Riding the Great Divide - an endurance cycle ride in support of two lifesaving eating disorder organisations. - Updates

Made it!

23 October 2025

Well I made it to the end! 4400km and approx 49km of climbing. An incredible experience of a lifetime. Many highlights most of all the people met along the way, the vast empty landscapes and small town rural America .

Your generosity has been incredible - the funds will be so greatly received and help fight the long and difficult battle with eating disorders in New Zealand. I will be putting together a YouTube video of my drone and GoPro footage and will post the link once complete. Thanks so much once again. Iain

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Over half way!

14 September 2025

Hi folks. Firstly thanks so much again for your support, encouragement and generosity - it makes the hard miles much easier!

Have now traveled through Canada, Montana, Idaho and Wyoming and made it to Steamboat Colorado. Approximately 55% complete - 2418km and 36000m of climbing - from sea level to top of Mt Everest about 4 times..

It's been brilliant so far with incredible scenery and vistas. The highlight for me is meeting all the different people - all of which have been friendly and supportive. Having a day off then into the high Colorado mountains and beautiful autumn colours.

Thanks again for your generosity

Bests

Iain

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Farewell Montana hello Idaho!

3 September 2025

Now about 1500km into the 4400km ride. Left Montana yesterday - an incredibly wild and sparsely populated place. Very hilly and added spice with the ever present grizzly bears..

A reflecting on how lucky I am to be able to attempt this wonderful route. Of course there is no choice on the battle with eating disorders - but from my experience the principles are similar to long distance biking - try your best to look after your own health, keep your head in the game as best you can and take one day at a time. Thanks again for your generosity and support.

Bests Iain

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Montana is a beast!

30 August 2025

They say if you can get through Montana you will make it all the way to Antelope Wells and I believe it! The last 10 days or so have consisted on monster climbs, rough trails and long days in the saddle. There are any number of similarities to the battle families fight with eating disorders. You start the day feeling OK and that you can get through OK. Then you climb and climb and the mind and body are drained and you want to stop and find an easier way. Problem being you can't - you have to keep going and drain the energy tank. And you think you have no more energy to climb the next hill but somehow you get over it and there is a patch of downhill when things seem to be OK again.

Eating disorders (in my experience) are so similar - you just have to keep going. Kia kaha all of you battling out there.

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Great Divide Days 1(3

21 August 2025

Hi all. A massive thanks for your generosity. Ride is going well so far albeit a serious challenge with hills, heat and bears!

Covered about 300km so far so only another 4100 odd to go!

Still it's a walk (ride) in the park compared to the challenges faced by many NZ families and fantastic organisations who fight the gruelling and uncertain fight with eating disorders.