Sunday 31st July

Lets go planting.  Time to test the body for me on a bit of a cruise ride.  Silverfox and Dozer arrived at mine and we loaded our bikes into the van for a quick trip to Lyttleton. We hooked up with Phatboy before riding up the bridge and carrying our bikes down the temporary steps to the Ferry.  Across to Diamond Harbour we went.  Nice warm up on the road from the Ferry to the top before a steeady ride to Orton Bradley along the road.  Quick chat to Ian (Park Manager) and a chat with The Cook who was setting up the planting before we cruised into the short MTB track.  Good wee loop climbing up some switchbacks and riding through some trees before crossing a narrow bridge and dropping back down to the park in time for the safety briefing.  2 groups for planting.  We took the uphill group so back onto the bikes for a grunt up the hill.  Nice wee planting site in the sun.  Planting went quick so we jumped back on the bikes down the hill and back into the MTB track in reverse.  Different sort of climb from this side.  On a short wee climb Phatboy changed gears, chain sucked and ripped the hanger off.  Repairs went on for 10 minutes as he turnt the Yeti into a single speed.  Carried on the short distance to the top before a lovely little down hill.  Back to the Red schoolhouse for tea and muffins.  From here I set the pace on the ride back to the Ferry.  Pushed myself quite hard.  Felt good about the pace too.  Mellonfarmer arrived in his car just as we got back to the shops area of Diamond Harbour.  He was taking his Phatbike up to the snow - which he was successful in doing..  We stopped for a quick cuppa before arriving just in time for the 1pm sailing.  Back to the vehicles and home shortly beforte 1.30pm.  Good wee ride.