This iconic event means so many different things to so many people

Written By Kim Manunui

Kia ora tātou,

I’ve ridden the BDO Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge about maybe ten times, and every time has been completely different. One time I’d just assembled my new bike myself, and it fell apart ten kms into the ride. I had to get a lift back to the start, help from a mechanic and off again. One time I was fit and competed in the elite race. I didn’t win. And three times I’ve ridden with a camera motorbike beside me, making a documentary about the event. I held a microphone most of the way around and interviewed heaps of people riding - jamming the mic in their face as they rode along and getting the thoughts of everyone from elite racers to 12-year-olds with their nana, to guys in gumboots on Raleigh 20s.

This iconic event means so many different things to so many people from all over the world. And in recent years, as an older gentleman, I continue to have a complete blast every year. My only struggle now is getting enough kms into my lycra to be able to ride all the way.

My greatest revelation was the first time I decided I didn’t need to try. I think that was 2018. It was ok to stop, wait for people, grab a drink, have a chat, see the scenery and then carry on. I couldn’t tell you my time for that event, and it didn’t matter - my friends and I just enjoyed it from start to finish. That’s what I want to do again this year.

So I’m asking myself, like lots of us do, “What is the minimum training I can do in my busy life, with a big job and two small kids, and still enjoy myself for 160kms?” It’ll be different for everyone, but for me, it’s 50kms commuting a week, and one ride on the weekend. Usually, that’s a 60-80km ride. Some weeks it’s only 55km. But as I approach November I try to ramp it up so that I’m doing 80, 90, 100, 120kms each weekend.

Last weekend I rode the Ride Holidays Karapiro Flyer and had to get off my bike at 5kms to go - with sudden, debilitating cramp. Good thing I’ve got 8 weeks left to convince my legs they can ride more than 95kms. My aim is to be able to have fun, go hard at times, take my turn at the front of some groups and help people get the time they’re aiming for, ride with my friends, talk to as many new people as I can, and make it to the finish without getting cramps. I’d like to feel free to stop but not need to stop.

This weekend I’ll try to get some kms under my belt. My family is away so I can ride both days. Look out for me on the roads around Tamaki Makaurau, yell out and say hi.

Follow me on Strava if that’s your bag. https://www.strava.com/athletes/686938

Ngā mihi, Jon B

Kim Manunui

Hi, I’m Kim and I work with a great team to help individuals, as well as small and not so small businesses get their message, product and services to the world using digital media and creating wonderful websites that don’t cost the earth.

I was born in Canada, and grew up around Vancouver and the mountains of British Columbia. My love of pristine environments led me to New Zealand and eventually to the mountains, lakes and rivers of the central North Island which is home. My family’s heritage is here, and it’s from here that Korio traverses the planet.

The digital world is never static and neither are we.

And I say ‘we’ because I work with an awesome group of talented people who I gather together as required to complete a project.  Whatever your business, not-for-profit or individual needs are we gather the best team to get the job done.

Collaboratively we are creative, share sustainable values and work hard for great outcomes because that’s the buzz of satisfaction that drives us.

If you have an audience and market to reach, we can make that happen. Creative design, words that work and smart behind the scenes stuff that cuts through the online noise. We’ll design your website and then build it. We’ll manage the content as well as all your hosting needs. We can handle your online advertising so you get noticed,
and we’ll manage your social media presence so you get the clicks, likes and engagement to grow your business. All within the budget you set, because none of this needs to cost the earth.  And the job doesn’t stop when your website goes live. We are your virtual business partner.

https://www.korio.co.nz
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