Dreamland 2022 Challenge – 215KM Ride

On December 28, 2022, just before the sun reached the skyline, eight riders in Dreamhand-branded gear clipped into their pedals and pushed off from Upper Harbour, Auckland.

It was 5:04 AM. After ten hours, they would come back tired and sun-soaked, feeling happy for finishing a 215-kilometre ride going across city streets, coastal roads, rural hills and almost 1,900 meters up.

This was the Dreamhand 2022 Challenge, an internal event that tested not only physical endurance but also commitment, planning, and trust within the group.

The Route: Across Auckland and Back

The route was ambitious. Starting from Upper Harbour, the team rolled through:

• Auckland Central
• The curving coastline of Beachlands
• The steady, green climbs of Hunua
• Down into the coastal lowlands of Kaiaua
• Looping back inland past Pukekohe

By the end, the group had logged 214.57 km, with a total elevation gain of 1,866 meters. The ride spanned nearly the entire day, ending around 3:00 PM, and stood out for both its scenic variety and steady difficulty.

This wasn’t a flat route for beginners. Long climbs, crosswinds, coastal exposure, and heat made the ride a true test of pacing, nutrition, and grit.

A Team of Eight, Riding as One

The riders weren’t professional cyclists. They were artists, friends, and community members brought together by the culture around Dreamhand, a tattoo studio in Auckland. What they had in common was a shared goal and the discipline to show up prepared.

Throughout the ride, they rotated positions, broke the wind for each other, and communicated constantly to keep the group together. No one got dropped. Everyone finished.

“This was my longest ride ever on Strava,” said Han Xu, Dreamhand’s founder and one of the day’s lead riders. “It wasn’t easy, but finishing as a team made all the difference.”

Han’s Strava record confirms the numbers. But what it doesn’t show is the unspoken agreement between the riders: to show up, ride hard, and get each other to the finish.

Why This Ride Mattered

This challenge wasn’t created for marketing or social media likes. There were no sponsors, no drone footage, no medal ceremony. Just eight people in matching kits, committing to something difficult and following through.

That kind of mindset: quiet, determined, consistent, is the same one that shows up every day inside Dreamhand’s studios. Whether you prefer different tattoo styles: a full sleeve or pedalling over your third hill of the day, the process matters. It demands patience, control, and respect for detail.

The team trained for months ahead of time. They mapped the route, packed carefully, scheduled food and water stops, and prepared for mechanical issues and weather swings. It wasn’t spontaneous. It was earned.

Artistry Meets Endurance

At Dreamhand, precision is everything. The same hands of tattoo artists that can tattoo a crisp 1mm line over delicate skin were out on the road gripping handlebars, keeping cadence, and navigating tight corners at 30+ km/h.

There’s a common thread here. Art and endurance both reward repetition, timing, and discipline. Both require the ability to focus deeply for long periods. And neither works without patience.

The 215KM challenge was a reflection of the same energy that drives the studio’s work every day.

What’s Next?

There’s no official plan to repeat the 215KM challenge in 2025 or beyond, but the groundwork has been laid. The gear is still hanging. The routes are still saved. The team is still riding.

And maybe that’s the point. You don’t always need an audience or a headline to do something meaningful. Sometimes it’s enough to set a goal with your crew, get out there, and earn the finish with your legs.

Final Numbers

• Date: December 28, 2022
• Start Time: 5:04 AM
• Total Distance: 214.57 km
• Elevation Gain: 1,866 meters
• Ride Duration: ~10 hours
• Riders: 8
• Gear: Custom Dreamhand kits
• Platform: Logged on Strava (Han Xu)

Stay Connected

Want to see more of what Dreamhand is about, on and off the bike? Explore our website, check out the latest custom tattoos, or stop by in person at our Auckland CBD or Hobsonville studios.

Whether it’s a full-back piece or a 200km group ride, we believe in showing up prepared, supporting each other, and doing the work. Get in touch with us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the 215KM ride open to the public?

No. The 2022 Dreamhand 215KM Challenge was an event for the team inside, organised by Dreamhand Tattoo Studio members. It was an independent test of grit, self and team growth, not a race for show or against others.

Who participated in the ride?

Han Xu, tattoo artist as well as founder, together with eight members of the Dreamhand community, took part in the total ride. All riders had on Dreamhand-branded cycling kits, and they did complete the full 214.57 km route as one.

Is Dreamhand involved in cycling regularly?

Yes. A few Dreamhand team members often ride to stay fit. These team members also often ride for the community. Riding bikes turned into a key way to build self-control and team spirit, while tattooing remains the main work of the studio.

Will there be another Dreamhand ride or event like this?

At the moment, there is no official announcement for another long-distance group ride. However, the studio does continue to train and to look at new cycling routes, so challenges that will come may be shared through a blog or on social media.

Where can I view the ride stats or route?

Han Xu put the first ride onto Strava. It is there for you to find. The route from Upper Harbour in Auckland starts, then goes through Beachlands, Hunua, and Kaiaua for 1,866 meters gained.