Happy 1st Birthday

Over The Hill is officially one year old! - ok so this blog didn't start until a few months later but from memory the riders who gathered that fateful December 2008 morning at the Tower were Andy, Tom, Roy, Simon, Wilf, Dunnie and myself (apologies if I've missed anyone). Since then our numbers have swelled of course and now include Mark2, Dave, Dave2, Jim, Briggsy and various others who appeared for the odd ride. How fitting then that another two newcomers, Damien and Richard, should join us for our festive ride.
Meeting at 930 in Coldharbour the conditions were chilly but clear and our plan was to head over to Holmbury as soon as possible, Tom's first tentative steps into the world of All Mountain apparel being a particular talking point! Taking in Regurgitator, Crooked Furrow, the top section of Summer Lightning and the RollerCoaster we headed up to the Tower via No Cycles and the infamous climb, managed only by Andy and Mark2. Slippery conditions claimed a couple of early victims, myself on Crooked Furrow and Tom with his tree-hugging moment on the RollerCoaster.
No stopping at the Tower as we pressed on towards Holmbury, taking in Mark's Agony Tree, the bombhole near the Quarry (much to Simon's chagrin) and then the Quarry itself where a new pile of dirt and rocks provided "Kick Start" style technical amusement for all.
We took "The Mother" a long sweeping descent past High Ashes Farm and climbed to the top of Holmbury via a new steep route past the Cricket Pitch (cheers Tom!)
We then hit Barry Knows Best which was flowing well, not too wet and another chance to put those new cornering skills to use.
A well earned cuppa followed at Peaslake, supplemented by single malt and chocolate, perfect!
The grinding climb up Radnor Road back to the summit of Holmbury followed, allowing us to take in Yoghurt Pots, Telegraph Road and Mutiny. From there we headed to the Volunteer for our well-earned lunch, Steak and Ale pie and Fish and Chips seemed to be the popular choices as was Sussex Ale.
Eventually the climb back to Leith beckoned and reluctantly we left the warmth of the pub, choosing Mark2's route back via Upfolds Farm. A long, muddy drag ensued with several riders walking some sections as the food, cold and ale took it's toll. Finally we reached the Tower again for a weary photo op and then headed back to Coldharbour via Personal Hygene, No Cycles and the bombholes, pausing at the top of Deliverance. Despite fatigue levels there were still a few who fancied the big finish so Dunnie, Andy, Dave, Mark and I safely made it down, leaving only Tom to do it. Lacking conviction the inevitable occurred, leaving us howling with laughter as Tom's bike made it most of the way down, followed by Tom! No serious damage and we carried on down to the cars via Regurgitator.



A great ride and great company as ever, A Happy New Year to you all and roll on more top riding in 2010.
Rich