Sunday 18th June

The after birthday ride and with Mellonfarmer for a change.  Tinkerbell and Dozer arrived at mine and we headed off by the usual route to Ferrymead Bridge where we hooked up with M/F, The Cook and Phatboy. I led off up St Andrews at a comfortable pace and the others seemed happy with it.  Up up up finally ready for some single track.  Off up John Brittain we went slightly more strung out as we climbed.  The top was cool and as we went around towards the start of Greenwood a bit misty.  Into the track and then Mellonfarmer led off down the new low track.  A first time for me.  This was nice and flowy.  Enjoyed very much and then we climbed the track (the one we came down last week) towards the ruins.  A bit more effort but still a good climb.  Up the 4 wd drive and then into the Mt Pleasant Track towards the aerials.  The rocks were a tad greasy so lotsa dabs and a bit of bike dismounting ensued.  Overall not to bad.  Over the fence and we followed as track to the gates avoiding the rocky slog.  In the mist The Cook went missing.  He had hit a rock and slid off the track.  No injuries.  Down Mt Pleasant which was great.  I had a woopsy and by all accounts others had found some grease also.  Down under the Gondala and after a quick pause into the Castlle Rock climb.  I was very happy with my climb.  A couple of dabs but otherwise sweet.  Down we went Mellonfarmer and Phatboy taking the walking track at the bottom.  Tinkerbell was going to do this but after nearly skidding off he rode with the rest of us.  The front 3 went straight over Witch Hill and stopped at the top of Rapaki.  Finally Phatboy showed up explainging about Mellonfarmers brake issues and also about smacking his derailuer..  Down the side track of Rapaki until Phatboys deraileur fell into hios spokes ripping all and sunder apart. He walked down with Tinkerbell getting his van while us others went to Fava for Cake and coffee until Tinks and Phatty arrived.  Homewards.  Great fun ride apart from the breakages.