“I only started riding mountain bikes a few years ago and it took a while to do a Great Ride because I’m so busy. But it is definitely my kind of riding,” says Paddy. 

“I love the adventure and the ‘Kiwi-ness’. I can’t believe what I have been missing!” 

The network of 23 Great Rides is spread from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island.  

Mostly off-road with adventures to suit all ages and abilities, these trails blend world-class scenery, must-see sights, exciting activities, as well as delicious food and wine.  

They are the perfect way to explore, enjoy, and share special times with family and friends. 

Paddy tends to ride with close mates for “me time” and to connect with them outdoors away from the busy-ness of life. 

Though surprisingly, he classes himself as more of an “explorer/achiever” rather than a “socialiser”.  

“I ride to get away from a hectic life. I guess I am an achiever too in some ways because I like physical effort and reward.” 

Getting into nature on a bike has been life-changing for Paddy. 

Like many, he has had mental health problems - depression, anxiety, addiction...  The self-confessed alcoholic and workaholic has been sober now for four years - the length of time he's been riding bikes. 

“Biking has helped change my life. It’s so good for your mental health. The way bikes take you into nature is a massive bonus. 

“When I'm on my bike a lot of the ‘white noise’ disappears. I'm off my phone, it is tucked away. Biking is also quite meditative. I have to focus.  If I'm with my friends, I'm having fun with them.  “And then you are going through all different kinds of terrain, the nature is all around you. My heart is beating from the exercise. It is a fantastic mental break and your brain thanks you for it.” Paddy says riding has shown him that there is more to life. “I wasted a lot of my life doing things that were destructive. Riding my bike has taught me that ‘life is for living, don't waste it’.  

“I guess you could call me a bikeaholic now. I feel awesome after a ride - and I just want to go again!”  As a proud Kiwi, Paddy loves the way the Great Rides give the regions in which they are situated something to be proud of. 

“We’ve built and created something a bit like the early settlers did. I love having a feed and a coffee in these places. The woodfired pizza in the middle of nowhere on the Timber Trail, for example, was epic.” 

Born in New Plymouth and living in Wellington, Paddy’s highlight so far is the Bridge to Nowhere on the Mountains to Sea Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride. 

It is part of a remote mountain biking adventure that winds through the heart of mystical Whanganui National Park to a striking bridge that literally leads to nowhere. 

“Getting to the bridge was so incredible. This is absolutely a unique piece of history. Riding along with the stories of the settlers on my mind the way there, it was such a vibe.” 

Rather than hire bikes, Paddy rides his trusty own Specialized Epic mountain bike he fondly calls “the Kiwi”. He also has a road bike named “the Hawk”.

“I love my bikes and I give them names as a sign of respect. I am a bird lover too, so I like to give my bikes bird names.”  For his next adventure, Paddy has his sights set on his “local”, the Remutaka Cycle Trail Great Ride.  

It’s a trail that connects Wellington and the Wairarapa region via a 122km trail blending historic rail trails, native forests, and rugged coastline.  

“I can’t wait to tackle more Great Rides and I want other people to know just how special they are. 

“They are taonga (a treasure). They are amazing. Best of all, with e-bikes and the right trail, anybody can do them.”