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Jamie Nicoll's Nomadic Weekend Away 2018

04 April 2018

Photos by Tony Hutcheson and Mike Cowlin
Words by Guy Wynn-Williams

Sort of like 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind', fortyish mountain bikers were drawn to Craigieburn over the Easter weekend. Jamie had organised excellent weather, communal dinner and beer on Saturday night - courtesy of Santa Cruz. Limitless singletrack and the promise of new best friends completed the package.

It was a safe formula that delivered in excess. We were a diverse bunch with kids, dogs, pro and ex-pro shredders, regular dudes and dude-ettes, young and once-were-young riders. A gang from Queenstown ventured north along with stalwarts from Christchurch, Nelson and Golden Bay.

There was no formal itinerary, but typically groups of 10-15 would cruise out each morning for a half day session on the extensive Craigieburn Trail Network. And typically we'd head out again late afternoon-early evening for a lap or two on the numerous descents off the Mt Cheeseman ski field road.

Baring military invasion or tsunami I reckon we'll all be back next year. This short photo gallery from Tony and Mike captures the mood. And there's more on Instagram at #nomadicweekendaway2018


Jamie's iconic Bedford School Bus and Nomad. Photo: Tony Hutcheson


Basecamp for four days at Texas flat. Photo: Tony Hutcheson


Chris and Bob chase the shuttle up the Cheeseman Road. Photo: Mike Cowlin


Jamie weighs up options - Cheesey DH (aka Cockayne Alley) or Chesus of Nazareth. Photo: Tony Hutcheson


Marley catches his breath. Photo: Tony Hutcheson


Jamie and Marley seek shelter from the Nor' Wester. Photo: Tony Hutcheson


Marley and Leif cat 'n' mouse down Gorgonzola/K-Line. Photo: Mike Cowlin


Bob weaves her way down Cuckoo Creek. Photo: Mike Cowlin


Whiskey Mike leads Jamie on the Luge. Photo: Tony Hutcheson


Regrouping at Dracophyllum Flat. Photo: Mike Cowlin


The train pulls out of Drac' Flat back to Basecamp. Photo: Tony Hutcheson


Sally guards the post-ride reward. Photo: Tony Hutcheson


Gentlemen, blow your froth. Tony and Jamie caught in the act. Photo: Mike Cowlin


Jamie served up a magnificent curry for the throngs on Saturday night. Photo: Tony Hutcheson


Mike brings battery powered grunt to the firewood party. Photo: Tony Hutcheson


Sam and Jamie school the kids in the art of molten sugar. Photo: Tony Hutcheson


Toasted goodness. Photo: Tony Hutcheson


Roasted chestnuts caused confusion - was it Easter or Christmas? Photo: Tony Hutcheson


Preparing for the Saturday night slide show and movie from Brian and then Damian. Photo: Tony Hutcheson


Until next year. Photo: Tony Hutcheson