Sunday 14th February

The Valentines Ride.

Tinkerbell, Bugs, Dozer and the Silverfox arrived promptly at mine for a 9am departure. We waited for Mellonfarmer (late) then Phatboy(very late) who arrived by car with a flat tyre so we waited some more. Half and hour after scheduled departure we got going. Sandals was waiting at the top for us. (patiently). The ride up was quite enjoyable. We headed around Vernon towards Rapaki, I dabbed a couple of times and then after seeing Phatboy tumble I lost concentration and dabbed big time again. After this a good blast down and then over Witch Hill. I watched Dozer try and unsuccessfully move some rocks during this section. Round to castle rock which was a great blast, Tinks was going a bit slow which surprised but he sped up from here as he got into it. John Britten Reserve and then into Greenwood. Blasted through here until the Silverfox decided to go one better than Phatboy and Dozer. Difference was his was a harder hit with saw ribs to remind him to stay on the bike. Carried on blasting, loving it all the way, chasing Tinks who was chasing Phatboy who was chasing Mellonfarmer. Due to time when we got to Evans Pass we headed down Ct Thomas. I bailed on 2 sections but was amped with the ride. Coffee and a chat and then home. Even with the reduced gearing I managed a good clip across the causeway before going around the back of Ferrymead and along the rive home. All up maybe 35-40km. Bring on Hamner.