Casual Afternoon Of Racing

Crashing in a race run is never ideal.  Crashing into the underbrush comprised of prickerbushes, is also not ideal.  So, combining the two most certainly makes for an unpleansant occasion.  But, that's racing, and you take the good with the bad.  On a whole, my first international race experience was not marred by this slight excursion off track, and it was actually a great Saturday spent racing.  The riding community here is really relaxed and friendly, not to mention that all the women who ride kill it and often out-ride a strong percentage of the men!  This is definitely a sign of a healthy outdoor-sport and mountain biking community in my opinion.

From the perspective of an American racing in New Zealand, it was really different, but in a good way. It was more of a "Mates Race" atmosphere, and for $40 you certainly got your money's worth: 5 hrs of practice, up-lift shuttles, and 2 race runs.  Awards were prompt and short/to the point - less than ten minutes to cover 6 different catagories and recognize those who contributed and helped put on the event.  Take note event organziers, this is how it's done!  What's also really cool, is this is a full series here in Queenstown, and there is a race just about once a month, with plenty of other racing-like shenanigans to keep those race-inclined appeased and smiling.  

Short and Sweet Sunday update, because I have to go fix my bike, as it's a little worse for the wear after thrashing it all afternoon yesterday...

Vertigo Bikes had me sorted for a lift over to the race; bike, pre-thrashing.

No Turkey, Just Bikes

I forgot about Turkey Day, I truly did. I woke up today (Friday, the 28th - I'm 6hrs behind time-wise, but a full day ahead) to a fair few greetings and well-wishes, which left me perplexed...as I thought it was the 27th today. Nope. Straight up missed the 27th all together!
But, that's quite all right, as I managed to FaceTime a house full of family and relatives today while standing in a back ally, drinking coffee, and poaching a wifi signal. So, it was pretty much like I was there...not to mention the snap chatting that was happening on the side, which allowed me to be a part of a couple of other gatherings as well. Oh technology! Bringing us together, despite being a world apart!

Dropping in!

"Rude Rock"...

In unrelated news, I did manage to get out for some laps on a local mountain called Coronet Peak on Thursday. It wasn't super warm, and the wind was causing some trouble, but all-in-all, it was a wicked evening of speed-tucks and small hucks. Funny fact: one of the tracks we were lapping is called "Rude Rock" (or "Cock Rock" if you're a local), because there is a prominent, dick-shaped rock on an adjacent ridge line.

Tomorrow, Saturday, there is a local race in the evening which I've decided I'm going to give a whirl. Figured it would be good to try and keep the Race Edge sharp while I'm here - should be fun to get out there and mix it up with everyone just for the sake of it!

Fun For Your Eyes

If you really enjoy the photos, they are all just added in from my Instagram account, which can be viewed in full here:  (Click)

This is headline news here...

Steeper Than Steep

I have never ridden such steep terrain as I did today. Went on what I thought was going to be a nice XC ride, and it turned out to be more of a trek on foot up the rootiest, slickest double track, and then a cliff-edge traverse over to a majestic hill-top view.
But wait, we are just getting started. I should have known things were about to get beyond wild considering the hike up, but believe you me when I say I was in for a scary awakening.

Some beautiful views before descending into pure chaos.

The steeps were so steep, you usually couldn't see the chutes around the corners until you were in them. The corners were abrupt and slick. The straight bits of trail were hard to enjoy as your eyes watered for the rapid acceleration. It was chaos. I was riding on pure instinct and adrenaline.
I managed to survived the ordeal, but my bike and ankle are definitely worse for the wear. And worth noting: Kiwi trees and American tees are equally dense and hard, and contact with either should be avoided while out riding...

Proof that it all was real(ly scary).

BVT meets NZ

A week on of being here, and I finally got to ride on proper trails yesterday, and it couldn't have been more fun. We took my roommates truck up to a local spot to shuttle runs on a simple track, and while it wasn't difficult, it sure was fun - a good way to kick off the Second Summer!
Mixed in with the thrill of riding, was the nerve-wracking experience of driving down here in eNZed for the first time...everything is backward and I was so tense driving, it was like being a student driver all over again. But, I managed, and all ended well.
I also finally have all of the mountain passes and trail maps sorted out, so the real fun is on the horizon now that I'm decently settled in.

I'm slowing becoming a regular at certain eateries.  

This will probably be the only time I complain about being right next to the bike path: there was a marathon being run across the region, and I was awoken by people cheering and rattling cowbells at 7:30 this morning...that was a first. Once awake (after over sleeping of course), we had a Flatmate Day. The activities list included, story telling around the kitchen table, laughing about how the runners were getting soaked by unrelenting rain, and of course, a trip to the shopping center for some mind shenanigans and home improvements. It was a solid afternoon of bonding.
The real story of the weekend is a reunion of two friends and former coworkers on the other side of the World! All the way in from BVT (studying abroad in Dunedin here in NZ), my friend and former EMS coworker Lauren dropped into Queenstown for the weekend to visit - and to go bungee jumping. It is always wonderful to catch up with someone, but it was definitely surreal to meet up at bottom of the globe! While her stay was short-lived, it was certainly lively, with a first night out in the town (replete with heckling on the street, awkward dancing, and a little bit of judgment), and a much more mellow second night. Oddly enough though, tonight (the second night) was the night where we interacted with the local police, but fear not, bail is cheap here...I'm kidding, Lauren lost her purse and some people were nice enough hand it off to the 5-0, from whom we were able to retrieve the lost goods. But, that was not until I had sprinted 3 blocks, literally chasing the only cop car out in town, and finally shouting at a group of girls ahead to stop The Fuzz for me. The officers were quite confused initially as a long-haired male explained between gasps of airs about a lost purse, but it all worked out in the end. Just another casual Saturday night!
Tonight is also one of the first clear nights of weather I've had while down here, and the sky is just amazing. It is interesting to notice the difference in the stars of the Southern Sky, I'm hoping I can figure out how to photograph the night's sky, as the view of the heavens from my room is magnificent! Until then, here is a picture of Lauren drinking a Long Island Ice Tea out of a tea pot:

From East Coast to Far East - reunited!

Building Character

I've been Way Down Under for nearly a full week, and thus far, it's been a real mixed bag of learning experiences. The good news though, I have finally found a place to live. It is on the lake, right off the bike path, and a nice bike ride into town. Granted, the price is steep, but the space is amazing and there is a lot to be said for having privacy. My roommates are a lovely couple, both of whom are contemporaries and athletic, so it's pretty idyllic.

The view from my balcony at my new flat.  I'm losing my Mountain Man street cred living somewhere so posh...

One thing I've learned quickly: hitch-hiking is totally kosher, and you'll usually get a ride within a few cars passing by. It isn't just a fall-back plan for travel, it is almost more consistent than the public transit buses! I still need to procure some kind of motorized transportation though, as being dependent on others and/or pedal power is quite limiting; plenty of time work that out though.
No surprise, managing to eat correctly has proved to be the greatest challenge, and I think I'm still a ways away from having it all sorted out. Today's experience of food shopping in a country running on the metric system, different monetary value, and normal [read: not American] portions meant I felt like I was spending a ton of money on two bags of groceries. I'll get the hang of this eventually, I can feel it.
The day has now come to a close, and I've been forced to go out for dinner again (the gas for the grill wasn't working). I'm sitting on a bar stool typing this out on my iPhone and all I can think about is how it feels like I've been here ages already, but at the same time, it feels like Day 1 - kind of odd. I just have to remember to give myself time to fully settle in and find my stride. So, with that in mind, the next step: find a job!

Beer Is The Universal Language

I can check off, "Partying Way Down Under" off of my to-do list.

What started off as a casual visit to a flat (house) to see about a room, quickly escalated to an evening of drinking Wild Buck beer, and sharing crude stories with my new-found friends, all of whom were from the British Isles, with the exception of one North Island Kiwi and his Aussie friend.  More than half of the tenants (of 16 total) were in attendance, and it made for some hilarious tales of conquest and defeat.  Fitting that we were at a round table; it was like King Arthur's misfit Knights.  As it were, I was in the company of many of the town's bartenders and bouncers, and they were impressed to find out I was a Yank, as they all thought I was Canadian...because I'm so polite and well-mannered, of course.  

The evening wore on and we ate a bacon lasagna that my new Kiwi friend had brought along (there wasn't actually any pasta in the dish - it was excellent).  After the meal, I departed to get ready for the night ahead; I had been invited along for a wild night out - on a Sunday.  I rendezvoused a little while later with everyone downtown, and was immediately handed two different drinks.  And then another.  And then another.  And then we moved onto the next establishment, where this process was repeated.  This pattern kept up for two more stops there after, and despite a quieter night in terms of crowds, we managed to make the night a good one.  Considering I hadn't had a drink in 11 months up until Sunday, I hung on just fine.  One of the lads remarked that he didn't think I was going to make it out with them, or be able to hang through the whole night - he clearly didn't go to Uni (college) in Burlington, Vermont. 
It is Tuesday here in eNZed, and I made it through Monday just fine, following the Holy Day Party.  I even made it to the gym and Hulk'd Out for a bit.  Today is the day I try to not become destitute in a foreign country, and after seeing one very nice place already, I'm keen to see how the other two places stack up later today.  This afternoon of running around town will prove to be a "fun" challenge.  Unlike most other places I've lived or traveled, Queenstown is a little difficult to navigate, not for a lack of direction, but because it sits on the side of a mountain that climbs straight up out of the lake.  So, anywhere you go, aside from the main drag of downtown, you are ascending or descending roads that you'd expect to see Sherpas hauling gear up to make base camp somewhere near by.  The good news about that though, is one has to try dearly to stay out of shape here. 

A Lesson In Kindness

Dream Track.  Big Air, Big Views.

  Two posts in one day will not be common, but it's raining this afternoon here, and I'm bored.  Interestingly, today was quite eventful.  As Queenstown is not massive, it is easy to navigate on foot if you're willing to put in a little sweat-equity (it's super hilly/steep here, like, I-want-to-repel-down-the-street-steep).  This morning I headed out to continue familiarizing myself with the area, with the intention of walking on some wooded paths recommended to me by a local.  Within just a few minutes, I stumbled upon a part of the bike park, and into a World-class jump line, simply known as "Dream Track".  Without going on endlessly about the "stoke factor", I'll just say, the views coupled with the massive features left me grinning like a fool.  While out roaming the hills, I ran into a local guy doing some trail maintenance, and just like everyone else I'm met and spoken at length with, he was super nice, and happy to share tips and advice regarding his home.  I have been floored by people's general, genuine kindness and willingness to give sound advice.
  To further demonstrate this observation: much later in my walk, on the opposite side of town from where I'm staying, my knee started acting up, and I couldn't really walk.  I stopped into a liquor store to ask about calling a taxi.  Overhearing me talk to the cashier, a man in line offered to drive me, without even asking where I needed to go - another patron also offered once they heard where I was headed.  How amazing is that?  I can't remember the last time I witnessed something like that happen.  Maybe it's just happenstance, but I think it really just is different down here - in the best of ways possible.  And as it turns out, my driver friend, Stu, is a local fishing boat captain, who runs fishing tours right on Lake Wakatipu, and his wife runs a touring yacht, Pacific Jemm - which he pointed our in the little harbor as we drove by.

  I think being in a location that is driven by people's zeal for living a relaxed life based around outdoor fun and leisure, fosters a unique social climate.  There is a great deal of social turnaround due to the nature of people being seasonal residence, but because everyone is here on their own accord to enjoy the majesty of the land, and the opportunities available for outdoor play, it makes for a much more playful spark in people's attitudes - something you can really feel.  Work is work, of course, but thus far, even the people who have less-glamorous jobs seems to be just as pumped on being here as anyone else.  As cheesy as it sounds, there is really a strong positive vibe here, and that's something I'm very happy to have discovered!
  Sidenote of the day:  I ate at a local establishment called "Fergburger", and it was most excellent.  It is THE local eatery, and there also a bakery under the same banner next door.  They are open something like 22hrs a day.  I think that's where I'm going to live. 

Fergburger; the only place you should be eating.

Way Down Under

  I am now on the other side of the World, under Australia, on an island in the Western Pacific.  Way Down Under, here in New Zealand, I am quite in awe of the topography - it is majestic.  I will try to do the views justice with the photos I share, but they will pale in comparison to actually being here - it is difficult to capture the scale and get the full scope of the surroundings; incredible - I was certainly taken aback after 25+ hours of travel to arrive in the land famous for being the backdrop to Hobbits and Orks and realize that CGI can't even match what nature has produced here!
 Not much to share about the traveling part of getting here - it was planes, planes, and more planes, mixed with a lot of people and lots of security check points.  One of the more interesting things to happen en route,  was when I was finally in Auckland, going through security one last time to get to my domestic flight.  While inspecting my bikes, the security agent had to go process something and turned to me and said, "I'll be right back, here's my knife, go ahead and open up the other box - just don't go around on a rampage stabbing anyone or whatever..."  That was a really funny moment at 8:15am, after a 13-hour flight.  I said to her later, "I just have to say, no where else in the World would a security agent hand me a knife and just walk off like that - I'm impressed."  To which she replied, "Eh, yeah...we're not really supposed to do that, but, I trusted you enough..."  Amazing.  Welcome to New Zealand.

The view from the hotel dining area isn't too bad.

  After a very informative van ride from the airport to the hostel, I had a much-needed hot shower, some food, and then set off exploring the town.  It is a tourist-driven area, so it has a strong multi-cultureal feel.  There are all sorts of out-door adventure driven businesses and seeing people riding bikes around town, covered in dirt, or backpackers looking weary is pretty much the norm.  It isn't peak season yet, as it is still Spring time, so I can only imagine how crazy things will get once everyone is here on holiday.  I'm off to continue exploring, and I'll try to report back with something a little more exciting for the next post! 

Chasing The Sun

Everything is packed.  My whole life (sort of) is now in two boxes, a big-ass duffel bag, and an overloaded backpack.  I've kept the news low-key for the better part of four months, and it was only because I am not super into sharing the ins and outs of my life with the World - publicly, I'm a pretty private guy.  So, after nearly a decade of interest, a couple months of hard planning, and lots of ups and downs as plans were made, unmade, and remade, I am finally embarking to the other side of the globe on a new adventure, a fresh start, in the amazing place known as New Zealand.

Everyone's favorite meathead lumberjack on Halloween, just days away from the big move!

I decided that this Winter, I wanted to chase the sun, keep riding my bike, and explore an idea I've had since high school.  With no commitments to myself or anyone else, the time was right, and I knew I need to shake things up in my life.  This is not just a trip, or an extended holiday, this is a dry run.  While I am not sure of my eventual intentions, I am keen to see how I enjoy living in eNZed.  There are many reasons for all of this, but the most important one is seeking happiness and a fuller life.  I need to get out and explore, immerse myself in something new and interesting.  Change is good, and keeps one from getting stuck in a stagnant life.
This blog, used primarily for writing about my biggest passion, racing mountain bikes, will now be including tales from Way Down Under.  Many friends and family have expressed great enthusiasm about this big move, and wish to somehow be able to join me, one way or another.  While it may only be vicarious, I will try to bring those of you who arrive here, with me.  Pictures galore, and writing of course, will hopefully provide you will a brief escape from Winter's grasp, and transport you to the Southern Summer where we can share the astounding views and wonderful cultural nuances of a majestic land and warm people.

Stay tuned, the fun has just begun!
 

Rake and Bake

Fall in New England is known for its amazing colors, crisp weather, and medley of seasonal culinary delights.  For a lot of us, it is also known as the time of year when trails disappear and turn into colorful skating rinks.  As the foliage exits stage left to the ground, the trails we could clearly see and ride at exceptional pace turn into ridiculously sketchy high speed guessing games; You better know where you're going, because the ribbon of bare earth you usually follow is blanketed under every leaf ever to have been in existence, apparently. 
While the challenge of riding invisible trails becomes greater as the Fall progresses, there is a brief Golden Hour of the season where the terrain is in Summer condition, but the weather has turned to that of the Fall - temps are down, the sun is up, and you are in end-of-season-shape.  This is the moment in the season true New Englanders wait for once the mid-Summer heat and humidity has worn out its welcome.  I know I certainly got a second wind once I didn't have to consider heatstroke as a possible outcome of my daily rides.  And because of this, I found myself taking in more of the ride each time I went out. 

There are two converging trails here, I swear.

The beauty of the season is exemplified when out riding in the woods, and getting to see a whole forest change color, and the shades ebb and flow as you climb and descend through different parts of the land.  I found myself pushing harder during this Fall, but I also stopped more often and for longer,
to take in what was around me - a literal interpretation of, "Stop and smell the roses."  As the season moves further away from the warm months, and Winter is creeping in, the shorter days and less playful weather means less ride time.  It is when the headlamps are needed, layers come out, and group rides are only a handful of diehard buddies, that we know the season has really come to a close, or is at least relegated to weekend rides in the afternoons only. 
I think I've grown to appreciate the colder weather rides more, as it shows me how much I want to be out on my bike, and really earn the silly grins and grimy equipment.  To me, this isn't just a hobby to enjoy a couple days a week.  This is a lifestyle, punctuated by dedication, commitment, and drive;  We ride for the love of the sport.