23rd June

finally a day that we could ride.  days of rain, parties and then days of rain and snow have prevented us from riding for a while.  For me and a few others it was the Marleys planting on the 1st.  nothing was going to stop me today.  I went outside to find it bloody cold and lots of ice around.  Wrapped up warm for the ride.  Bugs arrived and then Dozer.  We waited for others to show (I had apologies from Tinkerbell and Phatboy).  Mellonfarmer said he was on the way but it was to cold to wait so sent a text saying meet you at ferrymead.  Off we set sticking to the road to avoid feet soaking puddles around the river.  All tracks closed so tarmac was the flavour.  Got to ferrymead where mellonfarmer joined us and we headed up St Andrews Hill.  Still rugged up until just above marama cres where we all got rid of some item of clothing.  Continued up the hill at a steady pace, using all the normal roads.  Stopped for a brief regroup at the Upper Major Hornbrook before climbing the last stretch of Mt Pleasant Rd.  Rugged back up before heading down the Summit Rd to Evans (cold but lots of water flowing across the road with lotsa grit about)then on down to Sumner.  It was interesting seeing a waterfall on the bend that had all the blasting work.  We stopped at Dot Com for drinks, sitting inside for warmth before heading back towards home.  All heading in different directions shortly before or after Ferrymead bridge.  Nice to get out but gosh the tracks will be wet for a while.