4th January 2009

Happy New Year everyone. The first ride of the year. I decided to ride from my place. Geez and Silverfox arrived as I went out the gate. We set off and then Te Rex drove past, and he didn't even stop to give us all a lift, (not that we wanted one). We blasted around the river and behind the ferrymead industrial area. When we got onto the road we practised a bit of slip streaming for the future and arrived in Sumner in quick time. All feeling good. Hooked up with Sandals, Helmut, Te Rex, Tinkerbell, Fatboy and Twopot. Mother Ted was gonna meet us at the top of Evans with friends but that became a whole new story in itself due to delays, punctures and things like that. As we set off from Dot Com it was noticed that Twopots rear wheel was wobbling. After checking and finding 2 wrecked spokes and a large buckle he decided not to risk the ride and went home pretty bummed out. The rest carried on and hit Captain Thomas. Everyone riding it at good pace really. I cleaned it nearly to the ramp which was a first. Tinks had a chain reaction on the first hairpin but got it sorted eventually. Up we went gaining on Sandals and Helmut who had carried on when we stopped. passing them and continued climbing cleaning all the little bits. Stopped for a regroup at the easy gate. Then up to the track divide near the top for another regroup before the push to the top. We had now found out that Mother Ted was not going to be there and would meet us on our return from Godley.

A little rest in the shade at the pass and then the ascent of Godley Head begun. It was warm climbing but I was feeling great and we all climbed this without any real issues. The run down to Livingstone Col was a blast. Fatboy leading Helmut, then Tinks for a while, (he got a little out of control and left the main track at which point I passed him) myself, Silverfox etc etc. Great blast at really nice flowy speed. From there I led off over towards Breeze Col and stayed in front all the way down, Fatboy on my tail though. A quick stop for catchup and then singled the bottom track around to Godley carpark for a break and snack food. Helmut showed some skills on the new picnic tables. We had now heard that Mother Ted would meet us at Dot Com.

Back we went all the way to Evans. Great climbs, grunting in the heat before the blasts along the downhill runs. Go go go all the way, with no mishaps, great rock riding and smiles all the way. A regroup at the road, watching as Sandals showed up a couple of the guys. Down Captain Thomas, Fatboy charging with Helmut in pursuit. Tinks leading Silverfox, then I chased them. Gained in some spots then lost them cos a dog and its owner got in my way. Pumped it from here and caught them at the steps, I was loose down these suckers as I saw the Fox near the end. Fatboy and Helmut had not waited, Tut tut, so we waited for the rest. Sandals arrived in her sedate fashion with a big grin saying how well she had gone. She is getting better all the time, and although not fast her technical riding is fantastic. You go girl.

Around for coffee we went. A couple peeling off. Mother Ted waiting for us with her story of the ride they had from Rapaki around the single tracks, then down Greenwood. We razzed her about the road ride down from Evans. Coffee and food then we all split. Mother Ted, Geez and I riding back. Across the course way she took off, and we gave chase. her immediate lead was held but I gained for a little but could not real her in. A stop at Top Sport where Geez peeled and then a cruise home from there.

A bloody good first ride for the year.