1st Thurday Evening Race of 2015 - Race Report
A 7 o’clock start gave ample opportunity for the real workers to attend this evenings proceedings and a good number turned out. Sven missed the start by almost 6 minutes so maybe a new alarm clock for his next Christmas list.
We welcomed a fresh new face in Asha Claridge, just 9 years old and riding with Dad, she shunned the proposed shorter lap after lap 1 and took in the full downhill section for lap 2. The grin was noticeably wider for this experience.
Peter set a tough course with a good hard climb to help shed those Christmas kilos. It was obvious that some had enjoyed Christmas pud more than others, no names, you know who you are !
David Drake shot out of the blocks with Sarnim in hot pursuit, the two ending lap 1 in close contact. At the end of lap 2 “THE SARNIMATOR”, (great name Kathryn) had taken control, he left everyone in a cloud of dust and gravel as he descended with lightening speed.
David pit-stopped for air for his deflating tyres, lungs and hopes, before continuing the hopeless task of trying to catch a very determined leader. Justin inherited second spot circulating without raising a sweat with Brent borrowing a mountain bike from somewhere to impress in third spot.
Juniors Zahkhan, Bailey and Josh had their own wee contest with Josh crashing on the third lap. The only visible damage was a big laundry bill, no not in his shorts !
Great to see the old masters out there too with Robert showing a few how it is done and Eugan riding well after a tough weekend. Peter’s second lap included a long conversation.
Peter says we will be at Conders Bend next week and probably Picton the week after. The later starts should enable a good attendance so look forward to seeing big numbers for these.
Big on Blairich - Rec ride Dec 21.
Blairich Station is a bit over 3,000 hectares. Ten riders saw a fair part of the property and a lot of surrounding country from high view-points (highest at 980 m asl) today in fantastic weather.
There were some great moments. Ieva from Latvia showed the boys how to ride both up and down hill on an older bike with no suspension! Justine (the younger) and Eugan got their new bikes dirty – shame really. Justin Kenward and Sarnim Dean decided to ride to the start from Blenheim. Paid for it by joining the ‘pushing the bikes’ group on parts of the 800m climb. They then scrounged a ride back to town with Jason. New-comer Rob rode nearly all the hill after recovering from an early puncture. Denise had minor mechanical issues and did a bit of mumbling about getting her bike serviced before the next ride.
The organiser’s navigation skills were questioned several times when there was yet even more ‘up’. Early on he had said we had to go past a big rock that was visible high on the skyline – just forgot to mention there were several big rocks to go past. There was a short debate about turning back after a k of the first decent down-hill turned into another ‘up’ and it was clear we would not be back in town by 1pm. Quote of the day at this point came from Peter Webster “Well there is still nine hours of daylight left.” We carried on.
We finally got the big down-hill and stopped for another lunch at the Willows Hut which is an old well maintained cob hut in a marvellous location. A short stiff (at that time of the ride) climb got us over a small saddle for a mostly down-hill ride back to the cars at 2.15pm at with 24k of travel under the wheels. Another great outing in my view and I’m not biased!
Thanks to Ron and Sue Small and family for access.
Kevin Wilson
Thursday eve race report
Another busy night for the mountain bike park with the BikeFit demo attracting big numbers and bikes rushing around in all directions. Lets hope that someone’s Christmas came early.
Rider numbers were steady at 19 with one rider so distracted by the shiny new bikes that his last minute rush to enter held up the timing system. This did not deter the man counting down and the riders were away about two minutes before the start button was pressed. Lap 1 times are very flattering but untrue.
There was a choice of courses, pink arrows or yellow arrows. Some riders chose to ride a different course for each of their laps so lap times could be misleading.
First past the post at the end of lap 1 was Sarnim with David breathing down his neck. These two swapped places on the second lap with David having the downhill advantage on a full suspension machine. In third place throughout was Justin on his single speed, no suspension at all, machine. Legs that long were never meant to rotate that fast, but he hung on for a clear third place. On the fourth lap Sarnim put in a burst and David could not respond. Sarnim was a clear minute ahead of him at the finish. Tristan followed Justin home with Sven, Sharn, Andrew and Stephen all completing four tough laps. Stephen was unlucky to find the clock just a few seconds short of the fifty minutes cut off at the end of his third lap. He valiantly trudged round to complete four.
Kathryn represented the ladies with Haleigh, and another great turnout of the young and the reckless.
Peter is taking us to Picton next week. He will be unable to set a course so there will be no timing of laps, just the opportunity to try out those awesome tracks. Then on Thursday 18th it will be back at the MTB Park for a treasure hunt !!! Refreshments will be on the menu to round off a very enjoyable year.
Thursday race report
Geoff Blake took over junior watch duties guiding daughter Haleigh, son Jaymie and young Jimmy Luff on a lap of the shorter course set by Peter. The longer course took riders well up into the heights of the wind blown park – it will be so good to get some respite from these persistent puffs.
Geoff managed to get a lap of his own in after returning the juniors to the start/finish area for play time.
There were nineteen riders on the start line with several notable absentees. There are lots of bugs going around and mountain bikers are not immune. So it was Ollie Radford showing the way with a lap of some 16 minutes leading Aaron Bleakley by around a minute and Matt Squire a further minute back in third.
Young Hugo Kennington was making fast progress on the shorter course and was unchallenged throughout the evening. Brother George was contesting the longer lap with fellow junior Zahkhan Beamsley. These two completed three laps, as did most of the rest with the exception being Ollie, who managed to start lap 4 before the 50 minute deadline. Aaron was best of the three lappers despite the wind blowing out a contact lens on lap two. Aaron timed his laps at 17, 19 and 21 minutes. For everyone else lap times will remain a mystery as the timing computer ground to a sticky halt after just 31 minutes. CPR and all other efforts failed to revive the machine and all recorded times were lost forever.
Other casualties were Jim Luff who blew a spoke on lap 2, Matt Squire blew up on lap 3, Brent Thompson punctured on lap 2 and newcomer Nigel Pettigrew lost his chain twice and also had two ugly dismounts on lap 1. Better luck next week Nigel.
Jason Harris, Sharn Davies and Matt Mitchell circulated in close formation and kept each other honest and Tristan Claridge was ahead of this trio claiming third place behind Ollie and Aaron. Peter Webster completed three laps while admiring the new direction arrows kindly provided by Aaron (www.fortrin.net).
Alana was the only grown up lady present, she enjoyed the climbing nature of the course and completed two laps.
So it is same time same place next week and hopefully the timing issue will be resolved. Come along and try out the bikes on display.
Spray valley rec ride report
A depressing cloak of East Coast cloud shrouded the hills as 8 keen mountain bikers accumulated at the confluence of the Spray and Waihopai rivers. Usual formalities followed involving mtb banter and rapid consumption of energy gels and bananas!
We cruised off up the valley across smooth grassy paddocks that eventually became a rocky farm track with some creeks and small climbs, plenty of gates provided opportunities to stop, chat and take photos.
The first hut appeared after about 8km, morning tea was scoffed here with Jason and Andrew entertaining the crowd with stories involving cell phones and long drops etc!
The farm track continued at an easy gradient meandering through gullies and around outcrops above the river, the cloak of cloud was cast aside as the sun appeared with some intensity thus increasing the sweat flow!
We enjoyed the newly revealed view further up the valley to scree covered ridges beyond which lay Molesworth and Muller stations. Arriving at "Top Whare" we munched some more food and investigated the old cob hut and a newer hut complete with shower, hot water and power supply.
Attempts were made to continue riding past the hut on what looked like some choice singletrack but this quickly ended in a field of matagouri! (working bee anybody!?) So an about turn had us rolling back down the valley finding nice flowing descents and a cooling breeze, arriving back at the start around 1.45pm.
All in all a very relaxed cruisey ride in a great bit of country worth exploring more.
Thanks to the riders, Andrew, Phillip, Peter W, Kat, Stephen, Jason, Gavin for entertaining company and to the Mackenzies of Waihopai Downs for access, much appreciated!
Justin.
Nov 20 race report
Firstly a big THANK YOU to the Marlborough District Council and whichever department is responsible for the maintenance of the Conders Bend recreational area. The car park area has been tidied up with a nice flat surface and tightened fencing so that the whole car park is now obstacle free. The innovation of protecting the banks with those huge concrete blocks and wire ropes is a great idea and could be used to block off 4WD access to the mountain bike areas when time and budget allows. Perhaps the club could approach a sponsor to finance such a move, just an idea !
Another great turnout with riders enjoying a break from the enthusiastic winds experienced earlier in the week. We had more young ones with their infectious enthusiasm circulating around the tracks, this is very encouraging for the organisers and the future of the sport. With six year olds managing laps with big smiles and finding energy to carry on riding after the event can be very tiring for the casual observer, phew !
We also had Keith with a trailer and passenger. Keith had been around Conders at the weekend with this configuration and completed a couple of laps but tonight it wasn’t to be. A broken chain ended his plans so he spent the remaining time running around encouraging Callum, Zara and Emma. He even borrowed a bike in this quest. The bike donor was an unlucky Sharn who succumbed to gravity in a big way. He landed on a meaty part of the body and would have had an exciting shower when he got home. Will not be sitting comfortably for a wee while with a graze like that.
Joel also had a fall on lap 1 and was not his usual enthusiastic self after this. Rest up and recover Joel, next week is another day.
Cheryl no longer leads the young ones around, she now tries to keep up, so her coaching is showing results.
Matt and Justin were wheel to wheel for the four laps, Matt, sans camera, holding on for the victory. Tristan managed to get past Brent on lap 2 for third place and Jim, Jason, Joel and Stephen managed four laps in the 50 minute cut off.
A great evenings fun and more to come next week at the MTB park. We will be having two weeks at the MTB park as BikeFit are having a demo evening there on 4th December. Peter is contemplating moving some of the rides to Picton in the near future. With daylight drawing out there is plenty of time to get there for a later start. Watch the website for details.
Thurs eve race (Nov 13)
The first battle was for car park space, the local harrier club was using this area for one of their regular events, but no serious issues here.
If we had a disco set up for tonight’s ride I guess the old favourites would be playing, Fleetwood Mac “You Can Go Your Own Way” and The Beatles “Magical Mystery Tour”. With Sven setting out the course using a new marker system and Peter explaining the course without actually riding it first, it seemed inevitable that the odd navigation error may be on the cards. And so it was.
There is not enough room in this report to detail every comment but the common theme was that it was fun and no matter where each rider ended up, they all enjoyed the fine evening with the sun shining and no wind to speak of. It wasn’t too long after the event that the skies opened so we got lucky again. Sven realised he had missed a marker on an intersection and so stopped after lap one to pick up some marker tape.
For those who found the right way Aaron Bleakely shot away from the start with Kiel in hot pursuit, with Matt and Justin eating their dust. Justin was having a birthday but was showing no signs of getting older despite a harrowing day at the office.
Andrew B was another having after effects of an arduous day of employment, riding a mountain bike over a bumpy track was a breeze in comparison. After lap 1 Aaron was just holding out Kiel with Matt forty odd seconds back and Justin not far behind him. Matt was using his GoPro and hopes to have his video available to link to this report shortly. Will be of interest to those who did not follow the prescribed route if only to point out the error of their ways.
Justin took over third place on lap 2, wonder if this will be on the video Matt ? Todd returned from a short lay off to circulate in fifth place with Zahkhan impressing next and first junior. Phil Hurren seemed to be one of the worst affected by navigational problems with his first lap taking over 21 minutes.
This was fast compared to Steph Blackmore who found herself down by the Rotary Lookout. Cheryl was also leading the young ones astray and Aaron was showing concern after 38 minutes of absence. Aarons team of young ones Josh and Tom put in a couple of genuine laps so the Black’s are cultivating a nursery of next generation riders. We hope that they still manage to get some serious riding in during the rest of the week.
So the ride went on and Aaron gradually drew away from Kiel and at the end of the allotted 50 minutes only these two and Justin managed 6 laps, a fine effort and a good workout. Alana was quickest of the ladies and newcomer Rose was next. Mica Drake managed three laps following his Dad so another good effort for a first timer. Lap times will obviously only reflect when the rider passed the start finish area and not how far each rider had been on each of their laps. This technology is not being pursued by the club at this stage.
Thursday race report (Nov 6)
It was pointed out that we need bigger car parks at our Thursday venues with the popularity growing and numbers increasing. Sure puts a smile on the organiser’s dial. So good numbers again despite a very chilly southerly breeze and rain threatening, luckily the rain held off until the riders were finished.
A good number of juniors were supervised again by Aaron and Cheryl. Aaron was the pied piper leading a train of eager young things around two laps of the 5+ km track, a good effort all round.
The race to be first to the single track was hotly contested with Kiel, Matt, Justin and Ollie holding their nerve as they filtered down to single file. Ollie had been worried that a solid day behind a chain saw may have sapped all his energy but at the end of lap one he had a slender lead over Kiel with Justin a further 20 seconds back ahead of Matt and Luke in a close scrap for fourth. Melanie was showing the ladies the way and Zahkhan and Bailey best of the juniors.
Lap 2 was business as usual up front with the gaps slowly increasing but after lap 3 Ollie had dropped off the radar. His worries had proved real when his energy levels fell away and he was forced to flick the cruise control switch. Kiel inherited the lead and did not look back. he managed to negotiate his way around Aarons junior group while Justin had to wait patiently for a passing opportunity on the skinny track. Matt scorched away from Luke on the last lap to claim 3rd with Sven a creditable 5th after his ride out from town. Ollie seemed to recover from his melt down and went screaming off riding back to town. He will be joining a couple of other club members at the Kaiteretere race on Sunday so we wish all club members taking part a successful and enjoyable race on that awesome track.
Rec ride report
Sports Ride Sunday 26th October 2014.
Eight set out at sea level from Moetapu Bay on a KW tour. Quick warm up to get back to the Portage Rd and the down the seal to Ohingaroa. From there it was a steady climb on forestry roads to 400m asl and the saddle over-looking Anikiwa. Young Mitchell was having an off day so he and Dad retired part way up the hill. Next time Mitchell!
An out and back trip along the western side of the ridge provided views over to Kenepuru Sound and beyond. Back at the saddle it was up again, as you do and because it was there, to gain different views again.
A great downhill eventually brought us back to the tar seal and even more downhill to Double Bay. A short nasty climb told you how fit or otherwise you really are before arriving back and our cottage at Moetapu Bay after a total of around 24k. After beers/tea/coffee and biscuits it was off home for the visitors and a couple of zeds for me.
The next Sports ride is scheduled for Sunday November 23rd
Thur race report - mbt park
After a 22 degree day a cool breeze made for interesting riding conditions on this shorter course set by an ailing Peter. His chest was rattling like a concrete mixer but he still managed a lap or two.
24 riders registered but the development squad of Josh and Tyler Black, Tom and Georgia Morrison and Mitchell Blake chose not to have their times recorded. Cheryl and Aaron were ably leading this group round some shorter laps while the big guns were firing up the hill. Kevin had volunteered to do this job but his CV must have been inferior and he was persuaded to ride with the big kids, a late entry without a number.
So the gun went off and away they went and after a lap with some technical diversions Kiel was proving that last weeks result was no fluke. After lap 1 he had a handy lead of 21 seconds over the close group of Ethan, Matt, Luke and Ken, a good mix of young and not so young.
The gap at the front had increased slightly after lap 2 with Luke moving into 2nd followed by Ethan, Ken and Matt. Lap 3 and Ken had moved ahead of Ethan proving that the wiser old head was on a fit old body. On the next lap Ken overtook Luke who was starting to feel the jet lag after his trip in from Picton. Great to see Luke make the effort, must be a rush with an early race start. Peter is looking at later start times as daylight permits which hopefully will encourage a few more along.
Lap 5 is when it all started to turn to custard for Kiel. He was seen frantically trying to get some air into his rear tyre. Ken had a handy lead over Luke and Ethan had a wee pit stop to re-hydrate allowing Matt to get away to a 27 second gap ahead in 3rd spot. Lap 6 and Kiel had fixed flatty number 1 and was back circulating but Ken and Luke were relentless at the front with Ethan closing right in on Matt for 3rd and 4th. And so to the final lap and the status quo remained for Ken and Luke but Ethan put in a good burst to take out 3rd. Kiel finished way down the field carrying his bike for a good part of the last lap with flatty number 2 impeding progress.
Among the ladies young Liv was impressive using her CX experience to good effect. She just puts her head down and rides, and rides and rides. Alana had a few navigational issues on lap 1, Peter says she wasn’t listening, but I would hate to stir up any ill feeling here.
Sven also had issues with a binding front brake and a pit stop after lap 1 failed to improve the situation. His answer to this wee problem is to buy a full suspension bike, I am sure many of you will follow this logic.
Sarah Gunningham registered for the ride but felt more comfortable without a number as this was her first go. Hope that you enjoyed the experience Sarah and that we haven’t put you off. Conders Bend next week should surely encourage you.
Thur race report - Condors
Spring sprung for the day and the riders responded to the lovely warm day by turning out at Conders Bend for some fun riding. The evening was fine and warm with a bit of a breeze and riders ages ranged from under 6 to over 60.
There was also the sideshow of Madsen-Clark very junior entertaining himself and anyone watching on his tiny wooden motorbike, this is a kid with attitude and not much in the fear department. Jason was doing the minding duties for the evening so that Rachel could have a turn on the bike.
It was a great family turnout with four Blacks, four Blakes and four Martellas swelling the ranks along with two Blackmores and Joel joining mum in the proceedings.
It was a chaotic start with the 29 riders funneling their way from the wide open car park into the very narrow single track. It is vital to get a good start with overtaking opportunities limited for the first couple of Kms.
Kiel outsprinted the field to get the hole shot and took advantage of the clear track ahead. He cut out the first lap in an impressive 14 minutes 23 seconds and was well ahead of chasers Matt, Justin, Sharn and Joel with Kris recovering from an encounter with a tree next.
Kris managed to remove some bark but it was from his shoulder. Sarnim was surprisingly missing in action among the leaders having decided to go on an excursion. His first lap of 16 minutes 53 seconds was a clear three minutes slower than lap two where he scorched around in the first ever recorded sub 14 minute lap in my recollection.
After lap 2 Kiel was maintaining his speed but Justin was showing signs of responding, with Sarnim’s record lap promoting him into third. Lap three was a similar story, Kiel keeping up the pace but Justin nibbling away and Sarnim taking bigger chunks from the leaders. Justin was quickest on lap 4 ( 14:14) and was only 8 seconds behind Kiel at the finish. Sarnim held on for third and will be hard to beat now he knows where the track goes. It was an impressive display of consistent lapping from Kiel with Justin and Sarnim showing some great speed less consistently. Another consistent performer was Bailey McKay whose three laps were within a 6 second range.
Susan, Rachel, Abbey and Donna were the quickest ladies with Cheryl and Charlotte nurturing the next generation around the tracks. Geoff Blake also had a lap of escorting duties before unleashing himself.
The juniors were divided into 7 categories to cater for the wide range of ages and both genders. This is very encouraging and rewarding for the club and organisers and we hope that this trend continues.
Thursday MTB race report
Chaos in the car park as potential racers were distracted by the eye candy of the Giant range on display courtesy of Cycle World. Ray’s team seemed to have attracted big numbers of potential buyers and some of the riders this evening got a wee bit side-tracked.
The race/ride was a last minute change of plan with a working bee the original intention for tonight. So with this confusion in mind it was a pleasant surprise to see 24 numbers on the start grid. Peter took everyone on a siting lap as there wasn’t time to place arrows. When the gun went off some of the riders were still on the siting lap. Sven was very late getting back to the start after capturing a few journalistic quality photos.
There were some old familiar faces emerging from the past with ex-president Dominic visiting the region to attend a wedding. He did not pay but circulated on one of the bikes on display, guess he had no money left after forking out for a wedding gift.
A trio came charging towards the finish line after one lap with Matt Squire leading Josh Scott and Joel clinging on for dear life. Kyle Fearn and Robert Kennedy were a few more seconds adrift illustrating that the age difference of riders in this sport can be decades apart. Robert is still in fine form and is a great role model for our younger riders.
Ian Buunk was the main victim of the side show and with eyes bigger than his wallet went for a pit stop to change bikes after just one lap. His main mission then was to try as many bikes as possible without completing another lap.
Eugan also got caught up in the Giant campaign and went for a pit stop after 3 laps hoping (and failing) to get fitted out before the forty minute deadline and go for another lap.
And so the race went on, Joel put in a blistering second lap and was in front of Josh by 10 seconds with Kyle a further 26 seconds adrift of these two. The pack were weaving in and out of bike testers with the usual courtesy being shown by mountain bikers.
After three laps Josh had taken up position on Joel’s wheel and the wiser old head was lining up for a victory. The diminutive Joel succumbed over the next lap and lost around 30 seconds to the vastly experienced Josh. These two were the only riders to fit in 5 laps in the forty minutes allowed. Robert rode consistently into the bronze medal position with Matt and Kyle next representing more junior talent on the rise.
Look forward to more big number at Conders Bend next Thursday.
Conders Thur eve race report
Almost had to use the “Car Park Full” signs, such was the response to this evenings ride. Hard to fathom because the weather was less than hospitable with cloud cover cooling things down.
Twenty four riders put their names on the start list and with the threat of Alana hanging over them, some paid up their years membership. The wee lady wields a big axe.
We welcomed Joel back into the fold after his very successful trip to Dunedin where he cleaned up at the South Island Secondary Schools champs. Thanks Joel for representing our club in the best possible way and we wish you more success in the future.
Joel set out this evening in the form he finished his Dunedin event. At the end of lap one he led the grown ups by a few seconds with a few choice words coming from his chasers Aaron and Jason. These three had a wee break on Sven, Sharn and Justin. Justin was recovering from a long term tummy bug and lacked his usual spark early on.
By the end of lap two the Dunedin effort was beginning to take its toll on Joel and the grown ups had bullied their way to the front, Aaron just ahead of Jason, then Justin had forged his way ahead of the next three chasers. By the end of lap three Justin was regaining a little form and had caught and passed Aaron and was on Jason’s wheel. Sven and Sharn had also passed the tiring Joel.
At the finish line Jason outlasted Justin to take the victory with Aaron cruising into third. Sharn, Sven, Joel, Gavin and Matthew all completed four laps.
Alana and Eugan had a sprint for the line, both credited with the same time with Eugan being the gentleman and allowing Alana to cross first.
Good to see the little ones have a go, Josh Black had a good couple of laps with young brother Tyler showing mum the way round. Newcomer Callum Sheard at the tender age of six completed three laps of the first block and appeared to be having fun with the tiny cranks rotating in a blur.
Chris Ensor and Donna Short had their rides cut short with punctures, a little unfair as Donna provided a bucket of avocados to share.
Finally on a sad note, we offer our condolences to Peter Webster after the sad loss of his nephew in a helicopter accident this week. We are thinking of you and your family Peter.
Thursday race/ride report
A disappointing start to the Thursday season with only 9 riders taking advantage of Peter’s fast flowing track. The weather was a little unpredictable with some big gusts and the threat of rain, which may have been a factor keeping riders away.
Peter copied the CX format of taking the riders round for a sighting lap before the serious stuff got started. This is a great way to eliminate navigational problems and enables riders to find the best lines.
Of those who did make it, Aaron enjoyed the clear track and was consistently quickest on each of the four completed laps, with Sven and Sharn next best.
Alana was back on the bike after a bit of a lay off and she was “membership police” for the night. There was an amnesty for those who had not renewed their membership BUT next week it will be $5 to anyone without a current card. Alana will be at Condors Bend to check.
First Social Series ride
Top Valley
There was a great turn-out of seventeen riders of all ages and abilities for the first of the Summer Social rides at Top Valley on Sunday 14 September 2014. The intent was to ride the track alongside Top Valley Stream to Whitehead’s Clearing.
The weather was great and the company good. A pity about the first part of the track which was character building! It was not in the best of shape after forest had been logged, but it did get better. The remainder of ride to the clearing was delightful in a piece of regenerating bush. A bit of pushing the bike was required at some creek crossings but otherwise good riding. We took to the road on the way back and avoided the rough track.
The Bradley boys and Ceridwen completed the ‘short’ course (approx 5k) and the rest the 10 k ‘long’ course. We nearly made it back to town on time as well so good trip all round.
The next Summer Social ride is scheduled for Sunday 12 October in the Wakamarina Valley.
Some photos in the gallery
Queen Charlotte Track ride - Aug 23, 24
Riding the legendary Queen Charlotte Track over two days saw 7 keen riders turn out. Unfortunately we were lacking the prime instigator, Kevin, who unfortunately had to pull out at the 11th hour.
Feeling somewhat leaderless we set off nice and early from the Picton marina on a water taxi to the start at Ship Cove. After the obligatory photo at Captain Cook's monument it was onto the track, and rumours of an easier sidling having been cut to make the first section easier were immediately proven wrong. The first few kilometres were a slog of much hike-a-bike up steep, rocky and often slippering track.
Thankfully the terrain did get easier, but on checking our map it was revealed that the first day would be a 53km effort, as opposed to 43km as first thought.
The good thing about the QCC is the option to opt out and use the road instead, which two of our party decided to do one we reached Camp Bay. They may have taken the better option as the next 25km provided some of the most challenging riding. Cramp and tired legs soon became a problem but the overnight stop at Portage eventually came into sight.
A night of luxury not usually experienced when doing an overnight ride lay ahead. The water taxi had taken our luggage to the overnight stop, meaning we didn't need to carry anything and could take extras - a hearty stew, two types of pudding, plenty cheese and crackers and wine made for a feast.
The second day was far easier, although involved some more hike-a-bike up the climb out of Portage. By 12.30pm we had reached Anakiwa and settled for some left over cheese and crackers while waiting for the boat - tough times indeed!
The weekend was one of great riding - even though there was some suffering - great food and great company. It will have to be done again, but with Kevin!
Photos in the gallery
Soup n Bun 2014 Finale
The final event was a nice and relaxed affair at Valiant vineyard just outside Seddon.
Peter set a mellow course through the vines, which made for some novel riding and included a fun drop off that had many returning to give it a second, third and fourth go. The weather couldn't have been better and the good turn out of young and old had a great time on the 6km course, with most going round two or three times.
Afterwards there were plenty of eats and drinks on offer to enjoy in the glorious late winter sunshine. Most also walked away with lucky draw prizes of gift vouches, bike gear and wine.
In keeping with the relaxed theme there was no time keeping so Ron got a day off.
A big thanks to Peter, Kevin, Ron and everyone involved in putting the series together again this year. It was a great success.
Peter is keen to do more informal and easier rides on a monthly basis. These are aimed at those keen to get out and ride some new areas in a group but aren't up for hard slogs or overly technical terrain, but anyone will of course be welcome. More on this to come.
Photos in the Photo Gallery.
Sunday July 27 rec ride
Ladies in the Forest
I doubt that Alana, Kathryne and Ceridwen would call the Para Forest paradise but they were there on the Sunday morning Rec ride along with Keith, David, Andrew, Craig and the writer. It was great to have them along. The start was a cold, damp, two degree Celsius moment from the corner of SH1 and Para Road as the sun struggled to break through the remnants of the fog. The easy tar seal road soon turned to gravel, some mud and a much less friendly gradient raising the body temperature quite quickly.
Up was followed by more up before the gradient eased in Stagg Road (spelling is correct!). We sidled around the hill on a good surface for over a kilometre before another serious up doubled back along the hillside to come out on an old skid site on the ridge. A great view from here was obtained up the Koromiko Valley toward Picton. The total altitude climb was just over 400m according to gadget guru Andrew.
Morning tea was taken without coffee or tea and then it was down on what started out as easy. That soon graduated into a steeper and rougher challenging ride with randomly spaced, very spikey gorse that kept one having to deviate from the selected line. A bit of claret was evident on bare legs at the bottom. We still had a surprising amount of altitude to loose, so a whizz down the road was followed by a long slower downhill ride on a grassy track with a bit of mud. Finally it was doodle along the railway line to arrive back to the cars by around 10.40. The 12k ride was a good and short workout, well worth doing again.
Browny points gained for being home early! Thanks to Merrill & Ring NZ Ltd for access.
Kevin Wilson
Soup and Bun #5
Fun was the Winner
The fifth Soup and Bun event in Parkes forest was rated as the best in the 2014 series by old hands and greatly enjoyed by several new participants. Twenty two adults and eight children tackled a choice of three courses involving a mix of gravel and four wheel drive forestry roads with plenty of mud thrown in.
There was a ‘Tour de France’ transition start along the road lead by Peter Webster after registration at the Wairau Affray picnic spot in Tuamarina. A kilometre of tar seal gave way to the gravel for a steady climb. The 14k advanced course had a discretionary side loop with a very challenging downhill. The course then carried on up the road for nearly another two kilometres before a swooping downhill in the pine trees to come out just above the main trunk railway line. An undulating track bought the riders out to the swamp. After a short mud plug on the flat it was back to an undulating sidle along the foot of the hill with its short sharp slippery climbs and descents. Respite came in the form of a kilometre ride on the tar seal to the finish.
The intermediate course was shorter at 10k, initially on similar terrain but with a flatter and muddy section around the edge of a vineyard before the tar seal was regained. The younger generation enjoyed a 6k out and back muddy trip along the edge of the vineyard.
Soup of the day was tomato cooked by the writer under instruction from Pauline, with the obligatory bread roll on the side. Ron kept track of who was entered and who was back. Peter and the writer set the courses with help from Tod Neal. Thanks to Rodney Parkes and family for access.
The last in the series is on Sunday August 10 at the ‘Valiant’ vineyard, Marama Road, Seddon.
Kevin Wilson