Sunday 29th March

Just sitting shooting the breeze.

The veiw towards Lyttleton from the hut.

We did not pose for this it was just as we were sitting, yeah right.

This shows todays guys at the Hut.

A knew track for most of us, The Packhorse. The day was brisk but sunny when Bugs arrived at mine. I had just got the bike rack on the Ute so we loaded his bike and I said my goodbyes. Tinkerbell, Lone Wolf and Geez all showed up precisely at 8am. Bugs and I went and picked up Silverfox and then met the others at Sandals. Loaded up we set off up to the Kiwi and then drove along to Gebbies pass via the summit Road. We stopped at Ahuriri Reserve for a look at the Matais and Crown Ferns. A beautiful spot that you do not find very often. We then dropped down to the Summit of Gebbies Pass and unloaded. Sandals led us up the road then dropped into the ist lot of Pine trees. Hooty little blast down through here, switch backs to test us and loose needles, then a climb by the fence line and then over into the paddock. Short grunty climb through here then a wee drop and over another fence. Drop down along a forest track and then more single track. Short climb then flat then a grunt with switchbacks, grunt, grunt, grunt. A couple of us had a few chain flicks or gear problems but we all got there. An awesome grunt but very enjoyable cos you know you are going to have fun coming back. Over one last fence and onto the narrow single track above a nice drop. A bit of caution here but views to die for (especially if you fell). Lovely ride to the hut. Fantastic views in every direction. Stopped and got photos taken by some scouts that had camped the night then back we went. faster around the edge, stopped for a look at the Pinnacles. Then back to the pines. A bloody awesome run down here, just wanting to hoot and whoop all the way. Flowed it all then a quick regroup before the next section. Climbed to the top and then down through the paddock over the fence down into the pines around the bend and then whoa, here's Silverfox standing there a bit dazed. Slapped his head into a branch. new helmet needed now. Got started and 3 metres later snapped his chain. We only had 1 wee climb so he pushed this and then we were on the shingle track out. A fantastic ride and to finish Sandals gave us coffee and cake at her place.

Tuesday 24th March

A bloody great ride is what it was tonight. Bugs, TeRex, Tinkerbell and I set off for the Rapaki. Sandals and Liz had started 1st. They were waiting at the 1st cattle stop. As we were about to head off another group showed up who new Liz. We all set off together. TeRex and Bugs followed for a short while then hit out. I then decided to push harder and went after them. Never a hope of catching but good for me to push and I enjoyed it immensely. Half way up the last haul TeRex was stopped and talking to some guy. I thanked him for waiting and he reminded me that if you got to the top you should come down again to rejoin the group. At the bend I slowed right down to let Tinks and Sandals catch up. We all hit the top about the same time. As we headed up to the Mt Vernon track I bumped into Jo from Doc. Quick chat and then I had to chase the others down. Gave them 400 meters. I had a ball, cleared it all, caught Sandals and most of the next group, passed Liz at the steep corner, had to go off track cos they were in the middle. Chasing chasing, good run through here cleaning all of it better than ever and then blast down to the road. Sandals and Liz were heading all the way to Vic and us boyz were heading down old skool. Great run down the zigs and zags, rough and sketchy. On to the single track, Tinks leading bugs, then me and TeRex. A blast down here, Bugs trying to ensure I did not gain on him so he was looking over his shoulder on the switchbacks. I gained in some places then he would gain it back. Bloody great ride. I was pumped and happy with the way I rode. Everyone looked happy at the end. Arms aching at the bottom. Easy ride home by 8pm..

St Patricks Day 2009

A short blast up the crocodile was organised. Geez, Silverfox, Fatboy, Te Rex, Mellonfarmer, Nelsie, Bugs and myself met at Halswell Quarry. We set off up the Crocidile. Short and good for tackling switchbacks but always a grunt. I love this uphill even though last night I was slow and last to summit. Up we went then out onto the grass slope above it, up up up and then the crest and down to the gate. Quick turn around and up and then down. Nelsie, Fatboy, Mellonfarmer follwed by Te Rex, and the rest of us. Cheekily I cut a corner to chase down Te Rex only to be chased by the others. Whoopy and fun. A cool down hill run. Poetry. Stop at the top of the incline and then down to the cars. Off to celebrate St Paddies day with Sandals and the old Irish girl herself, Mother ted. A lovely night.

Sunday 15th March 2009

Yippee a ride. We met over at Dot com. Silver fox, Sandals and I arrived together and met up with Fatboy, Warren and Geez. We were about to ride when Te Rex arrived. Off we went up Capt. Thomas. I took it easier as it's been a while but it was steady all the way. Enjoying it and not to worried. n the end just 2 minutes off what I would call a good push. We then went out the Godley head track to the Annaconda. The track through here was good and everyone was doing good times and cleaning lots. I managed to dab with my shin on one rock. Ouch shit and dam. Fatboy had his brother over, I did not want to push to hard and we were all happy to come down the snake. What a blast. Fatboy led, Silverfox, Warren then me. I left a gap and wanted to chase hard. Warren clicked and pushed hard. I gained for a while but that was it. It was a hooty run, jumps, a couple of oops and a whop and we were down. Great run and I was impressed. We regrouped and then we headed up and over Scarborough. I took it easy for most of it then stood in the pedals for the last grunt up to really ensure a workout. I was happy chappy. Made sure everyone was up and then we charged on down through Nicholson, stopped for coffee and home early.

Thursday 5th March 2009

WoW, it's been ages since I had a real ride and I have been hanging out. Silverfox, Geez, Twopot and Fatboy met at mine and off we went. Headed up the Rapaki. Fatboy had a flat at the bottom and the rest of us slowly rode ahead. Geez and Silverfox waited at the first cattlestop for Fatboy while Twopot and I slowly rode on. Lucky for me as I was not the quickest. Cruised on up until The rest caught up and we regrouped at the top. I must say Fatboy pushed hard all the way, Silverfox close behind and Geez not that far off their pace. Big bunch of riders at the top, we thought they would go first but they hung on so off we went. Enjoyed the first grind, not the fastest though. The other group caught me before crossing the road. At the traverse I led off with gusto. I felt good all the way, right lines and good pump. Fatboy and I then swapped places at the sign halfway around and on we went. Stopped at the downhill track above Vic to watch a guy start his run then down to airfield, across down through rock garden and gums, down Dazzas and into Brents. Sketchy as hell through here. I loved it, got the jumps and did not miss a beat. Heart pumping and wanting to yell with the pleasure of the run. Regrouped and down Bridges, taking the high line into the trees for a change, missed my turn and then followed Geez and down and out. Great to be riding. Long live MTB

Sunday 1st March

As the weather had been crap, the tracks were closed and when I looked out the window it was still drizzling and I could not see the hills, there was no organised ride. It seems Tinkerbell and Lone wolf went out up the paki and round to Sumner. I hopped on the new cruiser and went into town, around the streets and into the park. Raced around there and ended up at Fatboys. Good ride and love the bike. Great riding position.