Pedal to Podium

With the forecast promising a warm and sunny day, Matt and I decided to switch things up and booked a shuttle with Vertigo MTB out to Blue Tier, trading the Blue Derby trails for something a little different. The day kicked off with the first 13 kilometres of the legendary Bay of Fires Trail, and let me tell you—it was absolutely electric.

The trail was in phenomenal condition, with a fast, grippy surface that made every turn a joy to navigate. There were only a handful of wet patches—unusual for this time of year—which kept things exciting without slowing me down. Even at the top of Blue Tier, it was a surprisingly balmy 23 degrees, the perfect weather to get the blood pumping. From the moment I started, everything just clicked. The flow of the trail, the performance of my new bike, and the sheer exhilaration of the ride combined into one unforgettable experience.

I couldn’t believe it when I reached the end and saw my time—56 minutes! That was over 30 minutes faster than my previous attempt. It felt like all the hard work I’ve put into building my fitness, strength, and skills had paid off in a big way. Plus, my Canyon Al Torque handled the terrain like a dream, soaking up every bump and turn with ease. It had been only 18 months since I last rode this trail, but the difference felt like night and day. I was buzzing with excitement as we hopped back on the shuttle to head up for another run.

For the next leg, we tackled the Blue Tier Trail, an easier option that’s known for its scenic beauty and playful nature. While it was enjoyable, I quickly realised it wasn’t quite suited to my bike’s downhill-oriented setup. Most other riders were on e-bikes, and they effortlessly dropped me on the climbs. Still, the trail had its charms, with moments where the scenery and flow made me forget about the grind.

But the real star of the day was Big Chook. This trail was an absolute standout, and I was in my element on its beautifully sculpted berms. I found myself catching up to rider after rider, carving through the corners with a confidence I hadn’t felt before. There’s something so satisfying about a trail that lets you push your limits while still being ridiculously fun, and Big Chook delivered that in spades.

By the time I rolled into the Weldborough Pub, I was starving, and Matt had already secured me the ultimate post-ride treat: a steak sandwich. His timing couldn’t have been better—it arrived at the table just as I did, and it was every bit as delicious as I’d hoped. There’s something magical about sharing a meal after an epic morning on the trails, swapping stories and reliving the best moments over good food and a cold drink.

After lunch, Matt and a few of the guys were still raring to go and decided to tackle the infamous Atlas trail. I, on the other hand, was completely spent. Instead of joining them, I caught the bus back into town, where I indulged in a little solo downtime. I treated myself to an icy pole from the charming little corner shop, savouring the cool sweetness as I wandered through the quiet streets of Derby. It was the perfect way to recharge while they finished their ride.

We all met up again about an hour and a half later, and Matt looked as wrecked as I felt. With our energy levels fading, we headed back to our accommodation, where he crashed for a much-needed nap. I took the chance to relax and reflect on the day, marvelling at how lucky we were to experience such incredible riding in such a beautiful place.

Dinner that evening was at The Hub, where we treated ourselves to some of the best pizza I’ve had in ages. The crust was perfect, the toppings generous, and every bite felt like a reward for the effort we’d put in on the trails. The warm, friendly atmosphere of the restaurant was just what we needed to unwind and gear up for the final highlight of the day.

As the sun dipped lower, we made our way to the Floating Sauna on Lake Derby, and it was every bit as magical as I’d imagined. The sauna’s heat wrapped around me like a hug, soothing every sore muscle from the day’s adventures. Between sessions, I plunged into the cool, refreshing lake, the contrast leaving me feeling invigorated and alive. Sitting there, surrounded by the stillness of the lake and the glow of the evening, I felt completely at peace. The chaos of the trails, the thrill of the ride, and the quiet of the sauna all came together to create a perfect balance.

As we wrapped up the day, I couldn’t help but reflect on how special this trip has been. From smashing my personal best on Bay of Fires to sharing laughs over pizza and finding calm at the sauna, every moment has been unforgettable. Derby has this incredible way of blending adventure, beauty, and connection, and I feel so grateful to share it all with Matt. Tomorrow’s forecast might be a little wet, but I’m holding out hope for one last ride before we head home. Either way, this trip has already been everything I dreamed of and more.