Saturday 6th June

Another Saturday ride. Upsets the patterns, but then we were off to plant trees at the top of Marley's. Hoping the weather held off. Sandals showed up early so we watched the mad uni guy doing his downhill bit on the DVD.Waiting for Silverfox who then advised he had punctured on the way over so we decided to meet him at the bottom of Huntsbury. Off we set and picked MotherTed up at the bottom of Rapaki Rd. She was dressed for some cold weather, while Sandals had on short shorts, Mother ted had her glove gloves and shoe gloves. We caught Silver fox and headed up Aotea Tc and were surprised when young Geez wheezed up behind us. Good effort put in to catch us. I was riding well for me as we headed up. Pleased with myself I was. As we rode we kept feeling that icy breeze slapping us and watched the clouds building. Shades of last years planting ride at the same time. As we cleared the tarmac the weather let her claws out and the wind started buffeting us about and made it clear that Sandals should of worn long longs. It was a wee tad bloody freezing and gusty. Got to the top and blasted around the traverse track. Windy days are great for allowing me to look good. All the weight holds me on the track while all the light weights got blown all over the place. I was loving it. The track was much dryer than last week. Top of Vic we shot down Thompson's and the to Sign of Kiwi. Short toilet stop for ....me!! We then rode around to Worsleys Rd and as we went up the deep throated roar of a V8 Ford hit us. Yes Phatboy had arrived with children in tow for the planting. Met Di Carter at the top, smiled and joked about the weather and headed up the track to grab a spade and get planting. Great turnout there was. At least 35 people on the day. Even Nick Singletrack was there planting. He sung his Roadie song to Motherted. It was great but no roadie would want to hear it. We put in 600 plants which was great. As the weather got cooler Sandals new the short shorts were not helping so she, Mother ted and Silverfox left. Then Phatboy and Emily. Alistair and his mate had their bikes and headed off only to return 5 minutes after Phatboy left with damaged bike. He had to coast down the hill, poor little downhiller. Planting done so Geez and I got the bikes and bombed down the track. It was funky, with me getting some air time and blasting it. Great fun. Upto top of Vic, with the wind behind us, then down Seasame St, dazzas, Brents and bridges. Geez got loose here and had to bail before going over the edge. Great landing style earned him 7 outa 10. Home for a shower which was deserved. I was wasted after all this effort though.