ONCE UPON A NOVEMBER - TOOLING AROUND TAUPO

LAKE TAUPO BIKE CHALLENGE, NEW ZEALAND, NOVEMBER 30 2002

Once upon a November

Dancing legs
Painted wings
Things I once remember
And a song someone sings
Once upon a November

My baby holds me soft and warm
Overhead horses prance through a silver storm
Figures dancing gracefully
Across my memory...

My treddly holds me safe and true
Golden sun and azure blue
Figures cruising gracefully
Across my memory...

Maybe one day far away, long ago
Glowing dim as an ember,
These will be things my heart used to know,
Things it yearns to remember...

And a song someone sang
Or a ride we then rode
Once upon a time in November

rejigged with respects to the original artist: Deana Carter
"Once upon a December "

The Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge (the "Challenge") began in 1977 with 26 riders setting out to cycle the 160 kilometres around New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo on the North Island. The Challenge is now one of New Zealand's most popular sporting events with over 6,500 riders participating in 2001 in the various categories. The Challenge comprises:

* the solo rider's 160km challenge;
* a 160km relay (2, 3 or 4 riders);
* a 320km twice round the lake "Enduro";
* a 500km "Super Enduro", 3 and a bit times around the lake; and
* a Classic Race component for the guns (riders must hold a racing licence and meet certain qualifying criteria).

Most riders (3,905 in 2001) complete the 160km solo challenge with the relay being the next most popular component. In 2001, as a special event to celebrate the 25th running of the Challenge, a 1,000km "Mega Enduro" was also held.

At the finish there is a carnival atmosphere with live music, plenty of masseurs and a huge licensed marquee serving drinks and food. There is a short official closing ceremony at 6.00pm at which time everybody is thanked and spot prizes are given out to riders. These prizes, which range from TVs to bikes to the grand prize in recent years of a car, are drawn out of the barrel and you have to be there to win! This ensures that almost everybody hangs around. After the closing ceremony, the crowds disperse to the many restaurants and pubs around town.

Whilst no medals or patches are issued, for those who like mementos, a certificate of completion is mailed to each entrant along with a souvenir booklet which as well as providing with lots of general information on the Challenge, lists the times of all those who finished the ride.

The Course

Distance - 1, 2 or 3 laps of 160 kilometres per lap
Altitude Gained - 1350 metres per lap

The Course in General - Most of the hills are encountered in the first 100 kms of each lap; the course climbs steadily at an easy gradient for the first 16 kilometres and thereafter there is a series of short climbs and descents. After 100km the course descends from the hills down to the lake side and from there until Hatepe hill at the 136km mark it is pretty flat.

Hatepe hill is not big but after having done the best part of 140 kms but it is big enough to make its presence felt. After descending from Hatepe hill it is more or less flat back to Taupo with just some smaller hills thrown in.

The three most difficult hills are relatively easy and can be climbed with a good rhythm. The "major" difficulties on the course are:

At km  Height (m)  Length (km)  Gradient

Waihaha 58   100  2.9   3.4%
Kuratau 86   110  2.8   3.9%
Hatepe 136   140  2.9   4.8%

Road surface - good; on the western side of the Lake, the surface is much the same as that you would find on the Alpine Classic, on the eastern side when riding Highway 1 from Turangi to Taupo the surface is quite good.

Traffic - cars are actively discouraged along the course route. Along Highway 1 on the first lap the traffic mostly consists of participants heading to Taupo for the start of the main events so you are treated courteously, while on the second lap the cyclists have the strength of numbers and the traffic has to wait/slow down.

Weather - how long is a piece of string? As with any Audax ride, you need to be prepared for all sorts of weather. It is New Zealand, so there is always the chance of rain. Also, notwithstanding the fact that it will almost be summer, Taupo is inland and 370 metres above sea level so it will be cold during the night on the first lap. Strong winds haven't been a problem over the last few years.

Challenge website ( http://www.cyclechallenge.org.nz )

PRE RACE REAMPLE

(compliments Nuggety Phil)

Some of the biggest names in New Zealand cycling will be lining up Saturday, November 30 for the Avanti Classic Race at this year's Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge. Olympians Sarah Ulmer and Susy Pryde are regular participants in the event, and Susy Pryde holds the current women's record of 4 hours 9 minutes. The men's record will be contested between current record holder Lee Vertongen (3:59) and other top New Zealand cyclists such as Jeremy and Matt Yates and Jack Swart. The attraction of the Classic Race for elite cyclists has been enhanced by its recent promotion to a Grade ANZ Cycling Race and by the substantial prize package totaling $7,000.

The big drawcard without doubt will be the inclusion of the famed Bayside Bandidos ably represented this year by "Poppa Smurf" and "Wazza".

The race will start at 7:00am and the first cyclists should reach the finish line outside the Ika Nui resort on Lake Terrace at approximately 10:45am.

Julian Dean (CSC) will be on hand to compete this year in the Solo event, along with Aaron Slight, cricketer Bruce Edgar and Trans-Atlantic rower Rob Hamill who will contest his own Kickbike record of 9 hours 29 minutes.

Entries for this year's solo challenges are ahead of previous years; 70 competitors are anticipated for the Classic race and 3,500 for the Solo.

THE JOURNEY AND THE RIDE ITSELF

Twas on an early Thursday that PB and Wazza set out for Tullamarine Airport to fly to Auckland, NZ. After arriving and obtaining transport, it wasnt long before we were in the heart of the land of the long white cloud. For the scribe this was a first visit and initial North Island impressions were of green grass growing out of almost every geographic orifice. Each orifice accentuated by hills and them hills in turn punctuated by livestock of every description. And an island populated by people who have a strange fascination for pig hunting and sailing yachts....

It wasnt long before the town of Huntley hove into view and a caffiene pit stop was mutually requested. Size, coffe bean type and flavour finesse were abandoned after a cursury recce of the metropolis. Hmmm, somewhat agricultural we mused and the scribe reluctantly ordered a lump of red dough euphimistically labelled "apple strudel". Euphamism transitioned to despair as the first bite dumped its oily inards over the the scribes legs and brown bag. Better luck next town.

Late in the arvo we arrived at Lake Taupo (via Hamilton) - this was a planet away from Huntley. Its had chocolate box views in abundance and the town stretched around the Lake shore in sympathy with nature. No big buildings and major commercial statements. No big pinapples or giant bannanas on display but there was The Big Trout. We decamped at our B&B hosts, the Petersons and were heartily welcomed then sat down to some goss and chet over tea n bukkies.

That evening we cruised back into town and after examination of numerous bars and restuarants chose a Thai spot with something spicy to go down and do battle with "The Strudel" The wine wasnt half bad either. On the way back we were surprised by the lack of cyclists and the abundance of discos. I counted 6. On a Thursday night in a town populated by only 10,000 people ?!? I later found out that in the high season or during a major sporting event (Taupo also hosts the NZ Iron Man Champs) half the population are tourists.

Next morning we got down to business.....

Step 1 : Re Construct the Bikes. Well that was interesting. PB opened up his Maxwell Smart bike briefcase and by the time he had constructed his Tred, I had only found all my bike bits and spread them out across the floor. (refer to picture below) I had also dissassembled my rear derailleur (to save it being crunched in the plane luggage hold) ...this made assembly a lot more complex and messier. After all 57 positions of the Karma Sutra, I had managed joyful union of the chain, the two derailleurs, the rear wheel and completely covered myself in black lubricant. Time for a cigarrette I thought but definitely not a marriage made in heaven.

Step 2 was "Test the Bikes" - this was achieved by cruising down from the B&B (5km out of town) alongside the lake to the Town. Resplendent in our Bandido training uniforms (Old top with favorite knicks of choice...pssst!! dont tell El Vendorino) we rode up down and around the hamlet and surveyed who's who in the Cycling Zoo. Certainly there was an increase of cycling activity, but considering there were 7,500 entrants starting, there were a pitiful number of folks following our plan. Perhaps they were in transit we mused...

Step 3 was "Test the Course". The Holy Lake Taupo Course Map was summoned and studied. A big hill at the start...hmmm...better go and tackle that. Get an idea of how much grunt and groan is required up front. The start consists of 1 or 2km of hill going along Poihipi Rd from the roundabout thru to the Marotiri turnoff. Off we cruised nodding appreciatively at all the markers indicating what is bike road and what the cars may use. We then hit out towards Tihoi and were struck at how many ups and downs there were. Flat road appeared to be fairly scarce. I was grateful for my interrogations of Audax riders who had done the ride and said a 25 on the back would be minumum spec. I had duly organised a 26 from the good offices of O Chippo and this was now inducing a feeling a great repose as we rode up then down ... and then up and then down ... and so on and on and on and on. After the ups and downs it was on and off as we tweaked saddle height and angle.

We covered about 45 kilos before getting back into town. I should record that The Punisher did cruise and my heart rate monitor indicated no major excursions into the red zone... and my glycogen reserves remained relatively intact

Step 4 was "Test the Coffee". Well after Huntley our expectations were very very low. A rusty tin mug with warm instant coffee would have passed the grade but we were GREATLY surprised. Our eyes surveyed a very smart looking shop, our ears recorded the busy sssshhhlurping of an expresso machine and our noses inhaled the deep south american olor por authentico delicioso cafe. And on top of that, le coup de coup, not only mugs but BOWLS. Our insides growled knowlingly....give us the BOWL and bring forth your bestest freshest muffins. It was a dream come true.

Step 5 followed. "Tune the Bikes" This entailed PB doing a major engineering revamp of his Porsche. An extra water bottle carrier was bolted on. Then a mobile carrier. Then a leppin carrier. His bike was starting to look like a Paris Dakar Tourer. I got carried away myself. A camera carrier was added and two new Vittoria Rubinos. The current tyres had been on the bike since RTB 2000, it would be silly to risk them any further.

Step 6 : "Register for The Ride" ...Easy work this one and had the double benefit of meeting riders and organisers. The entry hall typified the ride. Everything well laid out ergonomically and all processes easy to understand and efficient. We renewed our aqaintance with Rob Irwin from Alltrails Melbourne to Sydney....this added another step in our preparations ....

(insert) Step 7 : "Prepare The Mind" - Rob Irwin informed us that he was riding with a team of NZ Vets and that 5 hours was the division between the heroes and the woeses. In due course, he would be once again vying for hero status. We listened and were strangely of one mind. Hero or Wuss?, Hero or Wuss? Should we toss for it? Nah might as well be heroes. OK? OK!

...Now to do Lake Taupo's 160km course sub 5 means a minimum average speed of 32kmph. 32 on the flat with no wind for 160km is OK, but with wind and hills is somewhat toothy for the scribe ... but a challenge is a challenge.

Step 8 was the most enjoyable - "Final Carbo Loading" PB located a most suitable pub and we had a great pasta meal with a bottle of red to rival the previous night. During the day the number of ridres swelled but still nowhere near the now mythical 7,500. Where were all these people? Perhaps they have just finished work and are motoring down???

The next day we awoke and cruised to the start. Those invisible, mythical riders had now appeared. Like Pixies, Goblins, Elves and Hobbits they materialised froom thin air, from all directions. Ye gods there were thousands of them !! I gave thanks to Rob Irwins advice. We were told to get to the start early and get into the second group as sub 5 hours, serious cyclists. This we did. PB had organised small Aus flags to attach to the bikes and we had our names and Country indicated on our race numbers. Many hearty hellos and excitement addressed themselves to our 'foreign' origin from across the other side of the Tasman ditch.

A group of Maori drummers had assembled and the crowd started to make a series of ullulations. Impromptu Hakas started breaking out amongst fierce Kiwi riders. I feared we might get steam rollered amongst all thet pent up battle fury.. Fortunately a gun went off and people started heading off. In their thousands. There was a continual cricket like chirruping as our leg transponders bade farewell to the starters timing mat.

Finally we were on our saddles and moving down the road. As agreed, the plan was "to hoof it" for the first few kays and find a preferred peleton before it disapeared off in front of you. This was done and turned out to be the right move. As long as you didnt blow the motor....

After 40 km we went thru Tihoi , the route frequently hilly and somewhat on the nerves as there were so many riders, many of dubious peloton capability. The hills were many but not ardously long. The views were top class.

After approx 60 km, we had ascended the first obstacle of Wiahaha with a few signboards making amusing references to its name and the enjoyment of ascending such a climb. Shortly after, Mount Ruapehu came into sight. A 9,000 ft snow capped monster that is especially impressive in the summer heat. Refer to the pictures.

Then at 85 kms we passed thru the Kuratau climb and its refreshment point. Still somewhat hilly but offset by magnificent views of the Lake and adjacent snow capped peaks. The middle third of the ride is certainly the most visually impressive and helped refresh the mind at the stage where pain and doubt start to manifest themselves.

The last real challenge came at 136kms with Hatepe Hill. Again not a mind bender but certainly a major problem for the cramping thighs of many competitors.

From then it was a long downhill and "the flats" for the finish back in Taupo.

All in all, the best run, the most scenic and friendly mass ride Ive participated in.

THE STATS

Time Taken : 5hrs 23mins
Distance : 160 kms
Av Speed : 29.72 kmph
Height climbed : approx 1300m

The hardest climbs of any length were

Waihaha (2.9kms at 3.4%) at the 58km mark,
Kuratau (2.8kms at 3.9%) at 86kms, and
Hatepe (2.9kms at 4.8%) at 136km

THE PROTAGONISTS

THE SCRIBE

The journey to Taupo started early for the scribe. The decision to build a "Travelling bike" ( that could be shared with the family first born ) was taken and engineering commenced. Unfortunately frame painting took longer than expected and the "Red Peril" ( the scribes original No 1 bike, now shared with the wife, and multiplexed for Triathlons ) was called into service. The 23 tooth rear cluster was re engineered to a 26 thanks to the O Mara Engineering Workshop. El Cheapo Bike Box also sourced from O Chippo. The Rubinos added the final touch of excellence.

The race start was of great occasion. What with the beating of War Drums and Choppers flying overhead, this could well have been the start of the Tour de France or one of the European Classics. Once clear of the Domain traffic jam and onto the Northern highway, the scribe duly "hoofed it" a la the Humphries Road hit out. As indicated this was a major sucess as most of the chaff and wannabees were filtered out. There was still a fair amount of high speed congestion and some nervous moments with unpredictable riders and loose equipment. Most notable was a loose water bottle bouncing down a steep section. Swerving was not a good idea. Hitting it even worse. A few of us pumped a few litres of adrenalin into our hapless circulatory systems whilst pondering this. As a result of all these goings on, there was some major heart capital expended on the first 10 kilometers. Carrying 4 water bottles and 12 leppin goo bags (to ensure minimal stopping and maximum chance of staying with the sub 5hr peleton) added some ballast as well...

At this stage, I started to ease off and get down from about 155 bpm to a more long term 145. Shortly the Punisher cruised past. I lifted the pace to stay with the lad. The speedo clicked up another kmph and the heart handed over another 10 beats. Back into the red. Hmmm. The flats were tolerable but the hills were hard to find a suitable tempo. Many kms still to go I thought, better let him go. So off he went.

Next person up was Rob Irwin, more my pace but still a bit harsh on the hills. I would be in the peloton until we hit the slopes, I moved to the left and dozens of folks cruised past me. Not a nice feeling but too late to do anything about it. I eventually moved to the back of his group so as to not encumber any riders but even that was proving to be a problem in finding the right rythym. So off they went as well...

The next peloton came past and after a few hills we again parted company. A natural consequence of hammering ahead and trying to pick up the right peloton later as opposed to trying to catch up to the right group. This happened another 5 or ten times. Ah well, thats the end of sub five hours matey, better find your tempo or else you are going to be suffering later in the play. Fortunately I wanted to get some good shots with the camera I was carrying in my handlebar bag, so was able to slow down and get as many good pics as I wanted.

As I was riding someone called over. "Gidday Wazza", then another "Hows it going Waz?" ...wow & phew - do I know all these people? Then the cerebal connection was made, our race numbers have our names and country printed. As an Aussie I was a minor celebrity. I must admit the Kiwis were polite and friendly without exception. I felt the absence of sheep, rugby and cricket comments were an indication of the highest trans tasman protocol.

If I thought my passing days were over, I was not to be disapointed. They were and yet pradoxically I was disapointed all the same. First came the blokes of all shapes and sizes. Then the faster ladies. Then ladies of all shapes and sizes. Then children. Then tandems. My oath would this ever end ?!? ....

It would not end.... I was then passed by a fellow on a BMX !!! With a fixed gear and all !! I will add that his tires looked well inflated and he was built like an ox but my son has a BMX and I can informedly write that there is no way....absolutely no way known that I could take on a 160 km ride on it AND be doing an average 30 kmph speed.

Then I was overtaken by one of those folding bikes with tiny wheels on it. I looked down to see if my brakes were stuck. Nope, I was living a daytime nightmare.

It was becoming clear to me that they breed these Kiwis tough and they must ride hills for breakfast, lunch and tea...

Hills came and hills went. Slowly the legs got settled but it wasnt long before the bladder stepped up to make its claim in the complaints department. You can wait until the Kuratau 80 km mark I admonished it. Apon passing this mark, I decamped in haste and enjoyed what seemed to be 5 minutes of bilge pumping and the formation of a mini lake. Phew, one less thing to worry about and only one large hill left....

The roadside scenes were continually improving. The snow capped peaks of Tongariro and Ruapehu passed by and we were alternatively provided with serene views of the Lake from our mountainside locations.

With 2 water bottles empty I found a slight lift in energy and jumped onto the back of a breakaway group. This was a male lead rider followed by a lady on a triathlon bike. I assumed they were partners and he would pull her around the course in a chivalrous fashion. I in turn would just hang off the back of her and get a free 20%. Unfortunately he spotted me and the 2 boys did alternating duty up front until we got to the next peloton at Tokaanu wherapon I eased off, blew up anyway, and grimly hung with the group until I felt better.

This peloton proved to be just right and we worked well together and had a chatty time whilst riding along the lake shore level from Turangi to Te Rangiita enjoying another set of superlative views.

Hatepe hill floated up and the legs sent up some unhappy cramping messages. The 26 was engaged and for the first time the smaller front ring was called into action. I think I tried 3 or 4 different leg actions to relieve cramp up Hatepe. Standing up didnt work for long. Working the calves and hammys harder was the best as the quads were the most quarrelsome. I wasnt alone, the droves of folk passing me had dried up to a trickle and there were many who went up Hatepe on foot.

There was a pleasant downhill from Hatepe but at this stage the Red Peril (with its lower handlebars) was becoming VERY uncomfortable. However I hung on to the group which, with 20km remaining started to break up as the fresher ones made their final hard effort.

My embarrassments were not over. At Waitahanui I got overtaken by a bunch of folk with furry animals attached to their helmets!!! Hang it man, we are serious cyclists up here nearer the front than the back, people like you should be near the back rattling tin cans for the salvos....

The crunch came when a bunch of girls drifted alongside wearing fairy suits. Luckily there were no cameras on hand and I decided to put some pace on before it got too close to the end. Being a wuss is one thing, being passed by a bunch of fairies is another.

The last 5 kilometers were hectic. At Richmond Heights a fellow in front of me touched his front wheel on the bike ahead and down he went like a huge slab of meat. His shoulder taking the brunt of the fall on the ooh so very hard bitumen. We went down a hill and there was a dad with his two kids going for a ride.... In the middle of a race? We were doing about 40 when someone behind me hit one of the kiddies. Most unpleasant in the extreeme. Then round the final few bends, a fellow in front of me lost it on a speed bump...another victim...

Finally it was the end and the transducer mat chirruped its final welcoming call. PB perambulated into view and we parked the bikes and toddled off for what was the best bowl of late and muffin for the year of 2002

THE PUNISHER

It is hard to add to PBs excellent account of the ride (refer to his story included) but a few great memories come to mind....

- PBs habit of drinking wine with supper meant every evening meal was accompanied by good cheer and the rosy after glow of a good claret

- PB great tales of rural life at Wonboyne gained further glamour with his rendition of ridding the family homestead of burrowing rabbits. This is too limited a medium to describe the excitement and hilarity of employing terriers and ferrets at close range on our unfortunate furry imports. A must hear at any party....

- The Punishers great ability to rapidly transform concept into completion. Unpacking the bike and re engineering its carrying capability provided assurance that this mans middle name will never be "Dither"

An official thanks to the Punisher for transporting my bike back to Aus (and in so doing sailed into an armarda of overweight baggage troubles - the old value of sport justifying all sorts of baggage seems to be dying in the company of the red kangaroo)

ROB THE IRWIN

A brief note on Rob. We renewed our greetings after meeting him at ride registration. He was able to upgrade our understanding and vision from the race from "hurry off and cruise" to the revised sub 5 hour version of "hammer, blow up, and hang on for the end". I wish I had contacted this great oracle in August !! Rob was also overflowing in hospitality and provided us with a view into the Kiwi way of cycling life. There are obviously many more great rides "ucross the dutch" to entertain and I look forward to a few more.

FINAL NOTE

In support of the cat 4 veterans, I must add that we came across a fellow of 68 years of age who knocked off the race circuit (slighly shorter) in under 4 hours. Beyond belief !!!

Final thanks to our hosts Margaret and Bruce Peterson, Jocelyn Moyle of the Challenge Organisers, and Garry Armsworth and Jeremy Christmas of Audax

<<link to the Audax account of the ride>>

<<link to the Cyclenews account of the ride>>

Artist: Deana Carter

Dancing bears,
Painted wings
Things I almost remember
And a song someone sings
Once upon a December

Someone holds me safe and warm
Horses prance through a silver storm
Figures dancing gracefully
Across my memory...

Someone holds me safe and warm
Horses prance through a silver storm
Figures dancing gracefully
Across my memory...

Far away, long ago
Glowing dim as an ember,
Things my heart used to know,
Things it yearns to remember...

And a song someone sings
Once upon a December