Thursday 30th July

I met up with Sandals, Helmut,Abba, Tinkerbell and Phatboy at Taylors for a short ride. We headed out and before we even started I had gear problems. Had not cleaned the bike on Sunday and the mud had hardened behind the front shifter so had to break this out. After this all was well. Sandals and I headed up the walking track while the boyz had already gone up around the tail. Felt good riding and the weather was pleasant. Headed towards boulder Bay but at the second steps Sandals stopped moving. Phatboy went back and after watching them bob round searching it turnt out that pedal problems were the cause of the delay. Helmut and Sandals headed back. The rest of us headed on, pleasant ride with a quick blast towards the gates above the Bay. jackets off for the grunt up this hill. Did ok but I stopped for a breather before heading on. A regroup at the top and then round the lower track to Breeze col. Saw a couple of lights come up the conda and just knew it was Sandals and Helmut. They had fixed the pedal. Chatted and then let a group that Abba knew head down first. Their lead guy had no light and by the time they got down Phatboy had caught them. Into the cars and home. Short sweet ride. Words of wisdom for the day, When going up hill, Breathe. Exhale completely and it will be easier to do this. Never hold your breath when riding.