Local Loops Riders with Neill Ungerer Christchurch, Exploration, and the Ride That Keeps Giving

From South Africa to Christchurch

Tell us a bit about yourself, what kind of rider are you, and how did you get into cycling?

I started mountain biking about 14 years ago when I moved to a beautiful town called Knysna, in South Africa. This wee town is known for its stunning outdoor lifestyle, which includes MTB'ing and multi sport. The bug bit me very quickly and I started riding more competitively after my first race I entered. Many races later and many miles I now am one of those silly middle-age cyclists that’s way too passionate for their own good. I own a road race bike, an old road bike that I commute on, a gravel bike for racing and bikepacking adventures, a cross country MTB, an enduro MTB, and an indoor setup for winter online racing and training. I’ve raced competitively in my age cat for over 10 years now. I’ve managed multiple podiums throughout, mostly for MTB races, XCO and marathons, and ultra distances.

So to sum it up, I’m a hard working Civil Engineer, that works hard enough to pay for the lifestyle I most appreciate in life, which is to ride bikes. I absolutely love biking and everything that revolves around it.

Christchurch Cycling Culture, Local Routes and Riding Philosophy

What’s your riding philosophy, do you ride to train, to escape, to explore... or all of the above?

I ride because I love bikes, first and foremost. The feeling that I get when I swing my leg over a bike and start pedaling will never get old. It’s freedom. I also love the adrenaline that comes with speed, with technical mtb riding and with racing. I moved to NZ in 2019, and the thing that made me fit in the most, and meet 90% of my good friends I know today, and made me see most of NZ so far, is bicycles. As mentioned I love to explore by bicycle. I’ve done a few weekends and also a couple of 7 day bikepacking missions where I would cover 200+ km a day, and just ride and explore the beautiful country. I’m also really fortunate that my partner, Jojo, loves to ride bikes as well, and we get to spend and enjoy it together.

Where are you based, and what makes your local riding scene special?

I’m based in Christchurch, NZ. The riding scene here is amazing. Port Hills is the place to be, with loads of cross country mtb trails, an adventure park with a gondola for MTB’s, and with amazing roads it makes for the perfect riding (and running) playground. Then just heading a wee bit out of the city and into the Banks Peninsula, you will find gravel roads and climbs and views like nowhere else. Then point towards the southern alps (just over an hour drive away) and you can find so much more. This place is special!

Can you describe your favourite local route or terrain, what makes it memorable?

I think my summary above explains it pretty well. It’s got it all. And it’s got the beach with beautiful spots to stop for coffee mid ride.

How would you describe the cycling culture in your area? Community-focused, competitive, casual?

The cycling culture here is pretty damn competitive for a “small” city of approx 500k people. It’s quite community based with lots of local clubs to choose from. It does breed some of NZ’s top cyclists, of which you will see many of them on the world circuit. In the spring and summer months you will find lots of club events, mid week races, Sunday races, mid week time trials, XCO summer series to name a few. Over weekends Port Hills and the bike park will be packed with riders. Christchurch also hosted the Crankworx this year, which was a great edition for the city and for the MTB park.

If someone came to visit your town/city for a ride, where would you take them?

I would always take them to Port Hills, or Akaroa. Depending what they are keen for.

Best Coffee Stops, Cycling Kit and Layering for New Zealand Conditions

Could you share some Strava segments of good routes in your area?

https://www.strava.com/activities/13443016124
https://www.strava.com/activities/13692017124
https://www.strava.com/activities/15542801099

Fave local spots for coffee, food or beer pre, during or post ride?

Fav local coffee stop during or post ride is in Sumner, called Niche. Or DotCom Café. Another good spot is Moon Under Water pub, for a burger and beer.

What’s your go-to riding kit, any favourite Pedla pieces that you have tried?

My fav Pedla outfit is part of the kit we received for the photoshoot a while back. I was surprised how lightweight everything is. You barely feel it on your skin. I especially love the lightweight long sleeve jersey. I love the colours too. I think they work really well together, and it’s easy to mix and match.

How do you dress for the elements where you live, any layering tips or cold/hot weather hacks?

NZ and especially the South Island isn’t the warmest place on earth, so layering up is key. But also the ability to take layers off and stash them in pockets, due to the sun being so potent down here closer to the southpole. A good lightweight baselayer is key and will be used 90% of the year. Then lightweight short sleeve and long sleeve options with good bibs. The lightweight but long sleeve jerseys are ideal for the summer days when you’re planning to be out on the bike for many hours, as it adds a protective layer against the rays. The thermal jersey is next in line, on those crisp morning rides. And then a gilet for sure, pretty much always in my back pocket if I’m not wearing it. And then for the winter days, a warmer jacket but still aero is key. I also love the zips that operate from both sides as used on the thermal Pedla jerseys and the gilets. I’m a big socks and gloves fan, I always ride with gloves, as my hands get quite sweaty. And good socks are key. Normally slightly on the longer side, and either black or white.

Training Routine, Solo Riding and the Mental Side of Cycling

Any pre-ride rituals when it comes to kit or gear? How do you prepare for rides?

My pre-ride ritual involves a coffee or 2 from my home barista machine. And if I have time, a nice bowl of porridge. Slap on the kit for the occasion, helmet and glasses, and hit the road.

What does your typical week on the bike look like?

I normally work from 7:30 to 4pm when I can, so that I can get on the bike in the afternoon. Normally during the winter months (June to Aug) I ride indoors mostly during the week, and outdoors over weekends. I try to do one long ride with friends at least once per week, normally on a Saturday, and then Sundays depending on plans with the Mrs., riding with her, or perhaps doing a “Sunday race club” race on MyWhoosh in the evening. On long weekends I try to go ride somewhere new, or do a nice adventure ride. Or I will go visit some of my friends in Otago and enjoy the riding they have to offer down there.

What’s going through your head on a solo ride?

Just me and my thoughts. Depends on the ride. A short ride after work will be reflecting on work, what I need to get done, to do lists, plans with my partner, thinking of my family, where my next bike adventure might be. I never listen to music while riding, except when I race indoors. I love hearing the wind and nature sounds while out and about.

How Cycling Shapes Mindset and Life Beyond the Ride

How has cycling shaped your mindset or approach to life outside the saddle?

I’ve learned the value of persistence. There are days when the wind is relentless, the climbs feel endless, and every part of my body tells me to quit. But I’ve discovered that if I just keep turning the pedals, even slowly, I’ll get there. That same grit has carried over into how I handle challenges out of the saddle. When life gets tough, I don’t stop, I keep moving forward.

Cycling has also taught me patience. Unlike the fast pace of modern life, a long ride demands time and focus. There’s no shortcut to the summit. It’s about being in the moment. That mindset has helped me slow down in other areas of my life, appreciate the process, and not rush to the next destination.

Perhaps most importantly, cycling has given me a deeper understanding of resilience. I’ve had mechanical failures miles from anywhere, crashes that shook my confidence, and rides that pushed me to my absolute limit. But I always got back up, fixed what was broken, and kept riding. That resilience has changed me, it’s shown me that setbacks don’t define me, but the way I respond to it.

Cycling has shaped me into someone who values discipline, embraces discomfort, and finds strength in being alone, but also values the time sharing it with the people I love. It has made me mentally stronger, more reflective, and more in tune with both my body and my mind.