Sunday, October 31, 2010

Sunday, 31st October

Cut and pasted from Mellonfarmer's pretty much...
Phatboy was rarking up ashley forest in a rally car and Rubberjawned was familying it....The rest, mellonfarmer, bugs, tinks, sandals, dozer and the silverfox met at silverfox's for today's spin. off up Worsley's, mellonfarter taking the dirt instead of tarmac, feeling good.

Hit the dirt and all had good climbs, nearly all cleaning the body bag? then we were onto the Nun. AWESOME blast down here, cold easterly blustering the odd jump, but not as bad as all that, brief regroup at half way, then onwards and downwards then off down Old Dyers too. excellent blaze down the bumpy bumpy bumpy to a sheltered sunny spot for a snackup.

then onwards up to road, over, and up into vic park, taking in the wee singletrack leading into the skidder site. nice wee off by tinks, who ended up having to untangle himself from a friendly bush. Off down Dazzas, then Brents, with everyone going different directions in there, Dozer and mellonfarmer taking in some of the bit we rode the other week. discovered race tape before leaving the forest, with dh groms blasting past on the fast lines as we flowed flow and nubridges. we regrouped below double drop (which was the dh finishline), and waited for Dozer, who'd dozed off and had quite a good off, nasty scrapes on his arms and knee.

Off up Hidden, some managing to clean it all this time, and off up and over into a glorious descent of the Old Skool. mellondeflamer said good by as the others turned for silvervox's, and mf to a quick blast into the wind home

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Tuesday 26th october

A meeting at Cot.Dom was arranged. Tinks, Phatboy, Mellonfarmer, Silverfox and I set off around the waterfront, (in a stinky cold easterly), up over Scarbourough to Taylors. Singletrack commenced with the Tail and then the grunt of the switchbacks on the snake. At the top M/F and P/B went east while the other 3 went west. Toodling on the ups and poodling on the downs. We allowed the others to catch us :) at Evans Pass. Down Ct Thomas we went. I did not have the normal momentum down here but enjoyed the ride. The quick 3 went first while Silverfox and I enjoyed the down at a comfy pace. Blasted the steps. Back to the vehicles where we all departed for home. Nice ride.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Sunday 24th October

The first time in years I have got out the weekend after the trip. Sandals, Ben (Sandals son so do we call him Jandals), Helmut and I set off. We got as far as the corner when faster than a speeding bullet a green car headed towards mine. It was Dozer, so we waited and all five of us set off up Rapaki. Jandals led the way so now I have his name, Little Richard. We arrived at the top in average time before I led off around Mt Vernon. Stopped halfway to make sure all were there before zipping around to Bowenvale traverse. Great blast around here, neatly passing some dude at the rocky section before Lava Flow, on around to the half way point for a regroup. Onwards again to top of Vic before dropping down thru to the Rock Garden, Gums and then to the picnic spot. Little Richard then broke for home while the rest of us did, Dazzas, Brent's, Flow, Nu Bridges. From here we grunted up the hidden track before a fast blast down Old Skool. Helmut punctured the 29" wheel and had no kit so he walked to the new coffee shop that Sandals suggested. Can see us stopping there more often. Nice ride.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

The October trip, 15th to 20th.

Left home at 7.45am and arrived smack on time at Silverfoxes. Loaded up his gear and 2 bikes before heading around to find Te Rex all ready. Arrived at the meeting place (Cookie Time) with plenty of time to spare. Bought some goodies before Phatboy arrived with Mellonfarmer and Dozer. At 9.02 Bugs arrived with Sandals and Helmut. We hit the road for Dunedin. Stopped for a quick bite in Oamaru (where all the woman are older than 60). Finally arrived at the Leith Valley Motor Camp which was our home for the 5 nights of our trip. Worked out well with everyone making use of Phatboy and my apartment. Did some groceries and picked up some beer from Emerson's before changing into some clothes for our first ride.

As we always do, we let Mellonfarmer take the lead and show us the trails, (he is the best map reader after all). We grunted up a few steep streets behind the camp and eventually found the top of the Redwood Loops. Awesome little track that Zigs and Zags down a hill. Lots of switchbacks and loose stone but oh so enjoyable. At the bottom the track gently loops back up to the beginning. The third loop saw Phatboy sideswipe a tree, he went over the bars, garking his knee quite well. He and I headed back to camp to attend to first aid duties while the others completed another loop.

We had a good dinner and then drunk until midnight to prepare for the next day. As the evening wore on The dreaded one and his mate Mike from Canada showed up. Tinkerbell got there about 10.30 with the lone GOAT in tow. The team was assembled for the next day.

Day 2 dawned with lovely sunshine and it was warm. We would learn to hate both before the day was done. We headed up the Leith valley to the Nichol's Track. This is a beautiful track that Zigs, Zags and sidles up through some awesome native bush. It reminded me of the Koru in Wellington. The biggest hold up was the Dreaded one riding on skinny tyres that kept getting holes in. He swears never to do this again. We had a quick break at a clearing near the top. At this point the track has not been completed and we continued up a walking track. This entailed much carrying, lifting, throwing, scrambling and getting ripped at by the plant life. I arrived first followed by Sandals. I had the camera set to catch people as they arrived. A rest was had before dropping and climbing along the Swampy Summit trail. We dropped down eventually to a parking area called the Bullpen. All feeling hot by now. After not being able to decipher the maps properly or find the trail we wanted we headed down the shingle road and looped back up anther to find Snakes and Ladders. This trail looked good on film and photo. Was meant to be a nice little skills area. Reality is a different thing. some nice drops and chutes followed only to be killed by stupid ups in loose shingle. The only person who seemed to enjoy it honestly was Helmut. I heard moans from everyone else. Half the team split at the first exit and headed back towards the Bullpen while the others continued on. The sensible half slogged back up the hill in some intense sun and heat. Water was now running low. The other half then had a break as yet another puncture happened before completing the ride. The word is that there were some more enjoyable challenges in there but also lotsa shitty bits. Not worth doing or riding there was the general consensus. The first group got to the Bull pen and started straight up towards the top, stopping for a quick bite in the shade. Sandals went for a swim in the pond. We saw the rest coming so ambled onwards and upwards. Eventually stopping at the top of swampy summit ready for the downhill. All were now running out of water or out. Well actually we thought this. It turns out Te Rex had another litre left when we got back to camp. The first downhill was interesting with everyone riding what they could. No one got all the way without dabbing. The top of the Zig zags finally arrived and the group got into a riding order and we were off. Yippeee and yahoo. Swooping and switching our way down the hill. So much fun to be had. Enjoyed it immensely. The usual group out front with me leading another group. All riding sweet. Silverfox caught his bars on a tree slowing him, then at an intersection Dozer led some down a shortcut. Nearly took this route myself (both times we rode this track). Finally achieved the bottom in good condition. The Dreaded one had yet another puncture on the way down. Back to camp where i cooked. No big session tonight as everyone was tapped out. In bed by 9.

Day 3. Another sunny morning. headed out on the road for Signal Hill. Long climb up the tarmac road. Lucky we had Mr Maps cos I would of got us lost with my lack of skills. grind grind grind ever upwards. Eventually got to the monument at the top which had better view's than any of us ever imagined. Some saw more than others. You just had to be on the ball. After Mellonfarmer looked at the maps we all concurred that we knew nothing as far as where to ride. The maps were all shite. Lucky for us that a guy Brent from the Bike Otago Shop was prepared to show us down. I loved this downhill track. Tested me to my limits but I still rode 95-98% of it. I personally would of done this a few more times, but I did not want to ride all the way back up and we found no room on the shuttle. The weather started to close in so went back to camp for lunch. This was a nice wee rest while the weather was doing its thing and helped set us up for the afternoon that was to come. Eventually after listening to much bleating and having watched the film that we had of the morning we loaded bikes onto the cars and drove to the Redwoods. Lucky for us they hold so much water before dropping it on the ground. Oh and the fact that it stopped raining helped even more. A few loops of this. I raced around trying to get some hand held footage. The others stopped at the bottom and hatched a plan while I finished a loop. After some chuckling at my expense we agreed to heading to Bethunes, (This is now called Buffoons after a group of riders who could not find their way). Mellonfarmer had a map so I left mine at camp. we arrived at Forrester's sports Field. Sandals suggested driving into Buffoons but after some discussion and looking at a drawing we stayed where we were. Into the forest for a couple of downhill switchbacks before ending up at the cars again. Hmmm, not what we thought would happen. We followed the leader down into the BMX cause which was fun then some shingle track before finding a road. Hmmm which way now. Buffons was the call but where and how do we get there now. Down the road and finally found a track going up. This was the start of some serious fun. At the top we heard the call that we will stay high now for sure. But this was Buffoons. We immediately headed downhill on some sweet track which was enjoyed by all. We then headed up another walking track that led to some off road. Following this we found a nice play area that had us all attempting to ride this. Some laughter and a rest. We found some awesomely sweet downhill. fast, flowing and yet tight with little drops. So sweet. I was so pumped by endorphins I could of ridden up a hill again. And that is what happened. Up a steep grunty track that was steep and grunty all the way. Guess what now. That's right another downhill run. This was funtastic, awesome and so cool. I challenged myself by staying on the hard route before going down the Expert line. Others took the sport line. (They had a couple of signs with arrows to keep the racers on cause). I can not say enough about this run. I loved it. At the bottom there were only 5 of nine arrive. Oops. The other four took the sport line. We five took another uphill which was the track we first came down. Not bad up and we followed this, taking a left near the top before coming out on the road and rejoining the group. Down into Forrester's park before following a track around the back which led to the top of the trees we first started in. fast down and back to the cars. Buffoons completed. To me this was the best track of the weekend followed by Signal hill. Oh the laughs about Buffoons. Lucky for maps!!!!!!!

Headed home and had some food before anther night of drinking. Poor Tinks had to go home now.

Day 4. It had been decided to follow Mellonfarmers call of doing the Government track. This is part of the old packhorse track to Cromwell and the goldfields. the plan was to start at 9 and be back by 12. We started at 9.30 and back by 3ish actually. Nearing our destination and the clouds were looking grim. I made the statement that Mellonfarmer will be saying that I will be saying Oh look at the rain. I was right about his mind working like that. The closer we got the more the sun came out which was pleasing to behold. Started up the track and the 1st hundred metres did not look good. But then we got onto the main trail and it was sweet native bush riding at an easy gradient all the way. I ambled up to keep energy and also to enjoy the plant and bird life. A few sections to carry or lift the bikes over and some trees down. Nice drops off the edge to catch you if you made a mistake. Lots of slippery wet roots and rocks. One cold wind exposed paddock a third of the way and then also some fine hail about 2 thirds of the way up. At the top, beautiful sunshine and bad weather coming. Downwards we went. oh so sweet. A few slips and slides but plenty of fun coming down. Regroups regularly to make sure all was well. Te Rex testing a real bike (with real suspension). Shit hot fun. Snowed briefly on the way back but no rain. All got to the bottom safely. The drive back saw some serious shite weather. Stopped for more beer, which we did not drink that night. Out for a meal before going to bed by 10.

Day 5. Weather was meant to be shite and did not expect a ride. Weather held out so we went up the Nichol's zig zags. A brief brush with bush lawyer on the way up and another brush with a tree on the way down were my highlights. I even cut time off my previous trip down even though the track was now wet and slippery. Everyone dabbed a few times. Unfortunately this had to be proved by actual video evidence. I took the top a but slow and got faster as i went down. Bugs on my tail with the camera rolling. We loved the run. Back to camp just before the rain set in for the day. Stopped at bike Otago before 5 of us went for a tour of Emerson's with Richard Emerson himself. Great trip with some nice tastings that set the tone for the night. A real session was held for the last night. Much discussion about speed, dabbing and how not to act like a Total Cock. Never make yourself out to be better than others in a group (especially when you do not mean too). Maybe the al k hol did not help??

Day 6. Time to go home. Phatboy, Mellonfarmer, Sandals and Helmut set off to do a Canterbury ride in Waimate while the others agreed the Dunedin trip was officially over and headed home. Silverfox, Te Rex and I hooked up with the Dreaded one for a half hour chat. Checked out his Specialised demo 8. What a lounge on wheels this is. Home by 3.30.


Overall the riding was great, the accommodation was great, the beer was great and I enjoyed the company of the group. Next year we celebrate 10 years of group riding. Where will it be and who will be with us.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Sunday 101010

Mellonfarmer and Matt from Oz, Phatboy, Bugs, Dozer, Tinks, Sandals and Silverfox met at mine. I was riding Phatboys Santa Cruze as mine was in the shop. 1st time on a hard tail for a while, about 10 years maybe longer. On top of this it was a large and I am a squat or shorty. We set off up the Crapaki with a mixture of paces. There were so many people on the trail I thought it was a super highway. Me finding it slightly tough as I was stretched out a bit. We kept going and regrouped at the top. The weather was warmer than any off us expected on the way up but a cool breeze at the top. Onto Vernon Traverse then a regroup at the start of the Bowenvale Traverse. Phatboy got a flat, then while he did this Sandals played by herself while we all watched. She did well on the little climb of the Vernon traverse. Then it was time to ride the trail. Much better pace and I was finding the hard tail OK. Onto Vic park, down Thompson's and after a pit stop upwards to the top of Marley's. Down we went. Now I was fighting a beast that was not anything like I knew as a bike. God bring back 6.5 inches of suspension. Let me float like a butterfly instead of dropping like hail stones in a storm. I survived my terror and made it all the way down. Tinks had spoke problems halfway. All sorted so we continued. Into Vic again, down the rock garden, into Gums, then some new track before joining the race line down Dazzas, into a new line through Brent's, which was awesome, before doing flow and new Bridges. Arms were saw and knees were knocking now. I nearly pulled the pin. We all went up the hidden track before doing Old Skool. Nice blast by everyone down here. Nearly ripped the derailleur off this time. Stopped for coffee before heading home. Good ride by all, with no injuries. Next full ride will be Friday in the city of scarves.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Tuesday 5th October

Silverfox arrived at mine and we drove round to pick up Abba before heading out to Cot.Dom. Followed Sandals most of the way actually. Upon arriving we were met by Phatboy, Bugs and Tinkerbell. We set off for Ct Thomas. All going well with the boys setting a good pace. Then I went over the handlebars cos my wheel went into the hole in the track. No damage to me but a slight knock to my confidence and also to my derailleur. This caused my chain to drop off so had to muck around with this. Carried on after the others who were waiting at the gate. Off we went again only for me to fall backwards while clearing a lump and the handlebars went over me this time. Sore Elbow, ankle and a scrape to the leg. Confidence shot now and I was dabbing all over the place. The others all rode superbly of course and I was last up to Evans Pass. Moaning and cursing I was. Up Godley we went, then more chain droppage so I ended up last to the top again. The others continued their sublime run up the hills. Time for a downhill, me with a little bit of confidence coming back but my front brakes decided to squeal worse than ever. Last climb from Livingstone to Breeze was the best of the ride. Cleaned it and then chased Bugs down the hill. Much happier but now light was fading for the Snake. Excellent run down here by all of us. Even I was happy now. Then the tail before slogging up Taylor's. Down Nicholson Park where the others let me lead. Back to the cars and home with my tired and sore body. The bike is in the shop for a service today so by Sunday, no squeaks, groans or chain drop. 9 more sleeps.

Monday, October 4, 2010

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.