Wednesday 22nd. The drive home

Some people were heading to nelson, some home and some we do not know.  The A team were up early and loaded by 8.30 am so we just headed home.  Bugs was a man on a mission.  We all arrived home, Bugs and I dropping our bikes into the shop, one for repairs and the other for a service.  But a notable event happened in the life of Bugs while we were away.  He became a Grand Daddy Bugs.

  All the best to your Daughter and her partner.  Welcome to your Grand Daughter and now you and Mrs Bugs can look forward to babysitting sometimes.

Tuesday 21st The Wakamarina and the Havelock marina.

A real split today.  A team up bright and early and after contacting the others it was realised we would be waiting for the others.  We headed out and started the track.  Nice steady rideable track through some bush.  A couple of tricky spots where a push or dab was needed but really quite fun.  We climbed up to Devils Creek hut where we had a bit of a break and a look around.

just before we were ready to head off the others started arriving.  Chatted with them and also found that Bugs had a major suspension problem.  The split in the groups continued.  The A team was heading down via the Doom Creek loop while the others were going to slog up the hill to the top.  From what we can gather it was steep with more pushing than riding, slippery and rooty all the way down but the bestest track in the world.  Bugs headed straight back to the car nursing his bike all the way.  The remaining 5 A team members headed down and then into the Doom Creek loop.  This was a surprise.  Some really cool riding and a creek crossing...

There was a bit of searching for where the track was...

in a couple of spots and then some more awesome single track.  One notable incident as The Cook slid off the side of the track and landed in the trees.  Lucky for all of us as the drop was horrendous. he survived and we carried on.  Finished with a fast blast back to the bottom.  Drove back to the lodgings, had a stroll into town for lunch and then headed down to the Havelock Marina for a look around.  After this it was pool time and so we went and soaked up the sun, the water and the beer.  The others eventually arrived as we exited the pools.  More beers and story swapping before dinner at the pub.

  No party for the group as we were pretty tired.  back for a final drink at the lodgings while the others did their own thing.

Monday 20th we hit the Queen Charlotte.

Up early and into the cars.  We drove around to Anakiwa where we unloaded and headed into the Queen Charlotte track for 12.5kms to Te Mahia.  The track was a comfortable cruise with some easy ups and groovy wee downs.  No race needed but it did not stop some.  The veiws along the track were fantastic.

At Te Mahia Saddle we dropped down to the wharf and waited for our trusty boats to arrive for a trip to Portage.

We all stopped in Portage, had linch with Abba and Trevor before saying our goodbyes.  We then rode up to Torrea saddle before rejoining the Queen Charlotte Track and heading back to Anakiwa.  The track starts with a grunt.  Plenty of pushing for some, less for others but a grunt for all.  We eventually arrived at a spot for a regroup and a couple of pictures.

From here the track only had a few more grunty ups but lots of fun downs.  The run down to Te Mahia Saddle was a break burner of joy.  Felt like whooping it all the way.  Regrouped and then headed back along the last 12.5kms.  Had some fun along here, felt tired in places but everyone had a blast.  Arrived back at the cars, some waded in the water while the rest loaded up.  The idea was to get back to the lodgings for a swim, spa and drinks.  That is what the A team did.

Team 1 went and chilled for a while before arriving after the A team had finished their swims.  A few went in for a short while but then we headed into the pub for dinner and drinks.  Muscles was the order of the day.

An early night as most were pretty shagged.

Sunday 19th October, the trip along the Nydia continues.

Today we got up slightly later and relaxed and packed our gear.  We needed to load all the gear into the boat as tonight we were staying in Havelock.  We had plenty of gear to load.

Once sorted we went down to the shearing shed and waited for Trevor and Abba to get sorted before heading back to the drop off at Nydia bay.

The track started as an easy flat section before crossing a stream a couple of times and a steady climb up through a paddock.  The real climb started just after this.  The climb to Kaiuma Saddle is just as tough and steeper than the climb to Nydia Saddle.  No rain today but plenty of sunshine to warm you up.  By time we all reached the saddle we were looking stuffed.  legs were still tired from the day before.  But we got their eventually.

The ride down was not as good as the day before.  Shorter sections of rolling before clambering.  When it did get good there was a tree to clamber over or under to just slow it all up.  Phatboywas getting punctures all the time which caused some big issues and slowed him up.  We dropped down to the Upper Kaiuma Valley, crossed the Omahakie stream and climbed a steep but ride able track up through pine forest before a fast blast down the last hill.  Wish this section was longer though.  At the bottom we rode an undulating gravel road around to shag point to await Abba in his little shuttle.

Macgyver was sent back to look for Phatboy who had real puncture issues.  The rest of us shuttled back to Havelock.  We loaded the cars and drove to the Motels where we got keys to our sleeping quarters.  Small problem of a 10 minute walk between the 2 units.  This was not a real issue but did cause a small outbreak of complaint.  The team at the motels showered and got a beer going, checked out the pool, did some laundry and relaxed.  The other team went down to their cottage and sleepout and sorted themselves out.  The 2 groups did their own thing for dinner.  The A team popped into the pub for a glorious feed before taking the walk to see team 1 at the cottage for drinks.

A great time was had by all.  The moaning was stopped and laughter was the order of the night.  In the end the A team strolled back to our rooms, looking at the stars and chatting as we went.  bedtime.

Saturday 18th, Day 2 the trip

Up bright and early this morning for the boat ride to Duncan Bay.

Weather was overcast with occasional showers falling.  We finally arrived and offloaded the bikes and arranged a pick up time from Nydia Wharf.  We all put a little oil to our bikes, organised some jackets and wet weather protection and chatted at the slipway before heading off.

The group headed around the road away from the track and started the climb by road to the Opouri Saddle.  This was a steady climb of 10kms to about 590m. Sandals and Helmut chose to push/ride up the downhill track.  The group spread out in the usual way, the greyhounds sprinting and the rest of us spread out at our own pace and chatting as we climbed.  At the top we regrouped and wondered where Junior might be.  Phatboy and a couple stayed behind and waited (it was only 5 minutes and then Junior showed up) while the rest of us got an order and headed down.  This was a 4km downhill that involved some wet slippery rocks and roots, but a lot of fun.  I treated it with respect and got faster and faster.  Silverfox and I rode together.  The stay behinds caught us and we also passed Helmut and Sandals as they continued to climb a bit more.  Great run but would of been even better in the dry.  Regrouped near the bottom and then tokk the link track towards Nydia Bay track.   Finally got to the track start.

This section is not long in km's but it is not just a bit of plain track.  The first flatter section was great with only a few rooty sections to get over.  The group became spread out as we all started the climb.  For me it was ride, lift, push, ride as I climbed a challenging track.  Wet roots and slippery rocks were the order of the day.  I thought I was on my own but in the end it was an illusion of thick bush and lots of bends in the track.  We did a bit of a regroup 2/3rds of the way up the climb.

Everyone looked shagged out and had all found the climb challenging in one way or the other.  Onwards we went.  Still damp but very humid also.  I followed Bugs up this last stretch of climb before reaching the Nydia Saddle.

A quick bite and some big breaths were had before the normal order for the downhill got sorted.  Once again Silverfox followed me. A real technical downhill with some slick rocks and tree roots to contend.  It was on the bike, off the bike, lift and clamber at times.  As we got lower we passed Phatboy who had punctured (the first of many for the trip for him).  After this I seemed to be on my own and I loved the track.  Real challenging, a passenger at times, unclipped and rolling dabs, lift and carry was still the order but flowing quite well.  Passed some walkers and continued down.  Near the bottom caught up with a few who were down ahead of me and waited for the others to come down.  Did not do a full regroup as were spread out quite a bit.  The last stretch was a fast blast followed by an flattish ride into Nydia Bay and the wharf. We were all showing signs of fatigue.

We headed back to the farm for showers and some pre dinner drinks...

and the headed across a short tract to Te Rawa Resort for a most enjoyable dinner.

After dinner back to the farm and an early night.

Friday 17th October The annual Trip begins....Marlborough this time.

Up pretty early and headed off to collect Silverfox and Tinkerbell.  We then headed off to meet up with the rest of the group at Stalker Park in Woodend at 7.30am.

From here it was follow the lead car to kaikoura for a quick stop for toilet and nibbles.  Onwards we headed arriving in Blenheim and stopping for a chat.  The rain was starting and our destination of Whites Bay track was not looking positive but we headed in (by a roundabout route) for a look. The sheep of the group followed Mellonfarmer and MacGyver and we rode up the road in the rain then dropping towards Whites Bay for a bit then onto a shingle road.  We were all spread out as some paced themselves and some sprinted to the start of the track.  Sandals and helmut were dropped off along the way.  At the actual start of the track it was pissing down and after a consensus vote, after considering timing issues, after considering safety it was decided to turn back and can the ride. Some headed back the way they came while a few headed down the walk track.  Everyone regrouped at the cars in relatively good humour considering.

Mellonfarmer had a bit of an issue with his forks that he had bought 2nd hand and had installed just days before the trip.  They were not working for the whole trip giving him 25-50mm of travel only.  We headed off to Havelock where we loaded up for our trip to Wilsons Bay Farm.  Our lodgings for 2 nights.

It was kind of funny heading off on a MTB trip with our bikes on a boat.

After arriving and sorting out rooms, finding how little electricity we would have a feed was organised.  Bugs had supplied a wonderful meal of venison sausages and Steaks.  Added to this was bread, lettuce, tomatoes and beetroot.  Some sauces applied gave us a great feast.  Drinks were had before an early night.

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Sunday 12th October

Last big group ride before the trip.  Tinkerbell and Dozer showed up at mine and we headed around to the heathcote and along the cut collecting Bugs at the footbridge along the way.  We headed around the towpath with me leading.  Nearly a collision at a blind corner as someone came towards us.  Phatboy was waiting at Ferrymead Bridge.  We then headed up St Andrews hill.  Bugs  ended up leaving the rest of us behind and I was tail end charley.  Still not on the pace but improving after my health issues.  Finally ground up to the singletrack above Upper Major Hornbrook.  Here we caught up with Sandals and Helmut.  Mellonfarmer was here chatting as he was on the way down from an early ride.  I followed Sandals up here as the others chatted.  We expected them to pass us but obviously we had enough of a head start not to panic.  Came up to the point where we make our own hairpin onto old John Brittain.  Sandals went straight ahead and I cleaned the hairpin and the rocks above it stopping around the corner for a regroup.  Sandals and Helmut went into the olg Greenwood entrance and waited at the ruins.  The rest of us headed around John Brittain (the track has had no work on it obviously since before the earthquakes) then down to the saddle and started the grind up Mt Pleasant.  Once again i kept up the rear.   Got to the top and headed straight down.  Everyone seemed to enjoy a quick blast down here and I had the best run I have had for a while.  Regrouped at the ruins.  Got started before another big group caught up but in the end they got in amongst us.  I had to stop for a call about gloomy gully and everyone continued.  I had an excellant run down here but buggered up the double rock section.  Still only 11am so we headed up Godley.  An ok run around here but still pretty spread out.  I  must admit my downhills were a lot better than my ups.  Everyone seemed to be happy with the experience.  Down the Anaconda at speed enjoying it all except  the last 2 hairpins.  Down the tail then a steady grind up Taylors.  Down to Sumner and a stop at Dot Com before the pedal back.  Home just after 1 feeling quite good.  I should be fine for the trip and the others all seem to be on form.  let the weather put on a good week.

Tuesday 7th October

3 different rides.  I went out in the afternoon for a grind up Rapaki up over Vernon and then down Huntsbury trying to avoid sheep.  I took the singletrack above the track until I came upon a huge flock of sheep and lambs so got back onto the main trail and continued on down at a good clip.

 Those others that wanted to ride before the trip met at Rubberjaws place at 6.15pm. There was The Cook, Phatboy, Bug's, The Fox, Tinkerbell and Dozer. We all set off at a nice pace towards Rapaki. Up we headed with Phatboy, Tinkerbell and Bugs leading till the gate where we had a regroup and a couple removed some layers. Up we headed in 3 groups, Phatboy found a fast gear and disappeared ahead of us all, Most were in the middle group and The Cook followed up the rear. Lots of interesting thing's on the hill including an overweight roady in lycra who chatted to us at the top for a while. Interesting character. Wind was getting bit cold so up Mt Vernon we headed to warm back up. Nice tight group most of the way. At the start of the Traverse The Cook decided to back track and head down the farm track. The rest headed around the start of The Traverse then dropped down the rocky corner and then 4WD track heading towards Bowenvale old school. At the gate Bugs lead off on his own track though the tussock heading down and everyone else followed on there own lines. Phatboy found a hidden rock in the grass and had a small woopsy. Everyone else got down to the single track using there own lines. Into the fast single track mixing ourselves up with another group who had came up The Hidden Valley. Regroup at the fence when Phatboy lead with the rest in hot pursuit. 3/4 of the way down and Phatboy broke a spoke which caused his tubeless tyre to loose all it's air. While he repaired it with a tube from The Fox, Bug's and Tinkerbell removed a rock or two on a tricky corner. Down we all headed as we were loosing the light fast. All in one piece at the bottom. Across town we headed into the head wind at a solid pace to Rubberjaws place where we meet the rest of the PFMTBinc family for trip discussions.

Monday 6th October solo events

I knocked off work at 3.30 and as the weather was clear decided to do a small solo ride.  Feeling a distinct lack of energy but the ride was needed.  Got home changed and fluffed about then headed out around the river and started the grind up Huntsbury.  Oh it was tough.  A few spots in the open had a head wind but luckily there were only a few spots.  Off the tarmac and started the shingle. Between the first 2 gates I got attacked by a feckin Magpie and then between the 2nd gate and the pylon another feckin magpie got me.  Did not need this.  A bit more wind up here and lots of sheep and lambs everywhere.  Lots of shite also.  Finally topped out and headed onto the Mt Vernon Track and then onto the Fram Track for a grassy downhill.  A bit greasy but still quite fast.  Into the steep rutty section where the 3rd Magpie of the day attacked me.  What the feck.  Finally home feeling tired and a tad sick actually.  The Cook popped past dropping off my work keys and he did the same ride as I did.  He got attacked by 2 Magpies in the same spots, one going up, one coming down.  A spot of seat post problems saw him stop briefly by the pylons and the wind at the top nearly blew him off the bike.  The rain started as he got to  the tarmac at the bottom of the farmtrack.

Sunday 5th October

Tinkerbell and Silverfox arrived at mine bang on 8.30 and the 3 of us set off for a flat fitness  ride.  Headed down Radley into Bromley Cemetry and around the back of Bromley park cutting onto Pages for a look at Dozers rebuild, then cut through Vancouver Cres and out onto Ottawa Rd before taking the bouncy stop bank around Avonside Drive to Burwood Bridge.  Left here until we hit travis and then right  down past Burwood hospital and finally into Bottlelakes main entrance.  Still only 9.10am.  We delayered some clothing and then I led off going right into the tracks.  Long time since any of us were out here on these tracks.  We kept up a good pace enjoying the track.  Getting used to the difference between riding the hill and riding this upsy downsy twisty flat.  Finally the steep little climb to the top of the hill and straight down passing a few people resting.  Fast pump and caught upto a family of riders with  a tag along but they peeled left while we went right on the old track.  Came out onto a weird landscape of deforested hell.  Track seemed very different but  still riding steadily.  We then headed all the way down the beach track until we got to Spencer Park t intersection.  Rather than do the short stretch into the park for a rest we continued down the tracks we knew from old.  Feeling the effects of the steady pace we finally managed to complete a full circuit.  We had a quick rest  before heading up the middle track eventually back onto the beach track where we continued to give it a nudge.  We followed one track that took us back towards the climb up the hill to the shelter.  Here we stopped for 15-20 minutes while we had a bite to eat.  Back into the down hill and through the forest back to the carpark at the entrance.  Stopped for a pee and then returned home pretty much the way we went.  Silverfox got to the front and started cranking up the pace so we stayed with him.  It was a struggle and if I had of got a bit closer I may have been tempted to push him off.  A great ride and we were home by 11.45.  Rough estimate 60-70km of riding.  Stuffed afterwards.

The Cook went out later after he finished work and did a flat ride out to Bottlelake and around checking out some sites while Phatboy went out with Junior and did some laps up at Worsley I believe, and the Mellonpharmacologist took his boy and his dog out for a quick spin at BottleLake in the early afternoon... He'd also been playing in Worsley's the day before as well

Saturday 4th October Bugs Solo

Bugs was on the coast so decided on a solo trip up The Croesus. Woke to rain but headed off anyway. Was snowing in the carpark at the bottom so had a coffee then decided to head up as far as I could. The 1st 3/4 of the track was generally ok to ride with snow on the swing bridges and most of the track. There was a couple of trees over the track and one big slip. After that in came a huge hail storm which caused me to shelter under some big trees. (Now I know why we wear helmets). From about 3/4 way up the snow got deeper so I had to push the Giant up. This became harder as it got deeper but I was about a kilometer from the top so carried on. Finally after about 2 hours I reached the Hut. Snow was about a foot deep now. There were 4 trampers in the hut who were getting ready to head down. After a chat with them they left and left me a roaring fire. Lunch and a warm up then into the decent. Caution was the approach at 1st as it was hard to spot rocks and when I got some speed up I would hit some deep snow and slide a little out of control. The further down I went, the faster it got. Unable to feel the fingers at this point but enjoying it all. Flew past the 4 trampers then 3 hunters with rifles and a crossbow. Onwards I went and came around a corner surprising 2 goats on the track. Continued on and surprised another 2 goats further along the track. Into the climb up to the road scaring another goat on the way. Arrived back at the car just as the sun was parting the clouds feeling pumped. 22km and about 4 hours of one of the best tracks in New Zealand.