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.

Tuesday 20th September

Dozer picked up Bug's and they drove to the top of Worsleys where The Cook was waiting. After a short discussion Dozer made the decision and we rode up the single track though the forest to the right. Dozer lead, then Bug's with The Cook right behind. Grinding up the steep and sometimes slippy up, Dozer had a little slippage which let Bug's get the lead. On wards we headed. Regroup about half way up where The Cook was finding it hard. Continued upwards with Dozer leading then The Cook and Bug's. Dozer pulled ahead and as the track got steeper The Cook game to a halt. Bug's continued upwards keeping Dozer insight. Arrived at Worsley's and a short while later The Cook arrived. Continued up The Body bag which was steeper than we remember. Bug's cleared it all with 3 rest stops to get the heart rate down a little. Dozer pushed the last 20 meters and the cook pushed a little more. Up to the top of the Nun then down we went. Bug's lead then Dozer and The Cook. Average ride down here as the track was dusty under lights. Back up the road to the top of Worsley. A large group of around 12 riders headed down the body bag. Once the dust settled we followed down. Got to the turn off to the left where the large group had stopped. After a quick chat they decided to follow us down the new track which Mellonfarmer had shown us a few weeks back. Non of them or The Cook had ridden this one before. Dozer lead then Bug's. Pulled away from the group on the down. Short wait at the bottom then they all arrived with The Cook in the middle. Big smiles and hooting from them all as they loved it. They headed back up another up while we headed down the slippy track we had ridden up at the start. Back to the cars then off for a quick Beer at the Hop.     

Meanwhile I dropped the daughter off at her St John thing and hopped on the bike for a road ride. Headed around Cashmere Rd then up Hackthorne Rd.  Decided to stand in the pedals most of the way up to Macmillan Ave for some extra training.  grunted up to the top of Hackthorne then up to Longhurst.  Followed this to the end thinking that it was gonna be a steep climb out.  It was steep.  I decided also to do all the streets on the left also.  Scarff Pl and Harry Ell Drive  were quite steep.  From here I went back to Takehe Drive, Kidson Tce, back up Dyers and right into Hackthorne then up MacMillan and down Dyers.  11od kms and 370m climbing.

Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th split ride

Rubberjaws did a solo ride to the Travis Wetland Planting.  I headed off around the Heathcote via Richardson Tce, down Radley then cut through 2 cemetries and came out on Maces Rd.  Down Ruru onto Dyers before heading down Bridge St and left onto the track on the coastal side of the Avon.  Good ride.  Amazing how open this looks without all the houses.  Zigged and Zagged through Brighton before heading through Rawhiti Domain.  Into the alley ways until Effingham St and onto Beach Rd.  Quick toilet stop at Broad Park before the long haul along the beach track.  Finally hanging a left into the single track.  Steady pace all the way and managed a full circuit back to Broad Park with plenty of time to spare.  Down Bridge st with 15 minutes to spare before planting was due to start.  Helped plant with Mellonfarmer who arrived on his Phatty. Planting finished and a pump home followed.  Great ride if I do say so myself.
http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/1753793978

While on Sunday......
The Fox n Dozer meet and Bug's place at 9am. The 3 headed down Alport then left on Ferry road though the roundabout then over the curb and into the single track around the river. Bug's leading with Dozer then The fox. Dozer had a small issue mounting the bridge after the 90 degree corners. Continued on with a large group of silver backs on the track. After a bit of panic they moved to the side of the track. Round to the bridge where long sleeve tops where removed before the climb. Up St Andrews Hill we headed the normal way. As we climbed thing's warmed up and up. Short rest just before Upper Hornbrook road. Continued on up to the Shared track though the paddocks. Good climb by all. Around below the Summit road on John Britten then across the summit road and up towards the Aerials. A few other riders around the top. One went just before us so Dozer and Bug's gave chase and passed him at the fence. Headed down from here though the rocks and tussock at a flying pace. Regroup at the junction of Greenwood. Another rider headed down before us so we gave him a couple of minutes head start then gave chase. Bug's leading then Dozer not to far behind and The Fox behind him. Bug's was flying and catching the guy ahead until 1/3 way down where we cut between the two bug rocks Bug's handle bar clipped the rock on the way past. Next thing he was off and rolling down though the tussock without the Reign. Picked myself up as Dozer arrived. Small graze to the forearm and a rip to the shorts. Back on the bike and gave chase again. After the gloomy Gouge Bug's could see the guy below so chased harder. Caught him on the tight corner before the rocky up. Out though the bottom and over the fence at the Summit road. Fantastic ride except for the small crash 1/3 of the way down. Regroup then out on the road towards Godly. 1/2 way out we climbed the gate up the uphill and cut up though the paddocks to the single track at the top. Down this we headed heading back towards Evans Pass. Great ride down here to the top of Captain Thomas. Bug's lead down here with Dozer behind then Foxey not far behind. Cleared all the rocky downs and regroup after the up. Down though the lower section with The Fox going down the new track next to the cabbage tree for the 1st time. Out though the bottom which work has been done on recently before the new bridge. The lines and camber are wrong here so we had to slow with caution. Down the steps past the horse paddocks then into Sumner for Tea and coffees. Though Redcliffs and across the Causeway to Ferrymead where The Fox lead us back around the river and back to Bug's place. 30.5km                
http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/1755844847

Saturday 3rd September

Went outside feeling quite chipper and met with The Cook and Phatboy.  Quick catchup and then I led off around the road, through the park to the footbridge by the heathcote Cut where we collected Bugs.  Continued on around to Ferrymead Bridge where we met Dozer.  Got rid of a layer and then set off up the hill.  I led all the way on the tarmac so obviously was setting a good pace.  Felt really good today.  Finally got to the off road.  Went in the new entrance where Phatboy set off first at a cracking pace.  I gave chase and although at times I reeled him in a bit never could gain enough.  Regrouped at the top hairpin loop.  Phatboy led off again followed by me then Bugs, Dozer and the Cook.  Cocked up the last rocks but stayed on the bike without dabbing then pushed hard around the loop track after Phatboy.  One dab along the way.  Lots of riders out today.  Must of been the sunshine.  Into the Mt Pleasant climb in the same order.  Gave chase again and was starting to climb when I fluffed a rock causing me to dab.  Bugs passed me at this point so I stayed on his wheel the rest of the way up.  Regrouped and had a bite to eat.  Time for some down.  Bugs insisted on filming me so off we went.  The rocks were ok but not perfect, the run through the tussocks was a good flow.  Regrouped again and set off down Greenwood.  Still had Bugs and Dozer on my tail.  Ok run.  Not my fastest.  Near the last corner Bugs and Dozer fighting over the line, I started laughing and nearly fell off listening to them.  Let them through and continued on down.  Up Godley with us all cleaning the first climb, most stuffing the 2nd and then all having differing levels of dabbing from here.  Good run down the first downhill, good climb up and over to PFMTBC Rock before heading down Anaconda.  I had a close call dabbing the ground with knee and shoulder before continuing on.  Finished ok before heading up over Scarborough and to Dot Com.  We met Tinkerbell and Mrs Tinks for coffee.  We all pumped home along the usual route with mr and Mrs Tinks doing the last section alone.  Great ride.

http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/1721858648

Tuesday 30th August

Dozer arrived at Bug's place and we rode down past Bamford school then around the river. The Cook texted to say he will start the climb up Rapaki. Continued around following the river all the way to Rapaki. Phatboy arrived at the same time as us. Dozer pealed off to see Mrs Dozer who was suppose to be walking some steps. No sign of her so he joined Bug's and Phatboy on the climb up Rapaki. Pumped up at a steady clip hoping to catch The Cook before the top. Lots of walkers and a few riders coming down. Halfway up before we needed lights on. Past the gate and then started the last steep climb. Caught upto The Cook here who was finding it hard. Slowed a little but Bug's n Dozer slowly pulled away. Phatboy stayed with The Cook for a while then The Cook advised him to head on with the boys and he will head back down. Regroup at the top under the Stars with No wind. A few others arrived so we headed up Vernon. Phatboy lead, then Bug's and Dozer. Short stop at the start of the Traverse. Into the Traverse in the same order around to the top of Vic park. Dropped down though the Rock garden and made our way down to the Skidder site. Headed down from here with Phatboy having a crash with a tree that wouldn't move. More dents to his knees and twisted handle bars and brake lever. Some repairs were made then on wards down though Vic park. No issues down here just a bit of mud and water to make things slippery in places. Across the creek then up though the hidden valley. Into Bowenvale in the same order. Great ride down here with a little water and mud here also. All got down here with a bit of mud on the bikes and faces. Out though the gate and headed back across town. Phatboy turned off towards his and Dozer n Bug's headed to Bug's place. Great ride with a bit of mud and sweet. 24km. 

Sunday 28th August

Planting day so up and onto the Cruiser and then Silverfox and I headed around to Phatboys.  We collected him, Mellonfarmer and Dozer before heading up Kilmore and through Hagley Park, past Mona Vale and then along the bike lane beside the railway track.  Pumped all the way to Tuckers Rd and cut through a couple streets and onto Claridges and across to Sawyers Arm Rd.  Up here over Johns Rd and into the reserve by the lakes.  Around here and into the track along the Otakaikino River to the planting site.  Spent 2 hours planting before reversing our journey.  Good steady pump all the way back.  Split into 2 groups at Mona Vale.  Silverfox and I headed towards Riccarton and then past Placemakers, Bunnings and onto Whitleigh Ave with me stopping at Carapult Employment for pre rugby meeting.  Watched the game, imbibed and then pumped the 5kms home from there.  A round trip of 43km approximately for the day.

Tuesday 23rd August

Dozer picked up Bugs and we drove to the bottom of Captain Thomas. The Cook was waiting there. Hooked up the lights etc and headed up the road to the start of Captain Thomas. Bug's lead on the up with The Cook behind and then Dozer, Cleared the 1st tight switch backs with Dozer getting ahead of The Cook. Half way up the next switchbacks The Cook had dropped behind. Regroup and found The Cook was not feeling the best. Plodded on with another regroup at the rocks. The Cook was feeling bad. At the top of the rocks The Cook decided to let us go ahead while he slowly made his way to the summit road. Up we headed at a steady pace. At the Summit road no stopping and headed up the road towards the top of Greenwood. Kept an eye on the Cook as we climbed and see he made it to the Summit road. Up and Up we went. Bugs lead straight in Greenwood. Fast trip around the start to the rurins. Headed down from here at a cracking speed. Dozer was hot on the heals of Bug's who could not get a gap on him. Half way down Bug's cocked up a couple of rocks which held up Dozer slightly. Down we headed with Bug's keeping ahead of Dozer just. Missed the 1st rocky climb and even the 2nd. At the Summit road Dozer was pumped with his ride. Into Ct Thomas in the same order. Flew down here clearing all the rocks and drops and loving it. Bug's got a small lead on Dozer. Down though the lower half at speed and before we knew it we were at the bottom. The Cook's car was gone. Great ride under lights. Off for a quick pint at The Twisted Hop.   

Meanwhile Rubberjaws who had family commitments to deal with took some time in the middle to jump on his bike at the end of Colombo and head around Cashmere Rd and up Hackthorne Rd to the Takehe.  Back down Dyers around Cashmere and up Hackthorne for a 2nd loop before coming down Dyers right into Westenra Tce back up to Takehe and down Kidson Tce.  Back up Dyers to Hackthorne where he went down and right into MacMillan Ave.  It was pretty misty now so he went down Dyers to pick up Grace.  About the same climbing metres and distance as the boys above.