Queenstown mountain biker conquers 3,500 km ride for charity

When Queenstown mountain biker Carey Vivian set off on a 3,500km fundraising ride from Cape Reinga to Bluff last month, there was one matter he needed to run past riding companion and brother-in-law Kevin Calvert first.

“We had to develop very strict rules around the application of our anti-chaffing cream, called ‘Butt Butter’, supply,” the 42-year-old father of two said.

“Because we were sharing the same tub, we set up a rigid system with three rules. Rule 1, Never double-dip. Rule 2, wash hands before putting lid on. Rule 3, never discuss its application in any specific detail.

“We made it right down the North Island with those rules in place…and it did work.  It really is a fantastic product,” said Mr Vivian.

The environmental town planner left Cape Reinga with his Auckland television producer brother-in-law in early February, taking 39 riding days to complete the trip to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association of New Zealand.

Riding on average 89km a day at an average speed of 15.8km per hour, about 60% of the ride was off-road and the rest on sealed roads. Only 0.02% of the ride was on State Highway 1.

Mr Vivian finished the ride at Bluff earlier this week, and says the $35,000 raised is a thrilling end to what has been an epic journey in honour of his father Barrie Vivian (New Plymouth) who has suffered from Motor Neurone Disease for more than two years.

“The highlights for me were seeing Tane Mahuta in the flesh…it really is a very big tree. I loved riding the section from Cambridge to Whanganui down the Waikato River Trails, the Timber Trail, Old Coach Rd and Mountains to Sea with my brother-in-law,” Mr Vivian said.

“The trails, although not completely connected off-road, flow really well and offer a unique back-country experience. They are of a world class standard, without being congested or too easy, and are fascinating in terms of history.

“Getting stuck on the Kaipara Harbour mud flats in my friend Dan’s boat was also a surprising highlight, as the warm hotdogs he gave us never tasted better.  And completing the Warratah Saddle, Mackenzie Pass and Hakataramea Pass in a single day with my friend Brent Herdson was a huge day rewarded with superb pizzas at Kurow that night.

“But one of the biggest highlights was meeting Peter Davey, a very positive Motor Neurone sufferer of nine years.  He was very inspirational to talk to.  He had a great passion for the Fiordland area and was very excited to meet us along the way.” Mr Vivian said.

Mr Vivian said he was overwhelmed by the friendliness and encouragement of people throughout the country interested in what he was doing, and their support with things like accommodation, food, water transport, bike repairs, donations and publicity.

“The support from other riders along the way kept me motivated and focused on the job.  Kev, in particular, also kept me on my toes throughout the North Island, especially when he crashed in the middle of nowhere and tested my first aid skills,” he said.

And as for lowlights?

“Having to put up with my brother-in-law’s snoring for three weeks, and heavy rain on the Molesworth and Dansey’s Pass, despite it officially being a drought,” Mr Vivian joked.

“There was also the night Kev ate a spicy chicken curry dehydrated meal and I had to put extra pegs on the tent base to stop it taking off like a hot air balloon!”

Mr Vivian said the ride was physically tougher than he let on to family, going to bed each night with tired legs and a sore backside.

“Each morning I would wake up the same. But it actually felt better to keep riding, rather than rest, as resting made the next day that much harder. 

“It took the first twenty kilometres or so each day to warm up my muscles and continue for the day.   My hands also took a hammering.  The limited hand positions on the handlebars made my hands numb for long periods of time, and I went through three pairs of gloves.”

But would he do it again?

“Yes, but differently,” he said.

“It was a long time to be away from my family.  Next time they will have to come with me!”
It’s not too late to help with donations for the cause, either. Go to the Race Against Time website www.raceagainsttime.co.nz


Carey at Molesworth Station. Credit Matt Bonis.



Carey on Hakataramea Pass. Credit Brent Herdson.



Short Cut Road on Mackenzie Pass. Credit Brent Herdson.