Buthunes Gully, Dunedin New Zealand

Check out my new Mountain Biking film that I shot up Buthunes Gully. This video features my new GoPro head cam, so it puts the viewer in my shoes while descending down a fast track.  Yeahhh - Ha!  Mountain Bike Video

This Track is so cherry that it hosts the New Zealand National Mountain Bike Championship every year!

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This is a great perk to living the northeast valley of Dunedin! We love our access to sweet Mountain-biking and Hiking tracks right in our neighborhood. These tracks are just up the road and Mount Cargil is above Buthunes Gully. (which is the tallest point around. )

This spot has become my little playgrounds. Everyday I can usually sneak away to Buthunes Gully for some "me-time".  

The Track in Buthunes is classic single track. There are some really technical descents and steep uphills. I love the "flowy" nature of the course and the challenges to rock the ladders and drops. There are loads of wood track over creeks and plenty of chances "eat" tree. 

 This is the bus stop below Buthunes Gully. The mural represents images that define our neighborhood.
Sheep of course and lucky for us - Biking!

A view from the top! We are usually under that cloud cover! Mount Cargil traps the weather from the Ocean and blankets us in the North East valley.

Mountain Bike Racing in New Zealand

Single Speed mountain bike racers in Naseby (these guys also had to drink a beer at each lap) The guy dressed as Borat  won $100 for best costume - !

Jen at the pre-race meeting!



One of the perks of moving to New Zealand is the second season of summer. For us, this was a major bonus. Although we are passionate skiers, we love our bikes too. In fact, we gave up another suit case each to bring our bikes on the plane.

John and I were excited to train together and race any local races that we could! As a result we have hit only two so far - John took 3rd both times in the men's division and I took 2nd both times in the women's. Alex hasn't had the opportunity to do these races, but he is planning on doing a race or two - we want to do a 12hour race in March as a family. (not Ellie!)

Below is our next race! Should be so beautiful. Hopefully, I am not suffering too much to enjoy views of the Ocean.

John getting the bikes ready to race. Tires (check) Chain (check) airpresure (check)



John waiting with the other racers to begin the suffering



Muddy face after race



 John coming in at the finish line to take 3rd in the Men's 42k race! Wicked!

On thing that I really love about NZ bike racing is the "Family Aspect"  - these events are really geared for the whole family to participate. There are games, raffles, food and loads of other kids running around to play with.

Jen and John ready to race Naseby

             Jen loves her Kona Lisa! She is best buddy in New Zealand.

Southern Scenic Tour with G-MA!

Click below to view our Video Tour with Sally!

This fun trip includes the Catlins, amazing beaches and Cathedral Caves!

G-ma in NZ Film

St Clair Beach, New Zealand

Check out our awesome day at St Clair Beach. This beach is only 15 minuetes from our home in Dunedin.

Click here to watch our first video filmed with my new "GoPro" video camera.

(Thanks mom and dad!)

St Clair Beach Video

G-ma in New Zealand (Grandma Sally)

I never realized how important it was to have family come and visit us. It feels like validation in some weird way.

We are sooooooooooooo far away from our lives in Montana, and after the holidays it was a strange too not be with our massive family. Thank goodness that Sally came right after. I seriously felt really bummed after the holidays, and having her here has been so wonderful.
Many of you would not agree (Mother-in-law? Ewe!!) But, mine is cooler than cool. Sally is easy, she is an "G-ma hippie" from the 60's who loves music, drinking wine and laughing. She has great "body-humor" and devourers my children with glee. They are loving it up with her here as well. "G-ma" is Alex's new nick name for Grandma Sally. They are getting a good dose of hugs, encouragement and joy of out her. So for those of you that have family close, don't take them for granted!

Sally and John at Tunnel Beach

G-ma with the kids at Allens Beach

John and Sally New Years Eve at the top of the Steepest Street in the world.

Jen, Ellie, Sally and Alex above Port Chalmers, New Zealand

Sally and John watching the kids at Brighton Beach, NZ

Ellie and G-ma making funny faces.

Sally and John at Tunnel Beach

Dancing at the Batch at the "Sausage Capital of New Zealand" - (but we didn't eat any) our bad!

Cathedral Caves located in the Catlins

Lighthouse at Nugget Point. (Below down hill is a Fur Seal Nursery)

Endagered Yellow Eyed Penguin at Cuiro Bay

Sally at Nugget Piont

Alexandera Bike Ride, New Zealand

This was a great 12km bike ride along the Clutha River outside of Alexandera, New Zealand

Click here to watch our video of the family adventure....

Go Ride Video

Big Ellie!