Sunday 30th March

Dozer and Bug's meet SIlverfox and Tinkerbell at his place. No one else showed so we hit the tarmac to Halswall Quarry. Nice pace with a average speed of 24.8 kmh. Arrived at the Quarry and decided on a bit different root so headed up the fence line to the left of the carpark gaining altitude at a very quick pace. Arrived at a gate that said no access or something similar but Tinkerbell decided it's to foggy for the farmer so off we headed though his paddocks. Cut into the new track halfway up the Crocodile. Up we went with 3 off us having some issues and one not quite as many daps. Up, Up and Up past the black & white cows with the track getting steeper the higher we got. Arrived at the Summit road in the end then headed over to the Nun. Tinkerbell, lead followed by Dozer then Bug's hot on there heals with a new Chest mounted camera mount. Great new angle but can't afford to crash this way. Passed one guy in the gorse on the way down. Silverfox had a slower run but managed to keep his tires inflated. Up the road then down the body bag. Sharp right then up to ride the Bee Line. Great ride down here at a great pace with no crashes. See video https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202290730563134&l=3183988085603105358 Headed down Worsley's road then turned into the paddock half way down the hill and found a new track to the left that drops down into the valley. This was a fantastic alternative option to riding down the road. Steep, challanging but ridable. Back to Tinkerbells place for hot coffee and fresh baking.            

Saturday 22nd March

Woke up feeling old and hagard after speding some time at Phatboys Mancave of Friday night/Saturday morning.  Went out and met Dozer before heading around Heathcote River to Ferrymead via the towpath.  met The Cook and we started the climb up St Andrews.  Really felt it on the way up with al k hol running out of my pores.  We then headed up through lower John Britten track.  A couple of greasy spots to negotiate.  The boys saying it was better the week before.  We then headed into Greenwood.  The first 2 metres were wet and rutted and I thought this is going to be rough but it only got better.  A bit greasy but good.  Regrouped at the ruins before heading down, a few muddy bits before gloomy gulch but otherwise all good, down we went stopping half way as Dozer got some chain suck.  carried on with  a few moments in the muddy hollow.  Certainly did not make the first or the 2nd rock.  From here we headed up Godley  track dabbing way more than ever before.  Good run though all the way to Annaconda.  Headed down with Dozer gaining the lead at a real mucky corner.  The rest of the track was not too bad at all.  Along the tail with The Cook taking the walking track as he remembered the tail as being very wet.  (He was wrong)  Up  over Scarborough and a stop at Dot Com for a bite and liquids.  Good solid ride home from here.  managed to do some work around home but stuffed that night.

Meanwhiles, Mellonfarmer was in Vegas enjoying 3 Hrs good hard slog on a rental

Tuesday 18th March

Most of the tracks closed due to all the rain lately so we met at mine (Tinkerbell, Silverfox The Cook, Dozer, Bugs, and Phatboy, oh and Rubberjaws) and set off up the Rapaki.  Steady climb for most of us, with lots of walkers on the track.  Phatboy put in a big burst and arrived at the top first.  At the last slope I backed off to allow the Cook to close the gap while the others continued up casually.  Regrouped and then a quick burst up and over Vernon.  Track was in good nic.  Regrouped at the road before watching a couple of novice looking riders start the Traverse.  Saw them get off at one point and could not understand.  We headed around towards the first rock garden (discovered there was a big muddy hole half way round) then turned right heading down towards the top of Old Skool.  Good run down here.  I then led across the big open grassy are towards the knoll above Huntsbury Track. Over a fence  and followed an excellent trial around here that actually joins up with a piece of track we have ridden at night sometimes.  Anyhow it was all fun.  Regrouped at the very bottom of the track (at the top of the tarmac of Huntsbury).  I led down with a plan in my head.  We turnt onto Aotea Tce and at the hairpin we stopped and checked out the walking track/alley down to St Martins.  Lots of steps.  Phatboy led off then Tinkerbell, me, Bugs and Dozer.  The other 2 headed down the tarmac road to meet us at the bottom.  The steps were a hoot.  The first series really threw the helmet around the 2nd and longest series was more interesting before it becomes nice sealed tarmac with a couple of concrete steps and a bend for a fast blast down and out onto the street.  Fun fun.  Tick that one off.  Would I do it again, more than likely not but laughed all the way home.

Thursday 13th March

Tinkerbell decided on a ride up Major Hornbrook rd. Bugs and Dozer decided to join him and try Tuesdays ride again. Dozer on a Giant tonight as his normal was being repaired. Up though the paddocks as a nice steady pace to get the heart pumping. Turned sharp right at the top and followed below the summit road. Rocks were a bit dryer tonight. Down into the saddle then up the single track towards the Aerials. Dozer nearly clearing the washed out start on the Giant. Up to the top then down with Tinkerbell leading, followed by Bugs then Dozer. Bugs stopped to let some air out of his tyres then onwards and down wards. Into Greenwood in the same order. Over took one guy then came across another who had just gone over his bars. All was well. Onwards to the bottom with the track in great condition. Up the road to the top looking at a few fresh slips on CT Thomas. Back to the cars then off for a quick pint of Speights.

Meanwhile, Mellonfarmer and Nelsie rode some Worsley Nun Governor's Bay and a couple of laps in the old Hidden Forest, including Debbie and Tommy Too.

Tuesday 11th March

Meet at top of Upper Hornbrook road with only a slight drizzle and the top of the hills in cloud. There was The Cook, Dozer and Bugs. Headed up the track though the paddocks with the track getting wetter as the higher we went. Turned a sharp right at the top and headed along the track below the summit road. Was getting quite slippy on the rocks as the mud was building up on the tyres. Onto the Summit road then down into the saddle. Up the newish track towards the aerials. All walking the steep bit after the fence as all the gravel was washed to the bottom. Interesting ride up here with plenty of slipping on the rocks. Into the down hill with Dozer leading followed by The Cook then Bugs. The cook pulled over as the drizzle had blinded his glasses. Bugs gave chase to Dozer but gave up as it was hard to stay upright on the Wet slippy rocks with muddy tyres. Waited at the top of Greenwood for The Cook who arrived with No glasses at all. He couldn't see anything with or without glasses. Decision was made the head for the tarsal which we did. Back up the road when Dozer noticed he was sitting a little low on the bike. His back shock has spewed all the air out. Another costly repair. Down though the paddock with Bug's leading followed by Dozer then The Cook. Back at the cars we decided a Beer was to be had so we headed off for a Speights.   

Sunday 9th March

A lovely weekend and some tracks made available to ride.  I headed outside and was soon met by Dozer, Tinkerbell, Mellonfarmer and Phatboy in that order.  Got sorted and headed around Hansens Park (surveying damage from the storm as we rode) and then headed up Gruntsbury at a steady pace. Chatted a bit with Mellonfarmer along the way.  Regrouped at the top and then headed over Mt Vernon which had a couple of wetspots and a couple of ruts that have never been there before.  Had to slow and move over a couple of times for uphill riders but otherwise a nice wee run.  We then headed over Witch Hill.  The normal bits made me stumble and grumble but then it was sweat.  A bit slick in spots but that was to be expected.  Along the road and then up the climb to Castle Rock.  Mellonfarmer and I were out in front so straight in.  I wish I had of let some air out of my tyres.  A bit wet and greasy down here.  I even lost it on the first hairpin so Phatboy caught me up.  I let him pass and then continued having a moment by the wooden bridge thing.  Regrouped at the Bridal Path and then started the climb.  Even with the walking I like this bit of track.  Lots of challenges and techy climbs along the way.  At the  top a fast blast down to  the saddle and then the climb over Mt Pleasant.  The beginning of this was munted and ruined by water runoff.  Got better as we climbed and then it was sweet all the way to the top.  Chatted with another rider up here before headed down.  Good blast down to  the top of Greenwood where we took the 4wd track towards the Richmond Hill exit.  Fast and splattery down here.  Real old skool sty;le of ride.   Fun though.  Down Richmond Hill 4wd.  Wet and boggy in spots, slick and slippery in others before the fast blast down the tarmac.  Into Scumner, riding through their street festival before a coffe and tea at Dot Com.  A steady ride home from here with Phatboy and Mellonfarmer heading their way at Ferrymead,

Tuesday 4th March

Well 11 of us all showed up at the Brewery in Gardlands road tonight.  In cars due to the rain.  The idea to discuss and confirm this years out of town ride.  We also had Abba show up to offer some options.  great plans made and it should be an awesome trip.  We will include the Nydia, Queen Charlotte (or part of it), the Whakamarina and the Whytes Bay loop.  Along the way we may even get in a spot of fishing.  Accomadation now booked so all is on the go.

Sunday 2nd March

1st Autumn ride.  A posse met at mine. Phatboy, Brandhim, Silverfox, Tinkerbell and Dozer.  We headed off around the river towards Ferrymead at a good steady clip.  Waiting at the bridge were Mellonfarmer and Bugs.  We started the climb up St Andrews using Marama Cres for a change.  We ended up being pretty spread out but at the hedge at Major Hornbrook we bumped into the Cook who was doing a wee ride before a mates wedding.  Up we went again to finally get on the single track of John Brittan.  I led to try and keep the group as a group but we still ended up spread out.  Over the fence and up shitty little climb of broadleaf before heading down towards the Saddle.  Mellonfarmer did a nice little bail to avoid a spaniard.  From here the grunt up to the Gondola.  I dabbed near the bottom but then settled in.  Bugs had a good run and I think most of the others had differing climbes.  Down from the Gondola much better and a lot more fun than I thought it would be.  In fact very enjoyable.  Then the climb up Castle Rock.  Stopped and chatted with workers before carrying on.  The boys stopped to help while I continued searching for my ring without success.  I was pleased to clean the top grunt.  Bugs came up next and so we cheared the others on.  Down and over Witch Hill at a good clip.  Over vernon with some of the lads flagging.  Noted that even Mellonfarmer seemed a bit slower up here today or was I faster.  We then stopped for a munch before taking the line down to Old Skool.  The top section saw people taking all sorts of lines.  The bottom was quite sedate if you were at the back.  Good run and cleaned the bottom mess.  Out and stopped for a cuppa before heading home.