3 Oldies and 3 Newbies

Jim, Rich and I met at the Milton Heath Car Park and we were joined by three new members of the team. George – who works with Rich, Mark – who lives next to Rich, Dave – Mark's Brother-in-Law... although Dave did have to think about that for a while.... recent marriage Dave?

We set off around 09:30 having left time for George to pick up a bike from HftH. We set off across the back of Westcott and up through Squires farm. Mark's favourite uphill section, provided the first real big challenge for us. Resting at the top we saw a number of groups come up behind us – clearly there was a big event today which we'd not heard about.

Not letting that get in our way, we headed off upwards again and picked up the trail which took us to the bottom of Summer lightning. More up hill to find the start of summer lightning, and introduce George to what this mountain biking is all about – and why we have to do the uphill in the first place. Summer lightning was good – nice and flowing, and generally dry, given the little bit of rain we've had! With summer lightning complete we headed back up to the roller coaster and to the summit of deliverance – just to show the boys who've not seen it before!!!! After the sight seeing we headed up to the tower. Mark and Dave canned it to the top... but took the easy route!! I elected for the hard route.... and failed.... the foot went down... twice!!! Bugger!! Couldn't see what happened to Rich and Jim – they were eating my dirt!!!! Probably!!

Much needed cup of tea at the top, and eccles cake, then a discussion on what next. Suitably refreshed we headed off towards the quarry, taking in Mark's infamous jump! Jim did it...... I waited for a gap in the pedestrian traffic, and then showed everyone how it shouldn't be done!!! On through the quarry to High Ashes farm, and along the trail to Holmbury. Up Holmbury hill and down to Barry Knows Best. BNB flowed well today with some nice jumps and everyone enjoyed the trail.

Down into Peaslake, everyone had descended onto the General stores, so we gave the tea a miss, and headed back up Radnor road, back to the summit of Holmbury - missing out the log pile, because someone was sitting on it!!! Over the summit and down Telegraph, past the Youth Hostel and past the Volunteer, to head back up and towards Abinger. Through the Abinger Roughs and back to Westcott and on to the car park. A good 4 hours ride with a good group. Good to meet you guys, and hope we didn't put George off the biking game too much – look forward to the next outing with you all.