Sunday 14th August

The weather on Saturday was shite so the planting was cancelled and we decided to ride on Sunday.  Went outside to find Twopot and Silverfox ready to go.  Bugs arrived followed closely by Dozer and then Phatboy.  We headed around the road and then the track along the Heathcote Cut to Ferrymead Bridge where we got rid of a layer.  I set off up St Andrews with the rest on the road behind me as they were ready.  Stopped on the top Flat of Marama Cres as the weather was warmer so another layer removed.  After this a steady ride up St Andrews with me dropping behind a tad near the tennis court. Gave a push and caught up to the others by the big hedge.  Had a short break here but I rode on and set off up the steep section and into the path. The others all caught up as we headed off the last steep uphill onto another entrance into John Britten.  We had a chat and off we went heading ever upwards.  Track was in great nick with only a couple of greasy sections.  Regrouped at the turning loop before heading up the Old John Brittan track.  A bit greasy over the rocks and then we followed Phatboy around the loop track which was very greasy at times.  Passengers on bikes rather than riders.  Up onto the tarmac and up Broadleaf Lane for a rest above Mt Pleasant.  Phatboy and Bugs led off.  Wow this was greasy in a lot of places.  In fact it was more than greasy in some spots.  Passengers going downhill.  Got more confident as we went down some hooting and hollowing coming out of mouths, laughter and fear.  We survived and regrouped at the bottom.  Down the road to the top of Bridal Path.  Decided that the Castle Rock track would more than likely be too wet and greasy for an uphill so up the road we went and down the other side.  Into Witch Hill which was not to bad a couple of dabs in the worst grease and then regroup at Rapaki.  Phatboy started telling some of some improvements to shocks.  A story I had heard so I led Silverfox and Twopot up over Vernon.  Some female runner mentioned that riders should giveway while we were in a steep spot so I said " we are riding uphill so shut your mouth" and carried on.   Straight into Traverse and at the rocks we turnt into the track heading down towards Old Skool.  Waited for the others and down we went.  Into Old skool all taking different lines, Phatboy taking off piste all the way.  Into the single track which was surprisingly good for the most of it.  A couple of sketchy bits and passengers we became in a few spots.  Survived it all and felt really good at the bottom.  best ride I have had for ages.  Not bad going up and not so jittery coming down.  May it continue to improve.  Silverfox headed home and the rest of us headed to Fava for coffee etc before splitting for home.

http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/1676108903