This post marks an end of an era for me: it’s my last ever as Natural High colonel and head spokesperson.

After eight years of living and breathing cycling I felt I needed a new direction and so I’ve made the tough decision to sell the business. I’ve found a great couple to take over the reins: Steve and Cecileah Inns live in Christchurch with their three children and are a keen cycling family. They’ve got a huge amount of energy and drive and I think exciting things are in store for Natural High (they’ll introduce themselves properly in next week’s email).

I took over Natural High in 2008, with the aim of showing as many people as possible around New Zealand’s great outdoors. Eight years and many thousands of kilometres later and I feel my mission is accomplished – the team and I have helped hundreds of overseas visitors and locals hit the road, whether through a guided tour, a self-guided tour, a campervan rental or bike hire. We’ve opened a new branch in Auckland, grown great partnerships with other tourism companies, supported some fantastic events and initiatives and had a lot of fun along the way.

I’ve had the pleasure of riding alongside some absolute legends, seen some truly awe-astounding sights and tested my riding abilities to the max on more than one occasion. I don’t think I can say I’ve ridden everything but I’ve given it a good crack!

I’m going to miss talking cycling day in and day out, but don’t worry I’ll still be hitting the trails and roads regularly. I’m actually heading back into the farming industry as a sustainable farming consultant (I was a dairy farmer before my Natural High life) so new but familiar pastures await.

If you’ve booked any kind of upcoming service or tour with Natural High, rest assured that the high quality and service you’ve come to expect will continue. I’ve been showing Steve the ins and outs of the business for the past few weeks and the rest of the gang is still in place. If you have any concerns, please email the team on team@naturalhigh.co.nz.

I guess there’s one last thing to say and that’s thank-you. Thank you to the expert staff I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside, thank-you for being brilliant company out on the road and trails and thank-you for choosing to ride or travel with Natural High.

It’s been a blast.

Over and out,
Andy