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A handful of riders quietly unloading the bikes among low cloud & drizzle. Not an auspicious start. The greasy uphill 1 minute into the ride that felled a third of the 60-odd riders was hilarious but not very comforting. Just goes to show that initial appearances can be deceiving - this was a great little ride. The views out over the Manawatu Gorge alone were worth the trouble (pity about the view from Wharite - I couldn't even see my hand in front of my face - but once below the cloud again it was great). The Bushriders deserve a Gold medal on three counts: For gaining access to some great country, for getting the balance between challenge and ridable just right, and for providing enough options so that everyone had a great day out. That even includes my own narcoleptic efforts, where I managed to fall off in all the most inappropriate places. Just proof that enjoyment isn't directly proportional to ability.
A special thanks to
| Inglis's (Ratahiwi) | John Napier (Ballantrae ) | Mike Chapman (Beagley's) |
| Tim Bolton | Riddel's | Vic Smith |
| Stuart Bolton | Evan Jackson | Wayne Bromley |
