices we have available for hire, at this stage we have 100. Every rider (or team) doing the Brevet MUST carry a Spot Tracker, this is a requirement by the land owners of McDonalds Downs. Spot Trackers are not required for the Brevette, but tracking will be available if you have your own Spot Tracker.
Priority of the allocation of Spot Trackers will go to Brevet riders, however if we have any left we will hire them out to Brevette riders.
We are more than happy for "teams" to enter either the Brevet or Brevette, a team will be regarded as one "place" on the start line. Note that if a team is entering the Brevet you must have at least one Spot Tracker. At this stage, due to the limited number of Spot Trackers, we will only hire one tracker per team. You must stay within shouting distance of each other at all times throughout the event.

Please note that the organisation of the Kiwi Brevet is done in our own time, we both work full-time and also like to ride our bikes occasionally, this is not a commercial venture in any way, therefore all costs need to be passed on.
We (as do the owners of McDonalds Downs, as another requirement of passing through their land) ask that you make a minimum $50 donation per person (please note teams) to our chosen charity as below.
The cost of hiring the Spot Trackers will be passed on to all hirers, expect a cost of around $125 for the hireage of the trackers and tracking service. If you have your own Spot Tracker, the tracking service will be provided free of charge this year.

ENTRY PROCESS
Please email kiwibrevet@gmail.com with your NAME (or names of ALL members of a team, nominate a Captain to coordinate for the team), EVENT (Brevet or Brevette), plus if you require to HIRE a Spot Tracker (remember you MUST have a Spot Tracker to enter the Brevet).
We will reply with a link to our Givealittle page. We ask for a minimum $50 donation to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, our chosen charity.
Do not tick the "Make this donation anonymously" box, this is how we will know who has donated!!
Please don't expect an immediate reply to your email, however we will do our best to check the email account as often as possible tomorrow and Monday then throughout the next week.
We will also let you know how the Spot Tracker hirage process (if required) will work. This will take a few additional days once we have a feel for the demand etc.
Once your entry is confirmed by your donation on the Givealittle account we will be back in touch via email to discuss the finer details.

We hope to have the course maps available within the next two weeks and intend to have the cues sheets complete in early January.

We will also put up some event guidelines in the next few days but remember this is a Gentleman's (or Gentlewoman's) race, with few rules. Please only enter the event if you are prepared to take part in the spirit of the event. This is a fully self supported event, please no organising food caches, only commercially available accommodation to be used, no visits from loved ones to give you food etc.

Looking forward to hearing from you all, Jo and Scott

ENTRIES OPEN SUNDAY 30TH NOVEMBER - MIDDAY

Hello Brevet Riders,

Entries for the 2015 Kiwi Brevet & Brevette will be open SUNDAY 30TH NOVEMBER

Details of how to enter will be posted here & on the Facebook page at Midday

Numbers will be limited to 120 places combined for both Brevet & Brevette events.

See you all Sunday
Jo & Scott

Hi Kiwi Brevet Followers,

Sorry for the long time between updates,

Just a quick update on whats happening with the Brevet.
The route is being finalised & is looking good, for those who have ridden the brevet before there will be some small new changes of scenery for you as we have found some new roads to ride just to keep things interesting.
We have been to visit the owners of Mc Donalds Downs Station, they are super lovely & are really happy for us to cross their land again which is fantastic (as I personally found this section of the ride 1 of my favourites parts - especially the big bulls that are sometimes waiting at the gates for you...they are good motivation for you to keep riding...fast!)
Scott is busy trying to get his hands on SPOT trackers for you all.
As most of you will be aware to secure your place at the Brevet or Brevette start line we ask you to give a donation to a nominated charity.
This year we have chosen the Westpac Trust Helicopter as our charity & we are just currently getting this all set up with them, I am hoping this will all be all reday to go by the end of the week.
Once we have this ready we will open entries to the Brevet ....exciting!!

We will announce the date entries will open a couple days out, so pls keep an eye on either this blog or the facebook page over the next week so you don't miss out.

Hope the training is all going well

If you have any questions pls don't hesitate to email us kiwibrevet@gmail.com

Have a great week
Jo

Facebook Page is up & running

Hi There,

We now have a facebook page up & running you can check it out & like it here
https://www.facebook.com/events/290787641127852/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular

But don't worry all non facebook users - Scott has told me that this page is 'public' so you should be able to access it even without having a facebook account..

Also we will be making sure we keep this blog up to date with any news - so don't feel you will be missing out by not using the FB site...  But alot of questions, discussions...etc are being had on the FB site - also its a good place for other riders to post if they are looking for training buddies etc... so keep an eye on it.

Have a happy riding day

Cheers Jo

Update on the update

HI there,
Just to clarify my below update as there seems to a little confusion.

Yes we are running BOTH Brevet (1100km) & Brevette (700km) rides.

 Cheers Jo

QUICK UPDATE

Hi Brevet riders,
We are getting a great response to next years brevet - so that is very exciting.
Just a couple of things:
1. Yes we are running Brevette again next year (the smaller 700km brevet) - sorry we were supposed to add that into the last post but forgot.

2. We are currently setting up a new facebook page - once we have this up & running we will let you know so you can 'Like' us & keep up to date with any brevet news.

3. I have had some emails from people who are looking for training buddies for weekend missions, if you are keen to meet like minded brevet riders for training sessions - feel free to email me & I can put you in touch with anyone in your area who has contacted me..
kiwibrevet@gmail.com

4. Entries will open early Nov (date tbc).

5. Ride...ride...ride...

IT’S BREVET SEASON

IT’S BREVET SEASON

Hello 2015 Brevet riders,

Whether you are an old hand or a new brevet adventure rider … its only 6weeks until daylight savings & 24weeks to the start of the Brevet – yahoo

Hi there we are Jo & Scott Emmens…. And we are the new official planners of the 2015 brevet.

Both Scott & I have ridden the Kiwi brevet 2 times – in each direction, we both have a huge passion for cycle touring & brevet style rides.

So we are super excited & amped to be organising the brevet this time around as we have both loved the adventure this ride brings to people.

Photo thanks to Pete Griffin

 With only 6 weeks until daylight saving (which also means warmer weather) I hope you are all starting to think about your brevet training & all the fun weekend adventures ahead to get prepared for February.

Scott & I have been reading all the feedback from this year’s brevet & we are starting to look at the course.

We have some other brevet riders who are suggesting small amendments to the course to make it more enjoyable, so we are busy in discussions with them to design the best course for everyone.

We will be keeping the course pretty similar to the 2014 route – but we will be running it in reverse.

Over the next few weeks / months we will start posting links to blogs of other riders doing awesome cycle adventures, we will be posting gear lists, & other fun bit & pieces to keep you interested.

But 1^st if you have not already please take the time to read the blogs attached to the Kiwi brevet page & get a feel for what is in store for you & get you super excited about the adventure ahead.

By reading these you will learn a lot of tips & tricks to riding a brevet & finishing successfully.

Also top tips on the best places to stop…camp…eat…sleep… etc.

So if you have any questions or suggestions please don’t hesitate to contact us at 

kiwibrevet@gmail.com

If you are a new brevet rider & just want to chat about what is in store for you on the brevet– please contact us, we would love to talk to anyone & answer any questions you might have.

So dust off those bikes, get them in for a service & start getting that backside some serious hours in the saddle (trust me you will thank yourself for thisJ)

Brevet 2015 countdown officially starts now…..

Tour Divide 2014...

The Tour Divide starts tomorrow. At over 4000km, just following it over the net is epic! There are a couple of Kiwis (that I know of) riding this year. Keep an eye out for Geof and Rob on the TD tracking page here

What next?

First up, if you haven't filled in the feedback form mentioned a couple of posts ago, get stuck in and share some of your experience. Then check out all the feedback given already - quite entertaining. There are also some great write-ups and photos to be seen (see the list over on the right).

Also, we have about 20 Kiwi Brevet musettes left. I've paid for them and made the $500 donation to the Castle Hill trail builders, so now I really, really want to move them on. They're only $16 - bargain! See the 'how to buy' instructions in the last post.

When's the next Kiwi Brevet? Well, Scott and Jo have volunteered to run it (and the Brevette) in the future - yee haa! They're going to run it in the first week of February 2015 (starting on the 31st of Jan). To fit in with that timing, the Tawhio o Whanganui will (if run again) most likely be moved to late 2014.

In Feb-March 2016, Jonathan will be running Tour Aotearoa - a 3000 km brevet from Cape Reinga to Bluff. It will follow a similar route to the one described at the back of Classic New Zealand Cycle Trails. The route will be updated at the end of next year to include several sections of new cycle trails that are currently being constructed.

This length-of-New-Zealand brevet will be organised along the same lines as this year's Kiwi Brevet, and will probably be a one off event (who would be crazy enough to do this ride twice?). No entry fees, no prizes, just an unforgettable ride that will take from 15 to 30 days.

Tour Aotearoa will also have two brevette options: the North Island section and the South Island section (both around 1500 km long).

Kiwi Brevet 2014 Musettes

We have about 20 of these sturdy and stylish musettes left...and they are a bargain at just $16 including postage! We guarantee they'll last longer than your average saddle sore.

If you'd like one (or two) send your address and a cheque to Simon Kennett, 22 West Rd, Northland, Wellington. Alternatively, email me you postal address and you can deposit the payment into my BNZ account. My email is simon [at] kennett [dot] co [dot] nz

What did you like the most?

You are invited to share your e\xperiences from your Kiwi Brevet / Brevette adventure. Click on the links below:

• http://tinyurl.com/KiwiBrevet2014-Feedback

• http://tinyurl.com/KiwiBrevet2014-responses

Saturday's Updates

The full(er) picture

Still lots of drama happening out on the roads. Here is series of texts from Steve MacLeod:
"Epic fail. Been nurturing my rippied tyre for 350 km. Finally shredded itself on the straight flat Ranwick Road. All tubes have been blown. Just too far to carry the bike before my flight back to Auck. Although my detour up the scenic Okuku Pass puts me at well over 1100 km, I have done only 99.9% of the course. So see you next time for a finish in Symour Square. Many thanks to everyone." Steve at 12:12am

Six hours later, just after dawn...
"But wait! Went to pack my bike away and found my spare tyre. So off to complete the Ranwick to Seymour Square." Steven.

And three hours later...
"At the airport and done thanks. So my official time should be 100% of the course in about a week, which I think is perfect time in the spirit of a brevet. And having not showered for about a week, some poor person has to sit next to me on the plane, still wearing my soggy stinky mtb shoes. Cheers. Over and out. Steven MacLeod".

Meanwhile, Lou decided not to take her road bike over the Rainbow and has cycle 136 km today to Kaikoura! She said it was beautiful. Good for her.

Now it really is wonderful to hear all the stories from different riders. So a BIG THANKS to Richard for writing up a blog today. Here is the link to his most excellent adventure: http://www.velocrazy.blogspot.co.nz/


And finally, for today, we are wishing all the best for the riders still out on the course :-)

They have him!

A big thank you to Michelle and Richard for going out, covering big miles to find Dean and take him back to their place to recover. Dean has had a helluva day, but has survived to ride again :-)

Thanks to John Randal, Shane Wetzel, Paul Kennett, Oxford Police and others who supported the rescue.

Update on Rescue

Michelle and Richard have just passed through Oxford and are 50 km away from Dean travelling at about 60 kph. Dean is back on Okuku Pass Road and is heading north, away from them.

Go Michelle and Richard! Reel him in!

Situation under control

Rescue on the way

We have had a few messages and phone call from people watching Dean's spot tracker today. Thank you for your concern and help.

We know Dean has been lost for several hours now and are very thankful that Michelle Paterson and Richard Craig are driving out from Christchurch to pick him up. They has a spot tracker on them, so we will know when they have found him.

Just in case plan A doesn't work, we have contacted the Police and they are standing by.

The Kiwi Brevet - is it a race?

I was reminded of a gaping hole in my literary education a few days ago by a friend, Tom, who wrote "A rose by any other name..." to describe the early brevet goings on.  "Is still a rose", I thought, but after a quick google search, I found that Shakespeare actually wrote "... would smell as sweet".  The intent is that the name of a thing does not matter, rather what it is matters.  So, is the Kiwi Brevet a race?

It bears many similarities to a race, the most relevant, I think, are a set course, and a mass start.  By providing these two things, the opportunity to treat the event as a race is there, and no amount of "don't do that" will prevent those who choose to race from doing so.

Even though the event is not quite done and dusted, we've seen a huge variation in pace - from Dave covering the 1100km Kiwi Brevet course in three days, seven hours and 24 minutes, to the group that will finish the 700km Kiwi Brevette course on Saturday afternoon (noon Saturday will be 7 x 24 hours, but Saturday is the 8th riding day) - average paces of 340km and 100km per day, respectively.  Thanks to the SPOT trackers, we can make those comparisons, another feature of the event that facilitates "racing". 

A huge part of the brevet, and event like it, is the opportunity to meet and ride with others.  This, I think, is one of the strongest factors working against a pervasive race mentality.  From early on the first day, we saw the emergence of clusters in the blue dots - groups of riders comromising their own pace to ride with others - some riding faster than they would alone, others slower.  In an event this long, and hard, attacks would have been rare - likely even non-existent.  Most un-race-like.

Is "getting it over and done with" racing?  Riding hard, and racing, are not the same thing.  In my mind, racing is to try to beat one's "competitors" - not much fun if no-one's competing back - and my hunch is there would've been little of that.  Riding hard, on the other hand, is still a race of sorts, but against the clock.  And not in a simple sense - as soon as you fix a destination in mind (at whatever point in the day that happens) there are really two clocks, and you're trading one off against the other.  When riding long days, I tend to value the time I have to put my feet up at the end of the day much more highly than rest-time during the day, and I'll shun rest stops, and pedal a bit harder to get as much clean-time as possible. 

An interesting reinforcement of this notion comes from the fact that very few people have opted-in to the St James section, and I haven't seen a single person tackle the Craigieburn long-cut.  I daresay riders are deciding to skip these not because they would lose time on their "rivals", but because the event is hard enough as it is without making it harder.  Riding a bike in the terrain that greets these riders is tough, and other things equal, less is more.  

I know when Simon came home from the Great Divide Race, he was suffering some ill-effects that took months to resolve.  He wanted to bring the multi-day, unsupported, bike-packing style event to NZ shores, but without the nerve damage, sleep deprivation, and weight loss, and he set up the Kiwi Brevet with that in mind.  Since the first edition, he's tweaked the rules in line with his philosophy for the event.  But, he's still offering entrants a challenge that to a very large extent, is what they make of it.

This year, I've noticed a bunch of "rule violations", many of which will have been quite deliberate.  A good example is Charlotte and Tim taking the highway down the Wairau Valley instead of the north bank forestry roads.  I suggest that this wasn't a mistake, but rather a purposeful choice designed to let them enjoy what remained of the event.  The event organisers can't stop people making these decisions (or mistakes!) any more than they can stop people racing (or riding in a way that onlookers might regard as racing). 

I'm sincerely hoping the adventure doesn't stop in Seymour Square, and that we get hours of words and pictures to wade through once the riders return to their computers!  Therein, I anticipate we'll detect very little racing in the overall sense, but plenty of micro-racing: to get to the top of the hill, to get to the shop before it closes, to get to an early shower, or maybe even a bunch of new friends cranking the pace up and racing to the next lamppost, laughing as they go, the better to pass the time.

At the end of the day, the Kiwi Brevet (and Brevette, and short-cut versions of the two) provides 100 brave souls an opportunity to ride through some wildly varied country at the top of the South Island.   And what an opportunity it is!  Let's hope someone picks up the baton for 2016!

The secret lives of holiday riders

Some of you may be wondering what the riders still out on the Brevet course are up to. Well, this email reveals another side to the Kiwi Brevet!

"Hi Jonathan

After making it to Hanmer Springs and having dinner with Craig and Mark who we have leap froged the 700km with and Paul who rode the 1100km. Kelly and I realised what a different experience we have had to the other people doing the event. Until now we haven't really wanted to connect with the outside world as we have been on hoilday. The whole mind set we went into this trip with was we were going to make it a 'biking hoilday' stop and enjoy cafes, catch up with friends and family, stop at nice rivers to go swimming and take afternoon naps if we need and this just what we have done. To prolong out trip we are going to stay in a DoC hut on the rainbow. Here a some images from our great adventure. 

Huge thanks for beinging apart of making our adventure happen for us. 

Cheers Mckayla"

 

Course Alternative

Choose between North Bank and Highway 63 to Blenheim

Over the last two days several riders have chosen to ride straight down Highway 63. Those that have taken the North Bank option have mostly found it rewarding, but also challenging.

As there is an easterly headwind forecast for the next two days we have deciced to make it clear that riders can take the Highway option if they want to. The Highway is about 100 km, all sealed. The Northbank is 118 km, with lots of gravel and some hills. Northbank may simply be too much for those that are getting worn down.

If you prefer, take the highway and enjoy the last day of the Brevet.

Times are getting tough

Kiwi Brevet hit by cold and rain

Reports are now coming in of rain and cold temperatures in North Canterbury. This may continue throughout the day, but the forecast for tomorrow is excellent.

Here are some updates that have come in that were too long for tweeting.

Dave Sharpe finished yesterday and may have continued riding. Nathan Favae is in the home straight, battling a head wind between Renwick and Blenheim right now (1:45pm, Wed).

"Sam Davidson is calling it a day. Legs blow up going over jacks. Had to ride some single track back to town. Bugger. Had a blast for the rest of the day. Rose some awesome tracks. And spun many a yarn. Thanks to all the riders for the positive vibes. And to all the crew for organising a great event. I'll be back next time with fresh legs and lighter bike. Yeow time for soak in pools and some short single track tomorrow. Ride on." Sam last night.
"Sam. Don't make your decision until tomorrow. OK?" Jonathan
"Righto boss. I'll c tomorrow. They weren't good today tho." Sam

"Mark and Richard at St Arnaud. Lovely long lunch at Lake Tennyson. Headwind most of the way and got sick of the corrugations on the cx bike. Felt strong today." from last night.

After John de Garnham pulled out when his carbon belt drive broke someone (I think the agent) found one and sent it to him and he is now back on the road. Does go to show the danger of touring with uncommon bike bits.

Life is easy after the Brevette...
"OK, 3 coffees in, brunch and a good sleep and I'm feeling much better. Thanks Simon and brevet(te) HQ for a great ride. Some awesome riding and some rough roads! Hanging with riders at the stops was great and something I missed once I turned off at springs and didn't see any other riders till Blenheim. Good company from Pat, Andrew, and Tor especially. Thanks again." Michael Dam

Steven MacLeod has been dreaming of moving to Holland since day one (to avoid hills) and is now learning dutch somehow.
"Steven Macleod scoffing van pies in Sheffield. Gevoel behoorlijk comfortabel op de viaktes van Canterbury Plainsboro zijn zeer vergelijkbaar met mijn nieuwethuis Holland."

The trials of the road and pulling out gracefully...
"Martin Harry and Alistair Brown have had to pull out. Achilles problems for both of us and a smacked up ankle on Big River. Thx for organising such a great event, a fantastic four days."

And just got a call from Nathan saying he has finished and has the best saddle sores of his life! No more information required thanks Nathan.

It's Complicated

Messages to clear up confusion

Strange things are happening on the roads of the Brevet. Several riders have switched to the Brevette, a couple of spot trackers aren't working and others have simply taken a wrong turn. Here are some updates.

"Perfect day, some great riding over Porika & Braeburn, swim in the river, lunch at Rivers Cafe, siesta under a tree and then some more riding, bit of a bugger the next bit is uphill." From Malcolm Hughes yesterday afternoon.

"I have just had the most enjoyable days riding, partly due to not being in a hurry. I will be turning left at Springs Junction, so a DNF for the Brevet, but a few days of riding with no pressure. Pretty Happy." From Michael Hoogeveen yesterday evening

"Hi. Craig Madsen and Mark Humphreys at Murch. Changing to brevette due to the over abundance of native flowers being picked for pressing on our return. So we have been unable to make out timings. So the Brevette it is." Yesterday evening.

"Charlotte and Tim have switched to the short brevette course and are now in Hanmer Springs." Yesterday evening.

"Ric D in Reefton (by foul means...) resume biking tomorrow as planned. Lost in admiration for hardcore breveteers..." Yesterday night.

Kirby and Mick report their spot tracker has died. They camped at St Arnaurd last night, along with a dozen other brevette riders.

"Sam Davidson texting from Springs Junction. And turning left over Lewis. Body is cooked from two days of boiling heat. Numb hands and back. But pushing on tonight. Yeow!!" Sent yesterday night - hang in there Sam.

"Got to Murchison this avo. Loved the ride over Braeburn. Heading to Springs Junction tomorrow. Will see how I go. Might divert to the shorter Brevette course.: From Iain D last night.

Dean Fleur Fod Pawsey team are currently off course. They missed a turn and are heading to Lake Brunner. Wonder when they will realise?

Has anyone taken the Craigieburn deviation yet? Not that I know of. If there were prizes, a special one would go to those that do. But their aren't prizes. Everyone is out their for the love of cycling!

Watching the Kiwi Brevet

I must admit, over the last couple of days, I've become mesmerised by those little blue dots.  It is incredible to think that from the comfort of our homes (or offices), we can get real time information as the Kiwi Brevet (and Brevette) unfolds.

On the one hand, the information we're privy to is incredibly detailed.  When I finally succumbed last night and went to bed, I knew that Dave Sharpe was travelling towards Culverden at just over 30km/h.  I remembered the stretch from Hurunui well, having made the same dash four years ago (though, a full day behind Dave's incredible schedule).

We get other snippets of information too.  The twitter feed on the Kiwi Brevet site reminds us that not everyone is carrying a SPOT-tracker.  Jeff Lyall is updating his blog as he goes, and many of the riders are posting photos and comments to Facebook.  Just about everyone's mentioning the heat, and most, rightfully so, are describing how damn hard this event is.

On the other hand, there's a lot we miss - part of the fun of an event like this is being able to fill in the gaps once the riders return home and start sharing their tales.  I wonder where David Drake is?  I'd love to hear about Nathan's shopping trip in Greymouth, and what John de Garnham went there for (is he still there?).  I look forward to hearing why Craig, Craig and Mark didn't turn in to Lake Rotoroa after bypassing the Porika Track, thereby missing one of my highlights of '10, the sweet Braeburn Track.

The Brevette adds an interesting dimension.  There's a big posse of Brevette riders just now thinking about leaving St Arnaud, the event's creator, Simon Kennett among them.  They're on 8-day pace, and I've seen photos of roadside blackberry feasts, wildflower posies, and swimming holes.  Closest to Blenheim are Michael and Sarah (and perhaps others without trackers), though I dare say they'll see the back of Dave before they reach Seymour Square.

Springs Junction marks the point at which Brevet riders head west, over Rahu Saddle, and Brevette riders turn east for Lewis Pass.  Yesterday, Charlotte and Tim ditched plans for the former, and turned into a Brevette team.  The blue dot doesn't tell us why, just reports that it is so.  Troy looks to have made the same choice this morning, though Paul, who posted a teaser last night, is on his way to Reefton.

It will be interesting to see whether or not anyone takes the optional sections.  Not many have had the opportunity yet, but those at the pointy end of the Brevet have politely skipped the Craigieburn section, while those in the Brevette have given the St James the swerve.  I predict we'll see some of the mid-pack riders opt in (and I know Simon will be doing the St James). 

Many, like me, will be enjoying the online spectacle, and some will be hoping that someone steps into Simon's shoes and organises KB2016 - he has said he won't.  Seeing it from within will be a much richer, but possibly less fascinating, experience.

We shouldn't forget that the seemingly self-propelled dots are rather misleading though - they are only moving forward on account of someone's not insignificant effort.  I was wrecked for months after the 2010 edition, and wonder if there's been a subconscious "don't do that to yourself again" switch thrown inside me.

While beautiful and varied, the terrain these guys are traversing is tough, and there's lots of it.  Food and drink will not always be available on demand, and riders will be confronting all sorts of possibly unfamiliar emotions, including occasional fear.  I dare say that while the photos will be stunning, the most amazing sights and scenes for the riders will be the ones they confront within.

I really look forward to reading about it!

The Drama Unfolds

Day 3 of the Kiwi Brevet cycle touring challenge

Just over 100 riders left Blenheim at noon on Saturday and most are making good progress around the top of the South Island.
You can see them starting at this Utube clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtB8vVwWzl0
You can check out the progress of two thirds of the riders at http://trackleaders.com/kiwibrevet14
About one third of the riders don't have trackers, but all riders must call in at the seven call in locations.

Some riders found Port Underwood hillier than expected, with Steve MacLeod stating upon his arrival at Picton that he would be "moving to Holland where it is flat". Most seem to be really enjoying their ride, and many are travelling in groups, enjoying big meals together and staying at comfortable lodgings. Early starts also seem to be popular, especially as the afternoons have been hot.

Dave Sharpe is many miles out in front, as he is testing himself to see if he wants to do the Great Divide later this year. He is past Arthurs Pass now.

Nathan was not to far behind him until his bike fell apart last night (freewheel bearings gone, BB bearings on the way out and buckled wheel). His spot tracker has been off since then. But he rode off to Greymouth, had a huge cooked breakfast, got his bike fixed at a bike shop and is now back on the road. The rest will have been good for him.

Thomas Lindup, David Drake and a few others have also had serious bike problems. I guess riding lightweight racing bikes loaded up with gear can do that - or it's just bad luck. Thomas has somehow recovered and is making incredibly good time.

Peter Maindonald went off course at 158mph. No, he wasn't in a private jet, he just suffered from what TrackerHQ call a 'rough point'

Nathan has just turned his tracker back on.

Some riders don't have trackers because, like Simon, they are just riding for pure fun. He and several Brevetteers are riding an average of 100 km a day, and are really connecting with the places they see along the way.

A few riders have got themselves a little lost, and have ridden off the course. This morning, a group missed the turn-off at Wakefield and continued south on the main highway, missing some lovely riding up 88 Valley. Navigation is all part of the brevet challenge.

Thank to Jo Wynn-Williams for the following photos.

 

It takes a village to raise a Brevet

It's perfect conditions here in Blenheim this morning - overcast with a light southerly breeze. Should make the vertigous Port Underwood road considerably more enjoyable! Before heading off for the briefing, I've got to take a minute to acknowledge all the people who've helped make the third Kiwi Brevet and Brevette happen.

- The Kennett Bros (Jonathan and Paul) for sorting out all manner of admin hassles and being event HQ while I'm off enjoying the Brevette.
- Jeff Lyall for doing the rider profiles and helping unravel the mysteries of Twitter feeds
- Dave Sharpe for setting up/managing the Kiwi Brevet 2014 Facebook page, and arranging the donations to the rescue helicopter
- Mondo Kopua for negotiating and signposting the land access through Wairau's North Bank forest
- Duncan at Top Town Cinema for providing us with a theatre for the briefing
- Robin Dunn for suggesting the route out of Blenheim and agreeing to lead the way at the start
- Marlborough Bike-Fit for letting riders leave gear at their shop and receiving the Spot Trackers when people finish
- Scott and Matthew for sorting the Spot Trackers leaderboard
- Hana, Mark, Jo and Scott for handling the musette design and construction
- The Pattersons and Manuka Island Trust for allowing access through their land
- All my friends who've helped sort out accommodation for this adventure at a time when I've been too busy to think about such 'minor' details.
- Jennie Taylor for the free Sweet Cheeks Butt Butter samples and agreeing to be a 'Trail Angel' (she prefers 'Trail Witch') on the first leg.
- My buddy John for agreeing to help spice up the blog while I'm on the road
- My long-suffering wife and daughter for putting up with my frequent absences into the computer room, and my mother-in-law, Shona, for looking after Miro this week (while both Sarah and I ride).

And all those who have offered encouragement along the way. Cheers!

Simon

Photo Sharing

If you have any photos of the Kiwi Brevet that you'd like to share, please email them to jonathan [at] kennett [dot] co [dot] nz

We love seeing the big views and the small, the riders and other forms of wildlife.


Weather-wise, it's a forecast of two halves from the Metservice. They predict four days of sunshine followed by four days of showers. Looks like an incentive to ride faster, but who really trusts weather forecasts beyond the next couple of days? We'll know for real soon enough!

Rules for 2014

 What's shown below is an edited version of the rules blurb from 2012. The main thing is to complete the course under your own steam, without a support crew.

Note the 10th rule;
Text-ins (rather than 'call-ins') are to be made from designated towns along the route until you either finish or abandon the brevet. Tweet your texts to 8987, or text event HQ on 027 284 5599. Tweets are preferred as they'll go up on the event blog directly, but they must be limited to 140 characters. If you want to share something longer, text the cell phone number.

The designated towns are shown on the course Google map.

Regarding the map, note that it shows the most direct way through Nelson via the I-Site. The more detailed cue sheet sent out this week shows 'Google Directions' suggestion, which includes a few backyards along unformed road. Once in Nelson, just follow your nose to the i-Site on Hallifax St, on-road please.

Note also that there will be an open home in Nelson on the Saturday and Sunday nights, with room for several riders. I'll give out the details at the briefing.

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What is the Kiwi Brevet? What defines it? How does it differ from a race? Can it be won?

The Kiwi Brevet is a cycle touring challenge. It is defined by the course and the event rules. You can complete the course without following the rules, but you will have completed something that is, to some degree, different from the 'Kiwi Brevet'.

In 2010, most riders followed the Kiwi Brevet rules perfectly, but many did not. Some missed parts of the course, some entered Molesworth Station early, some picked up gear that was waiting at private addresses, some rode as domestiques for others. This was disappointing and lead to a complete lack of enthusiasm for finalising finishing results.

After completing the Tawhio o Whanganui - a far more relaxed brevet style event - I've concluded that results are not important. In fact they can be counter-productive, as they encourage a level of competitive riding which detracts from a truly fine cycle tour. This year we have two optional sections which I hope will mess with the instinct to complete the course as fast as possible.

A really great dirt brevet has a challenging time component, but that is only one small element of what defines success in this event. If there were 'winners' in the inaugural Kiwi Brevet, I would say they were the riders who exceeded their expectations and shared their adventures with others (through photos, blogs, amusing call-ins and articles, etc). If you can meet some of the locals, enjoy some great food and scenery; and finish uninjured with a little bit left in the tank, then you have done very well indeed! And if you enjoy the company of fellow breveteers - deepening old friendships or developing new - you've really hit the jackpot.

The event culture is largely determined by its participants, but the rules lay the groundwork for how the riders tackle the course. With that in mind, here are the rules for 2012.

1. Do it all yourself, under your own steam.

2. Riders must carry all their own gear (i.e. no domestiques, unless you are part of a team).

3. No outside support (deliveries only to public addresses, no support from friends along the way, no support vehicles of any kind meeting you along the way). Prior to the race you may only post supplies to post offices.

4. Follow 100% of the course.

5. It is recommended that riders carry a personal locator beacon, and agree to cover the cost of rescue in the event they need to be evacuated.

6. Riders must not complete the course in less than 4 days (This event is not about finding the fastest rider).

7. Riders must finish in under 8 days. That is, by noon on Sunday the 9th Feb.

8. Between 9am one day and 9am the next, every rider must spend at least one block of at least six hours not travelling. That is, the maximum time any rider may spend travelling along the course will be 18 hours (between each 9am-to-9am period)."

9. When on public roads, follow the NZ Road Code.

10. Text-ins are to be made from designated towns along the route until you either finish or abandon the brevet. Tweet your texts to 8987, or text event HQ on 027 284 5599.

11. Riders must observe all rules laid down by land mangers along the route (such as the Department of Conservation). Riders must not camp or light fires in the McDonald Downs Station section or the North Bank of the Wairau forest section of the course.

In the event of Rainbow Station being closed, riders are to proceed through the Molesworth Station. Please note that Rainbow Station (about three quarters of the way between Hamner and St Arnaud) is closed during the hours of darkness. The dogs at the homestead will wake the manager if you go past after dark.

In the unlikely event that the private forest on the North bank of the Wairau is closed, riders should proceed directly down the valley on the highway.