September 2025 Meeting Report

Meeting Report

Jenny chaired the meeting.

Guest Speaker

Our speaker was Syd Woods from Geraldine. He and a friend, Kate, completed the “Freedom Challenge,” a mountain bike ride from Pietermaritzburg to Wellington (near Cape Town) in South Africa. They had 26 days to finish and completed it in 21.

The route covered 2,150 km with 11,000 m of climbing and numerous river crossings. Bikes weighed about 14 kg with gear and often had to be carried. No GPS was allowed; navigation was by map and compass. All riders carried trackers.

Syd described the first week as brutal. They started in the dark each morning and finished in the dark each evening. There were food and rest stops every 50 km, with meals and accommodation every 100 km, often at old homesteads. Around 50 people started the challenge and about 25% did not finish. Weather was generally good, with frosty mornings and snow at the highest point at 3000 m. The challenge took place in 2024. Syd mostly enjoyed the experience but was pleased to reach the finish line.

Trip Reports

Mt Cuthbertson
Two people completed this climb in the Waitaki Valley. It was harder and longer than the sign suggests, but the views were excellent.

Mt Nimrod Reserve
Five people walked towards Mt Nimrod, having lunch high on a rocky knob before returning. Wallabies were seen.

Mt Heim
Three people walked six hours to the head of the valley in rain, then encountered snow. It took another 2½ hours to reach the Bivy Rock, where they camped for the night. The Mt Heim climb was abandoned due to weather and avalanche conditions.

Up and Coming Trips

Orokonui Reserve
Visit to the wildlife sanctuary near Dunedin.

Little Mt Peel
Two groups: one doing a loop, the other a climb.

Bike Ride
Kakanui and surrounding areas.

Silverpeaks
Overnight camp and a circuit walk in the area near Dunedin.

Wednesday Walkers
A report was given.

A special meeting was held alongside the monthly meeting to vote on awarding life membership to Bill Bews, Maurice and Phyllis Gray, Jane Naish, and Stewart and Betty Jenkins. The proposal was passed. These valued members, and past members, will be honoured at a date yet to be set.

The meeting ended at 8.55 pm.