The 30-year-old Wanaka triathlete announced his retirement this week after 13 years competing at the top level.
In the end the decision was a clear one for Dodds, who had been out training when the moment came.
"I got on the bike one day, went 20 minutes and I knew I was done," he said.
"Essentially the fun was gone, and my heart wasn't in it. The enjoyment just wasn't there and I simply turned back home.
"You sometimes hear athletes say they knew the moment it was over. I understand that now; that ride was my moment.
"This past year or so has had a few ups and downs, and I guess over that time a number of factors have led to me seriously considering my future in the sport, but that bike ride was the moment I knew."
It was the final ride of a long career during which Dodds racked up an impressive list of achievements. He finished 10th to be the highest-placed New Zealander at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
At the ITU mixed relay world championships he won bronze and silver in 2010 and 2013 respectively. Individually, he peaked as the No12-ranked triathlete in the world.
He won multiple national and Oceania titles, as well as finishing fourth at the under-23 world championships.
However, it was the Olympic Games that had been his ultimate dream - one he fulfilled after overcoming a hip injury to race in Rio in 2016.
After finishing 21st there he considered giving it away, although decided he would keep going.
"Post-Rio I was in thinking about it [retirement] but knew that I hadn't quite reached my peak and hadn't left every stone unturned.
"I could have retired then, but that would have left me with regrets.
"I can comfortably say now that I am fully relaxed about it. I am confident and excited about my decision."
Now free of a rigorous training schedule, Dodds is planning to make the most of doing things he was previously unable to do.
A keen hunter, he would ensure he got into the South Island's back country.
He also said not having to live out of a suitcase would be "amazing" and he would look to do some work on his section as well as look after some farm animals.
He was unsure what he would do for work, although he enjoyed commentating and media work, and also had options in the building trade.
He was coaching triathletes and runners doing some events throughout New Zealand with a business called Coached.
