Saturday 24th september

Bug's rode around to Rubberjaws place for the meeting time of 8am. Silver Fox was waiting the Rubberjaws who had just got outta the sack with Mrs Rubberjaws. Dozer arrived followed by Phatboy shortly after. Dozer, Bug's, The fox and Phatboy headed off towards Rapaki while Mellonfarmer who was running late chased them up Huntsbury. He was chasing hard but we were on Rapaki. Headed up Rapaki into the fog and drizzle.  Once we got to the top the fog had set in and visibility was down to around 50 meters. Up Vernon and around to the start of the Traverse. Bug's slipped on his new Knee pads then we headed off around the Traverse which was slippy on the rocks and a little damp in places. At Vic park we had a short regroup in the Trees before heading on wards towards Kennedy's bush. At the top off Kennedy's we meet Nina (Ex Heaphy with Bug's) who had came up. After a quick chat about the track ahead we headed down. Track was muddy with puddles and large cow dumps everywhere. All headed down with a little caution in places. Down and down we went with Mud a water flying off the wheels and ending on the riders. Arrived at the gate all in one piece then Bug's lead on the up till the next gate. Passed the old Recks who was going for a run then regroup at the next gate. Phatboy lead from here with Bug's then Dozer and the Fox behind. Into the Crocodile in the same order which was running fast. Few new off tracks from here which we must ride soon. Bug's stopped to catch up with another ex Heaphy mate while the others headed downwards towards the planting. After a few minutes Bug's headed downwards to the planting to find 125 people planing 1000 plants. After a little discussing Bug's planted Zero plants while the others who arrived 1st plant around 15 plants in total. Sausages and chat with Rubberjaws (Rode over on road) Tinkerbell (Drove over) and Mellonfarmer {who rode ahead of the others}. Headed back across town into the head wind with The Fox heading to his, Phatboy peeled off towards his and Bug's n Dozer headed to Ruberjaws place where Dozers car was waiting. Bug's headed home form here. 38km ride 

And I (Rubberjaws) got a very late start and headed off on the Cruiser.  I had beer and food in the carrier making it a heavy wee bike.  Headed through all the alleys etc round the river by Pricess Margeret and onto cashmere Rd following this all the way.  kept pace for a while with a bunch of roadies and finally got to the planting.  As mentioned it did not take long.  Into the wind for a partial return as I was stopping off for the rugby.  Good ride.  Watched the rugby and then rode home with The Cook into a steady breeze.