How to Find the Perfect Teammate for the Volcanic Epic

Taking on the Volcanic Epic is one hell of a ride and like any good adventure, it’s even better with the right teammate by your side. But how do you find that perfect match

​Whether you're hunting for the podium or chasing the finish line vibes, choosing the right teammate can make or break your experience. Here’s our guide to finding your ideal riding partner and making it to the final stage with smiles still intact.

Match Fitness and Ride Style
You don’t need to be clones, but riding at a similar pace helps avoid frustration on both sides. Think about:

• Your average pace on long rides
• Strengths (climbing vs descending)
• Comfort on technical terrain
• Your approach to pacing: Are you chill, tactical, or all gas?

Align Your Goals
Some riders want to race. Others want to finish strong and soak it in. If your teammate’s chasing a category win while you’re hunting post-stage beers, it might not click. Be up front from the get-go:

• Are you racing, or riding?
• Are you chasing time, a finish, or fun?
• Do you want to ride side by side, or split and regroup?

Communicate and Test the Waters
Do a long ride or event together if you can. It’s the best way to see how you both handle tough climbs, mechanicals, and low-sugar meltdowns. Don’t skip talking about:

• Mechanical skills
• Nutrition and hydration plans
• General attitude under pressure

Use the Volcanic Epic Riders Chat Forum
We’ve made it easier than ever to find your teammate — or to put your hand up as someone looking.
Join the Riders Chat Forum here and post a short intro using this format:
🏷️ Name:
📍 Location:
🚵 Fitness / MTB style:
🎯 Goals:
🙌 Ideal teammate vibe:
📆 Up for a pre-ride?:
📩 Contact info:
This is your shout-out, be honest, be detailed, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

 A Few Final Tips

• Be realistic about your current fitness and skill level.
• ​Talk through expectations on how you’ll approach each day.
• Don’t just match speed — match mindset.

Ready to Link Up?
The Volcanic Epic isn’t just about riding through the central North Island’s most epic trails , it’s about shared adventure. The climbs feel shorter, the views hit harder, and the finish line feels sweeter when you’ve got a teammate who’s in sync. So if you're keen to ride but still flying solo, head over to the Riders Chat Forum, throw up a post, and find your ride-or-die