Finding the Elusive Dancing Moose

There’s always been a certain feeling when you walk out the front door on your way to a holiday destination. I find it intriguing that when you walk out your front door, most of the time you are ‘in transit’ until you reach your ‘destination’. We have evolved into a dromological society and live in a world of mass transit.

This brought me to an idea. What if you could start your holiday the very moment your front latch snaps shut? This idea really hit home when I started my first cycle tour through Europe about 20 years ago. To be able to walk out of your front door, hop on your bike and start your holiday straight away. It’s not about travelling TO your destination - your trip IS your destination.

​Moving to New Zealand created the perfect environment to look at bikepacking as a form of bike touring in more detail. NZ is seen as one of the most idyllic countries to cycle tour. The roads are mainly quiet compared to other countries (once you leave Auckland!) and the scenery is absolutely stunning. 

NZ is also a country of stunning walking tracks which are diligently maintained by the Department of Conservation and "DOC" is slowly allowing access to these wilderness gems for mountain biking. Stunning tracks like the Whirinaki, the Timber Trail and the Old Ghost Road are accessible to mountain bikers and with a bit of creativity most of these trails can be sewn together to create epic multi day adventures. Just check out the Te Haerenga website to wet your adventure cycling appetite.

So this is where it all started for Dancing Moose. How can I enjoy these stunning tracks in this awe-inspiring countryside whilst riding my mountain bike, without a heavy pack on my back.

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