Day 1

Fair bit of pomp and ceremony to celebrate the opening of the trail. Great to be part of the grand opening. Really nice touch to each rider being awarded a wood carved medallian to mark the occasion by the mayor and the jerseys being awarded by the sponsors welldrill.

The riders were really itching to get away as soon as we could after the opening at midday. Bang we were off. We were at our lunchstop before Nathan could digest his morning sausage roll and lose us for a third time. We have decided that he makes a great back marker and does this very well. Bit of road riding and old railway reserve so nothing challenging but good speeds to get the legs working and at cosy corner pitching tents before we knew it. Entering the campsite there was an awe of silence and everyone suddenly look pale and sick. A sign at the front said no alcohol! After recovering from this setback (and unauthorised renegades displaying cunning plans last seen during days of prohobition ) we recovered and set up camp. Sandy must really snore cause she pitched her tent so far away from everyone else poor thing. Have to watch put for that when we get to the huts. This was later followed by Ron showing us how not to cut with a knife and then how to correctly bandage a finger. He then proceeded to point at the stars, must have an interest in astrology. Few words from Ron (well done we owe this ride to you) and a briefing about tomorrows ride, which had definite tones of being very well thought it. But after a good laugh, some more pointing to the stars and some talk about geocaching some lasagne (which I have been known to consume is disproportionate quantities to my girth) brings me to this point in my tent. Good evening and watch out for the drop bears.