Sunday 3rd October

2 weeks to go before the trip and we need to push it. Pity that A couple of us were both complaining of a bad guts. We presented for the ride anyhow. Tinks, Phatboy, Dozer, Bugs, Abba and I headed off to the Silver Foxes on a beautiful if coolish morning. He was ready and waiting to go. He helped oil Dozers chain and then we started down the road. Phatboy punctured about 100metres on. Then we started again. Just before starting the climb on Worsley we hear Pssst and yes, Phatboys tire was flat. No puncture but the valve had ripped off. Fix this and then we start the climb. Went up the neat little single track beside the road. A few stopped and got rid of a layer of clothing. This is a nice option compared to the road. Still steep but it is single track. Slogged on upto the start of the off road. As mentioned a couple of us not feeling 100%. I led off up the track and cleaned it all to the rest bend. After this little break I mucked up the next 100 metres before getting it together. We regrouped at the bottom of the body bag where Sandals also joined the team after heading up ahead of us. 6 out of 8 all cleaned the body bag which is a record. At this point Abba disappeared ahead and no more was seen of him. We just took it for granted that he had not gone off the edge somewhere cos he does this sometimes. Up to the top of Marleys where we all had an excellant run. Whooping and jumping our way down. Regroup and then down to the Kiwi. Climbed Thompsons Track all the way to Vic then down via Seasame St, into Dazzas, Brents, Flow and New Bridges. One little moment at the start of new bridges but all down safe. We then climbed hidden Valley before coming down old skool. Lotsa ups and lotsa downs. All felt bloody good.