Sunday 9th November

Finally got my bike back after a service.  Put air in the shocks and adjusted rebound, propedal etc etc.  The day was a beautiful spring morning with little wind.  Got outside early to meet the few who were able to ride.  First was Silverfox and Stewie from Nelson (on his new Carbon Scott)followed by Dozer.  That was us.  Four lads headed out initially towards Rapaki but changed our mind when we saw hundreds (maybe not that many) heading up in a huge group.  We headed around up grunted up Huntsbury and a steady pace with only one brief stop.  I thought I would be out of condition but I went better than expected.  Stewie was nice and rode with us.  At the top we went left towards Sumner.  I led and we all had a fun ride over Vernon finding the huge group of riders just arriving at the top of Rapaki.  Straight into Witch Hill for us and then on around and down Castle Rock track.  Flowed really well here and swaited at the top of Bridal Path for a regroup.  Stewie was not used to riding so much lava rock and found our trails narrow.  Up towards the Gondola with the normal ride, push and carry happening.   Used to this after Nydia. Had a little regroup in the shade before moving on,  Had a blast coming down from the top into Cavendish Saddle straight up Mt Pleasant.  I led with Stewie pushing me along from behind.  Then Dozer led down from the top.  Had a great run with a food stop at the ruins.  Then into Greenwood, having a sweet run.  My shock and forks tuned perfectly me thinks. Paste a slow rider just before Gloomy Gulch and let a fast rider through then had a small technical with my chain witch pissed me off.  The others caught up.  From here blasted down to the road. Fantastic run.  Had another regroup before heading down Ct Thomas at speed.  So much fun.  Got pissed at the stupid gate and nearly went over in a wheel size pot hole before continuing my blast.  Only got off at the last rocky section and for the small climb but cleaned the rest.  Another regroup at the hairpin to the bottom half and then blasted down.  Dot com for food and drink then a steady ride home with the Fox and Stewie blasting the causeway.  Great ride.

No doubt just before these guys had finished this ride, Mellonfarmer headed up McCormacks, Britten and Broadleaf then down Mt Pleasant and Greenwood, out and back the first section of Godley, then back up the road and back down Britten and McCormacks.