Sunday 6th of September

Fathers Day so not everyone rode. The following story was written by Helmut. So enjoy and digest as you will. I hear there is no embellishments although Sandals did not ride.

As it turned it may or may not have been another beautiful morning there in Bagdad. We couldn't have cared less as it was defiantly a beautiful day in Sumner. The unusual crew assembled at Dot Com for the pre race briefing. Present and accounted for were - The Goat, Tinkerbell, Bugs, Abba, Sandels, Helmut, and Mother Ted. The timing transponders were handed out and attached as per instructions, numbers pasted on and interestingly for the first time we got bar codes to stick on in case of emergency. Apparently in the case of a bad crash they can scan the bar code at any supermarket or garage and this will bring up your medical records and your mothers phone number. (handy that).

After some discussion as to the best starting procedure we all took off after the goat who had already started. A slow amble through to the lower slopes of the captain, where it was decided it was best to stop for some serious tree pushing action. Having tired of the trees we headed up the hill to witness a most surprising event. Tinkerbell led the way and to the amazement of all - just as he came to a halt very close to the rubber mats - rather than getting off and pushing as was expected - he simply bounced the bike 90deg and began to work his was sideways hopping up the hill cleaning it to the top of the steep section and then riding off further up the track. Later he stated he had seen it done on a DVD and thought it was worth a try. All were most impressed and no one else could match the feat.

Onwards up the Captain with all riding well. Re group at the top then headed out the tracks towards the snake. Nothing of interest to report on the ride out, other than a near over the bars event for the goat. Not really out of the ordinary. Next it was a good old fashioned hammering down the snake. No mucking around and not much braking either.

Big grins all round at the bottom. The plan called for an ascent of the boulder bay track - however there were many walkers. A quick discussion resulted in the decision to put some big ugly fella in front to liaise with the walkes and try to placate them. However Helmut went up front instead. A stunning day with large cliffs and good clean habits'.

Being the polite bunch we are, we kept to the cliff side as we were passing walkers and joggers. We were all glad that there were no large objections to our presence as one gentle push would have resulted in a long drop for us. A long slow excruciating, bum numbing, jaw dropping, spirit breaking, gut wrenching, shattering, sole destroying, emancipating climb up to Godley followed. This was punctuated only by beer and women.

Once up the top again, a pit stop was required by all and we found the Godley

Head and made good use of it. Next a drop below the road and heading back to the top of the snake. It was a fast flowing ride along this section with all managing to bunny hop the undercut holes, which have grown large enough to swallow a Tardis - sideways. Even pushing into the gale force north west gusts some of which were measured at over 140km most still managed top chain ring.

Further re-group and discussion as to the merits of heading back the way we had come. However once it was pointed out that it was such a nice day - a second loop of boulder bay was thought best by all concerned. The second loop went considerably faster than the first time around as all were warmed up by this time. Once we got back to the top of the snake it was the best part of 11am and we really needed to start heading back.

Off along the top tracks again towards the captain. At the high point there was a re-group and from there sandals led off followed by mother ted. Next thing we know the goat exclaimed "I'm coming up the rear" and hooks in behind those 2. This would lead to his undoing as they were not mucking around. The goat did his best to hang on in behind but in the end he splattered himself - all over a rock. He ended up with fluid dripping from his knee and elbow - muttering something about blowback.

Onwards down to the top of the captain for a little re-group before the mad rush down. The call of the caffeine was strong with them - by now. Great ride down by all with no incidents and many smiles. Upon being asked all said they by far preferred going down and all agreed to try to go down at least as often as they go up.

Back to Dot Com which was full and so all retired to the Mudfish to await the official results and placing for the day. Unfortunately there was a fault with the timing equipment and also a protest from the French. Apparently the swimsuits were giving an unfair advantage on some sections. Quick discussion resulted in results reading - stuff the French, Rugby was the winner on the day.