Cateye Moonride
May 2006, by Tom
Pain. Suffering. Exhaustion. Dirt.
These are a few words I initially used to describe our latest adventure. Of course, in hindsight, these were probably the only words that came to mind while contemplating the weekend in the several days spent recovering. We can both now look back on the weekend as an awesome experience and a great achievement.
The Cateye Moonride is an annual gathering of New Zealands mountain biking champs, enthusiasts, recreational pleasure seekers and roped in uncertain newbies. Teams consisted of 4-5 people who took turns to ride the 30 mins - 1 hour course over the period of 12 (or 24!) hours.
Gini and I, of course, were both newbies. I had rode the mountains once before, a few years ago, but hadn't found the courage to try it again (a story for another day). Gini had never before taken a bike off-road!
Still, the day was a success. Andy and Nicky's planning was down to a T, and Gini and I managed to haul ass round the course 2 or 3 times each! Neither of us partook in the night-time riding (which to us, seemed absolutely ridiculously crazy).
I'm especially proud of Gini, who, after returning from her first ride through, bleeding from several places, battered and bruised knee and rattling off unknown expletives about the 'uber' riders who forced her off the track several times, still managed to soldier on and complete another time round - and actually enjoy it!! So proud :).
We're now looking forward to next years event where we can hopefully do a bit of training, and be a little more prepared for what's in order - and even give the night time riders a run for their money! T
These are a few words I initially used to describe our latest adventure. Of course, in hindsight, these were probably the only words that came to mind while contemplating the weekend in the several days spent recovering. We can both now look back on the weekend as an awesome experience and a great achievement.
The Cateye Moonride is an annual gathering of New Zealands mountain biking champs, enthusiasts, recreational pleasure seekers and roped in uncertain newbies. Teams consisted of 4-5 people who took turns to ride the 30 mins - 1 hour course over the period of 12 (or 24!) hours.
Gini and I, of course, were both newbies. I had rode the mountains once before, a few years ago, but hadn't found the courage to try it again (a story for another day). Gini had never before taken a bike off-road!
Still, the day was a success. Andy and Nicky's planning was down to a T, and Gini and I managed to haul ass round the course 2 or 3 times each! Neither of us partook in the night-time riding (which to us, seemed absolutely ridiculously crazy).
I'm especially proud of Gini, who, after returning from her first ride through, bleeding from several places, battered and bruised knee and rattling off unknown expletives about the 'uber' riders who forced her off the track several times, still managed to soldier on and complete another time round - and actually enjoy it!! So proud :).
We're now looking forward to next years event where we can hopefully do a bit of training, and be a little more prepared for what's in order - and even give the night time riders a run for their money! T
The teams campsite, everyone nice and cheery before the event begins.
Vicky, Catherine and Nicky trying to stay warm on the freezing Rotorua night.
