Day 1.kiwi brevet

Somehow we smacked out 199kms. Didn't go with Dave Sharpes break. Figured it was suicide! Did our own about 5kms later. Got away with Simon Kennett, Dave Drake and Steve. Dave flatted. Dropped Steve and caught Thomas on outskirts of Picton. Sweated heaps. Nathan Faave passed us while we bought some drink in gas station. Passed Cliff when was in Havelock 4 square. Only Dave and Nathan in front. Mangatapu climb was in good nick but the decent was really rough. Cliff caught Thomas and I on the way up and got away. As we hit the gates at Maitai, Steve, Dave Drake and Brian Alder caught us and took us too a Kebab house! Awesome meal. Currently bivvying in Wakefield domain. Warm and quiet.

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Team voodoo lounge. RESPECT !

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Andy does time on the massage chair pre Brevet

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Being prepared.

I read where a runner broke her pelvis in the mountains and saved her life by virtue of a shower cap in her kit despite two nights in sub zero conditions. Then of course she was left with debilitating hospital fees to try and pay off. We don't know how lucky we are living in a country with a welfare state.

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I told you it was random

Malcolm searches for his still yet to be found "conversation threshold". Roll on the next 70 years Malcolm. I found this roll of 120 film which had to be at least 20 years old. I loaded it into my Mamiya Press but this was the only useable shot I got.

A pensive moment for Mr Cleetus as he contemplates the pros and cons of multi-tasking and how it lead to a meeting with a bollard and the introduction of the new short wheel-base model Singular Gryphon.

Top left. 1-2-3-4 ! Port Underwood is calling our name. I love the way it gentley ramps up : )  - 2010 course.

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A different approach for Kiwi Brevet 2014

For the previous two Kiwi Brevets I have gone with the comfort of a 26er fully. This time I am going with a 29er fully-rigid.  Roll-a-bility versus comfort is the plan. I'm also planning to carry all water on the bike rather than have 3 litres of it on my back, to cut back on "butt trauma". I am foregoing aero bars and bar ends for Woodchipper drop bars which also give a lot of different hand  positions. The KM might be a tad lighter if I manage to tubeless the tires.

2014 set-up. Surly Karate Monkey 29er. 

2010 and 2012 set-up. 26 inch Santa Cruz Superlight.

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