Sunday bloody Sunday 7th July

I rode around the river towards Ferrymead, collecting Bugs at the footbridge down from his.  We then pumped our way to ferrymead Bridge where we collected Phatboy.  From here we gave it a serious nudge out to Dot Com.  Very good pump.  Hooked up with Tinkerbell and Silverfox before the arrival of Mellonfarmer.  headed up to Sumnervale finding the new Ct Thomas route.  This leads up the valley through some seriously boggy track (will be great when dry) and then up some zig zags (found out that the track is 6% grade) to the old Cpt Thomas.  Great to finally ride up here.  Could see some damage and dabbed a few times in spots previously ridden.  Will get better I am sure.  At the top we headed out Godley.  Feeling fit enough but dabbing at times and slipping once in a spot never before slipped at.  The wind was blowing us around a bit but this is what riding is about.  Great fast blast down to Livingstone Col and up the other side.  The bottom of this was wet and soggy for a change. Quick blast up the hill and then down the other side to Breeze.  Phatboy nearly lost it on the cattle stop.  We then headed out to the car park via the sheep trail.  The wind playing havic with my riding as the track was narrow and the wind was strong.  Down and then back below the road.  Expecting the wind to be bad but it was a great run.  Then down the Anaconda.  Great run down here, nearly dry all the way.  In the bottom few switchbacks it got real mucky and we ran into Nic the Ranger doing some repair work.  Apologised for riding the track and then carried on.  Nice wee run and then started the grunt over Scarborough.  Pushed hard the final climb and we continued for a fast blast down.  Into the final hair-pin it was mellonfarmer, Phatboy then me.  Mellonfarmer went around then Phatboy and I heard a crunch and saw his bike go across the centre line without him.  Oops.  Got around and he was up and off to one side.  Skinned and bloody.  Seemed ok but took it easy back to Dot Com where we reviewed his injuries.  Lotsa skin missing on knees and elbows and hip.  Ouch.  We all got a lift home instead of punching into the wind.  Good ride.