Thursday 27th August

Dozer arrived at Bug's place just after 6pm. No one else was riding except for MacGuver & Mellonfarmer who headed out earlier. Plan was to hopefully meet up for a beer later. Headed around the river towards Rapaki. The breeze was getting colder as we headed towards the hill. Started the climb at a easy pace chatting as we climbed. Got to the top just in time to follow a nice view in the moon light. Quick chat with the view at the top then we decided to head left out towards Greenwood. Full moon so we rode without lights for most of the way along the top. All lights on then dropped into the Castle hill track. Bit greasy in places which made the rocks a little slippy. Problem was tears in the eyes due to the cold wind. Arrived at the top of The Bridal Pass then followed the road around below the Gondola. Up the single track towards the aerials at the top. Wind was getting stronger and colder with a dew starting to form on the grass. Jackets on then into the down hill. Bug's lead with Dozer trying to keep up. Track was greasy in places which kept the speed down. Quick phone call to Richard to organize a beer then down into Greenwood. Bug's lead getting a gap on Dozer. Bug's tyres were pinging on all the rocks causing some issues in certain places. At the bottom Bug's let about 20 psi out of each tyre while waiting for Dozer. Into Cpt Thomas which was flowing well. Half way down the middle rocks and Bug's gets a snake bite. Replaced the tube then we continued onwards and downwards. Dozer nearly did a Rubberjaws and almost went over the bars. Down we continued into the fast switch backs and both used the new track near the cabbage tree. The lower tracks were very muddy which was disappointing. Over the gate then down into Sumner. Straight though Sumner, The Causeway and Ferrymead. Time was now getting late so we decided to miss the pub. Home around 9.20pm. 31km