Sunday 10th November

I headed out around the river towards Ferrymead with my music ears on into a stiff easterly.  Gave it quite a push for the first time in 2 weeks, testing my arm as I rode.  Got to the bridge where Dozer was waiting.  Stashed the music and we were joined by Phatboy moments later.  We headed out along the new causeway, pushing into the wind, not much talking.  Silverfox and Tinkerbell drove past on the way to the meeting point.  Finally arrived at Dot Com where we found the boys and Sandals ready to go.  The 6 of us then headed along the road and started the climb up Captain Thomas.  Good steady climb although it was really hot and still in the valley.  Tested us all really.  As we climbed we eventually got some breeze to assist us.  A good climb by everyone.  At the top we went hard right up the Summit Road at a steady pace.  I gave it an extra push at the top.  We had a quick regroup before heading around the start of Greenwood.  The plan was to have a break at the ruins.  Phatboy led briefly before stopping having a technical issue so I took the lead.  Gave it a good nudge through here and was surprised that when I got to the ruins no one was even close.  Had a break before heading down Greenwood.  Great run down here and I felt great at the bottom.  We then headed up Godley head having mixed blessings on the rocky section. Silverfox had a moment along here. Tinkerbell got a flat just before Livingstone Col so we waited before heading up and over to the top of Anaconada.  great blast  over here with Phatboy having a slide out (although he recovered).  A fast blast down the snake with a regroup started just before the tail.  3 waited and then Sandals came in with a report that the Fox had punctured.  We headed down to Taylor's where we were going to regroup.  Sandals and I decided to do a slow ride up the hill and get tables at Dot Com.  We had a nice break before departing for home. Phatboy, Dozer and I headed back the way we had come on the bike, Phatboy leading and slowly making a break. By the end of the causeway he obviously decided to keep going.  Dozer headed to his car and I rode the reverse route home with music again.  Great ride.