Sunday 19th January

A Warm day and the first Sunday ride back with the group.  Phatboy slept in and rung to say he was a no show but Bugs, Tinkerbell, Silverfox and Dozer all arrived.  After the normal lets take it slow statement we headed off around Hansens avoiding the branches from fallen trees as we went.  Started the climb up Huntsbury at a steady pace as the air temp started to  climb.  Gave it a couple of nudges along the way with only 1 quick stop along the way.  Got to the top with a cooling breeze.  From here we went over Mt Vernon towards Rapaki.  Good run but unfortunately a couple of riders coming our way slowed us down.  We regrouped at the start to Witch Hill and were followed by some chick who had not been out that way for  a while.  I led off dabbing at the beginning then getting the flow right, straight out and onto the road section towards castle Rock.  Dozer took a little off piste section which I think will become part of every ride through here.  Pushed hard upto Castle Rock.  The chick passing the rest of the guys on the climb. I headed down the track thinking everyone would be right behind but they stayed to chat for a bit.  I had a good run down here catching up to a couple of runners on the small rocky climb and then out for a regroup stop at the top of the Bridal Path.  Onto  the Gondola climb.  Very warm now but I enjoy this track  even with the lifting and walking required.  Challenge is to ride more each time.  Finally at the top and then started down to the saddle.  Half way down Silverfox pops out of a track (he took the wrong turn).  I ended up going down the walking track which turns out to be a tad challenging.  Climbed from here up to the top of Mt Pleasant.  Tinkerbell leading me up the hill.  Good pace too.  Stopped for a regroup and a snack by the antennas.  Pleased to be at the top of the climb as the sun was now out and it was hot.  A bit of a breeze was keeping us from melting.  Down the hill we went, fast and fun, brief pause at the top of Greenwood before heading straight in.  I led and just before the rocks I unlocked my forks. Bugs talking about my slow speed.  From here though it was sweet, nice pace all the way, catching a couple of people just after gloomy gulch.  The slow one saw us coming and still got on his bike and went down the steep rocks ahead of us.  Felt like pushing him off.  Passed him shortly after though and continued down at speed.  dabbed on rock number 1.  Regrouped and headed down Ct Thomas.  The front 3 cleaned it all, then me cleaned all but 2, (Did find the line on one of them for next time though) and Silverfox taking it quietly.  Down for a drink at Dot Com. From here a quiet cruse began until the causeway where speeds in excess of 43km were reached as Tinkerbell and Dozer set up the challenge.  Around the tow path before heading home.  Good ride although I felt  slightly warm at the end.