This week we’re getting to know some of the Natural High team…
Name: Andy Hunt
Job title: Colonel & head spokesperson
Home town: Lincoln, New Zealand.
Favourite New Zealand ride/trail: Gees – it’s a toss up between the Timber Trail and the St James but will have to go with the St James. It’s one of the harder epic backcountry South Island rides, with no cell phone coverage, majestic southern Alps, tussock glacial valleys and clear mountain streams.
Best spot for after-biking drinks: Zeroes Café (Cashmere, Christchurch) for either MTB or roadie – excellent coffee.
Favourite NZ small town: Hokitika
Who would play you in the film of your life: People used to say Brian Brown looked like me but I’d like to say Jason Statham.
Top tip for better biking: All physical activity requires energy, but for those long rides or multi-day tours, the right kind of food and liquids along the way become really important. While some of us may stop for a coffee and pub, the right nutrition can mean the difference between a enjoyable ride and an uncomfortable, miserable ride. I always take along some gummy airplanes, mini Moro bar, a bottle of water and bottle of electrolyte.
Bike you’d most like to own: 1988 Daccoldi in blue mother of pearl. This is actually Max’s bike (Natural High team member) that he imported from Italy to use in New Zealand… is it wrong to covert another mans bike?
What do you do when not riding: Skiing at small New Zealand club fields, playing crazy games.
Name: Logan McRae
Job title: Auckland branch manager.
Home town: Auckland, New Zealand.
Favourite New Zealand ride/trail: Heaphy Track. First multi-day MTB ride I ever did; stunning and diverse scenery in a unique part of the country and it’s an awesome track for riding.
Best spot for after-biking drinks: Beers in the car park straight after the ride. Or if riding Hunua, south of Auckland, drive around to the Hunua Falls after the ride.
Favourite NZ small town: Hahei in the Coromandel.
Who would play you in the film of your life: Henry Cavill.
Top tip for better biking: Get your bike set up right. Seat height, stem length, position of brakes and shifters all make a huge difference in your comfort and enjoyment of your riding. Also, RIDE MORE!
Bike you’d most like to own: Currently it would be a 2014 Rocky Mountain Altitude 799 MSL.
What do you do when not riding: Hang out with my son, read.
Name: James Warren
Job title: Auckland mechanic/fleet manager.
Home town: York, Yorkshire, UK.
Favourite New Zealand ride/trail: Redwoods, Rotorua. I love downhill/freeriding and it has fantastic options for both styles.
Best spot for after-biking drinks: Frasers Cafe, Mt Eden.
Favourite NZ small town: Cambridge/Karapiro.
Who would play you in the film of your life: David Beckham!!!
Top tip for better biking: Follow Natural High on Facebook for my weekly Workshop Wednesday posts.
Bike you’d most like to own: Specialized Enduro 26”.
What do you do when not riding: Dad, football, sleep!
Like to get the High Life delivered to your inbox every week?
Sign up here for weekly biking adventures + top touring tips + gear reviews from the Natural High team.
