29th May 2012

A cold night as it got dark but the plan was to ride and ride we did.  Silverfox and the Cook arrived so we loaded up and headed over to Taylors for the hook up.  Waiting was Texas, Bugs and Dozer.  We then heard Phatboy and Tinkerbell coming down the hill.  On the bikes and we headed up the road to the top before hanging a left onto Godley Rd.  New territory for us all which was novel.  A slightly steeper strectch than I thought it would be but all good.  Then at the road end we discovered a 6 foot high fence and gate.  mmmmmm We climbed it and got the bikes over too.  Rode up the shingle for a bit before discovering we had another gate but this time I used my key on it.  Haha good thinking.  Up the shingle track again over a few small gates until reaching the road.  Beautiful night and looked good everywhere I could see.  We decided to turn right and after riding 100m maybe a bit more we found the gate I was looking for on the left.  Turns out texas and Bugs had used this gate before.  We headed up the farm track as it slowly became single track reaching the Godley head bike track at the rocky entrance to the cattlestop.  All down hill towards Livingstone Col.  Sweet run through slightly overgrown track.  So good. I did not see it but all talked about Dozer riding off the boardwalk somehow.  His words were "I only rode off it a bit". We regrouped before riding up and over to Breeze Col.  Nearly all of us rode "PFMTBC Rock."  Then it was down the Snake at rocket speeds, jumps and joy, tears from the wind and all the good things that go with it.  Slightly damp and greasy in spots to keep all honest then regrouped at the tail just in time to watch The Cook have a small slide before all of us heading down and out to the cars.  5 ofd us then drove to Cashmere to help a Damsel in distress.  Had beer and savouries and moved two couches before going home.  Enjoyed the new route up the hill.

Sunday 27th May

Up and ready early. Beautiful and warm with sun shining. Went outside meeting Silverfox then Bugs and Dozer. Then a chill came in so put the jacket on. Rode down the street where we hooked up with Phatboy. A few drops of rain but the cloud was not where we were riding so we headed on around Hansens park. The cloud was chasing us and catching. Started up Ramahana Rd when the rain caught us and the cloud was now where we were heading. Stood under the tree hoping it would go away but alas no. We then rode home for coffee. Yes the rain stopped but about an hour later. Had things to do so canned the ride.

Meanwhile, Mellonfarmer and BeckyBoo tried to get up Mt Grey but were pushed off by the same rainstorm and ended up riding elsewhere

Tuesday May 22nd

Got home after a day spent sweeping, painting and sniffing fumes at work.   Did not feel like riding but went anyway.  Silverfox showed at mine and we went round collected the Cook and headed upto The Sign of the Kiwi.  Met up with Tinkerbell, Picton, Mellonfarmer and Bugs.  Headed up the road into some light cloud and to the top of Marleys at a gentle pace.  Sorted an order and headed down.  Bugs filming Tinks on the way and I was followed by Silverfox then Cook.  The speed boyz were gone in the distance for a full loop. Took it somewhat easy but enjoyed it meeting at the middle for another uphill loop.  The Cooks shoulder playing up a bit so decided to do a full run and get him home rather than sitting in the cold.  This time same order but new lines and a bit quicker.  Feeling good on the up and great on the down.  Stopped for a regroup with the lads before doing the bottom half.  Nice run down here getting all the little jumps. Chatted with Mellonfarmer and Piction at the bottom before slinging the bikes and heading home.  Would of and could of done a couple of more loops but happy to get out at all.

Sunday 19th Mayy

Another planting day.  Woke up feeling slightly tired and grumpy, nothing to do with the great rugby game the night before.  Anyhow went out to find Silverfox, Tinkerbell and Dozer ready to go. It was bloody cold out. Headed up the road to the end of Heathcote Valley then down Bridal Path Rd, Martindales and then truscotts Rd before riding the track around the back of the esturary.  We then rode the towpath around the back of Ferrymead, watched the ugly towers being demolished before arriving at Charlesworth Reserve for the planting.  Worked hard and then went home.

the lost rides

As I am the only one who keeps this really updated and kissed 3 rides there is not a lot to say really.  I heard they went out and rode but not much more,

Thursday 17th May

Ride of 2 halves last night, thereby covering more ground... Buggs, Dozer and The Cook gathered at Taylors and waited for Phatboy, Mellonpharmacologic and Pictonia to arrive. They did, then they all rode up the Snake's tail. Picton, MF and Phatser peaked so quick while the others awaited The Cook's cooking that txt's were traded and the quicker group groped off into the night along the road and had a wonderful adventure picking their way back over the boulderstrewn trail. Meanwhile, Buggs, Dozer and Cookie explored out along the lower singletrack to the end and back then all the way down Anna Conda. She was reluctant to let the Cook go, and he was wondering where to go when the speedsters jetted past him showing him the way to do it. The six regrouped and finished off the tale with much aplomb. All told, by 8.10pm or so.

Sunday 6th May

The first trees for canterbury planting of the year required a road ride.  Silverfox and I trundled over to Phatboys where we met up with Mellonfarmer, Dozer and Tinkerbell.  The whole posse then headed thru the broken streets to Hagley Park where a bunch of nutters were running around in circles then down the rail cycle path to Tuckers Rd then thrugh Styx Mill to the planting site.  Planted 2000 plants, ate sausages and hash browns before heading back in reverse direction.  People all splitting off at respective points.  Got another ride in to and from the rugby later too.