Super V 2014: Never go full retard.

Enduro. Open-face helmet, goggles, kneepads, backpack, bright clothes, hashtag. Never go full retard. Never go full #enduro.

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. Actually it was just the best of times. I booked flights to Wellington to race Super V just for the hell of it. The best part was that Megan decided to come along, Michelle was flying up from Christchurch, Zoe was there already and Charlotte was my hostess.  Like a mini vorbette mobbing.

Pureora Timber Trail: Gun to a Knife Fight

I was not disappointed that I had chosen my full suspension mountain bike for a ride on a Grade 2 gravel trail. Sometimes taking a gun to a knife fight just has you smiling smugly all day.

Our crew of four consisted of three trail bikes and one hardtail in full brevet kit as Dean went through a final shakedown prior to his big event.

Out on the trail was a myriad of bicycles - commuter bikes with carrier racks and semi-slick tyres, cyclocross bikes, hardtail and full suspension mountain bikes, and even one street fixie shod with 'cross tyres. Anything goes, just ride.

Heading out on the trail at the north end was a complete contrast to my previous ride starting at Piropiro Flat and heading south.  There were more corners, more bush, more flow, more gradient and much more technical aspects than at the southern end (if a Grade 2 trail can be described as technical).