Sunday 11 October

A 8.30 start today.  Went outside and there waiting was Phatboy, Tinkerbell, Silverfox and Dozer.  We headed by the usual route towards Bamford School where we collected Bugs.  Around the river via the Old Towpath behind Ferrymead before starting the  warm  climb up St Andrews Hill Rd, onto Marama and then Clifton Hill.  Cut through the park before having a wee rest at the tennis court.  Up the road we continued up the steep of major Hornbrook onto the path and finally coming out on Upper major Hornbrook.  As the others chatted I decided to head straight on up the single track with Phatboy catching me near the top.  Cleaned the hairpin turn onto John brittan track stopping for a regroup in the shade of the trees. No wind at all to this point so it was a warm climb. I then hid in the trees to lighten my load before we headed up Broadleaf Lane.  I stopped to chat with friends while the others carried on up to the top of mt Pleasant Track.  No talking for me when I caught them I started the  downward track immediately.  Good run down here.  At the bottom got word that Sandals and Helmut were heading towards us.  Down we came along the gondala Bluffs before a wee stop at the top of the Bridal Path.  Into castle Hill track where we got strung out in the climb.  All but 2 of us cleaning the top section.  Down the road and over Witch Hill for a regroup above Rapaki where Helmut and then Sandals joined us. A cooling breeze was enjoyed. Over Vernon we went before heading down towards Old Skool.  Various ways down the top to the single track and a good run down was had by all.  Rode pass all the downhill muppets waiting for a ride back to the top.  Stopped for a drink at kaizuka before heading home.  About 808 metres of altitude for the day and 25km for me..