Tuesday night riding 11th Sept 2012

Tuesday night riding

Tuesday night riding - every Tuesday during the winter we have been riding under lights. On my bike and helmet I have about 1800 lumens so for sure I can see where to go.

Sometimes this winter the riding has been nicer than others, and earlier in the winter the enthusiasm levels were higher amongst the crew.

During that cold snap - one or two months ago we had some wonderful nights with stars above, frost crunching under the wheels below, breath condensing in the night air, frozen hard sand tracks on the deltas to ride on,  and companions to ride with.

As the winter continued the numbers have dropped away and we have just a few riders going out.. .  one or two or 5,   . . . . . . .and so when it came to Tuesday this week and the 'big snow' arrived Beau decided in his wisdom to cancel the night, but hey   . . . . it was Tuesday and so lights on and out the door. Fully rugged up as I left the warmth of the house I turned first towards Frankton, but decided that no one would go to the beach since it was a cancelled night.

I u-turned and headed on the 29er along the track toward Jacks Point. Funny thing was that even though we had a slight southerly, and to the south I could see another snow laden storm front coming,  I soon warmed up and had to stop and remove clothing. Light weigh Goretex rain jacket - off, Buff headgear - off, buff neck gater - off.  Now just three layers on top - long sleeve wool, Patagonia zip neck and old Patagonia Wind Jacket; and three layers on the bottom - cycle bib, long johns and light weight Macpac over pants (taped shut at the bottom,  .   .  . ah  and of course booties over the shoes.

So into the night. The snow pattern from this storm was vary variable. No snow on the track from home around the golf course and towards Jacks Point - just a dash in shady patch's but the track is basically hard and fast.  Only at the Jacks Point boundary do I strike snow - about 7cms or so., and this makes for interesting riding as I access the Jacks Point level and take off across the edge of a groomed fairway, and then through some short grass paddocks. ( all in 7cms of fresh ) The swirling snow makes it interesting riding as well. Past the club house ( a ghost house with only mannequins standing inside) and along snowy lanes to Beau's house.

The brakes squeal loudly as I stop outside his window and the look of surprise on his face makes the ride worthwhile all by itself.

I step just inside onto the dog rug. It's hot - well at least the temp difference is marked.  A short conversation and back into the dark, squealing down the hills - picking my way between snow flakes and road paddles.

I only fall once - on the steep descent out of Jacks back onto the track - but it's soft so no problem.

The ride home continues the surreal experience. Alone in the night and loving every second of it. Back onto the track at Kelvin Heights and a blaze of lights - top and bottom,  follow a short distance behind.  Not waiting to see who else is crazy I put he 'pedal to the metal' and come back along the track towards home at some speed.  Had the big wheels rolling along.  Halfway back to Frankton I slow as I enter the 'snow zone' and the compacted surface on the bridges adds some excitement. Brendan pulls up behind with a ' hope you weren't just out cruising because I just had a good work out catching up?'

Another mad bastard enjoying his Tuesday night riding in Queenstown.

Wouldn't have missed it for the world.