About
us
Back of Beyond was started 5 years ago by Michelle
Clyne and Jane Severinson, combining a passion for mountain
biking and a love for their High Country playground. Jane
has since moved full time into her other life passion of teaching
but she remains both friend and neighbour.
Just recently Lee and Julie Clements joined the team, bringing
with them knowledge and experience in the service industry,
marketing and massage therapy.
The team of guides are a professionally trained, energetic
bunch that believe in having fun and living life to the fullest.
It is the Kiwi way!
Our mission is to offer our clients a wonderful adventure
free from baggage and whose turn it is to cook. A real voyage
of discovery, using all your senses to truly appreciate the
awesome High Country scenery and a chance to experience a
slice of genuine hospitality Kiwi style.
Meet
the crew
Michelle Clyne – director and guide
Michelle is the backbone of our operation. An outdoor pursuits
instructor for 6 years, she loves the magic that happens when
people get outside and challenge themselves. Fanatical about
safety, Michelle will ensure you have an enjoyable journey.
An avid biker, kayaker, rock climber and tramper. Michelle
invites you to join her in ‘her office’.
Lee and Julie Clements – directors,
administration and support drivers
Julie’s background is in the service industry and marketing.
She is now a Mum to two boys
and a freelance feature writer.
Lee has previously run his own Martial Arts Dojo. He is
a qualified Sports Therapist and loves the great outdoors.
Lee and Julie recently moved to this area but immediately
fell in love with it.
Robbie Koller - chef and support
driver
Robbie is the gastronomic genius behind our fabulous, travelling,
homemade fayre. An award-winning chef that brings to the table
everything from the tasty sausage sizzle to the most delicious
lamb dishes.
John Leith - guide
John has been involved with outdoor instructing for the past
20 years, kayaking, climbing and tramping. John brings wisdom
and knowledge to the team. Running on Duracell batteries he
often pushes himself to the limits for fun in the adventure
racing scene. Passionate about mountain biking, John loves
a challenge, no one has yet beaten him to the top of the hill.
Kem Johnson - guide
Originally from Arizona, USA, now a twenty year resident of
New Zealand. Kem may be nearly fifty, but try keeping up with
him on a bike! He is a ski and mountain guide (member New
Zealand Mountain Guides Association) and part time small block
farmer on the family farm near Methven. Bike repairs in the
backcountry are a specialty!
Mary Ralston - guide
Mary is as short as Michelle is tall, and just as keen on
the outdoors. Mountain biking, running, tramping, ski touring
and climbing are her favourites. She is also an avid organic
farmer and a part time writer and editor specialising in New
Zealand's ecology and conservation.
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