Sunday 25th August

Finally an excuse to write a blog.  I headed out the door and hopped on the Trusty cruiser and headed over to Phatboys at a steady clip.  Felt pretty good.  Met MacGyver and Phatboy so we headed down Kilmore discussing the issue of stopping at Red lights or riding through if safe.  Ripped through Hagley Park before meeting Tinkerbell and The Cats Mother by Monavale.  Headed down the Cycleway meeting Mellonfarmer at Waireakei Rd or there abouts.  Onwards we went stopping at the Cafe on Cavendish Rd along the way.  From here we headed down Styx Road onto Main North and then into Northwood where we found our way to Johns road and The Groynes.  We joined about 120 people planting trees before stopping for some Gluten in Bread with sauce.  We then returned most of the way  along the same route but found a way to skip Main North Road.  People dropped off as we went before finally separating all together at Fitzgerald Ave.  I headed to the new House.  Felt good all day.

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3750305977

Saturday 11th May

I needed to use up my pass at MTB park so I rode around to the park via all the little byways and got on the lift at 10am sharp.  2nd ride up and then took summit connector out and then the bottom half of the Nun hooking up at 10.20 exactly with Phatboy as arranged. He had ridden his new Yeti up to see how it went.  I followed him down Choirboy and then he hit Captain Cook while I went straight down and into Loess rider.  My fastet time ever down here which was cool.  Hitting the berms better and throwing my bike around a bit more.  Stayed in front of Phatboy all the way although I think he did slow down a couple of times (or so he said).  At the bottom we hooked up with Junior who was out for the first time in a while and then headed up for a run down Yeah yeah Gnah, Lor of possums and Handle the old jandle. Great run down here by all of us.  Straight back up for another run where they came down Swinger Party and ?? while I came down the Green track so I could pedal.  Once again fastest time ever.  Juniour headed home and Phatboy and I headed up and out onto Summit Connector, lower Nun and onto the road by the Kiwi.  Started the climb upto Vic.  Half way up we heard a shout and there was Mellonfarmer out riding.  He and Phatboy headed down through Vic while I cruised around the Summit Road to avoid the clusters of riders on the traverse.  Over Mt Vernon and trhen down Rapaki.  The top half was on the sidle track beside the true Rapaki.  Quite fun even if a little greasy and then plowed down the main track at pace.  Pedalling as I went.  Good pace.  Finally home.  Nice ride overall.

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3536328970

Sunday 28th April

I set off for a flat ride around to the mountain bike park, stopping to chat with Silverfoxes wife Di along the way.  Arrived with time to spare meeting The Cook before catching the 1st lift of the day.  Down the Summit Connector onto the bottom of Marleys and and at the start of Choirboy we hooked up with Phatboy.  We waited about 1 minute and the Tinkerbell and Jenna arrived.  Headed down Choirboy, me having my fastest run down here since I got map my ride.  Felt awesome.  We regrouped at the top of the park before heading down Loess rider.  Tinkerbell and The Cook took Captain Cook to start with so Phatboy and I got a jump.  Although I had a good run down here Tinkerbell caught me which meant that The Cook caught up also.  I let them both pass just so I could enjoy my run.  2Nd fastest time for me ever.  If I had not stopped it could of beemn my fastest. Regrouped with Tinks and Jenna heading home.  Up for another run this time down Yeah Yeah nah, onto Lord of the Possums (the joining spot has changed for some reason and LOP has a couple of jumpy bits being added) and then straight into Handle the Jandal.  Great run here although right at the end we got held up by a young fella.  Up for a lift and while the other 2 went down the same run I did the Green route so I would have to pedal and work to enjoy it.  Got some good speed up anyway.  Stopped for drinks beforew heading home.  Enjoyablke and got rid of some of my passes.  Need one more session to empty the card.

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3511211074

14th April

The Cook and I set off early and headed around Hansens and then up Ramahanna, Aotea and Huntsbury to keep ahead of the rest of the group.  Dawdled our way up.  Had to stop a couple of times to stretch out the legs.  Up the gravel and as we had time headed out along the Mt Vernon Track to the point it drops and then back to the top of Huntsbury.  2 minutes later Phatboy and Dozer arrived along with half of Chch it seems.  Phatboy took off then some guy jumped in followed by another on an elctric.  We thought they would be quick but they were ultra slow.  Got passed them at the rock garden and then had a nice flow.  Top of Vic quite quick.  The lads headed down Thompson while I had a quick run down the road to the loos.  Met up above Choirboy.  Had an excellant run down here before having a fun run down Loess.  Phatboy had to stop and add air to a tire and never caught us.  Got slowed down near the bottom by some guy who was not prepared to stop.  Phatboy headed home for a lunch engagement while Dozer headed up the uphill as he had no pass.  The Cook and I headed up for a run down Lord of Possums and then waited for Dozer .  Great run down LOP for me.  Then down Handle the Jandal which was nice.  First time down the entire track.  Stopped for a drink before pumping it home in heavy drizzle.  Felt fine although very sore legs after it was over.

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3483907387

Sunday 31st March

It seems I am the only person writing this blog.  I finally got back on the bike and chose to meet the lads at the bottom of Lower John Brittain.  Drove up into the cloud and unloaded.  It was cool and dampish.  The lads, Phatboy, Tinekerbell, The Cook and Dozer arrived at the same time so they had me lead the way to the top.  I had no idea where I was towardss the end as my glasses were completely fogged up.  I removed them before we went on. From here I tail ended as 1st we rode the top of JB and then across the road and into Mt Pleasant track climb.  I was a tad slow with legs giving out along the way. Phone rung and it was Mellonfarmer who said he would meet at the top on his Fatwheeled beast.  Finally at the top and MF rode up.  Down we went in not a bad run considering the weather.  The Cook slowed down by lack of visibility.  Mellonfarmer and I headed down to the pines while the others headed down Greenwood.  We had a nice flow before climbing back up to the old entrance to Greenwood.  A slight adjustment to my gears helped.  Down JB to the ute.  I loaded up and headed to Dot Com to meet the others.  They had a good run down by all accounts.

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3456611560

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3456761092

Sunday 20th January

Up and to the gate by 8.30 to meet the Cook.  We rode around Hansens Park to the botoom of Huntsbury.  We waited their for The Cats Mother and waved to Tinkerbell who was meeting Bugs and Dozer at my place to start later.  Anyhow the 3 of us ambled up Huntsbury with a couple of short rests/regroups where the others waited for me to catch up.  Made it to the top ith a couple of miunutes to spare before the other 3 caught up.  Along the Travers, the first half for me was a tad slow but the 2nd half was better.  Down Thompsons and then regrouped at top of Choirboy.  Instead of tail ending I took the number 4 spot and had a good run down here.  Then we headed into Ct Cook which was good and we all cleaned this.  Then Loess ride with The Cats Mother taking tail end spot.  Enjoyable run down but tiring as always.  Tinkerbell and the Cats Mother headed home while the rest of us got a lift to the top.  2 very long stops while on the chairlift did not impress me at all.  We headed down Summit Connector (only the 2nd time for me) and then into Lower Ct Thomas.  The first time in a very long time.  Rode up to the top of Vic and took the Rock Garden, into Gums then down Shazzas, Brents, Bridges and out.  Long time since I did any of Vic park and it was fun.  Had a drink at FAVA and then home for a wee break.  29k so far.  I went out with Lady Janine for a practise ride in the sun and ended up doing just over 24k.  Big day and I was stuffed and sore at the end of it.

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3340261012

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3340450849

Sunday23rd December

It rained all night and I thought we would not get out for a ride.  Fined up but as we thought the tracks would be too wet we decided to continue with the plan to do a tarmac ride.  Bugs and Tinkerbell arrived at mine so we headed down Richardson Tce and turnt right onto the Heathcote Cycleway, this took us to the park and the towpath.  It was a bit wet in spots but good riding.  The lads let me set the pace.  We arrived at Ferrymead Bridge just as Phatboy showed up.  While he lost a layer I took off up St Andrews Hill knowing the others would catch me up.  Grind grind grind with a wee break along the way. At the bottom of John Brittain we decided the track would be too wet and continued up Mt Pleasant Road turning right onto Summit Road.  Got passed by a group of roadies but we caught them up as the slowed for the rougher stretch under the gondala.  Boys had a wee stop at the top of Bridal Path and I mossied on.  Got passed by the roadies who got passed by this big guy on a leckie Fatbike.  It was humming along.  Stopped at the top of Castle Hill before continuing on.  Finally layered up at the top of Huntsbury for a quick blast down here.  Turnt left on the tarmac so we could go towards Moon under Water for a Xmas beer before they closed.  Nice wee interlude before the ride down Tennyson and home.

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3297545386

Sunday 16th December

I set off from mine at about 8.45 to try and make it to the top of Huntsbury at troughly the same time.  Phatboy, Bugs, Dozer, Tinkerbell and The Cook left about 9ish.  I grunted up the hill feeling not too bad and finally hit the Summit road.  Load clloud was hanging around and thinking the boys would not be far away sent them a text saying I would continue on slowly which I did. Steady run down Vernon with a few riders coming up which slowed me down, an average run across Witch Hill expecting the lads to catch me at any moment.  Continued around to Castle Rock and after stopping and looking back to see if the lads were there I decidsed to continue on.  Down Castle Rock and then rode around to Mt Pleasant.  Stopped and chatted with a bunch of E mtb riders and as the lads had not shown up I followed them up the hill.  Finally about half way up I saw the lads at the bottom.  I continued up and waited at the towers.  A bit of a break and then I followed them down Greenwood and then Ct Thomas.  Not a bad run, Phatboy decided to test how soft llanding in the grass is at the top of Ct Thomas along the way.  Drinks at Dot Com before a steady ride home.  Pushed hard for me.

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3289238887

Suynday 9th December

Another ride with an early start for me.  Headed out and around Hansens Park to Ramahana Road where I met VJ my old flatmate. She was keen to ride and we headed up at a steady pace.  Slower than the lads would go but that was why we started early.  We made the summit and waited for the others.  20 minutes it was before they arrived which means I do not need to start out quite so early.  Maybe 15 minutes would be enough.  The posse included Mloonfarmer and Paul, Dozer, Tinkerbell and The Cook.  We set out around the Traverse with me holding back to keep an eye on VJ.  She did ok and so I let her in front at the halfway point which saw me get to see her go over the handle bars.  She recovered and off we went.  Regrouped and then into Thompsons and then onto the start of Choirboy.  Nice flowing run down here with VJ going faster than expected.  Regrouped and then some went via Captain Cook to the start of the tracks.  Half went via Shredzilla while the other half went via Loees Rider.  Nice run and I was feeling good.  Regrouped at the bottom before heading up the lift.   Came down Lord of the Possums before splitting off into 2 groups.  Some did Double Overhead Cam while others did Handle the Jandal.  Nice!!! At the bottom VJ was excited and beaming.  Went for a 2nd uplift but Mellonfarmer and Paul headed home.  This time VJ followed me down Yeah Yeah Nah, Loerd of Possums and then Snakeobs etc while the others did Swinger party and DOC again.  Nice run again then drinks and food before heading home along the river etc with people dropping off as we went.

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3280807507

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3280809235

Sunday 11th November

Set off early to keep ahead of the lads on the uphill.  I grunted up Rapaki (1st time on the full climb for quite some time) and it was a slow steady grunt.  I then headed around the road to the start of the Traverse.  Thought I saw the lads coming up the Rapaki but obviously mistaken.  I sat looking over the city for about 15-20 minutes before they showed up.  The posse was Tinkerbell, Bugs and Dozer.  Phatboy showed a couple of minutes later as he was running late.  They had a breather before heading around the Traverse.  Nice run around here.  Me off the pace on any climbs.  Enjoyed all the downs and swoopy bits though.  Regrouped at Vic Park before dropping down Thompsons. Nice.  I decided to bypass the 2nd section which was a great idea as there were walkers creating a bottleneck and everyone and to stop. FDrom here we headed over to the start of Choirboy where there was a clusterfuck of riders waiting to head down for some reason.  We took the lead (me tailender) and had a great run down here.  Felt good.  Into the park with us all taking Loees Rider.  A few other users on the track but nice flow down here.  Up the lift and down Yeah Yeah Nah, into Lord of the Posums.  Nearly got shunted off the track by a tourist who went to let me pass then paniced and closed the gap.  Regrouped before Phatboy headed dfown Double Overhead Cam while the rest of us dropped into lower Duncans Donuts to get into Snakeobs which throws you out onto Non Compliant.  Stopped for a drink before doing the long drag home.  Bit of a head wind for everyone.

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3243816682

Sunday 4th November

I thought I should put something down on the blog.  I drove out to sumner while Dozer, The Cook and Tinkerbell met at Bugs and the 4 of them rode from there.  I parked up outside Dot Com and headed off towards Ct Thomas.  Grunted my way up there with quite a few dabs on the steep stuff.  I went out the walking track at the top as I was totally stuffed.  Watched the guys as they rode up.  From here they started the Godley head track while I rode the road with the intention of meeting them at the top of Anaconda.  I noticed they had put in a cattlestop at the farmtrack that joins up with the track so grunted up here in time to hook up with the lads.  From here I followed them all the way to the Anaconda.  They headed on towards Godley while I dropped down at a relaxed pace.  Headed over Scarborough at a leisurely pace and got my orders in at Dot Com before the lads arrived.  I drove home while they slogged into the wind all the way home.

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3233107705

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3233201992

Saturday 22nd September

Headed off by myself towards the Halswell Quarry planting.  The normal route down Ford Road, across the river down the alley past New World and as I got to Buxton St the phone went.  McGyver was at my place so we agreed that I would meet him at New World.  Did that and we were off again through the park around the river and stopped at Tinkerbell and The Little Bumblebee on her new bike.  We then cruised off to Halswell and rode up the road to the Start of the Crocidile.  The Bumblebee encouraged us to head up The Low Road which we did.  Then we came down and dropped into Crocidle and Murphs before hitting the planting site.  Great run down the hill.  Amazing how many new little tracks appearing here.  Tinks and Bumblebee headed home early so McGyver and I headed home.  Head wind and me struggling with no energy left.  Had to stop along the way but we made it...or should I say I made it.  McGyver very supportive and patient.  Good ride in the end.

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3159436963

Sunday 16th September.

Phatboy, Dozer, Bugs and The Cook met at mine and we did a flat ride over to the MTB park.  Was a bit strange riding in that direction for a change. We hooked up with Tinkerbell and then got the chairlift up.  Sun was shining and the air was warm.  Great day for being alive. We all took Lord of the Possums.  I was taleending until the Cook punctured.  Stopped and checked he was ok...all good so continued down.  We regrouped at the landing and waited and waited.  Phatboy rung the Cook.  Decided we would go on down and then hook up later.  They all went down Double overhead Cam while I took the easy line.  I then found the new technical green track which was fun and we regrouped at the bottom.  No Cook yet so we headed up.  Came down Yeah Yeah Nah and then onto the Possums.  Found the Cook at the landing.  Another punture.  We waited while that got sorted then they went down the Cam except for Tinkerbell who joined me.  Stopped for food at the bottom.  Phatboy hit the road then Tinerbell and I rode out while the others got a lift up and came down Old skool.  Good ride for me.

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3147863632

Sunday 9th September

I drove up to Upper Major Hornbrook and parked up.  Got on my bike and did a small loop near the bottom while I waited for the lads to ride up.  Big possee of Dozer, Mellonfarmer, McGyver, The Cook, Tinkerbell and Phatboy.  I led up the hill, gasping all the time and then let them lead around the top of John Brittain before crossing the road and heading up over Mt Pleasant.  That was a tough climb and I had to walk about 100 metres of it.  Finally at the top and then it was down hill.  Loved it.  Felt alive. We had a regroup above the ruins.  The lads headed down Greenwood for their thing and I headed down the single track to the pines before climbing out the old way and dropping down Brittain again.  Nicew wee loop for me.

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3133972057

Saturday 1st September

Decided it was time to test myself on a hill.  I got dropped off at the top of the tarmac on Huntsbury where i played while I waited for The Cook and Mellonfarmer to ride up.  From here it was a steady grind up to the top.  It was tougher than I hoped but I made it to the top.  From here it was around the Traverse at a steady pace.  Nowhere near as fast as usual for me and then we dropped down to the skidder site.  The boys went via the rockgarden and gums while I took the easy route down.  Now we have to go down the road to the park as the other roue has been closed to riders which is dum.  It puts more riders on the road.  Anyhow we head down and entered the park through Captain Cook, which was greasy as.  I dabbed in one spot and then as it joins the main track it was a grease pit and I nearly came off.  Mellonfarmer headed down shredzilla while the Cook led of down Loess ride.  The top section was pretty greasy in spots but dried out as you went further down.  Mellonfarmer was off the bike on his journey in one spot cos it was greasy as.  We all made it down where we went and had a drink and some food.  From here it was the usual route homewards for us.  Felt good to be out but gosh I was stuffed.

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3118161079

Sunday 29th July

It was my last ride for a while due to my next stage of treatment.  Gosh the last stage slowed me down enough.  I set off half an hour early so I would not slow the others down too much.  It was a grind up with me looking over my shoulder in the top half.  Only stopped briefly to remove a layer and answer texts.  @ posses giving chase, the 1st was Phatboy, Tinkerbell, Bugs and the Cook and chasing them was Macgyver and Chocolate Boy (Paul)  As I neared the top of the hill I could see them all chasing.  Managed to stop and relax a moment before they all started arriving.  Then it was off around the Taverse.  Really enjoyed this catching and passing a few other cyclists.  Others headed down Thompsons to Sign of the Kiwi but I took the road.  We all headed down Choir Boy which was damp in places but very rideable.  Chocolate Boy had a puncture so the regroup was longer.  Down Loees ride which was fun and then a coffee at the bottom.  We all rode home via different routes.

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3047026108

saturday 23rd June

The Cook and I set off at a lovely 11am.  It was still only about 1 degree out but sunny skies.  We headed around Hansens and then started the climb up Huntsbury.  When we got onto Aotea TC I stripped off a layer before continuing on.   I felt like I was pushing hard while he was cruising along.  Continued on quick rest before the shingle started and then up we went.  Just past the pylons Phatboy finally caught us up.  A lazy morning saw him start late.  We continued on up.  The track was still very wet.  Finally at the top Phatboy played with his drone before we decided to avoid the mud and do the road to the Sign of the Kiwi.  We stopped for a cuppa tea and a bite before cruising on up to the planting on Marleys Hill.  Stayed longer than expected and started to get real cold in the shade.  Wrapped up and headed back the way we came.  I was pleased to have extra layers on on the downhills. Finally back at the top of Huntsbury we headed down at a good clip.  Home for a hot shower.

http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/2971111570

Saturday 26th May

Only 3 of us heading out today.  A late start to fit in with the Marleys Hill Planting and due to the weather we changed the plans slightly. We headed around Hansens and then up Huntsbury. Phatboy and The Cook cruising while I was pushing as hard as I could to keep up.  Just kept grinding all the way with a couple of stops along the way.  It was pretty cool.  Regrouped at the top and then headed around the Traverse.  Very wet from the outset.  You could feel the water spalshing up on your legs and shorts.  Made for cold riding.  Not a bad run considering.  At the top of Vic Park we took the road down to the Kiwi.  Thompsons was closed.  We had planned to drop into the MTB park but at that stage tracks were closed.  We stopped at the Sign of Kiwi for hot drinks and a tasty pie.  After this it was a grind upto the top of Marleys.  Planting time. We planted for about 1.5 hours.  Cold and slippery.  We then decided to check out Worsleys.  First time down here since the fire.  The top was usual Worsley until not long after the first bend past the top entrance to the MTB Park.  Slippery with an un-rideable mud patch we had to skirt.  Then it becomes high speed gravel road until you hit the tarmac. It was bloody cold coming down. Sad to see this old original track gone.  Down the tarmac and then followed the river along our usual route home.  Phatboy peeling off first the The Cook.
I have included Phatboys ride as I did not have map my ride on.

http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/2910710083

Saturday 19th May

I headed off on a cool morning towards Ferrymead Bridge, taking the towpath when I could.  About half way along Bugs caught up and we continued on.  At the bridge we were joined pretty quickly by Dozer and Phatboy.  I led off up St Andrews hill with the lads letting me set the pace.  We stopped at the first corner to strip a layer off and then continued.  Bugs had a quick brake adjustment so I got a small lead on them.  Finally (it seemed like a long grind) we were up near John Brittain.  The lads stopped while Bugs re adjusted his brake and I continued up the single track.  It did not look like anyone had been up there for a while.  We regrouped just by Broadleaf Lane.  Up the grind with my legs running on empty.  Quick stop and then down Greenwood.  Me cruising and enjoying the run.  It is months since I was down this track and I enjoyed it immensely. A couple of dabs but a nice flow.  We then headed down Ct Thomas with Phatboy getting out front to get some drone footage.  Once again I cruised it dabbing in the usuals.  We regrouped just after the last rocks and continued on down to Dot Com for drinks.  The slog home was awful.  I had nothing left in the legs and I was thankful that Bugs led most of the way and then Phatboy took over for the last bit of the trelk back to Ferrymead Bridge. We split off with Bugs and I heading down the towpath.  Had an incident where a woman with her son on the back of their ute bike slid off in front of us but otherwise just a cruise.  Pleased to be out .

http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/2895232639

Sunday 6th May

The 1st planting of the year.  I headed off on the Cruiser around to Phatboys where I met up with Bugs, Then Phatboy and finally Dozer arrived.  Straight down Kilmore and through the park to where we met Tinkerbell by the cycleway behind Monavale.  We headed straight along here meeting up with Mellonfarmer on the section after Wairekei Rd.  Continued on down and ending up at the cafe on Cavendish Rd.  A coffee and then to the planting where we worked for 1.5 hours.  We reversed directions with Dozer peeling off towards QE2 drive at Northcote Road. We continued with Mellonfarmer peeling off just after Harewood.  Tinkerbell peeled off at Monavale and the the last 3 of us headed through the park and down Armagh where we seperated at Manchester. I headed off to mow lawns before heading home.  After a brief stop I headed out with the family for a quick drink and a bite to eat.

http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/2866352494