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.