Katherine North Ride, 9 December 2007

by Kyle Bawden

Just 8 people showed up at the United/Caltex servo in Palmerston on what looked like a scorchingly hot arvo. Lucky for us that when Sandy pulled out at the end of the hike&bike trail along the escarpment above The Chase and Bakewell she took the sun with her! We kept going towards the Elizabeth River bridge but now it was overcast, cool and breezy...excellent!

The 4wd tracks were in good nick...firm, mostly dry and fast! We flew down to the Elizabeth River on dual trails that had natural berms and conveniently placed jumps (rocks), this section is always a hoot and today didn't disappoint!
A quick look along the 4wd track that skirts the mangroves at Elizabeth River showed that the gods were smiling on us and we legged it back to Mitchell's Creek along more fast dual track. There's nothing like riding a great dual trail with friends...unfortunately I only had Bill and Steve to talk to...oh well, can't have it all!

Once over Mitchell Creek we headed to Radford Rd along some of the 4wd tracks used in the race way back at the end of this year's wet season. I wasn't at that race but from looking at the photos on the website I reckon we had it easier this time! I especially like the couple of steep downhills as you leave Mitchell Creek, apparently Col Smith doesn't like them anymore though...someone said he came off but I was having too much fun to care!

At the top of Radford Rd everyone (except Martin) cried "Uncle" and decided to head back home so with Martin farewelling us with cries of "Soft *****" we all rode into the sunset. No, really, we had to ride west along Lambrick Ave to get back to the hike & bike trail and I had to squint into the setting...oh, whatever!

Back at the servo Steve said it wasn't the worst ride he'd ever done before riding back to Darwin...the rest of us drove!!!