Opotiki local Troy Hart-Webb wants to practise what he preaches.
The father of four, who lives in Auckland, decided on a Christmas break in Opotiki it was time to make his debut in an event and the Motu Challenge in his hometown was the perfect place to start.
He and his brother-in-law Lucky Pehi decided it was time to stop joking around and commit to entering the multisport event.
"My mum's done it twice before and the whanau were all laughing about how it was time one of us entered," Hart-Webb said. "Then it got serious and next thing I knew, Lucky and I were planning our training."
As co-coach of his daughter's netball and touch rugby teams, Hart-Webb realised he needed to back up his big talk and improve his own fitness.
He stumbled across a road bike that his colleague was selling for $200 and started commuting 14km a day to work and back.
A regular one-hour ride every weekend is also part of his regime, but he knows he will need to step it up to complete the gruelling Motu Challenge.
The event is arguably the premier multisport race in the North Island.
It covers the beautiful scenery Opotiki has to offer over four stages: 65km mountain bike ride, 17km run, 52km road cycle, then a 27km kayak, 8km road cycle and 3km run to finish.
Entrants can participate as individuals or in teams of two or four people.
The 2014 event will mark the 21st anniversary of the event, which also includes sister-event, the Motu 160, where competitors race the mountain bike stage before transitioning to a 90km road cycle back to Opotiki.
Hart-Webb and Pehi plan to compete as a three-person team with Hart-Webb completing the road cycle, kayak and multi-sport legs. Not bad for a pair of self-confessed novices.
"This year we'll do it as a team, but my ultimate goal is to do the entire Motu Challenge by myself," said Hart-Webb. "This particular event appeals because it's on my home turf and I've never kayaked on the Waioeka River before. I've always wanted to do it, and now's the time to stop procrastinating and start achieving my goals."
While it could be a new beginning for Hart-Webb and Pehi, another local's time with the Motu Challenge will come to an end in October.
Craig Millar has volunteered as the Stage 1 and 2 transition manager for the past 10 years and is stepping down from his post.
Millar has dedicated his time and experience every year since 2004, managing the crux point at Motu Village and directing his team to help participants get the most out of their experience.
The mountain bikers complete a 65km ride over Motu Coach Road before changing into running shoes for the 17km run, which brings them back to the Motu Village for a transition into the road bike leg.
The area has potential to turn to mayhem but Millar has operated a tight ship.
"Not only do we have two transition areas to control, we also have a bunch of supporters milling around trying to be useful," describes Millar. "Sometimes it looks absolutely chaotic but we bring order."
Motu Challenge chairman Mark Looney said they have been incredibly lucky to have Millar's service.
"His dedication has been unwavering and he's earned his retirement," said Looney.
"Now we need more people to step forward; some of the volunteers have been going a long time and we need fresh blood."
Millar, who originally became involved with the event when he watched a family member participate 13 years ago, said it has been a rewarding role.
"Not only do we cater for the athletes, we also showcase the beautiful terrain our area has to offer. I'm part of this community and it has been my way of giving back."
Hoping to come back for the Motu 160 is defending champion Stephen Sheldrake, which he said is achievable for mountain-bikers of all abilities. "Any type of cyclist can do it, road cyclist, mountain biker, triathlete, multisporter, with a team option for those who don't think they can do it on their own," said Sheldrake who in 2012 won the 35-39 age group in the World Tri Champs.
Sheldrake blitzed last year's Motu 160, taking out the men's title in 4hrs 33min, while Karen Hanlen won the women's race in 5hrs 24min.
On the 65km mountain bike from Opotiki to Motu, Sheldrake stuck with the leaders until the last descent.
"I took a corner a bit too fast for my limited mountain bike skills and lost contact. [But] I actually beat Carl Jones out of transition. On the road bike I dropped Carl after about 5km."
The course forges inland on the classic Motu Coach Road, which climbs to almost 800m but is 4WD road all the way.
Sheldrake, a professional coach, said the Motu 160 is a good fun trail.
"The scenery on both rides is stunning. After Traffords Hill [750m altitude] on the road bike, it's all down-hill. I love it. The legs are in the box by then."
At a glance
Horizon Energy Motu Challenge and Motu 160 Cycle Challenge
When: Saturday, October 11
Where: Opotiki, Bay of Plenty
Event Options: You can enter either event as a team or individual:
Motu Challenge (Multisport) has four stages: 1. 65km mountain bike, 2. 17km run, 3. 52km road cycle, 4. Final multisport stage with a 27km kayak, 8km road cycle and 3km run to the finish.
Motu 160 Cycle Challenge
The 65km mountain bike is raced with the Motu Challenge competitors. Multisporters then split off at Motu Town to complete their run, ride and paddle, while Motu 160 competitors will get straight onto their road bikes and cycle 95km back over Traffords Hill and down Waioeka Gorge to Opotiki.
For more information visit: www.motuchallenge.co.nz