Tuesday29th October

Last ride for the month.  I headed out and picked up The Cook before heading up to The Sign of the Kiwi. Phatboy showed up a couple of minutes later.  We then headed up the road at a nice easy pace to the top of Marleys.  The first of 3 loops followed.  The first was a little slower, the second much faster and the third was fantastic.  No falls although lap 2 saw Phatboy having a close call while chasing some guy on a Santa Cruz Nomad.  The 3 rd lap we went all the way to the bottom before heading back up the hill to do the bottom half again.  All in all just a short ride to stretch the legs but still so much fun.

Sunday 27th october

Labour weekend and so many unavailable which is typical for the first ride after a trip.  Dozer and Silverfox arrived at mine and the 3 of us went riding.  Left mine at 9.05 and after a steady run up the Crapaki arrived at the summit at 9.40 feeling rather fine.  Not bad time for an amble.  We hooked into the Mt Vernon track with a couple of chicks cutting in ahead and a couple of other riders hooking onto the back.  let the chicks lead upto the halfway section when I passed them before the steep climb.  Pumped around the top here and had a regroup to put an extra layer of clothing on at the road crossing.  Gave the other riders time to get a start too.  We then pumped around the traverse trail, Dozer stopping to get tears out of his eyes (wind in your face) then straight into the downhill into Vic, flew though the rock garden, down the gums flowing really well.  From here we went down Shazzas, Brents, bridges and Flow in quick time.  With so much time on our hands we climbed up the hidden valley track and hooked into Old Skool for a fun blast down here.  Once again it just flowed.  Down by 10.40.  What a quick blast.  Silverfox headed home as he had things on and Dozer and I headed off for tea and coffee.

October 23rd, homeward bound.

After much discussion another split occurred.  2 car loads head home.  Tinekerbell, The Cook and Silverfox in one, Dozer, Bugs and myself in the other.  A great drive home for a well deserved rest while the others followed mellonfarmer into the bush south of Richmond for a 3 hour ride along a broken track.  Rain and flooding had caused some major damage making parts of the track unrideable but reports say that the ride was enjoyed by all.

In review and my humble opinion I would have to say that this was a great trip with plenty of awesome riding.  The weather was kind to us with a ride everyday.  No major injuries occurred, only minor and although some bikes underwent repair or maintenance the most annoying thing were the punctures for some of the lads. 13 is a big group but we managed it pretty well.  We may not of partied as hard as in the past but we went for the riding and that is what we got.  Thanks to the weather and thanks to awesome tracks at the top of the south.

October 22nd day 5 and a team split.

This morning the team split into two groups.  The A Team consisted of Tinkerbell, Silverfox, The Cook, Sandals, Bugs, Dozer and myself.  We were going to head up Sharland Rd and do R and R among a few others.  The B team were heading out to do a track called 629.  A couple of steep km up and down.  Team A arrived and hooked up with Stewart ( a friend of the foxes and a local lad who we have ridden with before).  We started the 8km climb as a group.  It was a nice steady climb in perfect overcast weather all the way.  We stopped a couple of times for a quick regroup but kept it going all the way.  near the top there were a couple of steeper sections but nothing to long.  The 50m before the start of the track is pretty much unrideable and everyone had a go to see how far they could get. The first prelude to the oncoming rain started to hit us. We headed in to find some of the steepest gnarliest switchbacks we had faced on this trip.  Awesome challenges for all with a couple that no one could ride.  It was a ball and great for extending our skills.  We had to clamber over a couple of windfalls which was a bummer but it did not faze anyone.  We continued down with the track getting faster and faster.  Loving every moment we got down onto the road and headed onto the Wiggles.  Only Tinkerbell dropped in, The rest of us slid in.  This was a twisty route section which was a blast.  After this we went from one piece of track that flowed into anther and another.  We regrouped a few times but a fun ride was had.  Ups, downs, twists and turns, dabs, slides, skids, bridges were found along the way.  The rain was setting in which made all the rocks all that much scarier when hitting at speed.  Finally down for some high fives.  The down is longer than the up which is something you always wish for.  We headed out to Sprig and Fern Milton St for lunch.  Team B were there ahead of us as they finished their track sooner than us.  By all accounts they too liked the track they rode.  All riders could agree they had a sweet day.  The rain set in and after a shower most headed into town for a stroll.  About 6 another split was made with a large group going out for a ride with Stormin Norm, Keith and their mates for a 1.5 hour blast.  Up Codgers and then up to Tangatree Sadle then up a bit more before a blast down some pretty sweet track with a bit of slipperiness thrown in for fun..  A quiet night back at camp.

Monday 21st October day 4 of trip and the Coppermine.

Up bright and early with the weather looking great yet again.  Today we planned to do the Coppermine.  We got ready and hit the road in plenty of time with brief stops for provisions at the supermarket and a bike shop.  Then it was a road ride through parts of nelson and then up the Brook.  Regrouped briefly at the bottom of Codgers Track before starting the climb.  We headed up in a large posse to start with getting more strung out as we went.  The good thing was that most of the uphill is in native bush which gives shelter from the sun. We stopped at the 305m point for a regroup and a quick bite to eat before starting the climb to Third Hut which is 2/3rds of the way up.  Bugs and I stayed at a steady pace all the way up here and were joined by Helmutt as we rode.  You had the usual bunch leading the trip and a few who were at the back.  All in all a good climb.  After a good rest and repair break at Third Hut the climb to the top commenced.  It was actually an easy climb from here with a bit of downhill slope mixed with a couple of grunts out of creek crossings.  Eventually we came to the mineral belt which is much more open and exposed and the track surface much more rocky and loose shingle.  We went past Windy Point, at which point I dug it in a bit more for a quick sprint to the summit of Coppermine Saddle.  Very exposed point here where we all felt the cool breeze.  After a while everyone was here and having a chance to rest.  Nelly and Mellonfarmer took off alone and then Junior and Rowdy decided to follow.  A few minutes later the rest of us had rested and decided it was time to head down.  Amazing downhill run.  Steep and sketchy with little rocks, lots of drops but so much time for yahoo's and fun.  Loved the downhill.  regrouped at a point where fire had been giving Helmutt a chance to fix a puncture, then down we went again.  As we got lower the track changed back into forest track and got faster a faster.  A train of riders developed which relied on Tinkerbell not falling to keep us all safe.  Adrenalin pump all the way finally regrouping on a wide vehicle track after passing a couple of bunches of walkers.  This led out past the Matai Dam where Phatboy punctured so we stopped for this.  From here it was a fast blast down hill along a pipeline.  Unfortunately when we came to the road we headed down.  if we had of checked with locals we would of found more single track on the other side which is meant to be Ace.  Not to worry we ended up on a track that follows the river all the way back to town.  Quick blast all the way.  At the end we headed to the Sprig and Fern Hardy St for a pint, a pie and chips.  Headed back home where a few of the team prepared a wonderful BBQ dinner.  Beers and early night followed.

Sunday 20th october, The trip day 3.

Up early with the plan being 2 rides today but with bike issues for some by time we were ready to go it was nearly 11.30am before we hit the road.  The idea was to do Involution. We headed out along the cycle way behind the camp and around a few roads before we got to the bottom of Involution. Normally you go up the fire road which is a granny gear climb in the open.  We went up the single track (which was a surprise to the locals we chatted with).  It was a solid grunt.  This uphill saw all of us push at some stage.  Some of us pushed a lot and preyed for the end. We had a number of rests along the way up. It was hot, steep in places and even steeper in others.  The bonus of it all was you got to see what you were gonna ride down which is always a bonus.  This track was gonna be a great downhill run as long as you got the switchbacks.  Eventually after 2 hours we made the top for a well deserved break.  A few laughs, a bite to eat and then it was downhill all the way.  Unfortunately it was not all that long in this direction.  At one stage Silverfox and I came upon Helmutt who had just pulled rowdy and his bike up onto the track.  Lucky for rowdy there was a tree to grab hold of when he went off the track.  back on the bikes and blasted down the last of the track.  We then attempted the lower section which was short and blocked by fallen trees.  We returned home via the reverse route and all showered up by 4.  It was decided a beer was deserved followed by dinner.  We headed down to the (we actually rode) Freehouse for a couple of pints then off to a Thai restaurant for dinner.  After this it was home for a couple of beers and bed.

Saturday 19th October Day 2 of the trip and the Rameka

Up at 6 today and out on the road by 8.  Headed up Takaka Hill to the top where we met up with Stormin, Keith and a guy whose name I forget.  We had to split into 2 groups.  Group B consisted of Tinkerbell, Phatboy, Nelly and Mellonfarmer.  They drove down to Takaka and caught the shuttle back up.  They started their ride about 7kms along the Canaan Downs Rd.  Meanwhile Group A (consisting of the other 12) headed up Canaan Rd to the saddle. Nice steady climb up here with a regroup at the top before blasting down the shingle rd.  Finally we stopped at a sign at the start of the Canaan Loop.  While Stormin, Keith, Junior and Rowdy continued on the road the rest of us headed up a steep climb to explore the track.  Good test of abilities as there were a few pinches on the way up.  Stopped for a photo before headed down, then up, down, up, back down where we all had to run across a dead rabbit on the track.  Eventually the track led into some fast flowing beech forest.  Great blast through here.  Helmutt got the first puncture of the trip. The track finally spit us out at the car park at the road end.  We were still ahead of Group B. Chatted with Rowdy and Junior, telling them out plan.  They were going to do a small loop of the track while we decided to do the first half of the Loop.  We headed up the hill climbing past the
Rameka entrance as we continued up towards Wainui Saddle.  The track gets interesting as it heads up with what can be best described as riding down a river bed.  Challenging but fun.  I was in the lead taking lines that were not part of the main line when I dropped over the edge of a log, my front wheel embedded deeply into the mud and threw me chest first into the water running along here.  Whoops shite!.  Stood up and decided I was not injured other than a couple of sprains.   We continued on up.  We regrouped at the saddle where we waited a while before The Cook showed up, along with Keith.  A broken chain had delayed them.  We also heard that the B team was on its way but had also been delayed by some technical bike problems.  We continued on, enjoying all the challenges as we went.  Rocks, open paddocks, stands of native bush, creek crossings with steep climbs out were all part of this enjoyable track.  We regrouped just before an aptly named Rock Squeeze where team B caught up.  We found out that they did not do the beginning loop which was a shame as 3 of them had never ridden it before.  We let them lead thinking they would get ahead and be able to do the beginning loop. Unfortunately they were not fast enough and we stayed with them for the rest of the loop.  As we went through the paddock called the log ride I managed to through myself off the bike again, this time spraining my elbow.  Shite twice in one day!! Continued on with a couple of river crossings before a real nice flow through beech forest to the car park for a major regroup and a bite to eat.

Time for the Rameka to begin.  Up the hill we climbed again.  Stopped for a quick regroup before the usuals took off ahead.  The rest followed at their own pace eventually having a split of  about 4 groups.  The top section is more flat than down with lots of tree roots, creek crossings and little challenges.  Fun fun fun still. Finally it starts to point down and this is where it got bloody funtastic.  First we blasted down Dozers track and the bottom end of the Rameka.  A regroup at the top of a new track called The Pack Track.  This is an excellent piece of single track just built for speed and yahoos.  I loved it as much as everyone else with a regroup at the bottom.  We then headed into Great Expectations for a fun blast down.  This has been extended so much since last time we rode it.  It now leads into Two Klicks and then 1 Klick.  In here The Cook slammed into a rock causing some damage to his body, shoulder and arm.  he still rode on.  A fast blast down the rode for a stop in Takaka for coffee, food, tea before heading to nelson.  Stopped at Mapua for beer and also hooked up with Dale from Dales brewery for a bulk buy of beer.  Unloaded at camp, bough a mass of pizza and watched the All Blacks kick the Wallabies arse.

Friday 18th October. Day 1 of annual trip

An early start to the trip.  I was up and out there early to pick up Bugs and Dozer before driving out to meet the team at Stalker Park in Woodend.  Everyone assembled ready to go. There were 13 of us in total, The Cook, Tinkerbell, Silverfox, Junior, Rowdy, Sandals, Helmutt, Phatboy, Nelly, Mellonfarmer, Bugs, Dozer and myself. The long drive north started with a breif stop at Murchison for a bite and to buy sausages for dinner.  Got to camp in Marahau where we unpacked and changed for an afternoons riding at Kaiteriteri MTB park.  We drove over and hooked up with Stormin Norman and Keith.
  Locals who we rode with last time we were up this way.  I led a tour of the tracks.  We rode all the regulars like Sidewinder, Swamp Monster, Had a blast down Shady Lady and eventually after a wee regroup we started up Ziggy.  At the top we waited for for The Cook...waited some more and waited. While the majority of us waited Mellonfarmer and Nelly headed up The Corkscrew while I headed down Ziggy to search.  Tinks texted The Cook.  I arrived back as the text came through.  He had some bike trouble and was on his way.  The corkscrew beckoned and I led off most of the group and Tinks waited until he arrived before following.  Nice steady climb all the way to the top for a regroup before getting too cold and starting down again.  Regrouped before heading down Corkscrew Dive for a short blast.  Rowdy and Junior headed down Big Airs while the rest of us headed up to join into Skullduggery .  This led us onto the fire road then down Tank, around Cruise Control down half pipe and back to the cars.  Unfortunately The Cook took a turn down the wrong track followed by Sandals, Helmutt and Keith.  They all arrived back safe though.  Headed back to camp where we whipped up an easy BBQ feast and had some drinks before an early night.

Tuesday 15th October

Last team ride before the trip.  I picked up the Cook and headed up to the  meeting point on Upper Major Hornbrook Rd.  Met up with Nelly, Mellonfarmer, Tinkerbell and Silverfox.  Headed up the Lower Brittan Track at a steady pace, with us spread out in our normal order.  Turnt right into Upper John Brittan and then regrouped.  Carried on around through this little rocky track and onto the road before heading down to the start of the Mt Pleasant Track.  The normal grind up  here then a regroup at the top in the shelter of the aerials.  Cool breeze.  Down the track, over the fence and then down down down.  This was good and the track was flowing.  Regrouped at the track end and waited for the Cook, and waited and waited.  Nelly went back and eventually they both came down.  Mechanical problems with the bike.  From here it was out via the Top of Greenwood and then back down Lower John Brittan.  Loaded up and headed to Cassels for a meeting to sort out transport.  Good evening as far as evenings go.

Sunday 13th October

Tinkerbell, Silverfox, Dozer and Sandals meet at Rubberjaws just after 9 and headed around the river towards Mt Pleasant. Tinkerbell with new shoes and his drop post fitted finally. Meet up with Bugs behind Bamford School and the five of us headed around behind Ferrymead on the track next to the river. This was quite muddy with a few puddles. Stopped at the bridge to remove some clothes then started the grind up St Andrews Hill. Sharp right and headed up Marama Crescent because we felt like it. Nice pace up to the tennis court where we had a short regroup. Sandals had to stop to tighten up her front wheel. Up and onto the single track above Upper Hornbrook road. Nice ride up though the paddocks to the Summit road. Turned right and headed along the tarsal above John Britten. Turned left at the bottom and started the grind up the single track to the top of the hill. Regroup at the top then dropped down the tussock track to the farm track above Greenwood. Bit of a discussion then we headed right into a new track for us all called The W track. Couple of technical pieces with a bit of Stinging nettle added for fun. Us all enjoying a bit of a challenge. Intersected at the bottom of Greenwood then headed out towards Godley. Nice ride out here for a change with us all clearing it all til we hung a left and dropped down to the farm track above Scarborough Hill. Though the gate and into the walking track that drops down to Taylors. Most of us taking a few different lines but all ending up at the same spot in the end. Regroup at Taylors Mistake road. Up the road to top of Scarborough Hill and a quick run down the other side to flick all the mud n shit from the tyres. Coffee at Dot Com then along the road all the way back to Ferrymead. Dozer pushing a few of us into the large puddles on the road and generally making a nuisance of himself. Bug's turned off at his place with the others headed to Rubberjaws where there cars were waiting.

All the while, Mellonfarmer was at his bach at Little Ak, and on his way home he was dropped at Pettigrews Rd at 3pm, from where he rode over 3 peaks to Diamond Harbour, extracting every last bit of energy from his limbs along the way...

All ready for the trip now.   

Saturday 12th October

Dozer turned up at Bugs with a belly full of eggs Benedicts at 1.30 pm. Another road ride as the tracks are all still shut. Up Ferry road to St Andrews Hill and then start the normal grind up to Upper Hornbrook Rd. Stopping at the tennis courts so Dozer could take on some water. Continue up to the single track up to the Summit road. Track here was not to wet. Headed down the road till the gate at the big pine trees. Over the fence and headed down the walking track into Barnett Park. Got to the 2nd fence and decided to back track to the summit road and head down though the paddocks to the Ground Effects track which we rode on Thursday night. Dozer turned left and headed down though the tree roots while Bugs headed down the Ground Effect track. Meet up at the fence then dropped down into the valley and back up the other side to Richmond Hill. Down the tarsal to Sumner then back to Bugs. Nice 2 hour ride.   

Thursday 10th October

Bugs put out that he was going to do a road ride up the hill as tracks were wet.  I rushed about when I got home, got ready and jumped on the bike to head over to his. Got there as Bugs, Dozer and Cookie were riding down the road.  We headed down Ferry Rd, pausing briefly when Dozer stopped.  He had thrown the chain some how.  rom here we headed over the Ferrymead Bridge, hung a right towards the Valley.  Stopped briefly to delayer before we climbed up Canon Hill for a change.  Nice steady climb with the grunt near the top testing our breathing nicely.  Had a regroup before heading into the park for the climb up to Major Hornbrook Rd.  The grass was long and was as testing as deep mud.  Regrouped on the tarmac before continuing up the normal trails to Upper Major Hornbrook.  Rode the road to the top of Mt Pleasant.  Layered up and turnt left down the tarmac to the pines.  Very cool and a few spots of rain.  Over the fence we went and down the left side, through the paddocks, over the style, down this paddock before turning onto Ground Effect trail.  This was a bit wet and little used.  Ages since we took this route.  When we got down we climbed the fence and headed down panorama Rd looking for the turn off to Mulgans Track.  Never found it so down Clifton and then the road ride back from Sumner.  Few more spots of rain and getting dark by time we got home.

Saturday 5th October

A planting day was organised at Halswell Quarry so a good chance to get a hill ride in along the way.  Dozer and I set off from my place at a steady pace as Phatboy was running late and had indicated he would catch us on the Rapaki.  Although tempted to push hard and work him hard we did not take that option.  Dozer needed a stop to loose a layer of clothing at the bottom of the road and then we climbed from there.  It was warm but you could see low cloud/fog ahead of us. We ended up riding in quite an unreal world of  fog.  Stopped at the gate on the flat section so Dozer could stretch out and as we could not see if Phatboy was coming we decided a slow ride would be good.  Got started and Phatboy arrived so we all rode on together at a good steady clip.  Up to the top where it was pea soup and still warm.  Then over Mt Vernon and continued around the Traverse.  Good pump along here before dropping down Thompsons and out to Sign of Kiwi. Up the road into the fog and along here trying to find the top of Kennedy's track in the soup.  Quick stop for an extra layer and then off we went.  The first section was rough as guts using all our suspension at speed.  From here on it was wet grass all the way until the last long stretch to the gates.  We had to follow the channel past cows and at speed it was rather scary.  Survived then clambered over the gate and did the single track (Siberia?)  down to the top of Crocodile.  Fast blast down here then into C2 and then into the quarry for the planting.  Job done time to go home.  Long road ride back along Cashmere Rd and then the usual byways.  The other 2 took the Colombo route home while I continued around the river to home.  Good ride.

Thursday 3rd October

4 people and 3 rides.  So I will mix them up.

Cookie got out early and after taking advise from Rubberjaws headed up the Vernon Farmtrack by himself.  First time he had ridden it up.  Tough slog and he had to push a few times in the steep rutty section.  Got up to the pylons and headed back down.  In the rough section he blasted by a guy who was going pretty slow.  meanwhile I (Rubberjaws) had raced home from work and changed.  Hopped on the bike and rode around to the start of Vernon Farmtrack.  As I arrived Cookie was opening the gate at the end of his ride.  We chatted briefly before he headed home and I got stuck into the nasty climb.  It was pretty warm in the valley section, no breeze at all.  I remember why we hate this climb.  It is a grunt.  Cleaned all but 2 steps to the first bend before the last really rutted section.  Up here I did well cleaning all but 8 steps.   Lungs burning and sweat pouring I got to the grassy slope and headed on up. Grind grind grind.  Passed a couple of walkers coming down but kept a steady grind going.  Finally got to the gate 2/3rd of the way up thinking shite still more to go.  grunted up the last steep section and finally made the top at 6.15 precisely.   At this stage Bugs and Dozer were starting a ride of their own.  Details below.  I decided to keep going and entered the steep section of Mt Vernon and rode around to the start of the Travers track.  Feeling stuffed from the clim still.  Straight into a repeat of Tuesdays ride.  Around the Traverse before dropping into the connector to Old Skool.  Took all the off piste lines I missed on Tuesday then into the single track.  Flowing nicely but not pushing.  Turns out nelly and Mellonfarmer were doing loops of this and hidden valley but did not see them.  I was down and home by 6.55.  meanwhile.....

 .....Dozer had picked up Bugs and they headed to Upper Hornbrook Road. Straight into the single track up though the paddocks. Bugs in front with Dozer puffing close behind. Both cleared the hairpin at the top and headed along below the summit Rd. Track over grown and covered in sheep shit making it challenging in places. Dropped down the tarseal and into the single track to the top. Bugs still in front with Dozer hot on his heals. 1st rest at the top before Dozer lead off on the down hill. Great ride though the tussocks with no mishaps. Into Greenwood with Bugs leading and Dozer bringing up the rear. Quick run down here with both of us cocking up the 1st rocky piece at the bottom. Plenty of fresh sheep shit to flick of the wheels. Track was running fast and dry. Regroup at the bottom then a nice grind up the tarsel to the top. Bugs lead down though the paddocks with Dozer hot on his heals. Back at the car at 7.45 with plenty of day light left. Not bad for one half hour ride. Home by 8 for a Bourbon.   

Tuesday 1st October

The  trip is getting close and fitness is now all important as Sundays ride showed.  Silverfox, Tinkerbell, Bugs, PhratBoy and Cookie showed up at mine.  We headed around the road and started the climb up Rapaki.  All felt rather well considering Sundays epic.  Tried to keep a steady pace to keep the group close together but Foxy, Tinks and Phatty took off.  Bugs and I meandered next staying steady so that Cookie could catch us.  We then headed up the last stretch.  Put in a burst after the last bend.  From here we change the order of the pack and Phatboy, Tinkerbell, me then Silverfox, Bugs and Cookie rode on up over Vernon.  The challenge was to get down without lights.  Good push through here and when we crossed the road I suggested we regroup further along the track where we would hang a right towards Old Skool.  I took off thinking the others were following.  Alas no.  I waited at a spot where you could see others had shot down the hill until I saw them coming before I took the line.  Good line and just went straight down over a few rocks and presto I was down.  Looked back as the others all overshot the turnoff.  Shouted out then watched them all come down different lines.  Funny.  Then into the top of old skool.  Zipping down to the gate.  Then down we went.  Taking different lines, some cutting corers some around the main track.  I don't think any of us just went down the track but no 2 of us took the same lines down.  Just before it goes single track, hugest hole ever appeared.  Screaming hole hole.  No one fell in though.  Single track at last and oh so much fun.  Steady pace, swooping, dropping, rocks, steps, hairpins and so much fun.  We all safely got down with light to spare.  From here we rode home the normal way around the beckenham side of the river, Phatboy and Silverfox departed at the footbridge and then Cookie at Opawa Footbridge.  Home with light to spare.