Wednesday Morning

Texts from Tuesday night/Wednesday morning

9:00pm
Michael Dann:
Hit Springs Junction. Onward. Mike Dann

9:11pm
Oli du Bern:
Camping in Tapawera tonight. Great day of riding. The hostile sandflies in rotor were great motivation to get up porika track. Sunshine and tail winds all the way to tapawera pub. Oli du Bern

9:25pm
Elisha Nuttall:
Hi Scott, team Generation Apollo arrived in Blenheim tonight at 7:30pm. Stoked! Stellar ride thanks for organising!

9:36pm
Alistair Davidson:
Checking in. No coverage at Jackson. Staying at blackball too wrecked to carry on thanks to wind. Pleased with the day though. There are now less kms in front of the horse than in the back of the cart. Or something like that.

9:44pm
Christopher Bennett:
Made it to Reefton in time to get a pizza before they closed. First proper dinner since Friday! Feeling sorry for those behind me on Big River Track. Nasty in daylight, incomprehensible at night. Chris Bennett

9:46pm
Chris Hodder:
All finished back in Blenheim 22 hours faster than last year Chris Hodder

9:58pm
Rob Davidson:
Rob texting from Richmond. Good day out. Feeling stronger each day. Will head for home after a sleep :-)

10:00pm
Marcus Peters Kieren Tibble:
Finished, 8:20pm at Seymour Square

10:01pm
Di and Alex Grigg:
Yep we r here, arrived 9.30...with Chris...Yay, happy to be here! (Sorry must have turned spot off too soon). thks!!

10:06pm
Lou Perkins:
Hey Scott don't know if your out there just can't remember where we can't remember where we can't go when coming in to blenheim cheers lou
Scott to Lou:
Hi Lou, I'm here. Just don't turn left straight after Ferry Bridge, carry on to SH then turn left, Just get into Seymour Square mate. Well done nearly there.
Lou to Scott:
Cheers bro I'm f$&:ked gunna sleep then hit the road :-))

10:28pm
Ian Huntsman:
Ian and Wendy checking in at Nelson. Another beautiful day. We didn't expect that hill. Long ride for us but nice to be in Nelson.

Ian and Wendy checking in at Seymour Square. We made it. There's a few hills on the port underwood section

10:37pm
Geoff Gabities:
Staggered into Arthurs Pass. Wx held off and even a southerly tail wind until the NW happened.

10:58pm
Ben Taylor:
Ben taylor chris todd in reefton

11:06pm
Andy Beale:
Andy Beale tapawera xxx

11:27pm
Steve Halligan:
Picton yeah.

11:31pm
Coastal Crew:
Coastal Crew Todd Iain & Bryce in Reefton. Great day, other than the rain, oh and the cracked frame!

6:21am
Darren Tatom:
Design today....pulling out and heading for Blenheim. Neck pain wrecking enjoyment of this event unfortunately. Many thanks Scott and Jo, to Barryn for the loan the SPOT and all the good folks along the way...

7:15am
Steve Halligan:
I back in Blenheim. yes ha.
Jo to Steve:
Yahoo congratulations!! What time did you get in?
Steve to Jo:
About 7.10
Scott to Steve:
Did you stop and have a sleep? How are you feeling? Awesomeness
Steve to Scott:
Bit of a bad call on my part. Got some food in picton and decided I'd sleep down one of the bays, put my mat and bag out. Was freezing down there, moved on, took wrong turn blah blah blah. Big nite I veered off port underwood rd heading out east
Scott to Steve:
I saw the wrong turn ;-) Well done man, go and have a feed and some sleep
Steve to Scott:
Will do cheers mate

Tuesday afternoon text in's...

12:37pm
Keith Payne:
Keith Payne in Reefton. Big river track is pretty wet!

12:49pm
Jonathan Kennett:
Hanging out in nelson, perfect riding today. Re-fueling before dealing to the Maungatapu. Cheers Jonathan Kennett

1:06pm
Mark Wattie:
Now at Murchison... Mark Wattie

1:07pm
Phil Jones:
In Murchison. sweet ride. Phil Jones

1:27pm
Denise Thorne:
ummmmm Denise & Geoff are a bit passed Jackson's pub, but it was too cold to stop & text sorry !!!

1:28pm
Hamish Southcott:
In Reefton, sleep & keeping dry are so overrated

1:28pm
Dave Cooper:
In Reefton

1:32pm
Jackson Foster:
Jackson Foster is in Murchison having a whitetail fritter

1:33pm
Peter Schaap:
Peter Schaap Reefton

1:40pm
Dirk Nash:
In Murchison will push onto Porika

1:44pm
Kim & Meg Carrigan:
Arrived in Springfield this evening late m.
What  along day, whalfdale is hard at the best of time, but with gear a tall ask
Strong head winds to Arthur's Pass. 5 more km to the top.

2:13pm
Dean Marshall:
Dean Marshall passed Jackson pub

2:23pm
Grenville Hirst:
At Jackson's , the bar stewards are shut, can you pls send me a copy of the GPX route file please.

2:26pm
Glenn Wright:
Hi, left Jackson's pub ... bit blowy , Glen Wright

2:32pm
Ed Mc Donald:
Ed Mc in Blenheim! Hot day to finish. Lost Camera somewhere near ocean bay on Port underwood though :-(
Scott to Ed: Congratulations , hope you have enjoyed the course? I will put something on FB about your camera.
Ed to Scott: Yes an amazing adventure. Slight preference for anti clockwise for less HAB (hike a bike) but still great!

3:28pm
Darron Tatom:
Darron Tatom from bell hill, no coverage at Jacksons "Gonna mess around"

3:36pm
Costal Crew
Coastal Crew , Bryce, Ian & Todd checking in from Ikamatua. Was no coverage in Jackson's. Ian on his 3rd tyre luckily buying one in Arthur's pass of all places.

4:11pm
Steve Makin:
So, today has been tough, started the day full of enthusiasm but 60km of gusting head winds & a very close encounter with a truck kinda pissed on my chips :-( got a lift last 30km, now in springs junction,  will pick up tomorrow.

4:28pm
Gordon Sloane:
Hi Scott & Jo I'm in Nelson now

4:39pm
Nicki Squire:
In Tapawera for the night.

4:42pm
Steve Halligan:
In Nelson, leaving now :-)

4:58pm
Ritchie Davies:
Picton. Done. My ride home is waiting!
Thanks Scott, Jo, Tony, Shane & everyone else who has made this marvellous event.

5:12pm
Bethany Dunne:
Slowest morning ever!!! Glad I wore my hike a bike shoes :-) currently scoffing a pie in Reefton & try for Murchison, going well just smelly!

5:39pm
Margaret Layland:
At Reefton. Waiuta to big River was THE BOMB!!! loved it. Bought back memories of BC with a touch of Karapoti thrown in :-)
Scott to Margaret: Its awesome eh? Even loaded I love that track! Keep going mate. How's the knee?
Margaret to Scott: What knee? ;-)
Scott to Margaret: The correct answer

6:15pm
Michael Dann:
Hey all well in Reefton, Waiota Big River was choice.

6:17pm
Mike O Conner:
Hi Jo & Scott, have made it to Seymour square, Thanks so much for organising such an awesome event, won't forget the feeling of seeing that spire for a while. Cheers Mike O Conner.

6:25pm
Barryn Westfield:
Trev, Jackie & Baryon checking in from the new text in location of Ikamatua as forgot Springfield in a effort to move on & Jackson;s was too wet, so here we are,,,, highlights to date have to be Whalfdale is in exceptional condition & down Otira in the pissing rain...

6:37pm
Oliver Herdsman:
Forgot to text in after Arthur's pass earlier. was too wet & cold! Now enjoying the sun at Ikamatua

6:43pm
Craig Moss:
Hi, Craig, Ross & Darren all good at Jacksons, super day heading Moana, cheers Craig actually now in Moana, can you help? We think my bottom bracket is on way out fast do you know of a cycle shop in Reefton, we can call ahead too?


6:59pm
Rob Hoult:
Rob Hoult at Reefton for the night. 190km today from otter , thought day through Big River, Took 1 big spill & took a while to focus again. Its been great riding with Paul, Bob & Chris, but they are electing to push on, but more tonight. Not for me I am afraid. going to slow down now & cruise home.

7:01pm
Chris & Bob:
Bob & Chris in Reefton. wishing we had our #santacruz , #Juliana & #bosforks

7:10pm
Jasper van der Lingen:
Jasper in Nelson. A great tail wind today. Off to get a big meal & a few beers soon.

7:11pm
Andy Gilbet:
Andy Gilbert arrived in Nelson just after 6 to stay the night.
Los Jasper in a beer garden in Wakefield thou he starts so early he will be past her by the time I get up.

7:14pm
Brian Alder:
Nelson. Kabab & off over the hill into the night.

7:18pm
Matt Quirk:
At Reefton scoffing hot cheese dough delights. Big river = awesome. Pushing on for, well, somewhere. Maruia I hope!

7:18pm
Paul Chaplow:
Reefton, big river/waiuta, what an awesome ride, although the ride out seemed endless. Having pizza then will do a few more hours riding. Nice that the weather has cleared.

7:56pm
Ben Weatherspoon:
My great dad came to take me home. I probably need some time to mature generally before tackling that again.

8:11pm
Dale Lopez:
Seymore Square YE HA

Tuesday txt ins to lunchtime

8:27am

Brian Alder:

Murcheson. Long grind down the valley to here. Been a little wet but clearing.

8:56am

Lou Perkins:

Lou Perkins in Nelson yahoo

8:45am

Andy Fraser:

Hi Scott and Jo Andy Fraser has pulled out at Springfield. A bit beaten up from Wharfdale otherwise. Riding to ChCH today Many thanks Next time

9:31am

Oli du Bern:

Oli du Bern. Murchison. awesome ride this morning. Maruia Saddle was amazing. Tom, the ozzie kid, has a short, sharp education in electric fences. Hilarious.

9:33am

Thomas Crowley:

Greetings from Murchison. So glad I switched to cycle-tourist mode and joined the #brovette. That dirt section was sw8!

9:53am

Gary Mckensie:

Heading to Christchurch. Can’t keep any food or drink down. Wharfdale really #$& me over.

10:13am 

Joe Jagusch:

Bugger. I see i went the wrong way. Dilemma.Well….not really. Damn after doing Big river in the dark, and now this goofy parallel error…kinda thought it was too easy the last stretch…what is the difference?

Scott to Joe:

Are you in Maruia? It just means you’ll have an asterix by your name. Your Call

Joe to Scott:

I’m going back. Unless an asterix is already there…I’m at the west bank junct 2km from maruia

Scott to Joe:

No, only if you don’t retrace your track. Good on you

Joe to Scott:

Dunno about ‘goy’

Scott to Joe:

Ok, pleased you are making the “right” choice :-)

10:19am

Glen Kivell:

Glen Kivell in Murchison, wicked ride over the saddle.

10:38am

Hamish Dalglish:

Hamish Dalglish jacksons we

10:42am

Brett Herdman:

At murchison, single speed heaven

10:45am

David Connor:

Just landed in Murch. maruia saddle was unreal.

10:54am

James Burgess:

James and Alex (and Sam and Dave) at Muchison. Maruia Saddle is just beautiful.

10:51am

Joe Jagusch:

Anon: Ever heard of the phrase “thats character building stuff”?  Joe doubling back: yeah but it doesn’t mean i never f*ing liked it!

Scott to Joe:

Nice one. Team at Ground Effect are proud of you :-)

11:00am

Joe Jagusch:

This goddamn west bank road has a lot to live up to. Cheers guys.

Scott to Joe:

Mmmmmmmm, don’t hate on me

Joe to Scott:

;p blockaders road….

Scott to Joe:

Yep, but the ams are correct on the cues

11:06am

John Etherington:

Horizontal rain, coffee and pies, all good at Arthurs pass!!

Scott to John:

And tracking! Life must be great?

John to Scott:

Doesn’t get much better!!! Loving it :0)

11:39am

John Carman:

John Carman at Village Cycles hopefully getting new spoke and wheel straightened after riding over 500k on it! Great tailwind and in good group of Jonathan, Geoff and Gareth.

11:42am

Craig Madsen:

Made it to Nelson. Great ride this morning…it’s now super hot so it should make for an interesting afternoon. Picton here we come!

11:51am

Geoff Gabities:

Phil and Geoff eating pies at Sheffield

11:58am

Alex Dyer:

Hi. Lunch in Murchison. Sunny. Happy. Sme pics an instagram and Twitter under #kiwibrevet2015 Later

11:59am

Richie Davies:

Forgot to txt in from Nelson but hello from maungatapu saddle. Tadmor and Dovedale a real highlight. This climb, not so much.

12:13pm

Geoff Gabities:

Phil wants to know how far from da fromtare we. Is it poss to mow down Brian alder u think?

Scott to Geoff:

Probably if you drive ;-)

Geoff to Scott:

Too funny!! Crap wx about to hilt us me thinks. May jet bicycle at da pie shop

12:29pm

Gareth Rapley:

Gareth tail wind into nelson life is good

12:30pm

Greg Thurlow:

Nelson gt

12:37pm

Keith Payne:

Keith Payne in Reefton. Big river track is pretty wet!

12:41pm

Chris and Bob:

Bob and Chris in Jackson. Magnificent night at rata lodge in otira. Had the luxury of a hot shower, as much tea we could drink & a dry roof over our heads. Almost makes up for the crap weather

Tuesday Morning, texts over night

9:41pm
Greg Galway:
Reefton

9:43pm
Grenville Hirst:
I'm here
Scott to Grenville:
Where is here Greenville?
Springfield, I see your spot now!
Grenville to Scott:
Springfield

9:51pm
Jasper van der Lingen:
Jasper in Murcheson. Great day finished off with many beers in the pub.

10:19pm
Kirk Hamilton:
Kirk Hamilton and Jesse Patel are in blackball Hilton tonight. Too wet to txt earlier

10:27pm
Rob Davidson:
4500k on the divide and not a problem...just 600k in on the kiwi and GPS, and charging screwy...go figure :-(  (referring to his dynamo hub)

10:36pm
Glenn Wright:
Hi, In Springfield at 9.30pm Epic day with Grenville. Glenn Wright

10:50pm
Andy Beale:
Just stopped in reefton. Not sure if bike is going to make it through. Front hub bearings fucked. Plan is to ride until they disintegrate

11:30pm
Dean Ford:
Oh the weather outside is frightful but my cabin is so delightful....Dean checking in at Reefton

11:16pm
Chris Hodder:
Arrived in Nelson after a big day on the bike. Chris Hodder

11:20pm
Di and Alex Grigg:
In nelson

1:52am
Darren Tatom:
Checking in from Springfield. Shoulder pain is leading to short riding days...better luck Tuesday?

6:38am
Margaret Leyland:
Sorry we had no reception at Jackson Pub. Just heading out now. Today is an experiment in the power of buckwheat porridge.

6:39am
Michael Dann:
Hey me and peg just leaving jacksons. Good to have a roof over our heads last night. Coming down otira gorge yesterday was fkn gnarly, wind and rain in my face made it hard to see! Mike Dann

7:20am
Marcus Peters:
Marcus and Kieran in Burger King Nelson x

Monday Arvo Text in...

Here is Monday Afternoon check in's to 8pm....
Sounds like it has been a hot & windy day through to Arthur's Pass for some...

12:22pm
Matt Quirk:
Checking in. 30km passed Springfield, battery only just charged now.

12:26pm
Derek Postar:
Crash, Flat Tyre, stuffed bottom bracket, but WOW the views! Is my GPS tracker still working? No flashing lights big ride today.

12:34pm
Costal Crew:
Coastal crew Bryce, Ian & Todd checking in from near Springfield, Head winds are awesome!

12:58pm
Mitch Potter:
Mitch Potter checking in from Springfield. At 1am in the dark & all alone got stymied by big slip on the Whalfdale so pitched tent next to trail.
All good by the light of day.

12:52pm
Jo Jagusch:
Goal for the day; remain coherent

Warm humid well hydrated

rain started just now feels goooooooood.

da nana nana nana. knew that I would da nana nana nana, I feel gooey..... so good, so good, where is a band when you need one.

1:02pm
Steve Matkin:
Pete Goodman & I are saying in Hanmer tonight 7 then picking it up again tomorrow, both now Brevetting & feeling better, trip to the Pharmacy for plaster for my sunburn, right when my Lycra is rubbing :-(

1:13pm
Gordon Slone:
Hi Scott, I'm at Murchison now.

1:53pm
Chris Hodder:
Make it to Murchison but is sore - Chris Hodder

2:10pm
Peter Schaap:
Peter Schapp Arthur's pass

2:16pm
Dave Cooper:
At Arthur's Pass trying to come up with a witty comment about headwinds & rain but got nothing.

2:40pm
Hamish Dalglish:
Hamish Dalglish Springfield, new batteries but still no GPS, like the drinking water, she'll be right.

2:40pm
Denise Thorne:
Denise & Geoff are in Springfield ;-)

3:00pm
Rob Davidson:
Charging problems.... will text in when can, Ikamatua at 3pm...feeling Grrrrrrrreat :-)

3:29pm
Keith Payne:
Keith Payne. Jackson's Pub. Feeling much better after re feeling at Arthur's Pass

No Vodafone at Jackson's found some at Kotuku


3:32pm
Craig Madsen:
We have just taken a detour & missed the Porika. My back was not up to the walking part, still having a magic time.

3:34pm
Jeremy Bray:
Jeremy Bray Springs Junction. Lewis pass was grind! Stopped at Muria springs & had a fantastic coffee & scored the last sausage roll... yus!!

4:20pm
Scott message to Oli du bern
Scott: hey Oli can you turn the unit off & then back on * press the footprint button, the unit need to be turned off every 24hrs & restarted
Oli: OK, will try taking the battery out, I have been trying to press all the right buttons, but nothing is responding. Oli
Scott: I know that feeling.... but that is with my wife ;-)
Oli: ha ha very good, going to post that text? We are in Muria enjoyin the fine food & Hospitality, staying the night here.

4:33pm
Steve Halligan:
Reefton at last. S Halligan.

4:38pm
Oli du Bern:
Oli: Hi Scott, still no joy with the spot tracker, have removed the tracker.
Scott: F-It. sorry man I will let Tony know.
Oli: Thanks I have to keep telling my girlfriend I am fine & not stuck on the ST James
Scott: Its cause she loves you.

5:15pm
Luke Thompson:
Luke Thompson Sheffield, note to self....don't follow others & pie ship shit (SP) 1 hour earlier.

Luke Thompson, Food Time

5:31pm
Dean Marshall:
Dean Marshall in Springfield.

5:45pm
Ed Mc Donald:
Ed Mc in Nelson... civilisation freaking me out so may have a crack at Maungatapu tonight.

5:57pm
Sam Davidson & John Keyzer:
Roadie radness on Lewis pass. Nice pace today. enjoyed the view, found a sporty dreamy swimming hole. and did not break down on Lewis's backside!
Milkshake time. Then smash out some more road. Looking forward too the gravel #brovitto

6:22pm
Mike o Conner:
Hi team, have reached Nelson, new parts of the course are great! Mike OC

6:35pm
Kirsty Moran & Robyn Blyth:
Grenville Hurst it was time to get up.

6:45pm
Andy Gilbert:
Andy Gilbert; a day of hare & hounds, or Tortoise & tortoise. Jasper single speeding left an hour ahead. we are both enjoying Sirloin in Murchison arrived 5:30pm
Jo: Hope that is being washed down with a well deserved beer?
Andy: 1st was given to me at the lazy cow, now onto Pilsner

7:08pm
Ben Wotherspoon:
I am bailing out. Just to weak. I'll try again in 2017 perhaps.

7:21pm
Brain Alder:
Made the Reefton store 5mins before closing, full steam down from Big River :-)

7:42pm
Nicki Squire:
In Murchison that god for Bruce Springsteen.

7:51pm
Dean Cameron:
In Murchison yeeeooow! Muria saddle is lovely lovely piece of riding.
Cue sheet note, coming from Springs Junction it is Blackadder Road at 2.5km on the left on the sign, NOT west bank road.

7:54pm
Alistar Davidson:
Totally wreaked :-) could not camp tonight , at backpackers in Sheffield. kinda slipped down this bankie thing, few scraps & bruises but all good, too much crap on my bike really felt it on Whalfdale. Lost a lot of time, head down arse up tomorrow to get some KM's in the bank, can't miss that cut off.

7:58pm
Ben Taylor:
Ben Taylor & Chris Todd in Arthur's Pass Village tonight.

8:00pm
Steve Bilton:
Steve Bilton Springfield, my bike was too heavy for Whalfdale Track so suffered lots. Last 4km of downhill single track almost made it worth it thou.

8:55pm
Kirsty Moran & Robyn Blyth:
A clean Kirst and Robyn checking in from Springfield. Free hot shower and six cheese n egg toasties for tomorrows fodder from the exemplary Sheffield Pub. No alarms set off.

9:10pm
Brendan Pheasant:
Brendan Pheasant Springfield. A great day today, Wharfdale hard work with loaded bike; very nice camping spot at the domain.

9:15pm
Craig Moss:
Hi guys, Craig, Darren Gosse, Ross Friedrich, all good in Springfield, cheers, Craig

9:15pm
Elisha Nuttall:
Generation Apollo (just Elisah and Alastair) checking into Nelson
Scott to Eli:
Are you surviving without Isla?
Eli to Scott:
Been driving each other into the dirt. Locking ourselves in the box
How many Brevetters in Nelson or ahead?
Scott to Eli:
Only one ahead of you with a tracker. He's descending Maungatapu now.

Monday Morning Text In's

Here are the text call in we have had overnight & this morning ...

SUNDAY NIGHT

8:58pm
James Burgess & Alex Dyer:
James & Alex have hit Hanmer powered by pumpernickel cheese & dodgy water from a greasy stream. Braaaaaaap !!!!

9:05pm
Dirk Nash:
Enjoying a meal in Hanmer will switch to Brevette tomorrow

9:15pm
Kim & Meg Carrigan:
Arrived in Hanmer Sunday night. Exhausted! What an amazing trail St James is equal to the best anywhere in the world.

9:26pm
James & Alex:
Supplementary update; David has been kicked out of the pub for not having any shoes on #soendurorightnow

9:41pm
Jeremy Brae:
Jeremy Brae still Hanmer, Hi Scott & Jo the St James has beaten my bum into feeling like pulp. I am taking the Brevette option from here in I am disappointed but finishing the short course is better than a DNF on the long course.

9:42pm
Jeremy Brae:
Its beautiful in there just bloody tough riding at a significant clip with a loaded bike.

9:50pm
Geoff Gabities:
Phil & Geoff fed & resting at Hanmer

10:06pm
Rod Davidson:
Rob Davidson texting in from springfield.... did my text not work yesterday? Pls text back to let me know you got this :-)

That was this morning seems so long ago :-) Rob.

10:45pm
Ben Weatherspoon:
All OK, (Cool tent emoticon)

MONDAY
0:04am
Keith Payne:
Keith Payne missed the sheffield text in but found reception near castle hill

6:21am
Grenval Hurst:
At the huranui Pub woken by fire alarm, girls burning toast....they know who they are.

7:13am
Team Bike Fit:
Morning guys, we have decided to switch to Brevette - team bike fit due to illness & feeling totally smashed from the St James - cheers

7:51am
Hamish Southcote:
Just arrived in Springfield looks like another hot day.

8:38am
Rod Davidson:
Sweet ... early to bed & early to rise makes a man healthy , wealthy & in Arthurs pass for breakfast.

8:42am
Beth Dunne:
Beth Dunne eating breaks at Springfield

Breakfast even :-)

8:53am
Ian & Wendy:
Ian & Wendy checking in at Murchison. beautiful ride down the Maruia west bank road & setting sun over the saddle, camped at the saddle.

9:32am
Rob Hoult:
Rob Hoult 7 Paul Chaplow at Sheffield pie shop. Shared Whalfdale hut with Chris & Bob last night. Looks like a slow slog into the NW all the way to Arthurs!

9:34am
Paul Chaplow:
Sheffield. our riding seems to be perfectly timed to hit huts close or shortly after dark, thats 2 for 2 so far! Feeling ok. Bum is a bit sore! NW is going be a bastard today !

9:36am
Marcua Peters & Kerian Tibble:
Marcus & Kerian arrived in Murch x

9:38am
Lou Perkins:
Lou Perkins in Murchsion :-)

9:46am:
Nigel Walls:
Gutted to be honest, that was not an easy thing to do pulling the pin.I have managed to get a lift later today to Blenheim, well I have started planning for the next one.

9:58am
Kirk Hamilton:
Kirk Hamilton & Jesse Patel springfield.

9:58am
Di & Alex Grigg:
In Murchison :-)

10:17am
Dale Lopaz:
10:10 at Murchison all well - last section was great.

10:26am
Grey Gallway:
Jacksons Pub

10:26am
Jo Jagusch:
Can o chick peas & a chorizo for breeky. went down ok. the cold pie an hour later not great for the acid side of things. big Caffaine mutha in AP village & some quickies & she'z ok for now. Hip Hip Hooray.... rolling off the pass! Bugger the lights stopped working last night. thou a dawn start was all good.

10:42am
Chris & Bob:
Bob & Chris in Springfield smashed, happy for someone to pick us up.

10:45am
Derek Poshtar:
Derek Poshtar,  Evan. Dead Spot tracker. Hanmer Springs

10:51
Isla:
Isla here...Pulling the pin with knee pain been hurting since hanmer :-( boys have continued on. Pickup arranged from murcheson

11:04
Gareth Rapley:
Made it to Murchison! Gareth Rapley

11:23
Brian Alder:
Stillwater. Got some chasing to do!

11:29
Craig Madsen:
Craig Madsen and Mark made it to Murchison. Awesome ride through the saddle.

11:49
Greg Thurlow:
Murcheson gt

11:56
Jonathan Kennett:
Just rolled into much. Perfect riding conditions. Maria saddle was awesome. On a riding high! Jonathan

11:57
Richie Davies:
In Murch. Kai time. Might take a few shortcuts from now on to keep to my unrealistic deadline.

Text in's from Hanmer

Hello Followers ,

Scott & I spent the day in Hanmer today welcoming in a lot of the riders, that is why Text call in are a little delayed.
A lot of people did not text in once they had seen us... but here is who text in...

9:15pm (Saturday)
Ed Mc Donald:
Ed Mc Donald checking in from Hanmer with sublime rewards, pizza time!

0:18am (Sunday)
Keith Payne:
Keith Payne in Hanmer 1 puncture a 4km detour - but otherwise all good.

5:43am
Stephen Butterworth:
Pie & coffee time in Hanmer

5:51am
Brain Alder:
Hanmer for brekky, bakery open nice & early

07:24am
Jo Jagusch:
Steve Kindly gave me directions to his home in Hanmer yesterday before we hit the highway & I said see ya later as I was beginning to hurt at his pace, he may have made it that night but I took a chance this morning scrummage around in his tool shed so I could tighten my brooks saddle. Thanks Mate.
Woken up this morning at 4:20am by Brian's headlamp. Cheers Brian you Champ!.
Decided to sing a few classic tunes to the starry sky while packing up....I want to ride my bicycle .... etc...
Morning on the 'bike' chores; 1. Saying my prayers going Chammy & lycra free may test my resolve.
2. Sweep the floor....I mean stanchions 3. Plan ahead...intensity lowered to texting while riding...oops... we. 4. Moisturise 5. Lubricate the key parts.

7:56am
Bruno Geldermans:
Bruno Leaving Hanmer at 8:10am :-)

7:48am
Matt Quirk:
Matt Q checking in. coffee time

8:18am
Stephan Butterworth:
Heading back to Blenheim with Dave S, don't fancy riding 3 days solo with a chance of rain, also lost a pink glove, maybe Molesworth homestead to Hanmer if anyone find s it.
Yesterday was awesome SS was mint through Rainbow & St James.

8:51am
Hamish Southcote:
Have just arrived & tucking into Brekky

8:48am
Dave Cooper:
In Hanmer. spot tracker keeps switching itself off ?

9:10am
Craig Madson:
Hi Scott, Jo, Mark has worn very unwell so we have made a b line for Hanmer, missing out the St James. We will rest in Hanmer then look to continue on the brevet course once Mark has recovered.
This may or may not be today. kind regards Craig Madson.

9:21am
Mike O Conner:
Hi Guys Mike O'Connor here. at Hanmer. group of 3 from Christchurch were with me at Sedgemere but took a wrong turn, couldn't catch them in time to tell them! Hope they make it.

9:36am
Kirk Hamilton:
Kirk Hamilton Hanmer springs 9:30

9:59am
Bethany Dunne:
Beth Dune & Chris Bennet finished their breakfast challenge at Hanmer Springs, ready to hit the road.

10:23am
Mitch Potter:
Mitch Potter checking in from Hamer springs

10:26am
Isla, Elisha, & Alastair:
Hanmer, Isla, Elisha, Alastair

10:37am
Lou Perkins:
Lou Perkins looking at Scott

11:08am
Dale Lopaz:
Made it

11:13
Paul Chaplow:
In Hanmer road till 9pm last night. Glad to get here before it got to hot. Looks like this afternoons section my be a scorcher, stocking up then heading off.

11:14am
Rob Hoult:
Rob Hoult Hanmer Springs now.

11:18am
Luke Thompson:
Luke Thompson; Hanmer :-)

11:24am
Ben Taylor:
Ben Taylor & Chris Todd rate Robbie's generous toast policy

11:35am
Bob & Chris:
Bob & Chris in Hanmer. Thanks to Dave S for saving our spot tracker. Found a  mint camp spot under some beech trees. Only woke to a mouse running over my head once.

11:42am
Ian Huntsman:
Ian & Wendy checking in at Hanmer. wonderful ride through the rainbow & we were part of the tent city at Sedgemere last night.

11:46
Chris Hodder:
In Hanmer. Happy Chris Hodder

12:20
Hamish Dalglish:
Hamish Dalglish Hanmer

12:21pm
Rich Davies:
In Hanmer. yay. time for a re-fuel then back uphill

1:27
Greg Therlow:
Hanmer GT

1:55pm
Jasper Van der Lingen:
jasper in Hanmer, very happy to be where there are shops and bars & other smelly Bretvetters , might change to the Brevette course

1:56pm
Phil Jones:
Phil Jones nice to see you too

2:22pm
Oliver Herdsman:
Hanmer ho! all is well except I got stung on the knee by a bee, St James trail was amazing! Oliver

2:38pm
Dean Marshall:
Dean Marshall in Hanmer

2:38pm
Kirtsy Moran & Robyn Blyth:
Robyn & Kirst checking in from Hanmer. Strategically positioned in the field for maximum rouge banana retrieval. May not carry food for next leg as a result.

2:48pm
John Etherington:
Hi Scott all good in Hanmer springs just found out my spot is not tracking any ideas - John

2:49pm
Oli De Burn:
Oli De burn Hanmer, St James is an evil Bastard, beautiful but evil.

2:57pm
Alistair Davidson:
In Hanmer having my 1st pie in 5 years - bring it on!

2:58pm
Darren Tatom:
All good spot stopped working despite 2 battery changes

3:02pm
Dan De Burn:
In Hanmer St James was hhhhard

3:20pm
Scott Symes:
Hey calling in for Scott Symes, blown up knee means the dreams over. would you guys also be able to give me a lift to chch if that's OK, cheers Scott (from Mikes phone)

3:24pm
Brendon Phesant:
Brendon Phesant in Hanmer st James beautiful but quite hard work.

4:00pm
Darren Tatom:
hey Scott, my tracker is F**ked. Been offered Barryn's 107 tracker as he is traveling with Trevor woodward, would that work?

4:05pm
Oli De Burn:
Hi Scott & Jo, I'm going to switch to the Brevette, my spot tracker has stopped working, my brother Dan is still doing the Brevet, Oli De Burn.

4:48pm
Ed McDonald:
Soggy EMCD, in Murchison

4:32pm
Barryn Westfield:
Barryn, Trev & Jackie passing through Hanmer all good to date..... confirming we have given our 2nd tracker (107) to Darren Tatom

4:40pm
Andy Gilbert:
Andy G in Hanmer staying the night, very hot through St James had nice camp at rag & danish creek

4:50pm
Jeremy Bray:
Jeremy Bray. Hanmer. Man its 5pm & still stinking hot

4:53pm
Steve Bilton:
Steve Bilton Hanmer Springs, still going after surviving massive Mechanical on day 1 & the St James today.

5:08pm
Thomas Crowley:
Switching to Brevette

5:22pm
Jackson Foster:
Hey decided to do Brevette this morning as was at Sedgmere hut overnight. head shock on cannondale so tilted forwarding n got sore knee from new position
going to limp back to Blenheim following road mainly - epic fail :-) Cheers J

Hey in Hanmer by the way Cheers Jackson

5:25pm
Mark Wattie:
Checking in at Hanmer now doing Brevette

5:51pm
Craig Moss:
Craig, Darron Gosse, Ross Fredrick, Hanmer, all good, sore arse are our spot trackers going?

5:52pm
Nicki Squire:
In Hanmer. Hope my bearded friends make it before the pub closes. Nicki

5:52pm:
Brain Alder:
Home of the doughnut (Springfield) Hot & NW, off to Arthur's?

5:55pm
GlennWright:
Hi, arrived in Hanmer, blast through the St James, off to eat & will head up the road , Glenn Wright

6:48pm
Sam Davidson & John Keyzer:
St James royally rated these 2 brovetters, kabab levels are at an all time low. Stoke points are empty & we used our #endurocard early. currently refuelling before we work on an vac plan. Springs junction is on the card with, a beer trailer, swimming hole tracker & a whole swag bag of sadness to fuel the party. "if you ain't having fun you are doing it wrong" time to realign the camo & hang out with  our....bibs out.
#StJamescycleway = #horse'enduro the trotting edition, watch that dot :-)

6:56pm
Peter Goodman:
Hi In Hanmer Springs, ok just broken, got a lift the last 20km into Hanmer springs so out of the Brevette, may still ride on , see in morning. Pete

6:56pm
Nigel Walls:
Nigel & Richard pulled the pin at Hanmer, thanks for the opportunity maybe next time

7:05pm
Dean Cameron:
In Hanmer yeah boy!

7:10pm
Steve Makin:
Safe in Hanmer, DQing myself as I had to get a lift back from Acheron campsite, the heat got to me :-( will see how I feel tomorrow hoping to continue as its been bloody marvellous :-). Steve

8:10pm
Mike O'Conner:
Hi Jo & Scott, just arrived in Murchison, eaten enough to make a fat man blush

8:33pm
Grey Galway:
Springfiled

8:43pm
Steve Halligan:
Steve Halligan Arthurs Pass, hell head wind from Sheffield & broke my chain in Whalfdale, great scenery :-)

8:45pm
David Connor:
Off to pub to get Hanmered

8:45pm
Team Bike fit:
Team bike fit, Ant & Craig in Hanmer