Sunday 7th February

I had been wondering whether to ride as I had a snotty nose etc. decided yes as we were expecting 3 ozzies to join us. I rode over to Silver foxes on my own as Bugs was away, Phatboy was away and Tinkerbell...well Tinkerbell was doing a Tinkerbell. Something about adjusting his bike today instead of Yesterday, so we all wondered if there was a lady from overseas blowing through town that he might of fallen for. Maybe not, maybe he was Tinkering.

Anyway in order of appearance at the end of the Silver foxes Drive..Me , Silverfox, Mellonfarmer, Te Rex and then along came Dozer. No Ozzies. Up late it seems. Silverfox had arranged a couple of Aucklanders to meet us but they were no where to be seen by 9.30 so we headed off. Closer to Worsley I start thinking, poo it is wet and I should not ride. But then I did anyway. The Aucklanders rung so Dozer and I slowly went on while the others waited. We actually made it to the end of the Tarmac before they caught up which surprised me. The Aucklanders who go by the name Mountain Vikings (Tim and Mark) were actually a couple of really nice guys. They are on a trip from top to bottom of NZ on bikes with slicks. But when they can they through knobblies on and become real cyclists like us.

We cruised on up Worsley in the fog with everyone breathing slightly harder, except for a couple of us who were breathing really hard. Regrouped a few times getting to know the Vikings. Got to the top and I must admit I walked the last bit as did Dozer and the Fox. Said Hi to a couple of machine riders and then up to the top of Marleys. MF led followed by yours truly, then Tim then others. I was loving the ride and obviously Tim was enjoying himself cos of all the hollering and whooping going on. Regrouped halfway then onto the Kiwi for a regroup. More whoops. Down old Dyers at incredibly stupid speed with shit eating grins at the end.

Sandals made contact and we decided to meet at the skidder site. Up into Vic and we snacked and chatted while we waited for her. Down Dazzas and into Brents. I love the sketchiness of this and took some new lines followed again by Tim. Round Flow, into the High lines of Bridges, down the steep ending (which has scored a new name today of Hospital Corner) then a regroup before heading up the Hidden Valley Track. A regroup at the top and then a fast blast down old Skool. A great ride had by all. We all split in differing directions. the Vikings came back to mine for coffee and some info.

Had a great chat and will follow their exploits with interest. Nice guys who did well on their cross country bikes, 100mm of travel and no experience on our tracks. made a nice change to help some out of towners discover what we have.

Catch ya Later.