canfan

We applied Feb 2023, only received notification that it’s approved yesterday. Now waiting for the ceremony which they say can take 1-4 months. And then we can apply for passports, which again is currently taking a good while.

Are you doing the 100km version of the Whaka or one of the shorter distances? The 100km is pretty brutal. I am doing the 50km again this year on the Saturday and then the 25km with my son on the Sunday. Happy to meet up for a ride if you keen. I am close to Woodhill and Riverhead but also happy to travel to Hanua/Totara. I have only been to Hanua and Totara once each.

My mom is visiting in a couple of months, if you send me your address I can send it to you in any case once she goes back.

I actually have one that I bought as a spare when I had a Fondriest F900 frame. Problem is that I now live in New Zealand. I am happy to post it to you and hope for the best that it actually reaches you if you are happy to cover the postage fees. Another option is for me to try find someone this side that is visiting SA sometime soon. Feel free to pm me if you keen to go for the postage option.

They are riding as team Trainer Road 2. Currently in 24th overall I think.

Will be interesting to see how Sina Frei goes over the duration of the race. I think Robyn de Groot and Ariane Luthi might have a really good shot.

When you signup to Sufferfest you get 14 days free. When you register on Wahoo you should get a code emailed to you that is a $30 voucher that gives you 2 months on Sufferfest. So after the 14 days trial you have to select a plan and enter that code which basically pays for your first 2 months.

My experience has been similar. Finding people to regularly ride with seems to be harder here than what it was in SA. The other thing is that personally I find being entered into events helps a lot with motivation. The issue is that the price of most cycling events are pretty steep. So depending on priorities it can be a bit prohibiting especially for the out of town ones.

Back in again, hopefully this year goes better than last year.

The Epic is this one: https://www.lakehaweaepic.co.nz/ I have heard it's also super tough.

Same here. This thing is a beast. I know a couple of really strong riders that have ended up taking 7-9 hours to complete the Whaka 100. The 50 definitely seems more like it could be fun but still challenging.

Here to give it another go. Both 2018 and 2019 didn't go to plan so hopefully 2020 is the year.

Hey Wayne. I am about to sell my sons Giants XTC 24” if you are interested. It’s still in great condition as it hasn’t had much use. It’s the one with disc brakes and the air shock. Let me know if you are interested and I can send you some pictures tomorrow.

I work in the IT consulting sector. I don't do recruiting, but happy to pass on a cv of those with similar skill/industry.

No trails really on the Northshore unfortunately, closest riding place is Woodhill forest.

Pm me, I work for one of the big 4 here in NZ and can register your CV on our recruitment system.

Hey guys, what is the best/cheapest way to ship a bike from SA to NZ? Have a work colleague that is trying to get his TT bike sent over?

Done

Yes Auckland isn't great for Mountain biking. Like Intern said, Woodhill is the best in Auckland. It's an absolute pain to drive there but I guess that's just how it is. You can perhaps try Totara park if you are looking for something close to the CBD. I have never been there but hear it's not too bad. https://aucklandmtb.co.nz/trails/totara-park/

Accredited Employers visa and Talent visa is pretty much the same thing. I was also on this visa and like Saag decided to do my Residency earlier. It cost more but now its done. I prefer it that way.

Anyone keen to go ride the section of the Hauraki rail trail that's opening 9 September? I am thinking about starting at Kopu and doing a ride to Pūkorokoro and back again. Anyone keen?

Has anyone considered doing Single speed World Champs 2017. Its in NZ again this year. I did the one in SA in 2012, huge amounts of fun. Check it out: https://www.rotoruasinglespeed.com/

I was thinking exactly the same thing this morning. We have had a couple of great days the last week or 2 though.

I recon Hunua will be pretty muddy at the moment. I will probably head to Woodhill again on Saturday if anyone is keen to join. Looking at doing around 2,5- 3 hours of riding.