Tuesday the Last of September

Cancellations from Phatboy and RubberLips, so Buggz, Dozer, Mellonpharmacist, Silverfox, the Cook and Tinks met at Upper Major Hornbrook.  Up Britten, and around the tussock-hidden-rocky singletrack, down the road, up Mt Pleasant singletrack, all climbing well.  Big regroup at the top, then into the descent.  Fun fun fun.  First rocky sections were good, gliding over them, then into the tussocks, swooping from bend to bend, total groove and flow, one or two missed corners...  Regroup again above the ruins, and then headed on down.  Bony upper half and a few scratchy corners, but no one lost too much traction.  Flowing and pumping around to the 'gulch through the humpy bits and paused and hung for another regroup.  Back into the descent, heaps of speed on the rocky start then flying through all the swoopy corners, some catching air on the humps and one screaming at the sheep to get out of the way.  Scratchy drifts around into Dave's section, hooning down this and around the bends.  Through the bit that's been so grovelly over winter, pumping, around into the wee valley.  Mellonframer paused here til the others appeared around the hillside, then got going again, flying, into the first rocky up, both him and Buggs mis-gearing this - foot on a rock, push, and rolled onwards.  Into the next up and swoopy swoopy down to the end.  Then a cruise up the road, slowly leaving the Cook behind, but at the big pines everyone dropped into their granny gears and rolled nice and slow til he caught up, then it was onwards up round the bends and into Britten, still enough light to see by.  Total blast on this descent, flying down the trail. Over the fence, good-byes said all before 8pm.

Monday 29th September

I knocked off at 3.30 and as the girls are on holiday and I did not need to cook I decided to get a small ride in to try and work on my fitness.  I left home at 4 and I headed up Rapaki at a steady pace, the wind was in my face on the way up but at the flat section it was a gusty side wind, no great use to me but had a a cooling effect.  At the top I headed straight up Vernon.  Now the wind was behind me and was quite good.  Not exactly blowing me up the track but eased the burden by a percent or 2.  Got to the top of Hunstbury and the wind was blustering and bloody cold.  I had always intended to come down here so I layered up a top and put my pfmtbc scarfie bandana thing on to keep me warm before setting off.  What a wild ride.  The wind was blowing me all over the palce even on the farm track.  Had to peddle to go down the hill, my helmet was being pulled off my head nearly as the wind blew into it.  Choking me.  By the pylons I was wondering if I would survive to write the blog.  Finally down to the tarmac where I thought it may be better.  No it actually got worse in a few spots and I had some scary moments. I was pleased to be home. An hours ride but a days thrills. Home by 5.10. Meanwhile the Cook knocked off at 5 went home and grabbed his bike.  He was doing my ride in reverse.  He struggled up Huntsbury with side winds blowing him everywhere then across vernon.  First bit was good as he was sheltered from the wind but as he turned for the downward stretch it was totally different.  Into the gail on a downward singletrack.  Frightening.  He then came down Rapaki which was a bit better but lots of walkers spread all over the track.

Saturday 27th September

An early start as we headed out to Halswell Quarry for the last planting of the year.  I went outside and was surprised to see Silverfox waiting.  He was soon followed by Bugs.  We headed around to the bottom of Rapaki rd where we were met by Dozer.  We started the climb up.  I knew it was gonna be a struggle for me after weeks of bugs.  We climbed steadily all the way.  Silvefox had some gear trouble and while a regroup happened at the gate I pushed on slowly.  We were all together as we started the last climb.  Now I had gear failure as my seat dropper played up.  The others ambled on while I got out the 100mph tape.  Worked a treat and I then pushed on after the others.  A regroup and then up over the Vernon Track.  I lost ground over here.  Around the traverse which was a good blast then dropped into Thompsons and headed for the Sign of the Kiwi.  Up the road and because we had been slower (Thanbks to me) we skipped Marleys and went straight onto Kennedys.  Everyman for himself as we headed down here.  Bouncing all the way.  Over the fence 2 went left up the track while the other two went up the fatm track.  Then down the single track which offered some surprises with some chunky ruts.  Straight into the crocidile finally I started to close the gap on the others.  Regrouped and continued down eventually showing up at the planting right on time. Phatboy showed up later after having gone up Dyers Pass and down Kennedys.  Tinkerbell arrived by car just in time to miss the planting.  Job done time for the road ride back along cashmere rd at a good clip.  Silverfox peeling off at  Hoonhay Rd while we went on to cups of tea at the roadies stop.  Dozer peeled off at Barrington while Bugs and I finished the ride home.  Good to survive the ride.

Thursday 25th September

Dozer picked Bugs up and they drove to Upper Hornbrook Rd arriving at 6.15pm. Up though the shared track in the paddocks with a sharp right before the Summit road. Dozer cleared the corner and Bug's didn't. Across John Britten which needs a grass trim as the grass hides all the rocks. Both rode this without any dabs. Dropped down the road then up the single track to the aerials at the top. Turned the lights on here for the down hill. Bugs lead with Dozer hot on his heals until Dozer's wheel slipped on a fresh sheep s---. Bugs got a little lead on from here. Into Greenwood in the same order. Flew down here as the track was dry n firm. Dozer stayed hot on Bugs tail all the way. No daps until the 1st rocky bit at the bottom. Back up the road pushing a nice pace as this was a fitness ride. Into the shared track down to the car by 7.45pm. Great ride.

Tuesday 23rd September

Bugs rode to Rubberjaws place who wasn't riding and meet up with The Cook. Shortly afterwards Silverfox and Tinkerbell arrived in the van followed by Dozer on his bicycle. After a short discussion on where to ride we headed over to Rapaki where we started at a slow pace until the gate where a couple took off some jackets. Continued up at a faster pace enjoying the views we had most of the way. Had a rolling regroup before the last steeper bit. Arrived at the top still with no lights on. Wind was picking up and getting colder so after the last person arrived we turned on lights and headed up over Mt Vernon. Into the Traverse until the 1st rocky bit then sharp right and down towards the top of Huntsbury. Down the rutted 4wd track to the top of Old School Bowenvale. Dozer lead down Bowenvale followed by Bugs, Tinkerbell, The Fox then The Cook. Most had a great ride down except for The Cook who had a small crash when one wheel slid out. All was fine though. Regroup at the bottom then down the gravel road to the bottom. Quick stop at The Brick Works for pint and a few hot chips. Dozer headed his way while the others when back to Ruberjaws. Bugs and The Cook continued on to there places while The fox and Tinkerbell drove home from there.

Saturday 20th September

Everyone was either working, away or  busy with something so I set off for a ride by myself.  The plan was to start early but I got a later start than I wanted.  The ride became a non stop sprint.  I headed out and down Radley St to Linwood Ave.  Through Bromley Cemetry and out onto Pages Rd eventually, past Dozers rebuild.  Down around Vancouver cress onto Ottawa Rd then Avonside Dr along the rugged stopbank to the Burwood Bridge.  Down to Travis Rd. left then right following Burwood Rd then into finally into Bottle Lake Park.  I have not been out there for a few years and as I rode I discovered a few changes. My plan was to go through the center and do a half loop but the center has changed a bit.   Anyhow I pushed as hard as I could ending up pretty much at Spencerville.  Not all the way but nearly.  I found myself then coming back along the beach which we never used to ride very often and finally back onto the old beach track that we did ride often.  Along here to the park at the end of beach Rd and then sprinted down to the planting at Travis.  Lungs and legs burning.  Planted for 2 hours, bbq then homeward bound.  Travis Rd then left to  the Burwood Bridge then roght along the stop bank into a head wind basically reversing my outward trip.  Pumped hard all the way and felt reasonably stuffed by time I got home.  Showered and then out for the afternoon.

Tuesday 16th September

The Cook went out solo.  Not sure what happened to anyone else but he rode up Rapaki over Mt Vernon and then did the Traverse Track.  The weather closed in and it got pretty windy so he headed back along the Traverse and then down the rocky sidle path onto Huntsbury.  Had a moment on a rock on his way down.  Continued down the single track above the farm track section of Huntsbury before getting back on the road.  Got home just before the rain hit.

Tuesday 9th September

Bugs arrived early at the bottom of Huntsbury so headed over to Dozers. Then we headed to the bottom of Huntsbury where The Cook and The Fox were waiting. Up we rode in a nice close group. All the way to the end of the tarseal with out lights. Up the farm track to the 1st gate where we had a short break while the Fox adjusted his new dropper seat post. (About time). Up we headed to the start of the Traverse. Short wait there while we regrouped. Another group of 4 guys arrived. Let them go 1st then gave the chase. Bugs lead with Dozer behind followed by The Fox then The Cook. Tail wind and catching the other 4 guys so there was no stopping until the top of Vic park. A quick chat with the other guys while the others caught up. Down though the Rock Garden to the skidder site. All close together. Down we headed with Dozer leading and Bugs close behind. All the way to the bottom. The Fox and The Cook not to far behind. Up the Hidden Valley to old School. Track had just had the grass cut so make us all have trouble on the 1st few corners but cleared the top ones. Down Old School in the same order as before. Track had a few new bridges and a couple of unexpected challenges as Dozer found out when he went over the bars. Bit of dirt on the elbow and maybe a sprained wrist (Like Ruberjaws). Everyone else down in one piece. Down the road and home from there. 17km.   

Saturday 6th September

A beautiful day for a ride.  The Cook and I left my place and headed around the normal tracks to ferrymead bridge where we hooked up with Dozer.  Phatboy was running late so he was aiming to catch us up.  The three of us headed out to Sumner, riding past Dot Com just to check to see if anyone had shown up there.  Nope.  We then headed down the esplanade and started the grind over to Taylors.  After the first hairpin we saw Phatboy on the esplanade and figured if we kept up a staedy pace he would catch us by the top.  We were right.  Down into Taylors and then up the Anaconda.  Surprised us how well we climbed this.  Those hairpins make you suck it in.  From the top we headed via singletrack to Evans Pass.  Great ride over here and fun going in the opposite direction to what we normally ride.  Regrouped at Evans then up the road and into greenwood.  Fantastic blast down here.  Everyone happy at the bottom.  Caught some slow riders coming down but they stopped to let us pass.   Down Ct Thomas really flowing well.  Phatboy cruised home while the other 3 stopped at Dot com for a bite and a drink before blasting homeward.  Dozer stopping at ferrymead.  Roughly from home to home for me was 50km give or take a km or 2.  great ride.

Tuesday 2nd September

I collected The Cook and headed up Sty Andrews to meet the lads at Upper Major Hornbrook.  It was bloody windy and bone chilling.  There was Nelly, Bugs, Phatboy, Tinkerbell, Silverfozx and finally Dozer arrived.  We headed up the single track at a steady pace turning on the lights as we rode.  (although I had to stop and plug mine in)  We turned left into Upper John Brittan and stopped at the gates.  We were into the cloud now and decided to head up Broadleaf Lane to the trig station.  Not mucking around in the breeze we all headed down towards the top of Greenwood hoping to get out of the cloud.  Regrouped here and then waited for the Cook.  He was having problems seeing with his glasses on and could not see without them.  He also had a fall and lost the track breifly.  He arrived and we headed down.  We were below the  cloud and we all had goodish runs down here.  Track was in perfect condition.  We then climbed back up the road and then down Lower John Brittan to the cars. 1.5 hours on the track including stops.

Sunday 31st August

Time for a big flat spin to the planting at Otakaikino. Bugs, Tinkerbell and Silverfox met at mine and we headed off about 9.05.  Down Opawa to Waltham then over the bridge and through CPIT onto High St.  Down here to the Square then Worcester and then Hagley Park. Kilmarnock and right onto the bike trail along the rail line.  A good steady blast down here to Tuckers Rd.  We were here by 9.40 so we stopped for a cup of tea before spinning through the Styx Mill Reserve onto Gardiners before cutting through the crematorium and onto Greywacke Rd.  A ride along the trail to the planting site where we planted shitloads.  We returned in the oppisite direction with Tinkerbell and Silverfox turning off at Kilmarnock St.  Bugs and I then pushed into the easterly all the way home.