Rogaine Experience Wins 24-hr MTB Race

Cateye Moonride Whakarewarewa Forest

While most entrants drove to NZ's first 24-hr MTB race, many with supporters and a van full of spare parts, Andy Rhodes rode from his home to Christchurch airport with his gear on his back. At Rotorua, he rode from the airport to Whaka Forest, where he proceeded to win the race!

"Yes that was me," Andy told RogaineNZ, "but I did manage to get a lift back to my accommodation. I have had to elect to miss the Heights of Winter (rogaine) as a 24 hr mtb race followed 2 weeks later by Twalk (Canterbury 24-hour walk, similar to a rogaine) left me drained."

Think on that as you sit on your couches watching the World Cup...

"I would have to attribute the win to experience gained in rogaining and applying that to cycling," he added. As well as rogaining, Rhodes is a top MTB-orienteer, placing 4th then 3rd in the two NZ Champs that have been run.

Written by Michael Wood and updated on 25 June 02.