Sunday 1st December

The posse arrived at mine (Mellonfarmer, Tinkerbell, Bugs and Dozer) and the 5 of us headed out.  We started with a cruise around Hansens Park before heading up Ramahana Rd, Aotea Tce and Huntsbury ave to the top.  Good steady climb all the way.  I felt great although the warmth was getting to me a bit. Had a text from Helmutt along the way saying he would meet us at the top. We arrived at the top exactly at 10am by my watch and no Helmutt.  A text went back and he said he would meet at the top of rapaki so we set off again across the top of Vernon.   A great run over here keeping close to Mellonfarmer most of the way. A regroup at the rest area and then Helmutt arrived.  We set off over Witch Hill, me fluffing some bits but I saw Bugs cleaning it all.  Good to be doing this track in this direction for the first time in 3 years.  Out onto the road and we just cruised on up the hill.  No cars to worry about.  A few rocks scattered about though.  At Castle Rock we went straight into the single track.  Another first in this direction for 3 years.  I had a good run although it would be great to get the grass trimmed a bit.  Rocky all the way.  Yeahah.  Regrouped at the top of the Bridal Path.  We then headed up towards the Gondola on the walking track.  Rode about 75% of this which is better than I hoped for.  Down to Cavendish Saddle and then straight up Mt Pleasant.  A bigger gap between front and rear riders was appearing.  Warmer and we had climbed a lot.  Regrouped at the transmitters before heading down.  Track workers were out and we stopped for a quick chat with Nic the ranger.  Fast run down to the ruins where we stopped for a bite.  Down Greenwood.  Got better as I went down here.  loving the flow.  Mellonfarmer out in front followed by Bugs, Helmutt, Me, Tinkerbell and Dozer.  We then headed down Ct Thomas which was great other than me falling while walking.  Great break at Dot Com before riding home.  Horrible side wind across the causeway but all in all a fun ride.