From a broken pelvis to completing 315 km on her muscle bike, this is a story of how Janet turned a hospital recovery goal into an unforgettable South Island adventure.
“For me, this trip was much more than riding 315 km over six days. It was about celebrating how far I've come since January—finding my confidence again and discovering that I can get back out there and enjoy the adventures I love.”
Nine months ago, my life took an unexpected turn when I was hit by a fence and fractured my pelvis in multiple places. What followed was a long, challenging journey of recovery learning to do everyday things again, rebuilding strength and coming to terms with how much my life had changed for a while.
Cycling has always been a huge part of who I am (including my job), so not being able to ride was super tough. I needed a cycling goal to work towards during recovery to give me hope, so I reached out to Cycle Journeys, who had delivered a lovely get well gift while I was in hospital during my 16 days stay. They were amazing and nominated me as this year’s Cycle for Hope recipient.
I decided the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail was the perfect challenge. Brett and I had ridden part of the trail back in 2023 as part of a longer trip and had always wanted to return to ride the whole thing. I set myself the goal of completing it as a birthday treat. First challenge, getting on and off a bike without pain. Then came rebuilding strength in my legs and learning to pedal again. I knew this adventure wouldn't be easy and I had to focus on little rides first and as my training progressed I slowly grew stronger and hopeful ready. My mantra for the trip “I came to ride my bike, not walk up hills!”
Brett and I loved our Cycle Journeys experience, from having our bags waiting at the end of each day, to staying in amazing places and meeting other cyclists who became part of our adventure. Crossing the Tasman River by helicopter, spotting baby dotterels, riding along & swimming in Lake Ōhau, conquering all the hill climbs like Tarnbrae Track and exploring Elephant Rocks were all highlights. Even the weather thrown at us from sunshine, rain, mud and wind made things more interesting.
For me, this trip was much more than riding 315km over six days. It was about celebrating how far I've come since January. Finding my confidence again and discovering that even though my body still has some recovering to do, I can get back out there and enjoy the adventures I love. It wasn't easy, and there are still challenges ahead but I am so excited to have completed the whole trail and on my muscle bike – made it even more special
Thank you, Cycle Journeys, for helping turn a recovery goal into reality, and thank you, Alps 2 Ocean, for making me feel alive again
One pedal stroke at a time really does get you somewhere. 🚴♀️
Janet Stark
Cycle Education Specialist, Lead Auditor, Technical Advisor (Go Bike NZ)
