Canberra Wrap - June Long Weekend 07

Figured I'd put this in as a blog rather than four individual posts for the four days.

Let me start by saying what a bummer it was that you fell ill Rob and couldn't join us down there. That said you really didn't miss much at all so there is no point in you reading on any further.

As for everyone else, well, what an absolutely awesome place to spend a long weekend with like minded friends. If only I were single I would probably buy a good tent and spend every weekend down there. It's one of those places that end a day's riding and thinking how can it get any better and then the following day you are shown how.

Day 1 Friday, Mt Stromlo.
Leaving Sydney pleasantly close to my planned departure time full of mixed feelings. A little nervous about hitting a new trail for the first time with someone I have hardly ridden with but new was many times fitter than me. Absolutely pouring with rain, how long will this last? Pass Cambelltown and the skies clear a little, my spirits lift, by the time I hit Picton turn off its pissing down again. Rains all the way to Lake George, yes Carolin that grass paddock on the left really is a lake, beginning to doubt Bernds sms that it is blue sky in Canberra. The weather and the fact that I can't follow my own directions means that I arrive late at Stromlo. A call from Bruce, who is still about an hour behind me, would suggest the morning ride isn't going to happen.

First impressions, shit how am I going to get to the top of that anywhere near Mr. enduro man? Second thoughts, geese it's exposed, we're going to get blown away. Bruce finally arrives and we decide that we will head off around 11 rather than wait for the others who had indicated they would be there after lunch. Early mechanicals see us stopping to adjust my rear derailleur. We turn to head back to the cars to make the necessary adjustments there but realised how much altitude we had already gained. A true testament to Glen Jacobs and the CORC trail builders that we had no idea that we had got so high in such a short time and with seemingly little effort. Needless to say we didn't go to the cars but fixed the prob trail side. Wasn't long before Bruce was waiting for me at every trail junction, accompanied only by the huge smile on his face. I wasn't feeling quite so chuffed, was struggling with the switchbacks and the wind, as well as the feeling of guilt of keeping him waiting so long in the wind. Views from the top are fantastic, but way to cold and winding to hang around, we start what we think is our decent. Down a little and up some more, down a little and up some more, almost a run in with a grader on the fire trails, the switchbacks are getting tighter and more precarious, perched on the side of a very long way down. My impressions aren't improving, beginning to think I'm not really going to enjoy a full day here Sunday and will be taking several others with me Sunday arvo to explore Majura. Bruce hits the black loop on his own, I wait around slick rock, finally out of the wind. We take the inner loop for the run back to the cars. Ok starting to like this a little more, trails open up a little, more flowing although I still feel uneasy on the berms, can't see how Paul is running this "no brakes" and am thinking we must have missed a section. Get back to the cars, only about 14 km on the Bruce's speedo but am feeling completely buggered. Bernd, Andrew and Greg are there to greet us. Bruce is smiling ear to ear, I'm not and have already decided not to head back up this afternoon. Bruce takes the others out for another lap, Bernd and I hang around. Evan finally arrives but too late to hit the trail. They’re back in about an hour faster time, sorry Bruce. I get the impression Greg has mixed feelings about the place, Bruce is still grinning ear to ear, his favorite track of all time!

Head back to the townhouse and are joined by Carolin, Sam, Gary, Liam, Ian and Tanya. Hit the local shops for takeaway, soon learn not to order from the same shop as Gary if you want to eat before midnight. Much food, grog, and good cheer had by all, they soon learn I don’t really have an off switch.

Days 2 and 3 I’ll keep briefer as I am sure there will be much said by many.

Sparrow Hill. I went here with the firm believe that this is the best sniggle in Oz and again wasn’t disappointed. Mick, Dave and Tien all arrive in good time. No Christine, Peter or Steve. We head out for a great social paced group ride, cheers to the roid boys for not shooting off and enjoying the group nature of this outing. Back to the cars for a BBQ lunch, smiles all around. Peter, Christine and Steve have been out enjoying some trails as well. After lunch we split into a couple of groups. Gary takes up the challenge to keep pace with Steve for a fast lap. Tanya heads out to have a little explore and the rest off us head over to Heavy Cow Loop and tackle the second half of the trail. I am feeling the 3 rides in 2 days and head for the car when we get to the top of the hill, exploring the inner loop on the way back to the car. The others complete the loop and Steve and Gary arrive not far behind. A great day, topped only by the company and frivolity that followed over dinner and post dinner drinks.

Mt Stromlo. Convinced we will only spend half a day here and then others will join me heading to Majura. Tanya has to head home and goes via Majura, her favorite trail. No wind today we head off with the intention your own pace to the top, regroup into 3 or 4 at the top and then head down again. Not the case. Joined by “Andrew” from Canberra. Everyone climbed really well, my opinions are rapidly changing. Lots of photo ops and good fun. Ian is the only casualty on the climb up, 3 or 4 flats has him not getting there by the time everyone else has headed down in larger than expected groups. Dave Christine and I make it back to the cars first, choosing not to hit the black loop or the outer extension. Had a great ride, am beginning to appreciate this place a lot more and enjoy the berms and switchbacks. Have my suspension wound down and there is no wind, I think that has made a huge difference. Ian finally emerges with his tale of woes. Snag sandwiches for lunch again and then most head back out for a second lap. Christine, Dave and I are kept amused by the antics of two locals and there prouncing around. What a day. Stromlo probably just pips Sparrow Hill now as my best pick. Can it get any better?

Day 4. Last night I realized I should have been more selfish and grabbed a bedroom spot, woken several times by the sound of chainsaws going off in the lounge room and next to me. Try to get in with Evan but he has locked the door, doesn’t he trust us?
Most headed home last night. Down to just 9 now, Mick and Evan who head home this morning, Sam, Liam, Greg, Bruce, Carolin, Dave, me and we are joined by Tien at Majura. Time for an apology to Tanya, we should have listened. I came here today expecting flat, sedate pine forest sniggle, with the odd north shore thrown in. Boy was I wrong. Mr. Grumpy here complained most of the way to the start of the sniggle, seems those at the pointing end wanted to gain as much altitude as soon as possible, seeking the narliest trails to start the morning on. Very apprehensive heading into the first trail, rocky, unknown, not what I wanted and I wasn’t wearing my armour. Somehow Sam was the only casualty on the first section. He emerged with Dave, a simple fall had his back brake jammed on, looking very despondent thinking he was headed for an early finish. Bent brake mount easily fixed on the fire trail and we’re off again. Bruce and Liam find the first of the jumps and play with glee waiting for us to join them. Things are improving and I’m beginning to have fun. This place absolutely rocks. Whilst I didn’t do any of the jumps etc, mindful of a 3hr drive home and Coffs in a couple of weeks, I had a blast on what I did ride and watching the others play on everything they could find. Bruce and Tien were the only two to take up Sam’s $20 hill climb challenge. Neither of them made it further than about 1/10th of the way up. A fun run back to the cars playing on more of the gullies, jumps, berms etc.

Sadly our weekend has come to an end. I think all those that got to enjoy Majura have now elevated this to the best fun of the weekend. We will spend a day here next time, what to leave out, very hard decision to make now.

A huge thanks to Bernd for his contact with the town house. Bigger thanks those still there Monday morning for your help. Not one person shirked there share of the cleaning and I am sure the place was cleaner than it had been for some time.

Thanks all for putting up with my warped sense of humour. Greg, Sam and Bruce, I hope I showed you that like most things it is not the frequency or volume of gas produced but the quality that counts. Great pics all, can’t wait to see Majura photos, Ian we will blur your face on the lounge incident pic.

Cheers all, planning will start soon for the next trip, now just how to tell the better half.

Stuart