POST-LUNCH RUSH
There was the usual rush after lunch until
people settled back into their own pace for
more perfect gravel, forestry and farms. At
one point I was second wheel on a track,
meaning the first bike after the lead rider, as
we entered a narrow road that deteriorated
into a one bike width track between the gorse
that then opened up into forestry roads.
Once back on the normal gravel there were
bikes everywhere so I guess this part was
missed by some. I had ridden with various
people around me up until now, but not in
any group as such, just riding and resting as
I pleased – unusual for me as I am usually
helping as sweeper, leader or photographer/
mechanic/fixer/pusher.
At the last locked gate I joined on with a
bloke called Craig, I first met him in about
2001 and we’ve been on both Far North and
Ruapehu Guided adventures over the years.
We also share a similar interpretation of
keep left, so riding together is not hard on
the nerves. Not far down the road we found
a good challenge on the old Kaikohe track...
and my only perspiration of the day, followed
by my only tip over. Short leg syndrome
forced me to walk away from the DR for a
second, in a bouldery rut. Zero damage to
all but ego, it was time to close the visor and
pass a good quantity of beehives. Another
little farm loop and a revisit to the bees
before heading homewards for a shower
before the unwashed masses returned.
POST RIDE BEER
Alas, the grog evaporated before the urge
did, and luckily a bloke named Phil had been
for beer and discovered a six-pack cost the
same as a box of 15. Dinner was consumed
and a bit of speechifying was said, with
Mike and Angela thanking riders, helpers,
sponsors, land owners etc for a quarter
century of fun and frivolity. Beers had us
fixing all the world’s problems and we slept
like babies… the end.