Tuesday 29th July

This wet weather is starting to drive us all a bit crazy. A good bunch met at the Bottlelake carpark at about 6.30. Included were Fatboy, Tinkerbell, Rubberjaws, Nelson, Twopot, ABBA and the Silverfox. Fatboy has not been out very much over the past 3 months and was not his usual self. The conditions were wet, with the new surface sucking you down quite a bit. Wherever you hit loose dirt it was mud a slippery. No one fell but we all had some fun. Puddles everywhere and as you could not avoid them all, cold toes for all by the end of the ride. Bikes need complete cleans and oils. We can not wait for dry times. Nelson said that the new PFMTBC beanie will be ready soon. Can not wait.

Bottlelake Ride

Well the weather was looking quite off-putting this morning (very mild drizzle after having a couple of days rain), however after a bit of convincing from Hubby, myself and Hubby made it for a blat around Bottlelake from Broad Park end around 10am. Tracks were very slick and after a short distance we decided that there was no point trying to avoid the puddles...we were going to get wet and muddy! I took the Marin SS out for it's 3rd trip around Bottlelake, hardwork in a couple of places, but well worth it. We made it around in good time and as expected got fairly well splattered with mud. Bring on the fine weather so we can get back up those hills!!

Intro

Hi all, it's about time I introduced myself...My name is Andrew or better known as Tinkerbell. I started out as the 3rd member of the group, joining Rubberjaws and Fatboy after buying Rubberjaws 'Mighty Marin' some years ago. I now ride a Jamis Dakar Sport, but have also had the 'Mighty Marin' converted to a Marin SS (single speed). My nickname came about due to having a bell on my bike...and I like to tinker with things (Thats my story anyway)! I have been referred to as 'Snife' from time to time (for some reason) and no, I don't have a big nose.
Thanks and by for now...

Tuesday 15th July

Finally a ride up the hill. As usual everyone met at Rubberjaws. It is handy to the bottom of Rapaki. There were Mellonfarmer, Tinkerbell, Silverfox, Twopot, The Accountant, Jo and of course Rubberjaws. We set off up the hill with the low cloud or fog slowly settling in on us. Visibility was low and thee best way to ride was with a low beam, otherwise it was harder to see. We all made it to the top, although Jo had seat problems, The accountant nearly upchucked and Rubberjaws feeling like he would rather go down. Due to the fog and our respect for the track we skipped the Mt Vernon section and road to the start of the traverse. not many others about. The traverse track was sweeeet with the fog giving a new dimension to the ride. We dropped down to the skidder site from there. Rubberjaws and Jo went down the old 4wd which was a bad choice, pretty muddy near the top. We then dropped through the Park to the dog run and followed Mellonfarmers advise (we are stupid) down a pretty cool peice of track. a bit slick and water dripping from above. Hit the road and down to Sweet Maries for coffee and Muffins. Lovely spot to stop. Her shoulder is recovering and hopefully in the next few weeks she will ride with us again. After this 7 became 6 as Silverfox went his way, then 5 as Mellonfarmer went and then 4 arrived back at Rubberjaws as Jo peeled off near the end. looking forward to riding Saturday.

Thursday 10th july

Finally a ride. The wet weather has kept most of us off the bikes cos most of the tracks have been closed. Rubberjaws, Fatboy, Geez, Twopot and Tinkerbell met at 6.15ish at Broadpark. Steve the accountant and Fi the Optician met there. Not sure what handles to give them, any suggestions are welcome. Fatboy had light issues and Fi was nervous due it being first time back on the bike after her big fall. Tinkerbell was on his old Marin which was his first Bike and also Rubberjaws before him. Tinks has turned it into a singlespeed and it is looking good. We blasted through the forest everyone riding sweetly. Stopped at Spencerville for a bite and then headed back. Most were doing well. Rubberjaws felt so good he started to sing. Twopots light began to fade which slowed him down a bit. A Phone photo to finish.