Sunday 30th July

A very cold morning and a boat ride required.  I was running late and nearly missed the ferry to Diamond Harbour.  Got there thanks to Phatboy buying my ticket.  On board was Silverfox, Tinkerbell, Mellonfarmer, Bugs (Dressed as Helmut), Dozer and of course Phatboy.  We rode up the hill and then found Wairewa Tce which led to Bayveiw which was up and down and then down down down, being careful not to loose it on the ice.  Then we headed up and over Andersons and into Orton Bradley.  Found our way to the MTB track and headed on in.  New track for a couple of the lads.  Up we went and it was in good condition.  Once at the top we came down and found a sunny spot to wait in.  Did the planting in a very cold shady site which was really wet so feet were frozen.  After stopping in the sun and having a sausage we headed back around the bays to Diamond Harbour brief stop for 1.5 pints between us but in reality only 2 drinking before heading down to catch the ferry. Home by 1.30

Sunday 23rd July

The day after the big wet and a great game of rugby saw me go outside ready to ride up the hills.  met up with Tinkerbell and Dozer who had looked at the weather and thought it would be a flat town ride. He had his skinny tyre bike with slicks.  Light mist drizzle but the hills were clogged in at the tops so we agreed with him.  Contacted Phatboy and arranged a meeting point to allow him time to get there.  The 3 of us headed through smelly slippery mud from the flood across the footbridge and followed Hansens Park.  More drizzle further along so our call was worth it.  We followed the river from the end of Hansens continuing along until we met Phatboy near Ensors Rd.  We decided to follow the river and see the sites of the flood.  After crossing Tenyson St and riding quite some distance in the water we got pulled over by council response team suggesting we do not ride the water as it was full of shit and a health risk. We heeded the advise and ziged our way back to Colombo St and headed up Strickland St and onto Antigua to the boat sheds.  Down Worscester Boulevard and into the Square.  Chatted before heading for a cuppa in New Regent St.  From here we headed past Margeret Mahey Playground, down Kilmore, Avonside and onto Linwood where Phatboy headed home.  The rest of us went up Britain, England, Oliviers etc and back to mine.  Just over an hours ride but not a lot of options.

http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/2347956569

sunday 16th July

Phatboy, Bugs, Dozer, Silverfox, Tinkerbell and I left mine and headed around Hansens and up Gruntsbury.  For me a tough ride, tired and and stuff going on.  Up up up to the top.  Breeze was cool, in fact very cool.  Over Vernon which was fun and then tarmac all the way to Richmond Hill.  Just a ride no more.  Down the Richmond Hill Farm track, down the tarmac and to Dot Com.  Then home via tarmac.

http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/2332452383

Sunday Muddy Sunday 9/7/17

Nice fine day with a cool breeze blowing.  Went outside as Tinkerbeel and Silverfox unloaded.  Set off briefly before I ducked back to check pressure in my rear shock.  Off we went towards Woolston Cut where we picked up Bugs at Bampton St before heading along the towpath to Ferrymead Bridge.  One major Tyre slip on the awful little footbridge. Met up with Phatbow and Dozer who were sheltering out of the wind.  Rode around the Coastal Pathway before heading up Mt Pleasant Road for a change.  I was definitely not at my best form dragging my arse slowly up the hill.  No stoppages for taking off warm layers as it did not warm up much. Up the road a bit and then the steep road into Longridge (i think that's the name) and on up to Lower John Britain.  I controlled the pace for most of this until Phatboy and Bugs went on by.  Short regroup in the fogginess at the top before heading around to old school Greenwood.  Started this in a slippery fashion and then into the new route in here.  Slippery to start but relatively nice with some speed.  Regrouped and then climbed up the other new bit.  Steeper but I enjoyed it for some reason, even the slippery bits.  Into Greenwood and I tailed the pack.  Not my best ride.  It was super muddy and greasy especially in the top stretches.  All got to the bottom safely before heading down Ct Thomas which was surprisingly good condition.  Coffee and home.

http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/2316717383