Tuesday 18th August

Phatboy arrived at Bug's place and not long after that Dozer arrived in the van. The 3 off us headed off past Bamford School and followed the river upstream arriving at the bottom of Rapaki where Tinkerbell was waiting. After a brief chat we headed up Rapaki. Bug's and Phatboy pulled away as we climbed at a good pace. Passed a couple of others on the way and arrived at the Saddle to a solid but cool wind. Jackets on while we waited for the others. Headed up Mt Vernon with Phatboy leading, followed by Bug's, Tinkerbell then Dozer. Regroup at the start of The Traverse. Headed into the Traverse in the same order finding a few puddles which turned into a few more. Dropped into the dipper finding a large puddle at the bottom which we all managed to ride though. Regroup at the top of Vic Park then down we went. Across the paddock which was soaking wet then into the Rock Garden with nice wet tyres. All managed to get down here in one piece. Regroup at the skidder site then down though the normal way though the trees. Bug's missed the 1st hard left and dropped down into the down hill track. This was wet, muddy and slippy. Got down in one piece to find Phatboy waiting at the junction. Tinkerbell arrived then Dozer made a grand entrance by sliding down the last steep drop off just missing a tree. Headed down though from here with us all finding the switch backs slippy but managing them well enough to stay upright. Down at the 4WD track then headed downhill to Bowenvale Road. Bikes covered in a fresh layer of mud but riders with smiles. Tinkerbell turned off to his place while the others went right. Phatboy turned off closer to his place while Dozer n Bug's went to The Brewery for a pint of ale. Off to Bug's place from here where Dozer put his bike in the van and headed home. Great but muddy ride.