Sunday 17th July

Bugs rode to the meeting point at Rubberjaws place who was not riding today. The Silverfox arrived just after Bug's followed by Dozer then Phatboy. We headed around the river towards Rapiki. Started the upward ride with a cold head, then side, then head wind. Lots of runners coming down the hill carrying Tyres, Fence posts, Ropes and even a large Sledge hammer. Great way of getting fit I guess. All arrived at the Summit road to be meet by a cold strong wind. Didn't hang around too long then headed over Witch Hill. Phatbory 1st, Bug's next, Dozer then Silverfox. Few dabs for most but got there in the end. Around the road to keep ahead of a large group following. Phatboy dropped into the single track from Castle rock to the Bridle path. Dozer followed then Bug's with the Gopro recording. Dozer threw a chain after the slippy angled rock between the switch backs. After a quick adjustment he was on his way again. After the switchback he had a few issues which caused him to nearly fall off the side of the next wooden bridge, all caught on film. On wards chasing Phatboy who was on a mission to make a record time on his MAP MY RIDE. Regroup at the top of the Bridle path behind the water tank for shelter from the strong southerly. Around the road below the Gonadal the up into the single track up to the Aerials. Bit of a hard climb with the wind but after a short regroup at the gate we were all at the top. Downwards we headed the Phatboy taking the old way round and Dozer and Bug's taking the new steep direct root. Over the fence with Phatboy behind Dozer n Bugs now. The fox was bringing up the rear. Rocks were slippery with Bug's having a close call when his peddle caught a large rock. Though the tussocks at a fast speed with the wind pushing us along. Into Greenwood with the 1st 3 having a great run. Got to the 1st rocky climb at the bottom and no Silverfox. He was up around the top with a flat tyre. Waited at the rock watching the other riders from the big group behind have a crack at the rocky climb. Only one made it. Several minutes later The Fox arrived and we were on our way to the bottom. At the road Phatboy put the more air in the Foxes Rear. Into Cpt Thomas in the same order as Greenwood. Great ride down here for the 1st 3 and The Fox taking it easy as he didn't wanta blow another tyre. Regroup after all the rocks then down though the switchbacks to the bottom. Rain was just starting so we headed down the road to Dot Com where Tinkerbell was waiting for Coffee. Coffees and food and chat then on wards though Redcliffs and the Causeway to Ferrymead. Phatboy headed down Linwood Ave to home while the others went down Ferry Road. Bug's turned off here and the others headed to Rubberjaws. Dozer headed home in the van while The Fox rode to his. Great windy ride without anyone getting to wet. 31.3km and 862m climbing for Bugs. 

Meanwhile the day before, McGuyver and Mellonfarmer did a mucky Wharfdale of very similar proportions to that.