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Posted: Thu 3/Jul/03 10:54pm Post subject: Headed your way - what to do? Where to stay?
Hi everyone!
My name is Emil Carlson, and I'm a 27 year old Norwegian student and downhillrider. I'll be arriving in Auckland on July 17th, to attend the University of Auckland for a year. (To study psychology.)
I'm bringing with me my two dearest possesions: My GT DHi downhillbike, and my GT Ruckus hardtail. Being an avid racer, I'd like to attend as many races as possible in your national series, and of course, do lots of riding, jumping, and mucking about...
So, I was hoping some of you, especially those living in Auckland, could help me get sorted. I'd really like to hook up with a good crew for racing, riding and training. So anyone - please drop me a line...
As for accomodation, and I know this is a long shot, as you don't know me from Adam: The U of Auckland has set me up with a place to stay for the first week or so, but what I wanna do, is find someone to share a flat with. I reckon that'd be the best way to get to know both the people and the country. And hey - what better people to stay with, than fellow mountainbikers! So if any of you have room for an extra flatmate, or know someone who has, please let me know. (Has to be within a resonable distance from the Uni.) Any info is much appreciated!
Hope I haven't come across as a complete loon - if you wanna know more about me, or have any info you reckon could be useful, please drop me a line at emilc[at]student.sv.uio.no, or send me a message here on the forum.
Oh - and I don't have a computer at home, but I will check in at least once a day to look for messages.
No problem coming across as a complete loon mate!!
We're all loony down here!!
Has to do with the hole in the ozone layer,or was that Jeremy B's socks?? ahh well whatever,if you're a loon you'll be fine!!
Sorry cant help with anything else really,as Im In Christchurch!!
Joined: Sep 04, 2002 Posts: 21,503 Location: Riding the Entertainment Mastodon
Posted: Fri 4/Jul/03 9:22am Post subject:
Hi Emil.
I did my PhD at Auckland University (in Philosophy), before moving to the South Island. I think you will enjoy the place. Most of the mountain biking is quite some way out of Auckland city though, and I can think of better cities for DH (Wellington and Christchurch), but you may get to visit those fine places. If you are into urban riding there is loads of that around the city and university.
As for the flats, all I can say is that they are extremely expensive by New Zealand standards, and can be in short supply. It's just a matter of getting the Herald (newspaper) and knocking on doors. If you are relatively social and not a complete loony you should be able to get in with a group. Most students will be significantly younger than you though.
My favourite areas to flat are Grey Lynn and Ponsonby. Reasonably close to town (walking distance on a good day), with good cafes. Ponsonby is getting a bit expensive these days though.
Joined: Jun 09, 2003 Posts: 623 Location: West is best
Posted: Fri 4/Jul/03 10:26am Post subject:
Hi Emil,
we'll have to get you out riding as soon as you arrive.
If ya get realy desperate for a place to stay in Auckland there's always my parents house which has a spare bed (short-term).
Keen to show ya some of the riding around Auckland.
Good to hear your a loon
Have you checked out the Association of Norwegian Students Abroad??? The Auckland group is pretty new but they should be able to help out with these kinds of things.
And if you're ever in Hamilton, get in touch - there's quite a few of us who DH and I can even dig up a few Norwegian for you to converse with!
As for the flats, all I can say is that they are extremely expensive by New Zealand standards, and can be in short supply. It's just a matter of getting the Herald (newspaper) and knocking on doors. If you are relatively social and not a complete loony you should be able to get in with a group. Most students will be significantly younger than you though.
My favourite areas to flat are Grey Lynn and Ponsonby. Reasonably close to town (walking distance on a good day), with good cafes. Ponsonby is getting a bit expensive these days though.
Good luck!
G'day Emil instead of the Herald I'd recomend the Trade & Exchange bi-weekly bargin paper and/or the comunity papers.
Grey Lynn is a good spot....Ponsonby is expensive these days
A car will be a must have if you want to do more than urban freeride.
have fun
and I hope you have good luck with your flat/car hunting
(just unleash those hunter gatherer instincts & you should be allright).
Thanks for all the good advice! Seems I'll definetely have to check out the urban scene - not the kind of riding I'm into the most, but jumping ledges and pulling manuals is allways good for a change. How about dirt jumps or BMX tracks? Any of that around? I've seen the websites for Woodhill and Krankinpark, but they are both in driving distance from the city, right?
As for me crashing at your parents place, Sean - thanks a lot for the offer - hopefully I won't have to take you up on it...
To the Evil Dr Capek, and Spacemonkey - thanks a bunch; supergood to know where to look. I'll have Grey Lynn on top of my list!
MORE questions:
- I've been watching you all from afar (insert evil, crazy laughter here), keeping an eye on last summer's National Series. Not too many racerboys from Auckland, but a few guys and some good results (especially Byron Scott...) Is there an active club in Auckland? How can I get in touch? Are there organised trips to the races? Do you guys ever organise weekend trips to go ride DH, as there seems to be so little of it around Auckland?
That's about it for now. But rest assured, I'll be back to hassle you all again later...
How about dirt jumps or BMX tracks? Any of that around? I've seen the websites for Woodhill and Krankinpark, but they are both in driving distance from the city, right?
Woodhill is about 30-40 min's from town (depending on traffic and your driving)
Krakin is about 1.5-2 hours south
JohnnyForeigner wrote:
To the Evil Dr Capek, and Spacemonkey - thanks a bunch
your more than welcome
JohnnyForeigner wrote:
MORE questions:
- I've been watching you all from afar (insert evil, crazy laughter here), keeping an eye on last summer's National Series. Not too many racerboys from Auckland, but a few guys and some good results (especially Byron Scott...) Is there an active club in Auckland? How can I get in touch? Are there organised trips to the races? Do you guys ever organise weekend trips to go ride DH, as there seems to be so little of it around Auckland?
Cheers,
Emil
what ever you saws whilst watching.......it wasn't my fault Tama & Dazzle made me do it.
Counties Manukau reputedly has the best DH scene and appears do do the most organiseing fo races.
not sure how to contact them but theres bound to be a link to them somewhere on here <http://www.mountainbike.co.nz/>
Joined: Dec 25, 2001 Posts: 34,399 Location: Poundland
Posted: Fri 4/Jul/03 11:50pm Post subject:
Spacemonkey wrote:
Counties Manukau reputedly has the best DH scene and appears do do the most organiseing fo races.
not sure how to contact them but theres bound to be a link to them somewhere on here...
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ahh well whatever,if you're a loon you'll be fine!! 
