Sunday 23rd August

A ride to remember with a good bunch of riders. PhatBoy, Silverfox, Bugs, Tinkerbell, Dozer Sandals and I were just about to head off when Abba joined us. The eight of us headed off around the river towards Sumner. (most tracks closed still). Followed the river track pumping along at a good pace, then across the causeway. We stopped at the bottom of Richmond Hill to remove jackets. Then we climbed, and climbed and grunted up the road for a regroup near the top of the road. We then headed up the farm track where Abba had to walk due to lack of tread on tires. I walked 5 paces and had a couple of Dabs while the rest had a dab or two but rode well. At the top we nearly left Sandals behind cos I did not notice she was having a bite to eat when I took off. A couple of lads waited for her. A regroup at John Britten before heading on. Good road blast around to the traverse. Pushed hard all the way and had a bite and regroup at the start of the traverse. Abba bailed to do some stuff and the rest of us headed on. Great to be on single track again. Pumped hard all the way. Regroup at Vic before showing the roadies how to ride down hill to the Kiwi. Toilet stops for the boys before we chased Sandals who had continued upwards towards Worsley. Pushed hard. Worsley was as one would expect. Wet and Muddy. Took the technical lines where poss and enjoyed it all the way. Arms aching from control the bike and brakes. Got home after a 38km ride feeling like I had worked hard.