Up early and off out to Nelson's place, with Pete's trailer in tow, stopping to grab a few pallets at Homebase first, got out there just after 8am. Nelson took his truck and trailer and we parked it and my trailer up at the woodlot and headed through Oxford and for Wharfdale. Made the trailhead about 9. Good climb to start in and i was wheezing. Bit of dampness about, and spitty rain now and then, and muggy as. First blast downhill from the gate was good, but into the main climb, the odd bit of slick rootage caught us both out a couple times, having not ridden them for so long, both felt a little out of practice. Great climb followed by a better cruising rolling descent. Trail pretty clear of trees, but quite a few have fallen away, making holes in the track having lifted their root boles. Bit of a climb and got to the rocky section, clambered up and we were about an hour in, so figured may as well turn back here. Walked ahead tho, and checked out how the trees just past the steep creek bit had been cleared. They had.
Turned back, rode the rocky droppy descent section then cruised and moseyed back, climbing the gentle climb. Met a couple of (campervanning) Aussies, one from Melbs and one from Hobart. They'd been touring around the south of the south, and were finishing off with the Wharfdale. They seemed to be enjoying it. We climbed on a little ways then the funnest descent began. Heaps of good maneuvers, excellency at the handling, well and truly on form again. Wet areas spraying up the muck, splecking me in the eye one time badly, nearly taking out my stereoscopy, and causing me no end of gyp the rest of the day. Alas, all good things must end and the bottom arrived, and i just about slid out into the final corner trying to carry momentum into the climb. Nelson jetted off, and i kept the pace for a bit then mellowed off and in no time was back up to the gate. Then it was the final blast. Eventually winding it up into top gear and really blasting, spraying ourselves with splecky spray, railing through the final throes of the track, high speed, back to the car 45 mins after we'd turned around, bikes and clothing covered in wet gritty muck.
Drove back to the wood lot and proceeded to chainsaw for 2 hours. Filled two trailers, killed one chainsaw... (Nelson had brought the wrong fuel and hadn't realised til it was too late... :(
Unloaded the wood back at his and i got home with time for a shower before T's fancy schmancy aunt and uncle came for afternoon tea at 3.
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