Logging it out over 160km of gruelling Upper Clutha terrain proved to be the perfect way for two near strangers to get to know one another.
Simon Bowden, of Wanaka, and Justin Weeks, of Alaska, who met for the first time two weeks ago, competed as a team in the Red Bull Defiance multisport race at the weekend.
The pair met after Mr Weeks, a multisport novice, contacted race organisers asking to be paired with an experienced multisport athlete for the event.
On Sunday, the men completed the seven-stage endurance race in 15hr 53min 42sec.
Mr Bowden said the race had been an opportunity for both men to learn.
"I think every time you race there is something to learn from it.''
While he had competed in many multisport events, the race was Mr Week's second such race.
"It was cool to be able to race with someone who hasn't really done that sort of racing before and Justin hit a few dark places where you are kind of like ‘Can I carry on?' but that is one of the experiences that you get as you race more. You are hurting but you do actually push right through that.''
Mr Weeks said he found the two mountain bike legs of the race the most challenging.
"Wanaka has some epic mountains and trails that pushed me beyond what I was comfortable with on the mountain bike, for sure.''
He did not have plans to compete in another multisport event yet.
"I'd like to train more and focus on technique before I enter into a race with the elite competitors we witnessed at Red Bull,'' he said.
Mr Bowden said racing with someone he had just met had been a "unique challenge''.
"It is pretty cool, to be able to show someone from the other side of the world our backyard, and if you can pass on a bit of experience it is good.''Mr Weeks described his teammate as a "humble man.''
"Simon was an amazing teammate and mentor ... He pulled me through Red Bull.''
Mr Weeks will now travel in New Zealand before returning to Alaska, and Mr Bowden will continue preparations for the GODZone Adventure Race to be held in April.
