Wednesday 27th August

Bugs road over and meet Dozer at the bottom of Rapaki at 6.18 as planned. Nice steady ride up here with no stops. Plenty of walkers on the track and a few riders coming down. Great at the top as there was no wind and the sky was clear. Waiting for a few riders coming down Mt Vernon. Dozer lead up with Bugs close behind then another guy followed us over Mt Vernon. His light crapped out half way so followed us using our lights to find his way. He headed off on his own and we headed around the Traverse. Bugs leading with Dozer not to far behind. Down into Vic Park where we stopped for a quick rest before the rock garden. The wind was picking up and the temperature was dropping. Dozer lead down though the Rock garden then down the normal way to the skidder site. Down from here though the trees then down we went. Track was better than last time as it had dried out and some one had done a bit of work since the last time. Down the gravel road at the bottom then up to Dozers for a coffee to warm up. Bugs headed back across town towards home. Home around 9.15pm and rode 23km.    

Tuesday 26th August.

It was a trip meeting tonight so everyone was expected in the Mancave @ Phatboys by 7pm.  I hopped on the cruiser and headed on over at a steady clip.  Tinkerbell drove past (with Silverfox on Board) not noticing my huge flashing rear light, bloody car  drivers.  At Gloucester St I caught up with Bugs who was riding also.  We arrived to find The Cook had ridden.  Everyone else arrived in cars except for Mellonfarmer who happened to be in Hamiilton.  Anyhow we sat down and discussed the trip.  Plans are in place with an early start on the Friday.  Accomadation in the sounds has changed and we are staying on some ancient farm.  We are still doing  Whies Bay Loop, Nydia, Whakamarina, part of the Queen Charlotte and maybe Mt Fyffe on the way home.

Of course mellonfarmer did not get a vote on his bed choice in havelock but we all agreed the couch suited him.

Sunday 24th August

I headed out early to meet the guys as they arrived.  Still feeling tired and coughing from my bug but looking forward to the ride.  Tinkerbell. Silverfox, Phatboy and Bugs arrived and we trundled around to Huntsbury for the grind up.  Kept a steady pace but certainly not busting a nut (although I felt like I was.  Lungs burning and tired legs) all the way to the top with no real breaks except to delayer at the normal bend on Aotea Tce.  As we got up towards the summit the southerly was very cool and the clouds were hanging around but good riding conditions.  Track was in good nick.  We headed over Vernon and down to Rapaki before doing Witch Hill and then into Castle Rock Track.  The start of this was seriously greasy but got better the further you went.  No mishaps.  Quick stop at the top of Bridal Path before the scramble upto the Gondola.  This was ok but super greasy in some places.  No one rode as much as normal and the track was cut up in a few spots.  Needs some work now it is open to riders.  Down from the gondola and up Mt Pleasant.  Phatboys hammy playing up but he gave himself a rub and felt better.  I was super pleased to make the top.  from here it was down to Greenwood.  I fecked up twice by forgetting not to  turn (enough said really)  greenwood actually saw us find the sun and it was in great condition.  Fast run down, Phatboy on form.  Regrouped at the bottom before doing Ct Thomas.  Best run I have had down here in years.  Tinks had a moment at the last of the rock but no injuries.  Phatboy headed straight home while the rest of us stopped at Dot Com befoe the trudge home.  Felt rather tapped out at the end.

in the meantime, Nelsie and Mellonfarmer were off skedaddling up Mt Grey with a few other peeps and Jet the Dog.  They were in the clouds a lot and it was very very cold up top, but improved as they descended.  They had a rooky in tow, and she did well.

Tuesday 19th August

Bugs arrived at the Sign of the Takehe and was followed closely by Phatboy. Tinkerbell and The Fox arrived on the bikes and The Cook pulled up in the car as well. After watching a few runners go past we headed up the road into Vic Park. Onto the single track from the gate to the skidder site. The Fox having a moment which ended in him going over the bars. Nothing broken or hurt, just his pride. Up to the skidder site then started the grunt up the very steep track to the top. Half of us walking some and the other half riding it all. Regroup below the seesaw then we split into different groups and all made our way to the top. Down though the two bushy bits we rode on Sunday and regrouped at Dyers Pass. Lights were starting to reflect off the low cloud that was getting thicker and thicker as we headed up the road. As we approached the top it was like pea soup fog. The Cook and Fox had trouble seeing the turn off to the Nun. Quick regroup at the top and then it was decided to ride to survive on the way down as we couldn't see much with the fog. Regroup half way down then into the lower section. Bit faster here as the fog thinned out a little. Quick discussion at the bottom then down the single track below Dyers road. Fog was gone and the track was fast. Fast until half way down where it became muddy, rutty, slippy and slow. Every one getting to the bottom in one piece. (Just) Decided to head down the road from here which we did. Back at the cars where The Fox and Tinkerbell rode the rest of the way down and the others drove home. Home by 8.20pm  

Sunday 17th August

What a wonderful day for a ride. Bugs meet Tinkerbell and The Fox at the bottom of Huntsbury. Dozer arrived shortly afterwards then we all headed up and up. All arrived the start of the Traverse at the same time. After watching some of the sights around Tinkerbell headed into the Traverse with Bugs following and Silver Fox close behind. Dozer was bringing up the rear which I am sure he enjoyed. Great clip of speed riding the rocky bits we normal go around. Very short regroup at the half way point then a slight change of order and around to Vic Park. Down though the two short bushy bits and then we arrived at Dyers Pass. Drink time for Dozer as he had left his bottle at home. Up the road to the top of Worsley's then it was decided to back track and do a loop of the Nun. Track was in fantastic condition considering it had a closed sign which we didn't see. Back up the road to the top of Worsley's for the 2nd time then we all took different roots down the body bag. Still very rutty. Though the big mud hole at the bottom then up the single track to the start of the Bee line. Headed down the old Bee line track with Dozer leading, Tinkerbell very close behind then Bugs and the Fox not far behind. Continued all the way down to the farm track at the bottom. Bit of a mud bath on the track back up to Worsley's with Bugs getting cramp in his thigh and most of use having to walk the odd muddy section. Dozer then spent the next 20 minutes removing the mud from his tyres so they would spin. Down though the last bit in the pines to the tarsel. Speed down here to remove the last of the mud off the tyres then though the gate and into the new track. This was interesting on the steep down hills but we all got though without any mishaps. Down the last of the road to Tinkerbells for Coffee. The Fox, Bugs and Dozer headed off from here with The Fox turning off to his place, Dozer turning off towards his and Bugs headed home. Great ride in the sun and the spa was lovely at the end.

Saturday 16th August

What a wonderful day for a rideb and a planting. Bugs, Dozer and Silverfox met at mine and we headed over to collect Phatboy and Mellonfarmer at Brittan St. We  then followed Mellonfarmer across empty sections in the Red Zone until we got to the Avon River.  From here we kept up a steady pace along the stopbanks all the way to Bridge St.  Saw some interesting sites along the way.  Bexley Wetland was a little sad as a lot of our previous planting is under the stop banks or water.  We headed through the South Brighton Domain Track towards the boardwaly only to discover this is munted big time.  A lttle detour and then along Rockinghorse to the planting at Southshore Spit Reserve.  Helped plant 1200+ plants before heading home.  We reversed down Rockinghorse Rd and through the domain to Bridge St/Dyers Rd.  Bugs headed down Dyers towards home while the rest of us headed down Breezes turning left onto Maces excepth Phatboy who continued down Breezes.  Pumped along here and Mellonfarmer continued straight while the rest of us headed into Ruru and through the cemetry and towards the Crematorium,  From here a short pump down Radley and back to mine where Dozer and Silverfox continued on home.

Tuesday 12th August

Weather looked ok so Bugs rode over to the bottom of Rapaki where The Silver Fox was waiting. Dozer arrived shortly afterwards. After a brief chat we joined the procession of runners and riders up the hill into the cold wind. Rode as a group most of the way up, no stopping at the Summit road as the wind was cold and strong. Up into Mt Vernon with Dozer leading. Rest at a chat at the start of the Traverse. Dozer lead off with Bugs hot on his heals and The Fox not far behind. Dozer had a little moment on the down hill towards the pond. Luckily he managed to save him self before biting the dust. Regroup at top of Vic park. Headed down though the rock garden at a good speed with no mishaps. Regroup at the skidder site then Bugs lead down though the trees with Dozer behind and The Fox following close behind. Regroup then Dozer lead down the last section which had a few muddy ruts which made you keep your speed down. Bugs slid out on one switch back and ended up facing back uphill again. Dozer had a good run with The Fox taking things safely. Reqroup at the bottom then rode out to the road. Dozer split off 1st, then The Fox turned left and Bugs went right. Nice ride across town with the rain starting about half way and getting heaver as the closer I got to home. Home around 825pm. 

Sunday 10th August

Although up partying the wee hours of the morning I was planning to ride.  I was not drunk when I got to bed slightly after 3 so was looking forward to the ride, but then I looked at the clock and it was 4 then again at 5 and then 6 dozing just after 7am before the alarm went off.  I was tired and it also turned out that someone had managed to fill my bike shoes with water.  I stayed home.  Tinkerbell, Silverfox and Dozer showed up for the ride.  They headed round the river to Ferrymead and up Canon Hill before doing the normal run up Mt Pleasant.  All the ups were pretty slippery with lots of wheel spinning ob the climbs.  The mount Pleasant Track was slicker than they had seen it and greasy on the corners.  The run down from the top was very greasy and mucky with lots of slipperiness.  They they chose not to do Greenwood and came down the farmtrack, across the road onto the Richmond Hill Farm and down the road to Dot Com.  They arrived back at mine about 1 covered in mud splatters.  I chatted with them before going inside and sleeping.

Tuesday 5th August

Might had been a trust meeting as no text came though so Bugs organized a ride with The Cook and Dozer. Meet at Upper Hornbrook Rd and headed up the Mount Pleasant Shared Route. Track was in great condition. Dozer lead followed by Bugs the The Cook. Regroup at the Summit road then up the road though the gates and up to the aerials at the top. Stop at the 1st fence as The Cook was missing a little air in the bottom of the tyre. Dozer lead off with Bugs hot on his heals followed by The Cook. Regroup at Greenwood. Bugs lead down here having a awesome run. Dozer was next with a little slipping and sliding in places. Regroup half way down with Dozer when a text arrived from The Cook. Snake bite to the front wheel. The Cook decided to fix it and head back up and drop down the farm track to the road. Bugs n Dozer headed down lower Greenwood finding the track a little more greasy and challenging as the lower we got. Still had a blast though. Started the grind back up the road till we got to the top of Greenwood. Couple of phone calls to track down The Cook who turned out to be ahead of us. Blasted down though the paddocks at a quick pace meeting The Cook at the bottom gate. Back at the cars by 7.50pm.   

Sunday 3rd August

Time to go and plant at Orton Bradley.  Only 2 of us able to make it.  Mellonfarmer arrived at mine and we loaded up into the  Trees 4 C van and headed over to Lyttleton.  Dry this side of the hills (Just) and slightly wet on that side.  8.50 sailing over and then the climb up from the dock thinking we may have a cuppa at the cafe.  No they were closed.  We rode in some heavy drizzle around to the park.  Not too much traffic.  Got there at 9.30 and sat on the verandah of the cottage thinking "HMMM  not many people will come in this weather".  We were wrong as more and more people showed up.  The drizzle stopped pretty much at 10am and we headed overe to the planting site behind the golf course.  This meant riding across a paddock where it got very wet and my wheels were spinning furiously trying to maintain traction.  Just managed while Mellonfarmers town tyres did not.  Got across then down a slippery slope to the planting.  We  had 30 odd people show up so this was done in an hour.  We then roade down looking for the new family mtb track but did not see it.  Back towards Diamond Harbour in the fine weather.  Lots more ups this way but pumped hard.  A cuppa and the cafe and some food before heading down to the wharf.  Arrived just as  the ferry was coming in.  Loaded up and drove through the tunnel to a damp Christchurch day.