It was one of those ever-growing tales that they actually venture out into the Redwood Forest, New Zealand. A story that gets bigger and more embellished with each telling; a story that they can dine out on each time the group ride gathers.

It all started right after Trail-walker 2001. This is an annual hiking event in which participants are requested to finish a 100km walk in 24 hours. There were two teams formed within the local APG. They had been practicing for the event and visit all these beautiful walking trails in HK every weekend. They decided hiking once a week is not enoughLets go out with some bikes was suggested and accepted instantly, without thinking of the consequence of such decision. So everyone equipped, fully suspensioned bikes, two-way radios for communication., hydration packs. Eventually, they all looked like SDU team preparing for a scouting mission behind enemy lines. They call themselves the bad boys.

Picture this. Mountain biking in the countryside. It is almost a dream for all the people working in the jam-packed city of Hong Kong. There is only a handful of government-authorized offroad cycling trails in the territory. The sport is never regarded as popular. In fact, riders need to apply for cycling permit to ride on these designated trials.

From the pier near Exchange Square, it is just 50 minutes ferry ride to Lautau - an island is yet to be developed by the HKSAR government. For much of the year it is their local playground of choice, providing a variety of terrain.

Cross-country mountain biking in HK always has a downhill element. During the descent, 100% concentration is a must in order to stay in one piece at the end of the day. One mistake and you will find yourself in serious trouble/injury. Perhaps it is the requirement of absolute concentration makes these computer people addicted to the sport. Jo is keen to point out the nature of the rides are mostly technical and only competent riders should join.

The bad boys ride out every weekend. Exploring different trails in Hong Kong. Group size has grown to 7, all from APG.

There is always a ride leader, Andy Tai who straddles his GT I-Drive 0.X (better than any model in the existing production line) and leads the group off into the dirt. Billy, the young gun, always tries to close the gap.

Their first international MTB adventure happened at late January and began in the Whakarewarewa Forest, a massive (5667 hectare) tree farm located on Rotorua Citys eastern boundary. Inside the forest is a rich network of purpose-built mountain bike trails and the famous National Downhill Track. These fast flowing trails bring them through the scenic forest, with stunning views through gaps in the forest of lakes, thermal activity and the looming bulk of Mt Tarawera.

Marked with red arrows, the Diamondback Trail is mountain bike bliss on twisting singletrack, with plenty of obstacles to negotiate along the way. A nice touch are the signs marked XXX that warn you in advance when particularly tricky sections of the trail lie ahead.

Th Haro Trail, marked with grey arrows, is a lot of fun. Part singletrack and part BMX track, it winds its way around the forest in a 4km circuit. There are some sharp drops and lots of tree roots and small rocks to get round, as well as a couple of fantastic high-speed banked corners. The route splits from the Marzocchi Trail at the start of the BMX track, a roller-coaster ride taking you over a series of steep undulations.

One night, they went riding into the forest. Throughout the course, they rarely said a single word. All their sensors were opened and got ready for the unexpectedthey couldnt help, but to hold their breath.

Another day, they also took the Skyline Skyrides gondola up Mt. Ngongotaha for a great view of Lake Rotorua, and tackled some tough downhill tracks. Perhaps due to accumulated fatigue, here they performed the most impressive stunt show while flying over a huge ramp made up of a dozen of horizontal metal pipes, and landing with Jos back spine, Billys left rib cage and Andys head. However badly injured, they could not resist riding The Luge, flying 900m downhill on a concrete track with a mini trolley whilst on their way down.

After wearing themselves down for five straight days in Rotorua, they went on taking the challenge of the Woodhill Forest, an hour NW of Auckland. Trails are a little too sandy, and more of a cross-country style. Huge jumps and mattress wrapped around the tree trunk not far from a ramp. The twisting roller-coaster style Spaghetti Trail is fun.

Their final surprise. Stopped over and watch the horizon sunset at Muriwai Beach, a ninty mile beach that stretches along the rugged west coast of the North Island.

They had a memorable cycling adventure and think it is their biggest accomplishment to populate this spirit within the office. The next item on their to-do list is to explore more safe and comfort biking trials in region and introduce the sport to the general public.