Jakub on record-setting pace

Finally, some real mountain weather

Dampier Day for most

Windy Point to Tekapo - how hard can it be?

Organiser's race preview

After flying down the last hill to the Slope Point carpark and across the fittingly lumpy sheep paddock to the spit, Jamie Campbell just became our final Tour Te Waipounamu finisher.

![Jamie C](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1NTBYKMWbvibxqFDEI7wUP/a3e73ceb0f37e42fd8951b310d4dcbdc/Jamie_C.jpg)

The arrival of the 60-year-old Rotorua accountant, a triathlete who has also completed the 800km five-lap version of the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, brought the curtain down on this year’s gruelling event.

‘Unique’ is an over-used word but this is indeed a unique race in New Zealand.

![Snake Ridge Photo by Brian Alder](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/40ThTYOOVBumxotqPA4qR4/08c5f8bbd045ef84fad8587bd2b9d5d9/Snake_Ridge_Photo_by_Brian_Alder.jpg)

“I have not ridden the length of the South Island, but I have travelled with my bike the length of it,” noted Ali Wilson. “I have had more of an upper body workout in this race than any adventure race involving kayaking and packrafting stages.”

![Aliesha Camp Stream](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7lRxJqZc6iQaQRxh4cYoXe/d2c88f7ef81b902b3035bc50a7b77672/Aliesha_Camp_Stream.jpg)
*Photo: Daniel Jessop*

So why do people choose to scramble the 1329km length of the South Island, largely through the high country, on, beside and under loaded bikes?

![Mark on Dampier](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3Y41hkAQagd9wfxPrB4a9S/6b6f6fc0097d3686e0d1e3ce4c6c0234/Mark_on_Dampier.jpg)
*Photo: Matt Quirk*

A mainstream media journalist put that question to race organiser, Brian Alder before the race and his response was interesting.

“Because they don’t know if they can. So many things these days, you know you can do them; it’s just how fast. The unknown does not exist. This is hard, and I would say half the people would be worried about finishing.”

![Dampier Carry by Mark Watson](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1zZUJwMDP90Xia5XFMWx3d/87177f0c988fbecd9bd25cf642337a7d/Dampier_Carry_by_Mark_Watson.jpg)
*Photo: Mark Watson*

![Jakub and Emma](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2yNIxY3YTAyjPxmLoILa43/da80cd373c54cd72517792e6afbc54e9/Jakub_and_Emma.JPG)

Some reflections on the 2022 edition: the remarkable efforts of those at the pointy end, like men’s and women’s winners, Jakub Sliacan and Emma Bateup (above), were simply awe-inspiring. 

Simply ‘inspiring’ sums up the efforts of others whose names are further down the results sheet.

Many of these riders will tell you they chose the wrong parents to be truly competitive, and most have busy work and/or personal lives, and fronted-up with less than optimal preparation.

But they showed that, with the right skills, experience and – most importantly – formidable mental strength, they were up for this equally formidable challenge.

![Dampier Descent by Mark Watson](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/yoUkJkz0XBRTkjFvckY1I/7afcfff0cc0103018984ea139d3f5c5a/Dampier_Descent_by_Mark_Watson.jpg)
*Photo: Mark Watson*

Credit goes to race organiser, Brian Alder (below), for conceiving this course, for his detailed planning, and his persuasion skills in convincing 16 landowners to allow his riders to cross their properties. (And for posting his second successive top-ten finish.)

![Brian at finish](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/15lb1txUAEOgvmEacSYqjA/47189e75781e940b9806bb7d48d45924/Brian_at_finish.JPG)

High country landowners spend a lot of time dealing with recreationalists wanting access, especially those farmers with conservation estate beyond their fences. Most are great people, who are proud of their land and their custodianship of it, and they like others to share their passion for our incredible backcountry.

But with access comes issues. As one landowner, who predominantly farms deer noted: “When our cattle get out, it’s a real hassle to round them up and get them back in. When our deer get out, we never see them again.”

![Wire Yards Hut2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3BYCRNe70VdbcuMlZeFq10/618922f0bbd52f3106141e34c18692fe/Wire_Yards_Hut2.jpg)
*Photo: Ian (Mojo) Davidson*

Many of the riders have expressed their gratitude in being trusted to pass through this private land responsibly.

![Ali Wilsons](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1i5dwWYD735mHR6WVZEm37/fd6dc63d4e4ed2cd12cb682925ab09da/Ali_Wilsons.JPG)
*Photo: Ali Wilson*

So Sunday week ago, 44 riders lined up on the South Island’s northernmost clifftop at Cape Farewell and stared out across the Tasman Sea with a sense of excitement, nervousness and even trepidation.

![271889237 196529542658335 9182958959360521466 n](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4znuJc0lcsdq0aXv2zMQlr/566a980b8ee563468b1d14adc44868b0/271889237_196529542658335_9182958959360521466_n.jpg)

Thirty-three managed to avoid the medical misfortune and other issues suffered by 11 of their riding mates, and got to stand on the southernmost clifftop at Slope Point.

There they gazed out across Foveaux Strait, their heads flooded with an array of emotions: sheer elation, relief, satisfaction, and just a tinge of sadness that this most epic of adventures was over. Normal life can feel like second gear after these all-consuming events.

![papparazzi](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2KaZDHebjMGcKthJP5rKkK/8c18ae990063f1af1ff60b593167edcd/papparazzi.JPG)

Brian was right: most riders did start with “don’t know if they can” thoughts.

The 33 discovered and proved that they could.

Ian (Mojo) Davidson: “This race changes forever your perception of just what is possible with a bike.”

*Congratulations to all the riders who both took on and completed this challenge. And thank you for your photos and words.*

*Thanks to you all out in Dotwatcher Land for taking an interest in Tour Te Waipounamu 2022.*

*And thanks Beccy for this great platform that helps fuel our passion for racing and riding loaded bikes in our special places.*

*We were fortunate to have several world class riders in this year’s TTW field. There would have been more but for border restrictions. We know others are eyeing up a post-pandemic crack, so the 2024 edition should provide even more compelling viewing. We can’t wait!*


The bike race with an upper body workout

A trio of committed riders completed the long haul to the Slope Point finish last night, leaving just a lone cyclist pedalling the winding eastern Southland backroads this morning, bound for home.

The three latest arrivals are all remarkably strong riders, not used to being this far down the results standings. But as TTW 2021 finisher, Amanda Wells noted last year: “There is no bottom half of the field at this race.”

These three have slogged it out the length of the island over this most demanding of routes, and are chuffed with their achievements.

![Hooge Photo by Stu Gray](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6uVSSmdU381y2nAujyfiex/963bb8881d0c55d09b714080308e5bc6/Hooge_Photo_by_Stu_Gray.jpg)

The first to finish, at 8.10pm, was 47-year-old Dunedin rider, Michael Hoogeveen (top pic at finish, and above at Castle Hil).

For the man known as Hooge, it was a race of two halves. He felt much better after Methven and came home strong.

![Phil Buzzing](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3skDColS0JWfDxvztS0qXA/c6704e16b78365db84d040efc9bddabd/Phil_Buzzing.jpg)

Then at 9.50pm 60-year-old Auckland rider, Phil Estall (above) completed his adventure. He was buzzing by all accounts … although in this image he looks too tired to show it.

![Nina Stupples2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2FdGqRWKqdW8n03ni1kuqQ/d1dc6d5f875abd2bf0eed1fe96726a40/Nina_Stupples2.jpg)

Right on midnight, gutsy Westport GP, Nina Stupples (above) rode out to the point. She was back there this morning and seemed quite happy!

![Nina at finish](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2k3ivMK95MeW51ZysyESkX/fa8b6e175d7f082c7ce5bb238297b14a/Nina_at_finish.jpg)

The two-time Iditarod finisher is one of those inspirational riders who seems to have the application and courage to tackle anything.

Rotorua’s Jamie Campbell set off  from Lawrence just before midnight for the final 150km stretch south, and at 8am was making great progress.


No bottom half of the field

A hot shower and clean clothes would have been top priorities for our latest arrivals at Slope Point, Richard Lindsay and Andie Lowry, who rode the course ‘hardman (and woman) style’.

Christchurch rider Richard, who finished at 10.35pm last night, didn’t stay in paid accommodation along the route, had only one wash in a river, and even managed a few hours’ sleep on the concrete floor of a public toilet.

![Richard Catlins](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4RYN5nbx2EGJ5iGEQfboav/bb9256ffd33ab8d0c0220372bdc67ca3/Richard_Catlins.jpg)

“What an incredible mission!” says Richard (pictured above rounding the Catlins Coast). “It wasn’t always fun but I’m looking back on it now with a massive smile.”

![Richard at Sign](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4aQOm1P0CQQ1PkaK39MIIf/e973b94c38f262a543648863da53115b/Richard_at_Sign.jpg)

Renowned for his positive attitude on the bike, Richard lent on his tramping background to manhandle his bike through the mountainous HAB sections. “Being comfortable in that environment helps you get your head around those challenges.”

Tour Divide finisher Andie (below), who came home just 10 minutes after Richard, discarded her torn bivvy bag in Methven, and couldn’t find a replacement, so caught her remaining kip in tussocks and under trees.

![Andie](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/15e1pLBYKQZ9PDUtjswIoL/fb55e52d19fa24e524aa1f6ba8a1d060/Andie.jpg)

Friends say that with her background in triathlon and adventure racing, together with a stint in the Northern Irish Territorial Army, Andie's appearance on the southernmost clifftop was never in doubt.

This evening the final cluster of riders is zeroing in on the Catlins coastline.

![spa4](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/54pCS17r6lYH53WYplVicX/ec740ecac786e05fc183ca90b6c85e6c/spa4.jpg)

Long after clipping out of their pedals for the last time, the TTW experience is continuing for many of the riders at the nearby Slope Point Accommodation.

![spa3](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/380KE1uJNbetMFPhyAWPfN/2dd60ff22433347185d479ddcdf0b1d4/spa3.jpg)

“There is a great atmosphere here,” says seventh-placed Mark Watson. “Crews are heading down to the lighthouse every time riders finish to welcome them in and hand over a beer.

![spa6](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6BPzn1H2IMeV23uJQWqRBx/6ca54fa3637240d09c7255ac114ed5fb/spa6.jpg)

“People are in varying states of tiredness, from quite recovered to complete zombies. I had three naps today!

![spa2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3xha9pbCWzlYMmHRBcLjLK/e19932698fd51657a5a96d15d9f57b5a/spa2.jpg)

“There is a lot of debriefing going on and stories of people’s individual struggles are coming out.”

![spa5](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6vX0a5sIYfz3hZ2LXaArzk/bf92a035ef3be9b948d89a09c7f3af54/spa5.jpg)

Many riders are in no hurry to leave the remote Catlins Coast ‘base camp’, as quicker than expected race times mean they have time to kill before flights home from Invercargill, 70kms away.

“Dinner the three nights we’ve been here has been a collaborative effort,” says Mark. “The least tired are pitching in to look after those who are too exhausted to do much more than sit in armchairs and doze.”

The recovering riders now have time for social media and some interesting content is emerging:

[Check out Mojo’s great wobbly video](https://www.instagram.com/tv/CZX9aHDoJaG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link) (including a mid-recording hug) that conveys what a win in her first ever bikepacking ultra-distance race meant for Emma.

Mark Watson's (@highluxphoto) stunning image (below) and eloquent desciption of what the Lammerlaw Range, about 200kms from the finish, meant for many of the riders: "As riders cross the last sections of high tussock plateaus, the finish of the Tour Te Waipounamu seems tantalisingly close, with a whiff off the Southern Ocean in the air. Many are riding into the night, in the hope that one more long day will see them reach Slope Point."

![Lammerlaws](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5deR3FFj8vTE5qwkKLm3sw/6fdeaf4639b304c6b0e27b22aef29977/Lammerlaws.jpg)

And another great image from Ali Wilson and some lovely insights into the race concept, the course and her competition with Emma. <https://www.instagram.com/p/CZaUdxqBj-0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link>


Racing it rough

There have been more celebratory scenes at Slope Point over the past 24 hours as a string of riders finally got to experience what they have dreamt of since Sunday week ago: the sight of that remote southern spit.

Some have limped home with little more than a serious will to finish ... and some equally serious pain medication.

![Mike Martin Photo by Hana Black](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4j1n6C0Fm1Ze1hatbA81ov/c9846871460a93abd88d990bac5264d7/Mike_Martin_Photo_by_Hana_Black.jpg)

Thirty-seven-year-old Mike Martin of Hamilton (above) finished at 6.45pm last night, and was today enjoying the camaraderie of other riders at Slope Point Accommodation. "This has been one of the highlights of the experience."

Mike thoroughly enjoyed his race despite riding three days on his own, enduring a tough patch approaching Lawrence, and seemingly always just missing the opening hours in the resupply towns.

Half an hour after Mike, 49-year-old Christchurch rider, Andrew Laurie (below) got home.

![Andrew Laurie1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4ElY5ipqrrjtejMQaasd2j/71f6e21e9ca559ffc29588e6affc901c/Andrew_Laurie1.jpg)

There was a three-person welcome party there for Andrew (Hana, Brian and photographer Mark) with welcome refreshments.

![Andrew Laurie2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/55RfUhEA97H9lwWw8zBCBg/f3c193fa30dae9001521b963a94acd1e/Andrew_Laurie2.jpg)

Just 15 minutes later, the second-placed team, Hello Mince Pie (below), the Auckland duo of Adrian Retief and Cosmo Bloor rolled out to the point.

![Mince Pies 2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5jP6IMApO3B2Dha7z2wACK/896e94039ff7a4ae2fda2fe8f6574658/Mince_Pies_2.jpg)

The pair have been mates since XC racing together 10 years ago, and have worked as mechanics in the same bike shop.

Adrian has been interested in tackling more challenging events for some time. "We did Tour of Aotearoa but it wasn't really adventurous enough." And was TTW? "Oh yeah!

"We set out with the plan of not really racing, as we're new to this type of event. We wanted to enjoy the scenery. By pacing ourselves we ended up finishing feeling strong."

![Hello Mince Pies1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3ovcPVo4YcDlSAp0OQKq97/7da19406d70904e502f241d1cc10e85d/Hello_Mince_Pies1.jpg)

At 10.40pm this morning, the plucky Christchurch duo of Aliesha Pile and Daniel Jessop (below) finished. Aliesha battled through gastro issues early in the race and the pair were happy and relieved to see the finish.

![Dan and Aliesha at Slope Point](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6rxvyIXVKUlAeOFpNOWQ12/072be28ac85eeb2863eabe6d8119d41b/Dan_and_Aliesha_at_Slope_Point.jpg)

Aliesha's local family were there to meet them with party provisions.

![Aleisha and Family](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3YIHOpmj5yoMkds5eCVBIl/690e5a82873b7ede13d199d2cf7d6d1f/Aleisha_and_Family.jpg)

"I'm stoked to have finished it after considering pulling out (with nausea) at Murchison," says Aliesha. "I think it's a once in a lifetime achievement, so it's great to have it in the bag."

The pair say they seriously misjudged the amount of HABing on the route, and arriving late in Oturehua meant they raced the 162kms from the Ida Valley town to Lawrence on a bag of gummy snakes and a few handfuls of gels and other supplements.

The Slope Point party ramped up less than two hours later with the arrival of a high-spirited trio: Cati Pearson of Rotorua (below left), the team of Andy Hovey and Eileen Schwab from Wellington (centre), and Karl Arndt of Auckland (right).

![Cati Eileen and Andy and Karl](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2N2oZ0YTJzmSFb4JFvJ6SZ/32cd371b14daa13fa9fe7526ac594b16/Cati_Karl_Eileen_and_Andy.jpg)

![Andy and Eileen at Finish](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/10m5YYrzWbI6PcNmTn0Mu8/60243cc62b441546d32eeda1694961ff/Andy_and_Eileen_at_Finish.jpg)

![Andy and Eileen](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/402Wq892tQ9Ro8MywRPb2P/4e0049808b05b19bb796ceffb488828b/Karl_and_Eileen.jpg)

Cati completed the ride with a very sore Achilles tendon, while Eileen injured her knee yesterday and bravely limped to the finish.

![Cati sign](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/70qcAfttToxeA11Hlnyxb2/49db41c7d8f9788e3a4ebc78449a725b/Cati_sign.JPG)

Cati says she doesn't yet comprehend what she has achieved. "I'm over the moon to be finished, especially two days earlier than planned, but there was lots of amazing support out there from the others which helped.

"The track was amazing, hard ... the most amazing views, super-tech riding. A huge mixed bag. Absolutely stunning!"

![Georgie at finish](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7rwtS1CB0zW5Cu8MPEzQgi/92e30b75bc9b6505ab52432810ab5e56/Georgie_at_finish.jpg)

Then a short time ago, at 6.20pm, 38-year-old Georgie Rutherford (above) became the latest to make the emotional, short ride out to the point.

*Thanks to Mark Watson for all the Slope Point photos.*


Serious will ... and some equally serious pain relief

There have been another four very satisfied finishers at Slope Point since our last update.

Scott Ardern limped home in 12th place at 1pm with a strapped knee. The Nelson hardman developed pain in his knee on the first day and that only worsened with the accumulating mileage.

![Scott and Debbie](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5hwvSmd007EIGqBmF7IyVg/e9e51d2bd7b91c458ffa80de1f892162/Scott_and_Debbie.jpg)
*Scott is pictured with his bikepacking partner Debbie.*

Just a couple of minutes later, the second-placed woman, Ali Wilson (below) pedalled out to join Scott on the spit, for an overall 13th placing.

![Ali Wilson](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5blbMMPM9IF9gPKYejDAj9/b81d9dbcba64d22db5887d4134d72018/Ali_Wilson.jpg)

At 3.50pm, Bryce Lorcet (below), who will be known to many as the owner of Paraparaumu bike business, Cyclewerks, came home in 14th.

![Bryce Lorcety by Hana Black](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4l5FVBgtWfNSJ76ZBOIeNF/78875638f1882dce7875fe3cf773f057/Bryce_Lorcety_by_Hana_Black.jpg)

Exactly two hours later, 15th placed Sam Snowden (below) of Wellington completed his ride.

![Sam Snowden by Hana Black](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6gyOtJT4rEMmEVLofDzkka/8a78f71945fe3ab54c4b4ba0ab666dd4/Sam_Snowden_by_Hana_Black.jpg)

At 6pm, two other riders, Mike Martin and Andrew Laurie, had caught site of the southern coast, and will finish shortly.

Another rider very content with his race is internationally-respected adventurer, and TTW returnee, Mark Watson.

TTW is a race where everyone has a story. Last year, Mark’s story was better than most.

![Mark Snake Ridge](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6YwEAZpjWpMV7PUWdJ9jnz/fc8924688900392d5460a5c68cd95009/Mark_Snake_Ridge.jpg)

In the first half of the race, the brutal HAB sections left Mark with an increasingly inflamed and swollen Achilles tendon. By Methven he was in agony on and off the bike, and took a day off for rest and what proved to be a futile attempt at treatment.

Those who saw Mark in the resupply town, hobbling in pain crossing the pavement, gave him no hope of crossing the hideously steep Bullock Bow Saddle that loomed up the next big alpine valley.

![Pete Bullock Bow](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2RwBXWFe6Qw4laDZ84fP7U/8d9626e4dd78d343ee17daa01a012a0e/Pete_Bullock_Bow.jpg)
*Pete Maindonald in 2021, on the 800 vertical metre push up to Bullock Bow Saddle.*

In the following days, when those riders who overtook Mark in Methven had phone coverage and checked on the location of others, they were stunned to see his dot shifting along the route.

It moved over the imposing Bullock Bow Saddle (apparently he crabbed up it sideways taking small steps to limit ankle flexion) and all of the numerous and varied challenges beyond.

Mark eventually reached Slope Point last year in a very creditable 22nd place, with the same agonised hobble he had in Methven 700kms earlier.

Achilles tendons don’t mend quickly … and certainly not with extreme exertion. How did he make it? “I’m not a quitter. I dedicated much of the last four months to preparing for this.”

At Slope Point he was asked how his remarkable 1320km ride and scramble down through the South Island high country while injured compared to an array of impressive climbing, biking and other adventures all around the world? Mark is a down-to-earth outdoors guy, not prone to over-hyping his achievements. “It’s up there,” was all he said.

TTW is a race and while Mark is not a competitive person, he trained hard for this year’s edition, determined to post a respectable time. He set a goal of finishing within seven days – two faster than last year. “My wildest dream was to make the top-10.”

![Mark Today](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4fBY2lFSOH3du1NJ6nQPlo/8944c7995b7c99a1533c4cdbf02b5f1d/Mark_Today.jpg)

Last evening he rode out to Slope Point in a time of six days, 14 hours and 15 minutes, to claim seventh place.

“I’m really happy. I was consistent and disciplined with my time, keeping stops short and to a minimum.”

![Mark Today2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1dgXt3lZQf7wbsFmhdHvqE/594f4c4d0047d3fa078e29c16198c758/Mark_Today2.jpg)

Mark’s problematic Achilles tendon resurfaced this year and once again he was in pain by Methven. “I bought a $20 pair of flat pedals and they really helped. At one point I went two days without any pain before it flared up again near the finish.”

*Mark is a talented photographer and writer. [(www.highlux.co.nz)](http://www.highlux.co.nz) His photo of partner, Hana Black scaling Stag Saddle at sunrise (top image in post) became the iconic shot of last year’s race.*


And still they roll in...

Slope Point Accommodation is a hive of activity today with many riders making it to the finish just up the road, and some of those who have finished lingering to catch up with friends and unpack a barely believable seven days.

Matt Quirk (below) rode through the night to finish at 6am this morning to claim tenth place. In doing so, he achieved his goal of completing the ride within seven days, almost a day and a half faster than his 2021 time.

![Matt at finish](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6FBo5cFwxrRPJmlpuZSROm/48d064c57697887c8696b90cf631a189/Matt_at_finish.jpg)

The owner of Wanaka bike business, Good Rotations, Matt survived on 10-minute power naps from Tekapo, 500kms out from the finish.

![Fittolive](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/mmoV89hQfYwsreKCkZtTl/ebb38468f18ce6c69c99bfdc29b0a3df/Fittolive.jpg)

The first team, the women’s Fittolive combo of Emma McCosh and Debbie Chambers,  (above) rode out to Slope Point at 10.30am, and 11th place overall. Scott Ardern and second-placed individual woman, Ali Wilson were rounding the Catlins Coast at 12.30pm.

After women’s winner Emma Bateup, got home at 6.20pm last night, two old climbing acquaintances finished: Mark Watson, in seventh place and 9.15pm, and race organiser Brian Alder, eighth just 15 minutes later. Then at 1.30am, Grant Guise pedalled out to the point to claim ninth.

As yesterday’s sleep-deprived finishers surface, we are getting to learn more about their rides.

![Emma at finish](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/77ExrOqxfx64FLfoFgRnku/4d8f1b63da16b2d3a693185c700af581/Emma_at_finish.jpeg)

Leading lady, Emma (above), is already eyeing a return to TTW in 2024. “I definitely want to do more of this stuff. Anything less adventurous would be a bit boring.”

The 22-year-old seems to defy the conventional wisdom that it takes years to build the physical and mental stamina to succeed in ultra-endurance events. “I’ve got the body for this. I’m definitely a slow burner. Maybe I’ve peaked early!” she joked.

A desire to learn from some mistakes this year is part of her motivation to return. “I ran out of water in places that I shouldn’t have, and batteries for lights and my two phones (which she used for detailed navigation).” The latter led to an eight-hour break just 150kms from the finish.

![Patrick at Slope Point](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5infhN21hcMvw3FmdHvl5y/b75ced8c0cef053120b69971079a638b/Patrick_at_Slope_Point.jpg)

Fourth-placed Patrick Garceau, pictured above enjoying a celebratory breakfast beer with his family, rode the final 500kms with 3-4 gears.

He damaged his derailleur on the Snake Ridge descent (below) and then bent his spare hanger.

![Snake Ridge Photo by Brian Alder](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5cZlUTACHMESrebouBdTEX/ae14d5c404fc2111efd1954c9d51ff1d/Snake_Ridge_Photo_by_Brian_Alder.jpg)

The experienced adventure racer thoroughly enjoyed his trip down the island – his first bikepacking race.

“I’m telling all my friends who have been ringing that they just have to do this! It’s an amazing course and to get to ride through so much private property.”

Patrick says TTW is both easier and harder than adventure racing. “It’s hard physically. I rode a bike on my own for five days. No teammates and without the variety of disciplines you have adventure racing. But it was also easier in some ways, without navigating and strategizing, just following my GPS.”

A French Canadian, Patrick, resides in Arrowtown, after settling in New Zealand eight years. “My family and I set off from Florida to sail around the world. At Tonga, we decided to head to New Zealand to avoid a storm, landed in the Bay of Islands, and fell in love with the place and the people.”

![Mojo Finish](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/54JSbHLllKokkrEA6S61q/5d6622d8a763e529015ebc086619e72f/Mojo_Finish.jpg)

Fifth-placed Ian (Mojo) Davidson (above) was still in disbelief last night about the course he had just ridden. Even wins in events like the 800km Mega Grind, where he rode the 45 hours without sleeping, were no preparation for TTW. 

“No comparison whatsoever. Brian is sadistic yet brilliant in pulling this route together. It is hands-down the truest test of grit and determination.

“If you go into this event with a 1% chink in your mental resolve, you will be exposed by this course.”

![Mojo BB Saddle](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1GXwO15B762GDiiARySlBB/2af730e7ff5e5a500e92216b507cbbe5/Mojo_BB_Saddle.jpg)
*Mojo happy to see the top of the steep Bullock Bow Saddle*

Ian managed to laugh about some of the crazy moments in the race. “It was really cold up in Ida Railway Hut in the Hawkduns so I lit the fire (an old coal range) but it smoked the hut out and I had to open the door … and I was no warmer!”

![Ida](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6ACNWt500P9tmtQvalDaW6/4648e58fe8982acca8e5b359614784df/Ida.jpg)

The former railway station building (that a couple of blokes with bulldozers dragged up the mountain when the railway line in the valley below closed) was Ian’s last sleep on the route. From there he rode the final 346kms to the finish without a proper break.

“At times I felt really strong and then a switch would flick and I would have nothing. There was a point between 2am and 5am when I was taking short walks on the flat.”

![Brian and Mark](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3MU6awxXhjlWJ5iPQ5Ekh5/9f28b9a9e748c8642a22e00ea6c7f22a/Brian_and_Mark.jpg)

Eighth-placed Brian Alder (above, left, with Mark on Stag Saddle) says his race “went really smoothly. And it was great to ride with a whole range of people along the course and spend some time on my own.”

Some riders say they’re torn between embracing and assaulting Brian at Slope Point Accommodation today.

It’s going to a social day at the very accommodating motel and backpacking spot, with other riders closing in on the finish.

It was sad to see Christchurch rider, Benjamin Carrell withdraw today. Benjamin endured more than most, with a broken derailleur on day one and then a seized rear hub left him walking and downhill coasting the 86kms from Lake Mason to Andrew's Stream Shelter.

That time walking, plus the subsequent lengthy HAB over the Two Thumb Range yesterday, left Benjamin with red-raw feet that were simply too sore to continue.

*The top photo of Wire Yards Hut at dawn was snapped by Mojo.*


They're rolling in thick and fast

Nelson nursing student, Emma Bateup believes in jumping in the deep end. “It’s scarry at times but you’ll always be stoked that you did it,” she recently told NZ Mountain Biker magazine.

The 22-year old should be 'stoked' right now as she has just claimed the women’s title at Tour Te Waipounamu, and an overall placing of sixth.

For someone new to ultra-distance cycling, ‘ends’ don’t get much ‘deeper’ than the country’s most gruelling bikepacking race.

Emma has ridden all manner of bikes since the age of three, including downhill and road, but has only recently acquired a taste for the very long disciplines, in which stamina and experience usually take years to acquire.

She rode around the rugged southern Catlins Coast late this afternoon and out to Slope Point, arriving at the finish at 6.20pm, with her nearest women’s competitor, the very capable Ali Wilson, more than 200kms behind.

At 6.20pm, another trio were on track to finish this evening, Mark Watson (50kms out), Brian Alder (57kms) and Grant Guise (93kms).

Sadly, there have been two further withdrawals today: Keith Payne at Otematata with a progressively deteriorating knee, and our popular lantern rouge, Rob Dawson, on the Canterbury Plains.


Emma will be 'stoked'

It's another day of ecstasy and agony at the Tour Te Waipounamu today.

The ecstasy was enjoyed by Patrick Garceau and Ian Davidson (pictured above 5kms from the finish), who both did all-night shifts in the saddle last night to reach Slope Point this morning.

Patrick came home fourth just before daylight at 5am, with Ian, living up to his nickname of Mojo, arriving four and a half hours later in fifth.

There will be more ecstasy this evening when at least four more riders will be drawn like moths to the flashing maritime warning light at the end of the Slope Point spit.

![Emma Bateup Photo by Henry Jaine](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/68rYMX1LKrfM0EBG18bGbI/e02190825a60259a1a9429277dc59f54/Emma_Bateup_Photo_by_Henry_Jaine1.jpeg)
*Photo by Henry Jaine*

The first is likely to be the remarkable Emma Bateup from Nelson (above). How many 22-year-olds even want to tackle a cycling challenge of this magnitude, let alone are capable of powering home in sixth place, ahead of some of the country’s most talented and battle-hardened endurance cyclists?

At midday, Emma was 110kms from home, approaching a lunch stop at Clinton.

Then it’s likely to be adventurer Mark Watson, who seems to have his problematic Achilles tendon under control – just apparently – and then another mountaineer-turned-bikepacker in race organiser Brian Alder.

![Mark and Brian in Lammerlaws](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4We5QHeo5AyfVrmc7uoMIk/8239340b2c16c2401d85af33b075226e/Mark_and_Brian_in_Lammerlaws.jpg)
*Mark and Brian are pictured making their way through the Lammerlaw station tracks.*

Next home tonight is likely to be Christchurch endurance-runner-turned-bikepacker, Grant Guise and maybe Matt Quirk, the returning TTW 2021 owner of the Wanaka cycle business, Good Rotations; that's if Matt fancies a late night.

Among those to experience agony today was Mark’s courageous partner Hana Black who, like Mike Loten in Methven last night, made the difficult decision to pull the pin on this race in Tekapo this morning.

![HanaB](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/74OLQ2wVMBDbkYcBuwIu95/e04704332814d4f48677c33db0189f10/HanaB.jpg)
*Hana in happier times at Mesopotamia.*

Most people who make it over the Two Thumb Range to the small tourist town of Tekapo get to see Slope Point but Hana was suffering from three different leg injuries!

“Painkillers and anti-inflammatories weren’t doing the job anymore. I said beforehand that I wanted it to be fun and it wasn’t anymore. It was a hard decision to stop.”

![Hana and Mark](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2klOWvJqJKl5U70NA63wWo/2bc3a0a3a136c529a2bf89ec18269732/Hana_and_Mark.jpg)
*Photo by Mark Watson*

Hana is no quitter. She and Mark are best known for their epic four-year bikepacking trip the length of the Americas (above). The 46,000km ride was cut short by COVID-19 in Patagonia, with just two months to go. The pair plans to return and complete the job as soon as the pandemic allows.

![Daniel and Aliesha at Mesopotamia](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/vLsJvtMTZFSbkepgfD2dP/ca04f005501eda9b77b3570e46cf2479/Daniel_and_Aleisha_at_Mesopotamia.jpg)

There has been agony too for the team of Daniel Jessop and Aliesha Pile (above). Today Daniel posted this great shot (below) of the tricky, steep little climb out of Camp Stream. The track is simply too narrow for feet and bike wheels and, as Aliesha demonstrated, it’s simply best to carry your heavy bike.

![Aliesha Camp Stream](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5yWi9NxnWKxw9MPysURH77/adda34311fe2e10cd7d47aee763dc118/Aliesha_Camp_Stream.jpg)

Aliesha suffered debilitating gastro issues for the first two days before the continual stream crossings led to Trench Foot slowing their progress on days three and four. Day five went well until Daniel slashed a tyre sidewall open just before Royal Hut. “The struggle is real!”

It will be agony and ecstasy in equal measures for our lantern rouge and oldest remaining rider in the field, Rob Dawson.

![Rob Dawson](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/111ZJpofJz9MmkmWIrD62d/175963e5518d1f77525c04fa61ca7461/Rob_Dawson.jpg)

Another of our ‘good buggers of New Zealand bikepacking’, Rob knows the route well, having travelled its length last year [to produce the excellent race documentary, South. ](https://vimeo.com/ondemand/southttw?fbclid=IwAR0-X39U0gzLrPtxbLonT-MOVDYyAKZ8sMXDeSVzujTn1YllSfZPL7zfXFA)

If you’ve enjoyed following this year’s race, and would like to experience what TTW is all about in greater depth, grab some popcorn and sit back in a comfy chair.

When not editing together great videos, Rob travels the world as a TV sports producer – pandemics permitting – and he is also gaining a following as Golden Bay’s best roaster of coffee beans. All rides with Rob are punctuated with regular, lengthy coffee stops.

![Rob with Brew](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2kF6kcvvXSEP1UctslUipr/66a3b00949b1020b86a4f8a7fe2f7da6/Rob_with_Brew.jpg)
*Rob was pictured at Castle Hill yesterday with a little filter brew, funnily enough.*

From a region renowned for affable, relaxed characters, Rob is as likeable and laidback as they come. He has earned quite a reputation for misplacing cellphones, navigation devices, wallets and clothes along event routes.

Rob seems to be sensibly managing his 62-year-old body by carefully dispensing his effort to ensure he gets to enjoy every one of the race’s permissible 12 days. Good on you Rob.

The ecstasy and the agony

Third-placed Steve Halligan hopped back on his bike at Slope Point yesterday afternoon and rode off to catch up with friends, far more content with this year’s ride.

“My shoes were good this year and I didn’t have any health issues, so it was a really enjoyable ride."

It was another remarkable effort by Steve, who duked it out the whole way with winner Jakub Sliacan (who he is pictured with above) and second-placed Bruce Hughes, to provide us with five days of enthralling dotwatching.

Steve says it’s difficult to compare the 2021 and 2022 editions. The first race included the demanding Cass Saddle HAB leg but it was raced in virtually perfect conditions. This year’s course was quicker but the 240km section from Otematata to Lawrence, contested in bitterly cold weather, was taxing. 

"It's brutal and beautiful, this race."

Steve verified Jakub and Bruce’s accounts of a sketchy Wednesday night in the formidable Hawkdun range. 

The laidback Hanmer Spring wellness retreat owner takes everything in his stride and isn’t prone to exaggeration, so when he calmly says “it got a bit gnarly”, we can assume it was no picnic.

(Steve raised eyebrows at the 2016 Tour Divide when he hauled his bike through ‘cake mixture’ mud and then deep snow to get over Sand Pass, while most of the world’s other best bikepacking racers were holed up back at Brush Mountain Lodge.)

“I left Otematata at 10.30pm, but on the steep climb up out of Chimney Creek (at 3.30am) the weather got worse as I climbed higher and I just kept getting colder.” 

![Chimney Creek Hut](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3hry7X67ddlSB6YyoXAubJ/aefb1ff1567ced8dfccd90f85f9bc642/Chimney_Creek_Hut.jpg)

At 5.15am, he detoured off course to the basic Chimney Creek Hut. The tin ice box is little more than wooden framing and corrugated iron, and has a dirt floor.

![Bruce and Steve](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2DmW3nd93LbHv0ZOYDRfC0/789c0f8309e418d37b72bf282c5a7784/Bruce_and_Steve.jpg)

“Then Bruce (pictured with Steve at the Slope Point carpark) arrived. We were cold and the weather seemed to be improving so we set off. But soon after leaving the hut the weather deteriorated again.”

On the long trudge up the exposed Walking Spur “it got a bit gnarly. The snow was settling on the ground. We had good wet weather gear. I felt like we were ok.”

![Walking Spur](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2szfHIgjCLr9wGWHxOBHdz/554f73de10353bd9f398906ac6dea9bd/Walking_Spur.jpg)
*Walking Spur on a good day. It's not called Cycling Spur.*

Race organiser Brian Alder declines more applications for TTW than he approves. As accomplished adventurer Mark Watson noted after the 2021 edition: “This is more than the usual hard-slog bike event. It tests a whole range of outdoor skills and experience.”

Brian was sheltering back in Royal Hut, high up in the Two Thumb Range on Wednesday night. With hail on the tin roof, and without cellphone reception, he must have been a little anxious about his riders charging on through the night in that real mountain weather. Although if he considered the resumés of Jakub, Bruce and Steve, upfront in the Hawkduns, be probably slept a bit better.

For the three race leaders, the challenges weren't over with the steep descent down off the Hawkduns. 

![Hawkduns](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4IR4DP18Sc6NaSAbkf38dj/fd9e256c86e079eff57025d021b11ee8/Hawkduns.jpg)
*The top of the Hawkdun Range with the track to the Ida Valley 950m below. (TTW 2021 riders, Rachel Berry and Brendan Pheasant back up there on a nice day.)*

It was a tough 24 hours battling the stiff southerly headwind through the Ida Valley, up onto the historic Dunstan Trail and across the barren Otago high country to the Lammerlaw Range.

“Up there (at 2am yesterday) Bruce and I both really wanted to get down to Lawrence but we were totally wrecked and stopped.” As previously noted, this was where a shivering Bruce had to get on his bike to get warm, and in doing so opened up an advantage over Steve that he was able to maintain to the finish. 

So that’s two out of two for Steve. Will he be back on the start line for the next TTW? “Well, that’s 2024, two years from now … I would never say never.”

In the interests of great dotwatching, let's hope so.

"It got a bit gnarly"

Forty-six year old Arrowtown rider, Patrick Garceau called on his considerable adventure racing experience to ride through the night and arrived at Slope Point in fourth place at 5am this morning.

It was a strong second half of the race by Patrick (pictured second from left above), who didn’t take a significant break after Lake Tekapo, more than 500km back up the route.

In fifth, Ian Davidson has also put in an all-nighter and at 6am was just over 60kms from the finish.


Patrick goes long to take fourth

Andrew Trevelyan

Cliff Clermont

Tour Te Waipounamu 2022 Tracking: Back for its second edition, New Zealand's roughest race traversing the Southern Island from North to South.

Tour Te Waipounamu 2022 Tracking

Back for its second edition, New Zealand's roughest race traversing the Southern Island from North to South.

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