Sunday 16th February

Up bright and early and still had someone arrive before I was ready.  Went outside to find Brandhim (Phatboys Nephew) ready and waiting.  We then proceeded out the gates and hooked up with Tinkerbeel, Silverfox, Dozer and Bugs.  Headed around through Hansens Park before starting the climb up Huntsbury.  I took the lead with Brandhim staying close for most of the tarmac.  Bugs and Tinkerbell right there as we started the grunt at the end.  Up the dirt with our first regroup just past the pylons.  With everyone feeling better we started the climb.  When we hit the little down I pedaled and continued riding at a good pace.  Thought Tinks was right there and started chatting only to find out I was on my own.  Decided to pump and got to the top for a good rest.  Everyone rolled in for a regroup while we waited for Sandals, Helmut and his mate Chris.  Flew across the top of Vernon and was blasting down towards Rapaki when I hit rider after rider.  Bugger.  No stopping at the saddle but straight into Witch Hill.  Dabbed at the beginning rocks but had a good ride from there.  Regrouped at the road and spied the new line they are looking at putting in.  (Well we think it must be a new line as it was weed-eated all the way along the top of the hill above the road.)  Brandhim got a jump at the locked gate before the climb upto Castle Rock so I gave chase.  Pumped hard and caught him before I led into Castle Rock track.  Blasted down with glee.  I got there to find Helmut had come down the road.  mmmmm!  We all then grunted up towards the Gondola.  Rode lots of the track digging it in and then walked what you have to walk.  We were spread out by time we got to the top so we headed down to the saddle for a regroup in ones, twos, and threes.  Tinks fixed a flat.  Sandals and Helmut tootled on ahead while this was happening.  We then trundled up after them catching them at the first hairpin and staying tucked on their wheels for the rest of the climb.  Regroup at the aerials at the top before Bugs led us down the hill.  Good blast down the top, then Bugs led Tinkerbell then me, Silverfox etc followed.  A fast blast down here enjoying the whole ride.  Cleaned the rocks at the end which is always a buzz.  Down the Ct Thomas.  I followed Helmut,  Dozer, Tinks, and Bugs.  Cleaned the first two rocks easily but still not zeroed in on the third.  next time maybe.  Continued on down and stopped for tea and a bite at Dot Com.  Road ride home with a bit of a faster pace across the causeway.  Dozer, and Bugs split off at the Ferrymead Bridge, Sadals, Helmut and Chris split towards cassels while the remaining four headed back to mine by 1.10pm.  Great ride and felt brilliant at the end,

Meanwhile, Tom and Mellonfarmer went out the Wharfdale and had an awesome ride with their dogs.  Both got stung by wasps, Tom's on his chest from one flying down his shirt.  Mellonfarmer receiving his on his uvula, from it trying to get eaten by him...  Very lucky he is still breathing right now.