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The Fox's 500: A Journey Through Northland’s Scenic Beauty and Connection

The Fox's 500 started as a personal milestone event, a 500-kilometer challenge to celebrate my 40th birthday, but it has since evolved into an annual tradition of camaraderie, adventure, and self-discovery.

Now in its third year, the event has grown beyond just kilometers on a bike—it's become a meaningful way to reconnect with friends, explore New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, and navigate through life's challenges, both on and off the bike.

Originally, we held the first two Fox’s 500 in the South Island, but this year, my good friend Baz took the reins and organized the 2024 edition in Northland. Every year, we create a new route, usually blending well-known cycle trails with backcountry gravel roads, making for an unpredictable and exhilarating ride. While the event wasn’t designed with mental health in mind, it has naturally become a space where a few of us have found support, especially after a tough year. This year's ride was more than just pedaling; it was a chance to connect, share, and talk about the struggles we've faced.

The 2024 Edition: A Northland Adventure

For the third edition of the Fox’s 500, we embarked on a challenging 500km loop starting from Whangarei, covering some of Northland’s most beautiful landscapes. Departing on the first day of spring, we were welcomed by the season’s first breath of fresh air and the excitement of another six-day adventure ahead.

Day 1 - Set off on a beautiful spring morning. Longest day of the trip 110Kms, following an old railway line, finishing off at the Kaihu Tavern.

Day 2 - Started out tough, grinding our way up steep climbs into the Kauri forests. A quick stop to visit our old friend, Tane Mahuta, New Zealand’s most famous kauri tree, gave us a moment to breathe before the exhilarating descent to Opononi.

Day 3: The climb might have been behind us, but we had plenty more to look forward to, including boat-hopping up the Hokianga Harbour. This day was full of scenic wonders and wrapped up with us tackling the first section of the Twin Coast Cycle Trail.

Day 4: After two days of hard climbs, Day 3 greeted us with a well-earned flat route. We rolled into Kawakawa for a relaxing lunch, and a short, sharp climb later, we found ourselves in Paihia for the night.

Day 5: A ferry ride from Opua started off a reasonably tough day to Whananaki where we finished off with plenty of beers and indulged in some rather strange-tasting chocolate until the wee hours. It was one of those nights where laughter, tired legs, and camaraderie came together perfectly.

Day 6: The final day of the Fox’s 500 always brings mixed emotions. Relief from finishing the challenge, exhaustion from days of hard cycling, and a touch of sadness that it’s all over. As we cruised into our final destination of Patau, the collective mood was one of accomplishment. We had conquered the toughest route yet, and while our bodies were sore, our spirits were high. With a few beers shared with friends, some weird snacks, and the encouragement of your mates, it’s hard to be too bummed—even when your legs are screaming for rest.

More Than Just a Ride

This year’s edition was physically demanding, but what stood out the most was the sense of connection. Over the past year, a few of us faced some pretty tough personal struggles, and the Fox’s 500 gave us a chance to talk, listen, and support one another. There’s something about the rhythm of cycling—the steady grind of pedals turning and the open road stretching ahead—that invites reflection and conversation. On this trip, we didn’t just ride for the challenge or the scenery. We rode to connect, to check in with ourselves and each other.

The Gear that Got Us Through

On this year’s trip, I rode my trusty Surly Bridge Club, while my buddy Baz sported his blue Specialized Sirrus X 2.0, and Tom rolled out on a Cube Nuroad Gravel bike. My setup included an Aero Spider bar rack, a Blackburn frame bag, and a Topeak 15L saddle bag. If you're wondering about the gear, we don't have the Blackburn frame bags or the Topeak saddle bags in stock at Bike House Dunedin right now, but we can easily order them through our regular suppliers.

Whether you're looking to take on a multi-day bike adventure like the Fox’s 500 or simply get out for a weekend ride, having the right gear can make all the difference. Feel free to pop by the shop if you’re after recommendations or want to gear up for your next cycling journey.

In the end, the Fox’s 500 isn’t just about covering distance—it’s about the experiences we gather along the way, the friendships we strengthen, and the clarity we find in the process. Whether you’re on a ride to clear your mind or connect with friends, cycling has a way of bringing us closer together. And as long as there’s another stretch of road to explore, we’ll be back next year, ready to do it all over again.

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