Tuesday 25th November

Fatboy (FB) picked me (RJ) up and headed around and up to the top of Evans pass. It was pretty windy up there with a cool southerly blowing. We met up with Geez, Tinks, Twopot, Rex and Diego (Not sure of his name but he is from Argentina) and then Abba arrived. We headed up the track and the wind was from the back so got quite a bit of assistance. On the 2nd set of rocks Tinks stopped. Well actually his bike stopped. The freewheel had blown so he was not riding with us, he went home. A bit of a bummer. We all carried on from there at a good pace, stopping at Livingstone Col for a regroup. Wind was cool and nasty here and it had altered riding a bit. Up and over to Breeze Col for a brief regroup up and over to Godley Head. All flowing nicely. Blasted around the traverse and then down the anaconda. Great run down here. Good jumps. Stopped at the bottom and then back up again. Always a grind but went up pretty quick. FB had chain problems and did a quick repair, so I led off up towards Evans, and at Livingstone Col we realised that FB and geez were missing so Twopot headed back while I led the rest up the next climb. Just a cruise so the others would catch up and they did. FB led on the downhill with me hard behind him. Came around one bend and FB is just standing up, wiping the dirt from his mouth. All his teeth were there but a slight graze around his mouth, a dent in the helmut, and a nasty looking knee. We got on the bikes again, blasted down the last 400m and took off for home. A bloody good ride for all of us and a lucky escape for Fatboy.

I am away for the next week so I hope someone will keep this blog up to date.

Sunday 23rd November

A warm morning and I was not feeling 100%, due to a slightly hard night on the drink. Anyway, Fatboy, Tinkerbell, Geez and I set off to ride to The Silverfoxes. We were running slightly late though. Got there and found Rex had beaten us and then Sandals and Helmut arrived. He was on another loaner bike. Set off for Worsley with some trepidation. Up the steep road section was not to bad but when we got to the start of the off road it was hot. Shade was needed and we knew it was gonna be a tough haul. Off we went Fatboy leading. Steady climb with no breaks. By time we reached the last stretch people were strung out. Fatboy rode the top for the first time. Even if it is smooth it is still steep. Most made it even if they dabbed. I hit the wall, to hot, to unwell and I walked it. Shame on me. Sandals rode it all. After a short rest up and over Marleys. Great track and a great run down. Nearly jumped right off the track at one point. Up into Vic and around the Traverse Track. Fatboy and Helmut dropped down the Lava flow while the rest of us dropped down old school Bowenvale. Tinks led with me just behind. Half way down a regroup and then blasted the single track. Sweet lines and flowing over all the rough. Bloody thistles helped bleed me. Stopped at the bottom and then off to coffee.

Tuesday 12th November

A practise ride rather than a slog. I picked up Tinkerbell and Silverfox then headed up to Sign of the Kiwi. We met, the Dreaded one, Abba, Sandals and Helmut. Mother Ted arrived in a flourish. We headed up to the top of Marley's, I of course at the back of the main pack. Sorted ourselves out as I wanted to make sure that we got some training and advise in for those who wanted it. Down we went, the track is in good nick. Mother ted riding most of the first bit everyone else flowing. In the new section Abba and I coaxed and cajoled MT (this works I think. What do you say MT?) over the rock and boardwalk. We all rode down and a bit more. Some had gone all the way back to the Kiwi so they hauled all the way up. I got a lift with Sandals and Helmut back to the top and we regrouped for another run. This time MT cleaned 99%. Well done. Sandals cleaned 99%. Well done. We then blasted to the Kiwi and regrouped before riding up for another run. This time I let it rip. Awesome run other than the tears in my eye. Not a hard night but worth the practise. Looking forward to Sunday for a blast up Worsleys and down Old School Bowenvale.

Sunday 16th November.

The idea was for a big team ride but then a few people cancelled out for many reasons. Rubberjaws and Silverfox arrived at Dot Com to find, Geez, Tinkerbell and Rex waiting. No one else showed up. We headed up Richmond Hill Rd, the first 2 straight stretches deceive you into thinking it will be a pleasant climb but after the 2nd hairpin it goes straight up. An easy way to gain altitude. A quick stop in the shade at the top and then we went off road. Followed a few faint sheep trails as we ambled ever upwards to the road near the start of Greenwood track. Always good doing this. Stopped in the shade of the trees where we got a slight breeze. It was hot out there. Greenwood track was a blast. Stopped for a quick regroup by the ruins and then again half way down. Tinks led with a good turn of speed, followed by me, Silverfox, Geez and Rex. Good order with no one holding anyone up. We stopped under the tree at the bottom and had a bite to eat. Nice light breeze cooling us down. Watched a group of 10 come down the track. Over the fence and started up Godley track when the Nor west hit us. Full on buffeting as we climbed the first techie bits. After this a good blast around and then down the anaconda. It all flowed really nice. Up and over Taylor's for a lovely coffee at Dot Com

Thursday 13th November

The idea was to go for a ride up Rapaki, but we got tempted by a call from Fatboy, who was at work drinking a nice Leffee. Rubberjaws, Tinkerbell and Geez were the only team members to show so we took the option, had a beer at Fatboys and then rode into town for a bit of step jumping. The taste was in our mouths so we stopped at the Thirsty Weta for a sampling of good NZ beers and then went home a bit late. lovely night for it.

Sunday 9th November

Post election ride. No comments to be made, lets just wait and see. Fatboy, Geez, and Tinkerbell met at (mine) Rubberjaws and headed on up the hill. A wonderful ride at a good steady pace. Fatboy put on a burst before the middle gate and then waited. Tinkerbell stopped also, Rubberjaws knew Geez was still a bit behind so he carried on through as he knew that the Girls and Mellonfarmer were waiting at the top and he would look good being first up. I still rode hard cos they never did catch up. At the top we met up with Sandals, Nicole (no name yet) and Mother Ted, (still no better name that suits someone who swears and curses more than Father Ted). After some small talk we set off up Vernon Traverse, the fastest to the front. My chain popped off and all of a sudden I was at the back of the pack tsk tsk. Caught up and went passed a couple of people and then round to the start of Bowenvale Traverse. A favourite bit of track and I rode it well, pushing hard. Nicole stayed with us at the start but dropped off above the lava flow when we went through the rocks. She rides really well. We regrouped at the half way point and I was surprised by how well everyone was riding. Sandals is pushing hard and Mother Ted actually rode lotsa of the track as she gained confidence. Blasted round to the top of Vic, then past some downhill grommets and down Thompson's to the Kiwi. Fatboys bike failed him at this stage so he peeled off. Mother Ted then showed she has been a roadie by setting the pace up to the top of Marleys. Rubberjaws and Geez bringing up the rear. We then blasted down the Nun and into the new section. The new track is so sweet, jumps are easy to catch, some techy, but it all flows. Stopped halfway to make sure all were well while some rode on. Mellonfarmer rode on as he got a call and had to go home. We all regrouped at the Kiwi before going down The old Dyers Track. Tinks leading but me riding his rear wheel hard, followed by...Nicole. Good cruise from here to the uphill into Vic (Mother Ted giving some stick to us all for being slow) and then we went down Dazzas while the racers were at lunch. We then entered Brent's, everyone riding well. Sandals easing Mother Ted down some of it and just at the last tree root covered steep section at the end I showed Mother Ted how to get the weight over the back wheel. Her effort was fantastic. She got on the bike and rode it down. Excellent riding. From there we bombed along the sidle track to the K2 intersection. I rode the drop straight down the center without pooing myself. Then bombed down and out stopping for coffee at the bread shop in St Martins. Once again Mother Ted giving stick for being slow so a little bit of competiton going down here. A note to the girls. You all rode really bloody good. Great to see Sandals has got her confidence back and the skills are all there again, Nicole is a MTB natural and her name will come from this, also very easy to talk to, and Mother Ted! What can we say but well done for getting on the bike and pushing yourself. You rode really well and attempted, no you did not attempt, you actually rode stuff you would not normally ride. I hope you all come out with us more often!!

Sunday 2nd November

Rubberjaws finally got back on the bike after his little surgery. I rode out to Dot Com where I met up with the rest of the team. Fatboy, Geez, Tinkerbell and Twopot all arrived. Marie who we will call Sandals from now on, and what do we call Fee. In fact what do you call an Irish Optician who swears a lot? Suggestions are welcome. In the mean time Mother Ted will do. We all set off up the Capt Thomas. Sandals, Rubberjaws and Mother Ted at the rear. Fantastic day and great track conditions. Mother Ted learning a little more about single track riding all the while. Everyone rode up the hill well. The boys showing the trip assisted the fitness for everyone. At the top Mother Ted rode back to Dot com as she was off to do some Kayaking. The rest of us headed around Godley. I was feeling more confidant that the leg would hold together and started pushing harder and harder. We regrouped at the top and then blasted down the first run. Fatboy leading, then Twopot and Tinkerbell. Rubberjaws riding their back wheels wishing they were behind him. The work on the track should help make this an all weather track next year. A quick regroup and then up and over to Breeze Col for another regroup. Over to the Godley carpark and back under the road. The riding was sweet. Blasted down the Anaconda and the tail. Fastest I have ridden this for ages. Wanted more space. Up and over to Sumner for coffee at Dot com. Sandals and Rubberjaws rode home from here. Lovely time had by all. Mother Ted has promised to come and ride again on Thursday so we will hold her to this. Looking forward to a big group ride.