At kilometre 978.8 and at elevation 1291 meters, and after 4 full days of racing hard, on my third Tour Te Waipounamu, suddenly, out of seemingly nowhere I was sprawled across the middle of the gravel track, unable to move my right leg from the hip down.
What the fuck just happened?
I will just rewind a bit to how this day started…
I arrived at Otematata at about 1 am, and a pre-arranged bed and vegan meal and snacks at the Best Dam Pub was my reward. Four hours rest ensued and soon I was riding into Otematata Station on a beautiful warm morning just as light was penetrating the skies and the shadows of the mountains appeared. A steep climb wakened the legs as I looked back down over Lake Aviemore and soon I was descending at speed down into the enchanting Otematata river valley. Some fast kms along the valley followed before been diverted off the road to climb the stupidly steep zig zig up towards the Hawkdun Range.
I knew I had a big day ahead, I was feeling great, the sun was out and the wind pushed me as the gradient eased.
BAM !! My left pedal clipped a rock embedded in the side of the road and spun me around unceremoniously, I landed heavily on my upper right leg on another rock poking out ominously from the dirt. Instantly I knew my race was over as pain vibrated through my body from my hip area. I was unclipped but still under my bike, my right leg was splayed out unnaturally, I could not move my leg except for my foot, and my head was spinning as lay on my back looking up at white wispy clouds racing across the blue sky.
I took some deep conscious breaths and scanned my body to assess further. Waves of pain weakened me as I pushed my bike off of me. I threw my helmet to the side and agonisingly tried to reach my sunnies that had flown off my face.
I lay still. This meant less pain. As my breathing controlled the shock, the adrenaline wore off slowly, I experienced serenity, the only sounds here were the gentle breeze in the tussocks and birdsong from birds I could not see.
Sometime later I heard a sound, a motorbike was approaching, I waved my arms with all I had to make sure I was seen laid out in the middle of the trail. Laurence checked that I was ok, and then went off to find phone reception.
I was grateful for the warm sun as I weighed up my options before eventually deciding to activate my spot tracker SOS.
An hour later a helicopter hovered and circled above before skilfully landed in the tussock close by.
The amazing crew had seen it all before. Laurence returned. A magic inhaler helped with the lift onto the stretcher and then into the back of the helicopter. The guys carefully removed the wheels off my bike and soon we were spinning off the mountain without a trace. I had an opportunity to peer out over the dry Otago hills before landing on the roof of Dunedin Hospital. I was whisked inside to a holding room for assessment. A very long day followed with x-rays, CT scans and waiting with plenty of time to contemplate what had just happened. The next morning I had surgery to fix my fractured femur, a titanium rod was inserted running from my hip to my knee. Later in my groggy state I was looking at the massive amount of messages of support that were coming in. I made an instagram live video to explain what had happened and to acknowledge everyone that was reaching out.
A time to embrace acceptance and vulnerability as I lay on the hospital bed unable to do much and requiring the assistance of the amazing nurses for simple things like toilet and cleaning. I was humbled and grateful knowing it could easily be worse, my leg would heal and I would ride again.
Photo by Anton McGeachen
Photo by Anton Mc Geachen
The first four days of my Tour Te Waipounamu race had gone well. I was sticking strictly to my 4-hour minimum sleep strategy each night and I felt I was making good decisions. Joe and Rufus had forged ahead at impressive speed, but I was determined to race my race for now. The first day got me to 335kms where I found an enticing farm shed with hay for a comfortable sleep.
The next day brought me to the 2 bunk Anderson’s hut just after dark at km 467. A much slower day with a lot of on/off the bike as well as the massive HAB across the Dampier Range. My sleep was less good here in this derelict hut as riders were coming in and setting up camp in the hours I was there. As I got my stuff together to prepare to leave somewhere about 2 am I saw a handful of riders sleeping in their bivys outside the hut
The next evening at km745 I decided to stop and bivy just before entering a private farm section, there was a hut after a few hours but I decided to have a rest first and then start this next tough section. First up is the very steep Bullock Bow Saddle, a two track that I’ve pushed my bike up before. This time however I used my bike carrying harness which I believe was faster. Spectacular views await at the top and a fun single track brings me to the next serious HAB. With the bike on the back once more this was a different proposition, a harder-to-navigate trail with stream crossings, rocks and tussock grass. You are made to earn the views that greet you at the top of Stag Saddle, the highest point of the race.
I eventually got to Tekapo at about 3.30 pm for a much-anticipated resupply. Leaving town I was soon greeted with an incredibly strong head/crosswind that meant I only got 20kms done in 2 hours on flat terrain. Frustrating! I eventually escaped the wind and I pushed on through the hilly Black Forest Estate to finally reach Otematata after 195kms for the day. My race soon to be cut short
Photo by Anton Mc Geachen
Massive thank you to the search and rescue crew for getting me off the mountain, and all the caring staff at Dunedin Hospital for my 4-night stay, you were amazing. The local Dunedin residents who visited me, brought clothes, and food and assisted me with my bike to get home and all the people who reached out with messages of support and offers of help. it was overwhelming and beautiful, this community is strong.
Much Love
