Rubberjaws
Geez
Tinkerbell
Mellonfarmer
Fatboy
Helmut
Silverfox
Abba
The Group
Lonewolf
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.
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.
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