Happy Valley Ride 17th October 2010
This ride has been a favorite in the past and again it was a memorable one. From hill climbs, bogs, to loads of just plain fun terrain including a creek that would resemble something out of the Roof of Africa Enduro.
The day greeted us with rain and continued all the way while driving and then stopped just as we arrived at our destination, so bit moist under foot first up. Peter led us, taking us to a few "warm up" hill climbs via
some plowed paddocks which is great to get that burning desire to flog your bike because that's what you have been thinking about for the last 24 hours prior to the ride!
After riding around some farm tracks we came to "the bog" of all bogs. Lots of different approaches on how to just get through, lots of laughs.
Heading back to for lunch via the creek always a blast as the rocks underneath the water were very greasy.
The Barbie for lunch had everyone feeling fresh again along with Richard turning up at lunch on his shinny new KTM I delivered to him on Friday.
After lunch we were led into a section of Blue Gums where our log hopping skills came into play, then heading back to the farm for some more skilled creek crossings via a 4 by 2.
The highlight of the day would have to have been our encounter with a mad cow. We managed to accidently corner a cow that had recently calved and she was not happy to see us! Four of us, including myself, were barged off
our bikes by this angry beast (thankfully no-one was hurt). When the cow decided to sit and stomp on Todds bike It was "side splitting" material watching him trying to stop her. We all learnt that cows will charge given the right circumstances and although this
was extremely fun to watch and we are all glad no one including the cow was hurt.
Just like to throw out a big thanks to Richard and Peter for an absolutely great ride.
Till next time.
Nigel Bayne
President - Invercargill Cross Country Trail Bike Club
PS: Sorry no photos this time, my camera decided to pack it in.
