Friday 23rd December.

Dozer arrived at Bugs place at 930 as discussed. The drizzle had just started but looked like it was going to blow though quite quick. (How wrong were we) We headed off around the river past Rubberjaws to Huntsbury where Tinkerbell was waiting. Hadn't headed up this way for a while. Started the grind up here till the 3rd bend where Dozer stopped to take a layer off. Continued up the rest with no stops. Noticed a few new buildings up there since the last time. Up the last steep climb with the loose shingle on. Tinkerbell dropped back a little here as he was on his hard tail. (Loose bearing on this normal ride). Short break at the start of the Traverse. Noticed a few dark heavy clouds coming our way as we headed into the traverse. Drizzle became rain as we got around half way to Vic park. Stopped in the trees where we were protected from the heavy rain. Jackets were put on and Bug's put his ground effect water proof pants on. Down though the 1st short run below the road then Bug's took the road to Dyers and the others did the 2nd short track. Headed up the road to the top of The Body bag. Decided not to ride the Nun as this would not be fun with the wet rocks. Dropped down the Body bag which was quite slippy due to the rain. Had to ride in the ruts so we wouldn't come to grief. Got to the Gate to the new bike park which was locked. Tinkerbell suggested that we jump the fence and sneak in which we reluctantly did. Rode up the road until we found the 1st track. The Green one called Dan's Donut. This looked slippy with the rain that was falling. Bug's lead with the others not far behind. Great track with big sweeping banked corners. This would be great in the dry but turned out to be slippy as riding on ice. Couple of close calls as we headed down. The dust that was on the track had turned into a 3cm thick mud that flew off the tyres like a plow and stuck to everything. Stopped at a junction where we talked to another rider who informed us they had closed the Blue and black tracked due to the slippy conditions. A large group of 20+ down hill riders rode though slipping and sliding. Gave them a few minutes then continued down. Half way down we caught them as they were having trouble turning there wheels with all the mud. Bug's got past them and continued down wards. The mud just got thinker as we came out at the carpark. Joined the Que to wash the bikes down. The Reign was twice it's normal weight and the muddiest it has ever been. Bug's was about the same. After losing most of the mud we had a quick look around and run into Helmut. Had a chat in the rain then we headed off. Tinkerbell turned off to his while Bug's n Dozer rode across town to Bug's place. Dozer headed home while Bug's washed the Bike, Helmet, Shoes, Pants, Jacket, Bag and undies. Great last group ride of the year for some. Keen to head back into the park but only on a dry day. Merry Christmas to all. Bu

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