Spring has Sprung

The Rock Cod Riders hit the trail again. (Black Bridge)

Three days after the official first day of spring and finally we are back in the saddles. Bob had come up with the route, which after some consultation, we all agreed on. Then he piked on us!(And we were relying on him to bring the thermette and make the tea.) Still, the rest of us were committed (or should be).
The idea was to start at Te Mata Cheese (or where it used to be - what a travesty it has closed) and head on down the River Rd track. We were hoping for blossoms all the way, but I think after our nasty little cold spell, where we even had snow, everything is a little later than usual. Never mind - the day was beautiful, even if there was a chilling wind. It was one of those days where to was too hot with a wind breaker on and too cold with it off. But the sun was out and the prevailing wind was favourable; in other words, perfect.
We headed off down the track, I think all of us taking a few minutes/hours to re acclimatise ourselves to our bikes again. It's funny, I heard Diana greeting her bike personally ("Hello Mildred, how have you been?") and I knew exactly how she felt.
Although I'm not sure Rose was having the same warm feelings about her mount. As Bob didn't come along and her bike was 'playing up', she borrowed his. I've heard a pearl of wisdom  saying "you never lend your chainsaw or your wife" and I think now we can safely add 'bike' to that list.
Anyway, the first 8 kilometres were pretty painless and we had plenty of time to catch up with all the latest gossip. Diana was able to explain to Rose why she has tagged us as the Rock Cod  Riders ( sorry, it's a bit of an 'in thing' story that started about a million years ago when Jerry was a car salesman and everyone called him Finn - as in car shark - I guess you had to be there).  We crossed Black Bridge and that is where I think the first groans started. We stopped for a drink and Barley Sugars or Werthers Originals and then plugged on towards Clifton Beach. Jerry was doing a sterling job as a 'gate swinger' for all who were
passing through those interminable (bastard) gates. I have to say, I appreciate the reason for them, but some are soooo much better than the others.
The last stretch to Clifton was a little bit of a challenge as we were heading into a head wind, but boy were we looking forward to the lunch we deserved.

The Gannets had started lunch without me. (Can't blame them, though)

Richie has pimped out his bike - v. practical

We would all have happily sat there on Clifton Beach until ALL the food had gone, but the thought of carting it internally rather than externally held our hand (slightly anyway). Fresh ham sammies, cottage pie and orange and honey muffins... and tea from a thermos!! It always tastes better when you have earned it.

Sorry Diana, an unflattering shot but at least we can't see your bum.

After much debate, we think these are Royal Spoonbills.

Up river from Black Bridge.

Down river from Black Bridge.

Heading towards Clive wetlands.

Running repairs.

Pirate boat made from driftwood.

And now for the part of the ride I was looking forward to. Tail wind all the way back (although a lot of it was a 'side' wind) and taking Jerry and Diana past our favourite bit of the trail - Black Bridge to Clive. Have to say, Rich and I decided it wasn't the best direction to do this bit of the ride, but J and D seemed to think it was lovely - and it is! Past river mouths with families fishing and white baiting, wetlands with many varieties of birds thinking about starting families, - wild and natural and accessible. We feel privileged to be able to be there.
Our own private 'wetlands" (as Diana crudely put it) were really beginning to complain by this stage. Every gateway was greeted with moans and groans of relief and complaint. Our backsides felt so broken they had huge cracks in. Perhaps it was not wise to do a ride so long for the first up, but by the time we saw Bob's ute parked at the Clive Reserve, we were feeling pretty pleased with ourselves, and not just a little sad the journey was almost over.
33.3 kilometres - not bad for us. We don't have road bikes, or even mountain bikes. We do the trails and there are rules!!! No lycra (on show) and no taking things seriously. Baskets and carriers while not compulsory, are certainly necessary. It's all in the attitude - It has to be fun!
So until next time - kia kaha.

Clive River - you could sit here all day and watch the world go by and never be bored.