An uphill battle

Community

28 May

By Dan Hutchinson

Paul Riedel is taking on one of the most challenging bike packing races in the world over the next 10 days.

The Trans Balkan Race begins on Friday, May 29 and involves 1400km through mountainous terrain, including 30,000 metres of climbing on the undulating circuit.

Riders have 10 days to complete the race.

“I've had a bit of a psychological battle with this one, like, ‘oh, you're 56. Just snap out of it, man. You're too old for this’.”

The Taupō builder has done 4000km of training for the race this year, biking the 12.5km to his business Straight Up Construction, and back every day to help clock up the miles in his legs.

The longest ride he has completed previously is an 880km race he completed in four and a half days, from Whanganui, up through the national parks and back to Whanganui.

But the Balkans are a different proposition.

“As I've got fitter and fitter, it's like, ‘oh, let's give it a go’. I still don't know if it's possible.”

There are a few things to watch for on this race and riders are advised not to leave the track in certain sections through Bosnia because of the possibility of landmines.

“There'll be warning signs as you bike through.”

The race is completely unsupported, meaning riders must carry all their own gear and cannot receive help from friends or family during the event.

All food, water, equipment, and spares must be carried from the start or purchased in public shops along the way. They can accept offers of food from locals but can’t seek it out and can book accommodation if it is available along the way.

In addition to fitness, preparation has centered around making everything as light as possible.

About 200 riders are registered for this year's event, which is a new record.

Riedel is using the challenge to raise funds for the Leprosy Mission New Zealand, with all donations going towards projects in Nepal.

His daughter recently visited the organisation's Kathmandu-based hospital and saw firsthand the need for a new vehicle to reach people in remote areas.

"Their goal is to have no more leprosy with kids in the next 10 years.”.

Riedel’s sister and her husband are flying from Holland to meet him at the finish line, and a friend will be at the starting line for support.

"It can be a bit of an anti-climax, these things. You get to the end, it's like, oh, well done, give yourself a pat on the back."

Donations towards Riedel's fundraising for leprosy can be made at givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/cycle-for-hope.