Finally got myself out for a ride today – incredible weather, 25c and bright blue skies. As I’d not been out on a proper ride for, erm, let me see, 10 months or so?! I’d decided on a “drive to the top and ride along without too much climbing” type ride. Got back into it so much though, that I ended up pushing things waaaayyy further! Here’s the route.
Parked up at top of Evans Pass and was supposed to go North-West, but with my favourite ride (Godley Heads) right in front of me the temptation was too much. Ah yes, so on the way I realised that the box of stuff I’d taken out of the car included sunscreen and bike lube. No bike shops open so had to resort to WD40. There was a reason everyone stopped using this 20 years ago. It eats grease and stinks. Still, better than nowt.
The views from up there were ridiculous. This must’ve been the clearest I’ve ever seen it – mountains as far as you could see, the whole city and beaches down below. Lucky I left my camera at home.
Out to Godley Heads and back round was awesome – trail has had some lovin’ in some parts – great cos I used to get sucked into the ruts. Now once that bit of the ride is done the usual idea is to retrace your steps back over the top. But Anaconda is always wicked, so took that down to Taylor’s Mistake beach (packed). Hadn’t done the road bit from there back over to Sumner – quite a climb, but rewarded with ice cream.
From Sumner, it’s another big climb up the Captain Thomas track (once I managed to find the start!). Around 300m vert with Allan’s legs on v. technical trail with big drops. Nice. Who’s idea was it to finish on a big climb?!
Those 2 bits connected the dots as I’d always wanted to get myself up there rather than driving. Now it’s done, I’m knackered but loving it. Autumn riding rocks. And to top it off it’s Bluff Oyster season – perfect with ice cold beer.