Solitary long ride from farm to the top of Jonah’s Kop, the highest peak in my hood. A thousand metres altitude gain, but will be more total gain. Distance 14km. Making it very similar in profile to Alpe d’Huez. Only, Pantani made that ascent in 37’ and I take 1h14’ for this…

Pieta Swannepoel asked if I’d join him on a small adventure race. Explained I wasn’t in form, but he agreed. Mtb, run, mtb, run. The mountain bike was on trails I knew in Jonkershoek, which I really enjoyed, and the run was mainly in the rocky river bed of the Eerste River. We came into [...]

Have decided to change my plans. Base in RSA second six months, give back as much I can to Jeep Apparel and Puma, as well as make a difference locally on the multisport front. Still plotting to do 3 Xterra races in USA, as well as the Brazil Xterra in Aug.

Three weeks off. Really enjoyed. Magic time in Sydney and Brisbane. Although, home is home. And Oz nothing like it. Escaped with the misses for a few days, connected with family. Now the build up for the year ahead starts. Should be good.

Decided to take a step back, watch the body bounce, in its own time. Hoping it will at least. Hence, not headed to Joburg to race the Xterra there on the 24th Feb. Mmm. My personality is to chance it, play the odds. But reason hints at retreating, and moving in strength at a later [...]

Visiting in Sydney for a few days. Excited for me time with loved ones, and seeing the city. Cant help but think back on all who made my time in New Zealand possible and pure magic. Johan, Helen, Liz, and especially Gordon Blythen and Cam. Indebted.

Bit of an outer body experience. I cant move. All hurts. The brunch was nothing but war stories. Every athletes dream, and partners worst. The prize giving was totally unique. Comfortably sitting in the town hall on cushy seats, two hours of celebrating performances, supporters, athletes, success and failure, all through Robin Judkins’ comic views, [...]

I hate last minute, but seem to specialize in it. Fitted a pump and drinks system into my boat today. Hope they work. Borrowed a bike for first ride. Hope I’m comfortable on it. Sorted pedaling plates and cleats, haven’t used either before. Mmm. Some day, when I grow up, I will be more professional. The [...]

Hokitiki down to Haast, inland to Queenstown via Wanaka. Fresh snow on all the peaks, lush, dense forest, waterfalls cascading hundred foot down, glaciers, coastal views. Visually awesome. Deservedly a world heritage site.
Ten days out now. Bits of rest and relaxation in Queenstown, heal the wounds, taper, final adjustments, equipment check. Head up next Wednesday [...]

Twas an eight hour day yesterday. Few bruises. Including on the ego. Back on the water with the lads today. A more relaxing day out. And an into to the wind renowned in the valley. Gordon Blythen really taught me invaluable years worth of experience today. He’s 42 year old, solid as a rock, hard [...]

Managed to manipulate sister Helen to join me. Driving companion, second, and live in chef. Choice. Roughly six hours of driving up the middle of the South Island. Arranged to meet a lad Sat morning to take me over the run route. Will be based at Christine McDonald’s spot outside the city. Nothing would be [...]

Was hoping to have bounced more by now. Still a bit fragile, and perhaps the travel just after racing was ambitious. Fine wine from Central Otago, with Pinot Noir their flagship, is softening the frustration. In need of some of Francois’ love, but he is not keen to fly out for the rub. Alas. Feeling [...]