The weather man had got it mostly right. Its always a good omen when the hot air balloons are about, though it was a bit foggy on the Melba highway.
A quick look around all the faces and bikes, we didn't seem to have too many novices, a short briefing and it was time to go. We rushed off through the triangle hopeful of covering a few tracks that I have not been on for some time.
Not too many takers for the challenge loop Mmm
.
We crossed over the highway on Gypsy Lane, up my new slippy track and into the edge of the pine forests. The boundary tracks of the forests are always a good hoot and they did not let us down. I have not been there for many years and it was refreshing to realize that I still remembered where to go and the tracks had not changed much in the interim.
Barrys track had been a favorite of mine for many years, a bit rockier than I had remembered, but an easy fast challenge. I managed to temporarily loose a few on a short detour, no harm done, but time was marching on and it was time to think of lunch. I had hoped to do Jacksons track and a couple of others over there, but they would have to wait.
The Buxton burgers seem to be a thing of the past, new owners, new ideas but still a welcome break.
Back to the pine forests, at least what is left of them after all the clearing, and a quick look at the eastern boundary and one of my old challenge tracks. Again not many takers. We followed the fence line down to Narb and across to Stoney creek to wash the tyres, where there is a couple of new tracks just to confuse me, then I had hoped to cover the Rouches road area and explore the area behind the Pub on the way back to the cars.
The best laid plans usually go astray, I had thought I would approach Rouch road up one of the lesser used tracks, slippery in the wet but great fun in the dry. We seemed to have a bit of both. Two of us managed to get up and after much puffing and panting they gave up, we reassembled at the bottom and headed back to the cars.
All in all it had been a great day. I am gradually getting the details of tracks I have not been on for many years back into my befuddled brain, and with the support I have had on the last few rides I hope to continue to offer an enjoyable day.
Thanks one and all for your support,
Phil R.
P.S. Yazza and Sue!! we missed you
