New Zealand Bike Ride #4: Alps 2 Ocean Great Ride, Twizel / Aoraki Mount Cook, South Island

All of our rides had great scenery, but we saved the most scenic ride for last.  Even the name of this trail, “Alps 2 Ocean”, has you at hello before you ever commence the ride.  Once again, we only did a portion of the ride – but if you were so inclined you could ride all 360km of this trail starting at the Aoraki/Mount Cook village and riding all the way to Oamaru on the Pacific Ocean.  Doing the end-to-end trail requires a short but exciting helicopter hop across the Tasman River (which we didn’t do).

Since we were staying in Twizel, we rented bikes from Lakeland Explorer and followed a local trail until we connected to the Alps 2 Ocean trail in the middle of an expansive pasture with mountain views off in the distance.  We were mostly by ourselves with an occasional cyclist or walker appearing in the distance.

Perfect picnic spot!

And then we arrived at Lake Pukaki with its turquois-blue waters juxtaposed against the snow-capped Aoraki Mount Cook on this blue-sky day.  We followed the trail around Lake Pukaki bathed in the delight of the lupine flowers and awe-inspiring, stunning lake and mountain views. It wasn’t hard to pick the perfect picnic spot.

We followed the trail to the end.  Continuing on would have required riding a stretch on the road, which was less scenic and populated with enough fast-moving vehicles that we decided to turn around.  We had considered adding on some additional kilometers and taking a different route back along the canal, but fatigue was setting in (I later realized I was coming down with a cold) so we returned via the same route to Twizel to complete a 25 mile ride.  We walked around the town, with me enjoying fresh fruit ice cream and Mike enjoying a bakery pastry as our reward for our cycling adventure.

New Zealand Bike Ride #3: Central Otago Wine Trail, Queenstown surroundings, South Island

Having developed a fascination with suspension bridges and loving cycling and vineyards, this trail was packed with fun!  We rented bikes first thing in the morning in Arrowtown from Arrowtown Bike Hire and road to trail along a creek which led us to the Otago wine trail.  This is just one trail that makes up a whole series of trails of one of the Great Rides.  The trail that inspired the creation of the New Zealand Cycle Trail network, the Otago Central Rail Trail follows the old railway line between Clyde and Middlemarch.

The highlights of the Wine Trail included two suspension bridges we had to cross, one of which was quite long.  The trick is to not look down and not have too many people the bridge at once!  We also came to the Kawarau Gorge Bridge, the world famous, original bungy jumping site.  Seeing even the most fearful people give it a go, it was tempting, but the vineyards were beckoning us.  The vineyards are all right along the trail so we stopped at a couple of them before turning around just as we approached the town of Gibbston for the return.

Bikes and wine: our favorite things!

We had thought ahead this time to bring a picnic lunch.  Like toilets, picnic tables abound in New Zealand and we found one in a scenic spot high above the gorge.  We made it back to Arrowtown mid-afternoon and felt fulfilled with our 25 mile ride so we returned the bikes and enjoyed a walk around historic Arrowtown, which reminded us of the Colorado Old Western towns.

Picnic lunch overlooking the Gorge

Arrowtown to Gibbston

New Zealand Bike Ride #2: Lakeside Trail; Mountain Trails to Huka Falls, Taupo, North Island

We had visions of doing one of the 22 Great Rides which is in Taupo, but upon investigating our options, we opted for other equally great trails, but they were not part of the Great Ride.  Doing the Great Ride in Taupo requires more advanced planning since there are not bike rental shops at the trail head, but there are tour companies that will do delivery and pickup.  There are plenty of bike rental shops in Taupo so we walked in one and reserved ours the day before our ride.

Lakeside Trail

We spent our morning doing an easy and leisurely ride along the lakeside trail.  With Lake Taupo being the size of Singapore, this 16 mile roundtrip trail only covers a small portion of the gigantic lake.  This trail includes paved, gravel, and off-trail detours as you weave among the walkers, but it was more maneuverable than many bike trails we ride on in the U.S.

After lunch in Taupo, we were game to try an intermediate trail.  We wanted to go see one of Taupo’s key attractions, the Huka Falls, and biking seemed like the perfect way to get there.  The trail follows the Waikato River, which is the longest river in New Zealand, running 425 kilometers through the North Island.  We came to our first view of New Zealand bungy jumpy off a platform built out from the tall cliff.

Start of Waikato River Trail

Continuing on, we came to a bike park where Mike tested out his not so extreme skills.  This was just the warm up for what was to come.  The trail got steeper, sometimes narrow and with obstacles.  It provided for a more adrenaline-filled ride compared to the scenic riding we had done thus far.  There were a few times when I had to get off my bike, but we felt like we had accomplished a feat upon arriving at the falls, especially compared to all the people disembarking their buses.

The Bike Park

Testing my skills and great views!

Huka Falls

Home of Ironman Events!

We decided to take the alternative, easier trail along the other side of the river back.  Some of the trails are under construction and we may have missed a trail head because we found ourselves on a paved road back part of the way.  Back at the bike shop in Taupo, we clocked 10 miles, making it a total of 26 miles for the day.  We were ready for happy hour back on our beautiful AirBnB deck overlooking the lake!

Our morning lakeside ride

Our afternoon ride to Huka Falls

New Zealand Bike Ride #1: Motu Dunes Trail, Opotiki, North Island

 The Motu Dunes Trail is one of the 22 Great Rides.  While staying in the beach town of Ohope, we made the 40 min. drive over to Opotiki and rented bikes from Motu Cycle Trails, which was close the trail entry.  Early in the trail, we encountered our first - of what would become many in New Zealand – suspension bridge.  We quickly discovered that in addition to riding on the opposite (left) side, bikes are installed with the brakes on opposite sides (so the left bike is the rear bike). This easy trail got us warmed up on mountain bikes, as we realized how even small hills on a mountain bike can require more dramatic shifting than on our road bikes.

This beautiful trail follows the coastline so we were treated to constant views of amazingly empty summertime beaches.  The trail threw in fun surprises like a boardwalk through marshland.  

Once the gravel trail ends, the trail continues on a very lightly trafficked road and connects with some of the intermediate trails in the hills.  We rode the road for about a mile and then turned around for our return.  One of the options would have been to take the bike rental’s shuttle up to the top of the hills and ride down through the intermediate trails to the Motu Dunes trail.

Since we hadn’t prepared a picnic lunch, we returned after 17 miles to Opotiki where we got a fish lunch at a local fish shop / restaurant.  We contemplated more afternoon riding but the jet lag kicked in so we decided this was a great warm up ride for what would come next.  We also realized the distance you can do on a mountain bike pales to what you can do on a road bike.

"Great Riding" in New Zealand

Our most scenic ride - the Alps 2 Ocean Great Ride

Mike and I recently visited New Zealand for our 25^th wedding anniversary, and our number one activity was cycling the numerous, wonderful trails.  We had visions of doing both road biking and trail riding, but upon arriving we discovered the trails are really where you will find the best cycling.  In fact, the roads are fast driving (100km/60mph), rough-paved, and two lanes with no shoulders, making road biking very unappealing with questionable safety, which perhaps explains why you will be challenged to even find road bike rentals. But who needs roads when you have endless off-road trails for all abilities.

New Zealand has become known for their trail riding thanks to New Zealand’s Cycle Trail organization and its creation of 22 “Great Rides”, an idea that was born in 2009 at a government ‘jobs summit’.  During our two-week travels in the North and South Islands, we enjoyed four scenic and fun-filled trails.  We opted for half-day or day long rides, but there are many options to do these Great Rides end-to-end over multiple days.

There is enough bike “hire” (rental) supply that you probably do not need advance reservations for half- and full- day rides.  Since we were in peak summer season, we did make advance reservations for a couple rentals, but we probably could have found rentals without them.  A full-day rental costs around $50-55 NZD (~$35 USD) and since the trails are free, you can enjoy hours of low-cost adventure and fun.  It was helpful to do advance research to know what trails we wanted to ride, and we even planned some of our itinerary around the places we wanted to ride. If you want to do more than a day ride, you would want to make advance plans and reservations.

Painted mural on toilets

For the most part, the trails are well-marked so while there were a few times we wondered if we were going the right way, we never got lost.  You do want to plan for lunch.  On our first ride we assumed we could find food along the way, partly because the bike renter said there would probably be food stand mid-way, but there was none.  From then on, we always packed lunch and snacks and enjoyed some awesome picnic spots.

Music serenading toilets!

And here’s perhaps the best part – I never once had to pee in the woods!  Toilets abound and they will be the nicest and cleanest outhouse / porta potty / public toilets you were ever encounter. A couple of them even serenaded me with music.

 My subsequent four blog posts cover each of our bike rides, two on the North Island and two on the South Island.

Bike Ride #1:  Motu Dunes Trail, Opotiki, North Island

Bike Ride #2:  Lakeside Trail, and the Mountain Trails to Huka Falls, Taupo, North Island

Bike Ride #3:  Central Otago Wine Trail, Queenstown surroundings, South Island

Bike Ride #4:  Alps 2 Ocean Great Ride, Twizel / Aoraki Mount Cook, South Island

For an overview of our full trip, including our itineraries for the North and South Island, please see my 3 part series on the Intrepid Tourist.

Journey 140.6: Gratitude

Diane, Eric & Barb were everywhere!

We have so much to be grateful for in completing our first full Ironman.  The weather cooperated for the first time after 2 70.3 races in torrential rain, a cancelled swim at Eagleman, and a cancelled Martha’s Vineyard race due to Hurricane Dorian.  Neither Mike nor I experienced any accidents or major injuries in our journey.  The race day mechanical Gods were on our side.  Neither of us had any severe reactions to the multiple jellyfish stings.  But most of all, we had amazing support from our friends and family.

The training got tough in August.  The long runs and rides cut into social time when we had summertime guests. My sister Barb had yummy brunches awaiting us and pre-made meals for our week ahead.  She made sure I was well stocked with biofreeze to treat my foot tendonitis.

Barb is a great nurturer!

Our Martha’s Vineyard Cycling Club was there for us on Sunday long rides, and some even rode further with us when our long rides turned longer than the ride.  Wayne, a former Kona competitor, would slow down his normally fast pace and keep me company, giving me advice on Ironman pacing.

The TriDot coaches and community were with me every step of the way.  From the Ironman race tips and race recon webinars to a call and reach out from Elizabeth James, one of the most caring coaches on the planet, I gained the confidence I needed to do a full Ironman.

Diane and Eric came for The Martha’s Vineyard Tri, but when it was cancelled became our training partners for a peak training weekend.  Diane accompanied me on my longest run and made 15 miles go by faster and easier than I imagined.  Eric miraculously didn’t stop after his intended 6 miles and kept going with Mike.  After the hurricane passed, we enjoyed a long ride around the Island. Diane accompanied me for my longest swim in choppy waters and helped boost my confidence that if I could complete 2.4 miles in those conditions in 1h50, I would be good come race day.

The Iron Parents & Dog!

Mom and dad watched Barb’s dog Bella so she could come support me at the race venue.  Numerous friends, family, colleagues and Philly Tri Club members tracked our progress during the race.  Every time I went over a timing mat I was reminded of the support I had in places as far away as Costa Rica, Germany and London.  When Mike and I were driving down to Maryland, I was playing his secretary while he drove.  I was so touched by his German client’s email wishing us both well that it brought tears to my eyes.

Diane & Eric presented the birthday cake!

During the race weekend, we were so touched and honored to have Diane, Eric and Barb as our support crew and cheerleaders.  From making dinner, creating a birthday cake for Mike and our housemate Linda, to picking up our gear and cleaning the AirBnB, they were there every moment.  They captured photos, video and loudly cheered us on.  In fact other people commented how they were EVERYWHERE on the course!

No one ever completes an Ironman alone.  Mike and I want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts who helped get us to the finish line and make the day special.

Journey 140.6: I AM AN IRONMAN!!!!

Warning:  Long race report because the race was long, and I never want to forget the details of this day!

The wonderful thing about journeys is that they take you to unexpected places that you never could have imagined.  This is my story of the day I became an Ironman, but the journey started long before today…. 

I remember when….

I couldn’t swim a length of the pool

It took me nearly 20 min to complete my first 450 yard open water triathlon swim

I was afraid to clip into my bike pedals

I sat in a triathlon educational seminar and listened to the topic “Is this your year to do an Ironman” - and never imagined I would do one

I spectated Ironman Lake Placid and declared I physically could not do an Ironman

I bought a watch with battery just enough to get me through my half Ironman – because I couldn’t fathom that a year later I would be doing an Ironman

The moment on September 23, 2018 when I crossed the Atlantic City Half Ironman finish line and realized I was capable of so much more

The night I hit the registration submit button for IMMD…and then woke up with trepidation

Everyone has their own their story.  Some people miraculously decide to start the triathlon journey and complete an Ironman within 1-2 years.  For me, it has been an 8 year journey that led me to this day, September 28, 2019, in Cambridge, MD.  My Sherpa Diane has given me the advice to be present in the moment and to do that, to identify and remember 6 moments -- 1 moment on the swim, 2 moments on the bike, and 3 moments on the run that I want to hold onto.

My alarm goes off at 4am.  I’m surprisingly asleep and dreaming of getting my hair cut, but once awakened my Garmin tells me I had 6h38 min of sleep with only 39 minutes of that being a deep sleep.  Good thing I followed the advice to bank sleep earlier in the week.  I go through my pre-race routine of eating a bagel with peanut butter, applying sunscreen, mixing my UCAN nutrition, and checking my list to make sure I have everything and then at 5am, off we go to the Gerry Boyle Memorial Park.

Getting ready for the jellyfish swim

All is going to plan as I pump up my tires, drop off my special needs bags, and put a few things in my bike and run gear bags that I dropped off yesterday.  And then I head over to the porta potties and the lines are insane.  There is much discussion about number 1s and 2s, but given the amount of time it’s taking people and the fact that people aren’t giving up for the pee in your wetsuit option, I’m pretty sure we’re all there for the latter.  I’m still in line as they play the National anthem and begin the race and fretting that I won’t be able to kiss Mike and wish him well on his journey.

SWIM

I run to the swim start and I’m attempting to put on my clothing including a TriSerena long sleeve covering that has become all twisted up.  Two nice spectators see my distress and help get me untangled, pull up my wetsuit, and put on my newly purchased wetsuit sleeves.  I’m trying to take every precaution against jellyfish stings while still wearing a sleeveless wetsuit for shoulder movement.  

Oh, those jellyfish!!!  I opted not to do my practice swim because everyone was reporting getting stung and it seemed like it would only add to my pre-race anxiety.  I prefer to be blissfully ignorant of what’s to come because I believe the race day adrenaline will neutralize the stings.  As I make my way forward, I’m slathering myself with SeaSafe, Body Glide, and then Vaseline.

At 7:00:41am I’m off! The water is warm, not too choppy and I calmly begin my swim.  I’m relieved I’m not stung right away so there is hope.  I do feel a sting before I get to the first buoy turn, but it’s not so bad, just annoying. 

Moment 1

I’m just getting into my swim groove and as I breathe to my left, I see 2 jet skies.  I’m immediately pleased to see a familiar face – the local who welcomed me into his neighbor’s AirBnB. He had stopped by the house to pick up his life jackets and told us he would be supporting the swim.  A very friendly and welcoming soul, I feel such comfort seeing him on the jet ski at that moment and I’m reminded why I picked this event as my first Ironman – because the community and people welcome and support the event.

After I make my way around the first buoy, the number of swimmers picks up as the fast swimmers are now on their second lap.  It’s not the washing machine swim that Atlantic City was as they are giving us plenty of room to swim wide of the buoys, but it’s an odd swim with people all of sudden stopping, presumably as they encounter a sting, and some swimmers who cannot seem to hold a straight line and suddenly angling in front of me.  I feel the down current kick in as I round the second buoy and before I know it I’m at the 3^rdbuoy.  I can see with the downstream current now perpendicular to me that I have to angle in to stay on course.  I turn at the 4^th buoy and the kayaks direct me to the timing chip arch.  I hit 2100 yards and I’m happy to see I’m holding my fastest pace as I’m 49 minutes and half way there.  I repeat the loop, notice the current is picking up a little more so I angle in as I make my way down the home stretch.  I feel some more stings, perhaps more than the first loop.

I make my way up the boat ramp with nice volunteers helping to pull me up and out.  At 8:43:37am I exit.  I’m elated with my time of 1:42:56 and surprised to see that it even included an extra 400 yards according to Garmin, which puts me at an open water swim record of 2:13/100 yard pace.  I hear the cheers of my sister Barb and friends Diane and Eric.

T1

The wetsuit strippers do their magic removal, a volunteer sprays my stings with vinegar, I grab my bike gear bag, and I’m off to the changing tent for T1.  It’s a flurry of activity and knowing I gained some time on the swim, I don’t rush it.  I put on my bike shorts and make sure I have everything.  A volunteer kindly gives me a glass of water and is very helpful putting everything else back in my bag.  I head out of the tent, grab my bike and mount at bike out, ready to settle in for the longest continuous ride of my life.

BIKE

I ride past our AirBnB along the scenic riverbank and once I’m out of all of the turns and on a straightaway, I settle into my aero position.  I go at a good 16 – 17.5 mph pace for the first 15 miles.  I drink my whole Torpedo UCAN water mixture in the first hour so at the first aid station I take a quick break to refill the Torpedo. 

My awesome support crew!

Moment 2

I approach a corner and out of nowhere see some friendly faces.  Diane is yelling my name at the top of her lungs!  Barb and Eric are cheering me on.  They are a welcome and fun sight, and I feel loved.

I forgo the special needs at the first high school stop, continue and then, boom, a big headwind slows me down to 14.1mph.  I pedal through the beautiful wildlife refuge and navigate some fishermen who don’t seem to be phased by the onslaught of cyclists.  As I hit the 3 hour mark, my body is telling me it’s ready for a pit stop, which takes about 5 minutes as I wait for the porta potty and refill my water.  It does wonders as for the next 15 miles I’m back to my top speeds.  And then I begin to slow.

Moment 3

I’m starting to drag and then I hear a young girl’s voice and the beat of a drum.  There she is, diligently keeping the beat and repeating, “you can do it”.  I’m uplifted to continue on.

I see my cheering squad at another corner.  How great to have them finding me out there in surprise spots on the course!  The 2^nd loop of the high school is nowhere in site and not what I was expecting since it was supposed to be at mile 58, but I’m now over 60 miles.  The change in course due to standing water is causing unexpected mental expectations and making this stretch seem even longer.  I see the 100 mile marker for the second loop – oh, how I wish – and then people guiding us first loopers to the high school special needs stop again.  This time I stop to reapply sun lotion and refill my water bottles and in the process I’m treated to the energetic Chesapeake College Skipjacks Baseball team volunteer squad.

Ugh, that headwind again!  For the next 15 miles, I can’t keep a pace above 13.5mph.  I take another porta potty break, and like magic I find renewed energy for the final 30 plus mile stretch.  With less than 10 miles to go, I’m heartbroken to see a woman carrying her bike in one hand and her wheel in the other.  It’s not clear what has happened but to make it that far and have a mechanical issue is tragic.  I get closer and closer to town and transition.  With less than 3 miles to go, I’m relieved to know I could always walk it in if a mechanical issue arises!  But all ends well and I arrive back after 7:26:29 to the bike-in arch and my cheering squad.

T2

I slowly walk my bike back to its rack, stop at the porta potties, grab my run bag, and enter the tent.

Moment 4

I’m struggling to get my Philadelphia Tri Kit on and a volunteer comes over to help me.  And then, I hear and see Barbara, from my tri club, running over and giving me a big hug.  She is volunteering and goes into action to help me get dressed and my bike gear back into the bag.  She tells me she and her husband will also be volunteering at the finish line so I tell her I will see her on the other side!

And then I run out of the tent, and who do I see but Mike!  It’s the first time I see him on the course.  Our support crew told him I was in the tent so he slowed down to be able to greet me.

RUN

Wow, that heat and humidity!  Where did it come from?!  Barbara had commented on it and somehow I’m only taking notice of it now.  After just one mile, I’m in need of water at the aid station.  I run by our Philly Tri Club tent in the front yard of our AirBnB, greet the Captain American Iron Fan on the corner, and run through the residential area.  Once again, the aid station can’t come fast enough.  I continue running and approach the subdivision area.  I can see an aid station and think I’m going to round the corner and arrive at it only to find out this a cruel horseshoe that requires turning back around and going to the other side of the horseshoe.  Now I understand why the mileage on the course charts supposedly didn’t look to scale.  I’m so happy to get out of horseshoe hell.

Barb gives me a high five! Our AirBnB is right on the run course!

I pass our housemate Shanti who yells an inspirational, “you are going to be an Ironman”!  I pass Mike now on his second loop.  I’m happy to see my cheering squad back at the Philly Tri Club tent.  The neighbors are an energetic, dancing and older crowd blasting music and I give them high fives.  Front lawns are filled with enthusiastic fans spraying water, playing music and giving high fives.  My favorite one is 3 girls who are high fiving passerby’s.  I’m back through Gerry Boyle park, and towards Long Wharf Park. 

Moment 5

A young, likely 3 years old, blond haired and barefooted boy runs out onto the course.  He sprints down the street as fast as his little legs can take him and faster than I can go at this stage.  Probably also faster than his parents can keep up since they are nowhere in sight.  He is finally captured by a volunteer.

I pass Long Warf Park, and I can hear our announcer Tony Lugo bellowing, “You are an Ironman”.    I hear it all the way as I run into town and turnaround.  People are lining the streets and the RAR bar is a scene with alcohol flowing and no shyness of that crowd.  But I’m so thirsty that take the aid station water and walk the turnaround rather than running for show for the crowd.

Now it’s back past Long Warf Park and through Gerry Boyle Park to begin Loop 2.  I decide a need a porta potty break.  I’m starting to feel my legs but at least the sun is going down so it’s getting cooler.  I psyche myself up to run past the AirBnB again and into Horseshoe Hell.  At least this time I’m mentally prepared and know where all of the aid stations are.  People are fading and even passing out as I see multiple medical personnel attending to fallen runners.  I tell myself, just keep your slow pace and fuel and hydrate at each aid station.

This time my support crew is not at the AirBnB so I figure they are seeing Mike finish.  The neighbors are still going strong though so I high five them, and as I make my way towards Gerry Boyle Park, I see the same 3 young girls and their father.  “You’re still here,” I exclaim.  “You’re still here, so we’re still here!” responds the father.

This 2^nd loop back through the park, past Long Warf and into town is getting long, but hearing more “You are an Ironman” finishes keeps me going back through town, and now I know I’m on my 3^rd, shorter loop.

Moment 6

I’m so excited to reach the third loop turnaround that is right in front of our AirBnB.  I’m even more excited to see the full contingent of our cheering squad AND Mike, who has finished and showered and not moving from the comfort of his chair.

I’m in the home stretch now!  Only a few miles to go!  The neighbors have gone in but still have their music blaring.  It must be the 3 girls’ bedtime by now.  In fact, it’s past my bedtime!  As I make my way into town, I hear my support crew calling my name.  One mile to go!

This time I run through town, rather than walking through the aid station.  I know I have a chance of breaking 6 hours on my run.  I’ve even outlasted many at the RAR bar!  I run back down the cobble stoned street, being super careful not to catch a foot.  I see the finish area and lights.  I start to soak it all in.  They are playing one of my favorite songs,

I'm not afraid of getting older
I'm one less day from dying young
I see the light go past my shoulder
I'm one less day from dying young

I hit the red carpet.

Tony Lugo announces,

Catherine Mayone, You are an Ironman!

I cross the finish line at 15:41:35, having done the run in 5:59:21.  Barbara, my tri club volunteer, is there to put the medal around my neck.  Mike, Barb, Diane, and Eric are all there waiting for me.  Barb has tears in her eyes and tells me how proud she is of me.

It is truly a day I will never forget.

Barbara from my TriClub gives me my IMMD medal and the Gerry Boyle Crabby Challenge medal for finishing both Eagleman and IMMD

My husband Mike also became an Ironman today!

My sister Barb has tears in her eyes as she tells me how proud she is of me