Holy cow the Pivot Firebird is amazing. I rode it up Koru and for the first time attempted the shortcut (I will ride that next time without walking (but it is STEEP)). Then onto Snake Charmer: tough as it was either hot or you were riding into the wind – which was getting strong. While the ride up was tough, coming down was very rewarding.
On the Pivot Peak Flow was a total joy. I had never imagined the benefits of rear suspension, and I imagine that on this bike they were massively enhanced. The ride down was not the usual bone shaking ordeal, it was mostly a joy. And for the first time riding it in months it felt relatively easy.
Next onto Upper Starfish and my first grade four trail with Julian’s most excellent advice. It was scary of course, but easier than I imagined. I felt I could have ridden all of it with a bit more practice, but, I only came a cropper a couple of times and given my fitness and the time pressure to return the bike it was not too bad.
SWIGG was lovely as always and riding fast.
The bike was incredibly confidence inspiring, I did wonder how the Roscoe would feel on the next ride….