Cycling in extreme solitude at Molesworth Station, New Zealand

[@the-sunday-ride]

Hello everyone, I saw a number of negative comments about accessing the closed road. My apologies as this might not have been my best move, but I also wanted to share my view on it. The road was closed for winter, because the roads get snowed over and gets inaccessible. However, although the weather was cold it was definitely not inaccessible or dangerous at this point and I kept a close eye on the weather predictions. I also would like to clarify that I always live and cycle according to the ‘leave no trace’ theory. I never disrespected or disturbed anyone or anything during trip. As a matter of fact, I’ve come across a few farmers and farm workers (not shown in this video) and they were actually very friendly and nice. No one seemed to be bothered by my presence and that’s exactly what my goal was and always is. I’m surprised that some people watching this video are more bothered by it than the people in the area itself. In short, I’ve been going through Molesworth in extreme stealth mode, left no trace, with utmost respect and was welcomed by the farmers.

[@4martys]

Of course, that is how we roll in New Zealand. The road was closed for vehicles that could not pass if it was snowed out which it blatantly was not. We respect people who can use good judgement which is why the farmers waved to you. It looked like Autumn conditions but those ground frosts looked freezing to me. Good luck with eth rest of your journey !

[@mozdickson]

@@4martys Agree. If they were pissed off, they saw you, and believe me they would have let you no in no uncertain manner. That said - you MUST have a Personal Locator Beacon when heading into remote areas like that. I assume you had that, if not you were VERY foolish. Foreign adventurers die in the NZ wilderness every year ---- our weather is harsh at times and VERY unpredictable.

[@the-sunday-ride]

@@mozdickson I do have a PLB Indeed :)

[@KimberlyThomason]

Recently found your channel and love the content as a fellow biker as well. You have seen and been to some awesome and beautiful places. Keep living the dream. I am disabled but bike all over our city even at 52 and I still love biking. I am so blessed by your videos, they are so satisfying. Lucky man. God Bless your heart. You have such a special gift to share it with others. You are such an awesome guy. Stay safe in all your travels. You are also a good looking guy and should be a model or actor.

[@SteveBadger-l9c]

I absolutely admire you!!. You have courteous, brave and gifted. Your narration is wonderful. . Keep on being yourself , and keep following your dream . Stay safe and enjoy the ride

[@krzysztofwieczorek9402]

I have been following you since the beginning of your journey and I respect what you do. This is a huge challenge and an inspiration for others. I don't understand why you have so few followers? Good luck!

[@davidnoorthoek5915]

For sure one of your best videos on this channel! Great presenting skills my man :)

[@cubatea]

What an inspiration

[@benboo6351]

Having grown up in a place with the right to roam, I salute you. That said, this is private (if government company owned) land. The owners have the 2015 health and safety act to deal with, which is a good thing. They really can't just open the thing to any inexperienced people... which you are not. We're all well off permitting responsible adults some adult fun. Have taken my 10yo through Molesworth on the tandem. That was so great. Ka pai.

[@saulmadden998]

What a great-looking garage! 😃 It was a pleasure to have you stay with us, Koen, and we look forward to following the rest of your journey home and seeing great videos like this. Cheers

[@aucklandtoday9847]

Cool watch

[@Wheresdools]

Great episode….. well done for risking it 👍

[@brianogilvie1418]

Great riding and good luck for the next leg of your journey Koen......the mountain biker

[@petarkovacevic-u1t]

Nice one Frosty!

[@Cyclingsgood]

Greetings from Uzbekistan!! I wish you good luck

[@muhammad-Redha]

I saw you've some wobbling front tyre, you need to put some grease or lube in the edge of tyre and give him some high pressure maybe 3 or 3.5 bar ,The problem will be solved, then return the air pressure to what it was.

[@Metal-Possum]

I'm glad you had a great time here. I've just sent this video to my English girlfriend who I hope might enjoy cycling this route. :)

[@Luigi13]

Filming and riding it is a double job, would be interesting if you make a video just about it. Cheers.

[@franknobody5965]

Great Video! Thanks for sharing! May I ask: I noticed that you cycle with normal Sneakers. How do you keep them dry and odor-free?😂 Will you be doing a video on the main stuff you carry and how you manage?

[@the-sunday-ride]

They are cycling (flat pedal) shoes actually. Shimano CT5 :)

[@JokiDoki-wi1sw]

Hoi..Koen...Gaat alles goed,? Ik maakte mij ook al een beetje zorgen..de laatste video was al zo lang geledennn . ..maar eindelijk is er weer een vlog..ik kijk er altijd naar uit om jou te volgen ..elke zondag als het uitkomt voor jou.. om.18.00 uur begint jou vlog.. ...het waren lange eenzame wegen in Neuw Zeeland ...maar vindt je het nooit eng om zomaar ergens je tentje op te zetten..... Je zorgt wel goed voor je zelf ..zo te zien...toppie.. Gr.Joki

[@Владимир-й8с3в]

Beautiful places, thanks for the trip. What do you think about when you ride a bike?

[@Radekulis82]

good job. After US where you going?

[@the-sunday-ride]

Back to Europe. Last leg starting in Portugal

[@saatara]

Started to get worried, last video was so long ago.

[@grahames9228]

I thought that was a great ride. Couldn't see any reason for the road to be closed.

[@WadeBishop-b3u]

Generally when a road says "Road Closed", it is closed for all passage - This is usually for safety reasons. Did you contact the Department of Conservation prior to get permission? Also in an earlier one of your videos, you clearly camped where there was a big "No Camping" sign ( normally is where there are inadequate toilet facilities). Does not help promote bikepacking in a positive way and verges on disrespect for the country you are visiting.

[@tomanalbers4865]

Did you drink a bottle of vinegar this morning?

[@gjavo6400]

Another beautiful ride & video Koen! I thought Kiwis were chill people...were you regularly served vinegar with breakfast? To get the most out of life you have to be a bit naughty sometimes, as long as yoi dont endanger the environment, fauna (&preservation) or other people (like having to come save you due to a reckless decision), what does it matter?

[@kevincrowley9873]

Hi Koen, you should not have been riding in Molesworth and should NOT have been staying in the Cob Cottage which is a historic property, not a cabin. Please show respect for the countries you visit.

[@drTeddyJo]

Cool ride but sad that you disrespected the signage .. there’s a reason why it is closed i.e. safety reasons … Please respect Aotearoa and the surrounding maunga . Disappointing

[@rossgilbertson2867]

I'm very disappointed you went through the Molesworth when closed. That sort of decision is what spoils it for all cyclists. As a Kiwi I would hate not to be able to ride the Molesworth due to your actions. It is one of my favorite rides.

[@mdrawbridge]

I’ve cycle toured the length of a few countries, including my own NZ, and seeing you promote such a lack of respect accessing the obviously closed station land, roads and historic buildings is disappointing. You risk the privilege of access for locals and tourists alike, so please do better as a cycle tourist wherever you travel.