Last spring, mountain biker @tama.easton seized the opportunity to push the pedals on a decades-long dream: An 800km solo journey through Central Otago and Canterbury New Zealand. Enabled by his Bosch powered Trek Rail eMTB. Tama lives with a rare form of autoimmune arthritis that fails to keep him off the trails - we're pumped to bring you on the adventure in our new short film, coming soon!
The Old Ghost Road is Aotearoa’s longest single-track backcountry trail that *probably* needs no introduction. It checks all the boxes for a great bike mission... long alpine descents (check)...jaw-dropping views (check), however it isn't for the faint-hearted or ill-prepared - the infamous West Coast weather ranging from heavy rain, strong winds, snow, and freezing temperatures (even in the height of summer) is unpredictable and may be challenging to navigate.
The Mountain Safety Council have put together a video with some good pointers that can help make your journey through the wild West Coast a safer and more-enjoyable one. The video highlights varied conditions riders can expect, covering important tips including how to pack a balanced bike, a suggested packing list, the common risks, and hazards, and outlines key decision-making points and pit stops.
Key learnings in this video:
- Choose a time of year where the conditions match your experience level, and always check the forecast before setting out. Aim to ride during a fine weather window, but pack for all conditions.
- Have a well-balanced and maintained bike and carry a repair kit.
- Carry a mobile phone and a distress beacon to ensure you can contact search and rescue if something goes wrong.
- Carry an emergency shelter and some extra food to get through an unplanned delay.
- Understand your own and your group’s limits. Stay in control, and when encountering trampers signal your approach and give way when appropriate. Stick together as a group throughout your journey.
- Understand the facilities. There are four Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust huts, and two DOC huts on the track, and the amenities they provide are quite different. You can find out more on https://oldghostroad.org.nz
Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R0qkYXFgwI
Got some other tips to share? Chuck them in the comments below.
GIVEAWAY | Go in the draw to win a Lazer KinetiCore Helmet, valued at $299.95. Hit the link in our bio to signup and for more details.
About KinetiCore:
“The conversation on rotational impact started many years ago but it was clear to Lazer that there’s work to be done before cyclists truly understand.
Generally, rotational impact protection has been considered an additional feature or added on.
Although inherently adding protection, this enhanced level of protection has always been at the compromise of overall helmet performance. Added weight, decreased ventilation and/or more expensive.
It has been Lazer’s mission, and responsibility, to find the optimum balance of protection and helmet performance.
This is why Lazer created KinetiCore – Integrated Rotational Impact Protection.” - Lazer
GIVEAWAY | Go in the draw to win a Lazer KinetiCore Helmet, valued at $299.95. Hit the link in our bio to signup and for more details.
About KinetiCore:
“The conversation on rotational impact started many years ago but it was clear to Lazer that there’s work to be done before cyclists truly understand.
Generally, rotational impact protection has been considered an additional feature or added on.
Although inherently adding protection, this enhanced level of protection has always been at the compromise of overall helmet performance. Added weight, decreased ventilation and/or more expensive.
It has been Lazer’s mission, and responsibility, to find the optimum balance of protection and helmet performance.
This is why Lazer created KinetiCore – Integrated Rotational Impact Protection.” - Lazer
First as a World Champion and Olympic BMX athlete and now as a pioneer in women’s freeride, Caroline Buchanan has successfully cracked the code at being a decorated athlete in a second cycling career.
Ride Concepts | Caroline’s Code | Link in bio 🔗
“𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘪𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘭, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴” - 𝘎𝘦𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦 𝘖𝘳𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭
We can’t get enough of this dreamy S-Works Enduro build by @ryanmfthom
Video: Tilt Shift Films
Wanaka Backcountry Adventure
A little while ago we had an idea to see how far it was possible to go in a weekend on our Whyte Bikes kitted with their Bosch eBike Systems, and this is the result.
An adventure far up a valley in the Southern Lakes in search of an escape, fresh fish and just a good old fashioned adventure. Ebikes are definitely defining their own niche in allowing more adventures to a wider group of people and everyone is better for it.
Put your feet up and enjoy the short film.
Fast and Loose Friday #23 - Ronja Hill-Wright and Ben Wurcker at Cardrona
Ben Karalus follow cam of Jeremy Compton on a top to bottom run of Cardrona Bike Park
Ben Karalus at Wairoa Gorge
