Waking to the sound of engines revving and warming, loudspeakers and last-minute safety notices. Look lap, chin strap checks, a twist of the wrist, "roostering" from the back wheel and we're off.
Sunday, March 6 and the Makuri community launched its annual trail ride for the second time this year, the first being cancelled due to an untimely weather bomb.
However, this didn't dampen the Makuri spirit and when approached to have another go a month out, the community quickly agreed, showing great unity, support and resilience.
The response from riders was equally terrific with 230 participating at short notice.