Sunday 27th September

Bug's rode around to the meeting point at Rubberjaws place. Tinkerbell was removing his bike from the car after spending a bit of dosh on some overdue repairs. Sandals arrived in the car with Dozer not far behind. Sandals had sneakers on for a change as the road was still a little wet. Headed around the river then up Rapiki at a average pace. Dozer and Bug's gaped the other two on the climb. Got to the top where the wind was cold n strong. Tinkerbell arrived the Sneakers was not far behind. Headed left then went up Witch hill where the rocks were wet n slippy. All getting though with the odd close call on the rocks. Headed up the road towards Castle Rock. Regroup there while a few roadies rode past. Sneakers decided to go down the single track while the others were contemplating on which way to go. Bugs then lead down the Castle Rock track with Tinkerbell behind and Dozer bringing up the rear. Caught Sneakers just after the two switch backs. Rocks were slippy and wet. Regroup at the top of the Bridlepass then onwards around the road. Dozer managed to cut off a roadie under the Gondola. Continued on to the top then dropped into the single track below the summit road. Back out onto the Summit road then down to Greenwood. Track said OPEN so down we went. Sneakers lead with the other not far behind. Passed her before the ruins then Tinkerbell lead with Bug's not far behind. Tinkerbell pulled off the track to let a group go past that were doing the up Greenwood. Bug's dropped off track and snuck into the lead. Continued on downwards with the track muddy and wet in a few places. Bug's cocked up the two rocky bits at the bottom and the others did not fear much better. Decided to head down Cpt Thomas. Bug's lead, then Tinkerbell, Dozer and Sneakers. Rocks were wet n slippy so Bug's walked Phatboys rock and also missed the up just after. The others had a similar run. Down the lower half then dropped into the new track near the cabbage tree. This was interesting on the steep off camber corners as they were slippy as well. All got down onto the old track then Bug's brakes decided to jamb on for the rest of the ride. Sneakers arrived at the bottom with a smile so she enjoyed the down as well. Down into Sumner for a coffee while the tsunami warning system played us a tune. Was test day as we found out. Coffees etc then headed off with a slight tailwind on the road home. Bug's turned off at his while the other 3 rode around to there waiting cars parked at Ruberjaws place.