Tuesday 28th April

nearly word for word from Switchfarmer/Mellonbacker's blog...the norwest mildness had stuck around, and so it was a perfect night for riding.

a few of us assembled at Rubberjaws's, who turned out wasnt riding cos he'd forgotten to charge his light from last week (or that's his story anyway...). Fatboy, Sniff, WazzaBunny, WeirdLittle and myself headed off and cruised up Rapaki. Fatboy, Sniff and me got into a good groove and rode ahead, lightless pretty much the entire way up. Bunbuns and Weirdlittle tail-end-charlied it with their lights on. with the city glow off the clouds, there was plenty of light to ride by. made the top in reasonable time, but most were feeling it. quick spin out and back on Witch Hill, with most of us fucking up at least once. nightridebalance issues methinks. as we passed back over the top of Rapaki, there was a group of something like 15 riders. said gudday to them. no reply. -dicks.

then it was up the Vernon singletrack. i blew out on one rocky section overlooking rapaki, and then again on the first hairpin near the top. cleaned the top rocky section perfectly, finding the smoothest line i've ever seen there. stopped just over the road and regrouped. the huge group from top of rapaki regrouped there too, and not one of them said hello. what a bunch of fucking imbecile asshole stuck up wankers. flash harry wankers. then the Lone Wolf turned up from the direction of Vic park. we stood and chatted a bit as the wankers all filed off.

then we hit the trail, with the first 5 heading down OldSkool, and Wolfie continuing round to where he'd parked his car at kiwi to do a few laps of the nun. good waft down through the offpiste tussocks'ville, and then a blast down oldskool. no sketchies, took one of the steeper droplines down the rocky bits, and then had a good blast down the lower new. home by 8.30.

Sunday 26th April 2009

The morning after a party and there were a couple of faces missing, (you know who you are). Te Rex, Silverfox, Bugs, Geez and Mellonfarmer met at mine and after waiting an extra 5 minutes for others we set off up Rapaki. Feeling really good was I, dragging my arse up the hill, watching Mellonfarmer (who said" Oh i will be slow today") disappear in the distance. It was a normal grind but at the flat gate in the middle everyone stopped for a regroup except me, (I just had to keep going). Mellonfarmer sent Te Rex off down the single track in the valley. Nice guy. We all regrouped at the top. Sat down and relaxed in the breeze for 5 minutes and then set off up Mt Vernon Traverse. All went well through here although all but Mellonfarmer dabbed on the hairpin. Blasted the next piece except we got stuck behind a couple of slow dudes. 1 stopped to let us through but then changed his mind. Wanker. Round to top of Vic park and down Thompson's. Ran into the Lone Wolf here and stopped for a chat. Grind around to Marley's and an awesome blast down here. lovely new corners and routes going in again. Awesome. Stopped at Kiwi where I bailed out as my rear brake was locked up. Cruised down the road while the others did, Thompson's, Dazzas and Brent's etc. Met up at the river end of Bowenvale Ave and went for coffee. Awesome ride considering and the weather was brilliant.

Tuesday 22 April 2009

Well it seems as if no one went out on the weekend (except for Nelsie and Mellonfarmer who went out Sunday night). Well actually Fatboy and I did but not riding. Hamilton 400 was great, plenty to drink and lotsa fun catching up with old friends. So for the ride we all met up at Broad Park, there was Fatboy, Mellonfarmer, Tinkerbell, Sandals, Silverfox, Abba, myself, Bugs and his mate (sorry forgot his name). We all set off along the beach. I was ready for a steady ride rather than lotsa little blasts so that is how I rode. Fastboys leading of course, MF and Tinks on singly ringly bikes. Sandals had never done a night ride so she followed me through. Good pace first through to carpark entrance. Along this track met quite a few heading towards us, some were very rude and did not make way or move much. Barstards!! From here went straight through main track to Spencer Park. A couple of regroups along the way. A stop for a bite, a chat and then homeward we came. Sandals little light starting giving out and after some discussion Whats his name? gave over a small spare which enabled her to continue. She stayed close to me for extra light. On the last blast back towards the beach more of the lads tucked in behind us which gave extra light and so I pushed it a wee bit harder. A quick rest at the shelter and then out we went. Enjoyed the ride and looking forward to Sunday.

Important notice.
Silverfox and Di are having drinks on Saturday night. An after Chemo party. If you are keen and do not know where and when give me a call. Also mellonfarmers B/day party on the 2nd, once again I can give you details. PFMTBC members welcome.

Monday 13th April 2009

Not a bad day for a ride, but drinking and dancing with my wife and fatboy until 2am does not make for an energetic start. The Cuban cigar did nothing for my lungs either. Geez, Fatboy, Te Rex, Silverfox, Tinkerbell and the Lone Wolf showed up on time and off we went. Mother Ted was at the bottom of the Rapaki Rd waiting for us. We all headed up, Silver Fox leading, me at the rear. At the first gate we stopped for a moment and Mother Ted waved good bye as she went on. Off the rest of us followed. By the flat bit Te Rex, and Fat Boy were putting some distance on us, and by the top Geez and I were definitely at the back. Te Rex even came down the hill to ride the last bit to the top with us. A quick breather and then on to the right. Blasted around Witch Hill, cleaning it all except the section where everyone is now doing the high side. I think I will do the low side from now on it makes more sense. Regrouped and then up the road to Castle Rock. Once again the sprinters to the front except Te Rex who rode at the back. He then threw it up five gears and caught everyone before the top. Barstard!! The single track was awesome, Fatboy, Tinkerbell, Silverfox, Lone Wolf then me followed by the others. Great run through here, me gaining until my little light came loose and started putting me off. Quick stop and adjustment saw me hitting it hard again. Enjoyed thoroughly. Regrouped at the Shelter above Bridal Path and then round to John Britten. Fatboy, Mother Ted and I peeled off here and headed down through the reserve. Great fun with Fatboy and I taking as many off piste lines as possible, finding rocks to ride over and off, taking steeper lines etc. Really good fun which I liked. The others I am sure had fun but one of them will need to fill in the details. We 3 then headed down the McCormacks Bay track. Sweet with the switchbacks, fast open sections all really fun. Stopped for a coffee and a chat about the trip. Unfortunately had to discuss that we have had some issues come up with who's coming and being single etc. Good chat but all was cool in the end and understood. Quick road cruise home where all I wanted to do was catch up on some sleep. But alas no, this did not happen. Lovely afternoon spent with the family though.

Tuesday 7th May 2009

The first ride with Lights for the season. Tinkerbell, Geez, Te Rex, Mother Ted, Nelsie, Silverfox, Mellonfarmer, The Lone Wolf, Fat Boy, Bugs and I set off from Dot Com. We headed up Ct Thomas as the light faded completely. Geez dropped a chain so I hung back while he got it together and then we headed off. It was all a bit different under lights and this was the first time ever up this way with lights. A bit off, dabbing on stuff I don't usually. Went with the mood I suppose. The quicker guys were off and racing while the tail enders chugged away, just enjoying the night. At the top we all regrouped and reflected on the ride. The moon was shining bright and all seemed right. Poetry. Mother Ted nearly pulled out as she had never ridden Godley Head before, let alone under lights. After a few come on you can do it from the team she rode on. Enjoyable grunt up the first bit, once again we were all strung out. Learning how to ride under lights again was the most important thing for me. Some new grit on the track coming down towards Livingstone Col, Nelsie got it wrong in the loose and parted company from his bike, no injury which was cool. Continued on down and then straight over to Breeze Col. We then split into 2 groups, one headed on to Godley before going down while the rest of us blasted down the Anaconda. I took it easy but enjoyed it all. I think we all did well for first time under lights. Grunted up and over Scarborough and we all regrouped at Dot Com. Most of the team went in for coffee but 3 of us just split.

Sunday 5th April 2009

Rubberjaws
Geez

Tinkerbell

Mellonfarmer

Fatboy

Helmut

Silverfox

Abba

The Group

Lonewolf

Craigieburn Day. Everyone arrived, well most people arrived actually. A couple missing which was a shame cos they would of loved the day.

We had Abba, Helmut (with a helmet), Tinkerbell, Siverfox, Geez, Nelsie, Mellonfarmer, Fatboy, Lone Wolf and myself. We loaded up into 3 vehicles and off we went. Easy drive up the Old West Coast Rd stopping just pass the Waimak Gorge turnoff. We looked upwards to check the weather. The report was for high winds and showers. Mellonfarmer in his positive way said we will be fine and offered numerous possible rides up there if needed. On this basis we drove on. It was worth it!

Parked up at the car park, and put jackets on as it was slightly chilly with wind blowing. Set off up the road towards the bottom of the Luge. A few had never done this trip so it was all new for them. Grouped at the bottom and then started, then stopped and took off the jackets cos it was much nicer in the trees. Silverfox had some gear problems so some helped adjust things as others rode on. All very technical through here with tree roots and steep climbs so for most of us (really all of us) there were spots we dabbed or clambered or just pushed. Rode as much as each individual chose to do. Awesome anyway, but breathing hard. Nelsie stopping and getting photos as he went then racing ahead again. Finally got to Lyndon saddle. Wind was blowing and I was still wondering if we were gonna get to the top, but good old Mellonfarmer kept up with his optimism. We then blasted down, down, to the Craigieburn access Rd. Very few, if any of the others noticing the Aciphylla colensoi along the edge of the track. Nasty things if you fall off.

I then bit the bullet and started the climb up the road to the top. Others riding behind, passing or riding with me. Slowly we climbed hitting the steeper stretch near the top. Once again some stopped for a breather, walked for a while or just sucked it in and rode on. We all got to the the top for a regroup and a quick bite. Then off we went to The Edge.

The Edge is aptly named. This track is along the edge, crossing scree slopes, following cliffs with large drops, flowing through trees hugging the side of the mountain. Not high speed, it is technical but fun. It is pretty much ride able from start to finish if you want. I dabbed a few times and lifted my bike over a few obstacles. Once again Nelsie racing around getting photos on all the good bits. An awesome ride with amazing views (but only when you are standing still). We then climbed back to the Lyndon saddle. Here we stopped while Mellonfarmer worked on his brakes. Of course we gave him heaps for holding us up. We then headed down the Luge.

The Luge is one of the funnest down hills you get. It seems wide after coming down the Edge. We all had a blast stopping only once on this long downhill. You are blasting between trees, over tree roots and little kickers and drops all the way down. All the corners flow so well and your eyes water from the effort to keep sight of where you are going. It is a blast and I just wanted to scream and shout but I thought some people may of thought I fell off. If I had the energy I would of done this stretch again. You get to the bottom and everyone is standing there with big shit eating grins, talking about their own experiences. This alone made the trip worth while. It is why I ride. To see the smiles and know the fear and the release at the end. Awesome.

A quick blast down the road to the car park, change and load up. We drove to the Springfield pub. We only had one moment along the way. Coming to the bottom of Porters, Tinks and the Eastenders leading. The wind came blasting down the valley at the last hairpin and it was so strong it picked up stones and shit and peppered his car. it was not a pretty site, it caused us all to slow down and remember good old Mother Nature. A beer and a game of pool and off we went for home.

For those that missed this, I am sorry you were not there and I hope to get a series of photos off Nelsie to tease you all with. See you Tuesday.

Tuesday 31st March 2009

Bugs, Silverfox, Sandals and Mother Ted arrived at mine at 7 ready to ride to the meeting of PFMTBC to discuss the October trip. An interesting collection of cycles really. Off we went with a good steady pace. I was impressed with the new gearing on the cruiser. It was dangerous as Mother Ted was on her ROAD bike and had to avoid things on the road such as paint, stones, tarmac, paving, bumps. She was all over the place but had a good pace on so we did not mind too much. We met Fatboy, Nelsy, Mellonfarmer, Te Rex, Lone Wolf and Abba at Tinkerbells. Helmut arrived later. After a beer or 2, a quick doo dah we sat down to business. Everyone talking over each, discussing and promoting their own views. Tinks trying to take notes. In the end 3 options were put out for the vote. The West coast, Marlborough and a surprise entry, Golden Bay. Westcoast was quickly shut out as the possibility of rain was high. The other 2 were roundly debated. After much discussion and the handing out of bribes it was decided we would do Golden Bay. Mellonfarmer has done a few tracks here and as it is completely new to the majority, the weather is mild and it is a damn nice place. We will now check up on accommodation and meet again at the end of May to get commitments. Of course between now and then we will get many gripes about maybe one of the other options would of been better but I will not listen, my ears are closed to all of this and I look forward to ignoring people. See you all Sunday.