As Simon eludes to below, last Wednesday saw a large turn out of 12 including rare apperances from super fast Kiwi Mike and not so super fast Matt ( on a trip home from Chamonix).

We opted for a loop taking in Ranmore, over towards Leatherhead, Mickleham downs and Box hill. With the conditions being pretty much perfect we made fast progress over to 'Wiggly wood' where we bumped into a couple of the Muddy Moles heading in the other direction. After a cheery hello (and a quick stop by John) we headed on our way.

We soon found ourselves heading up what I gather seems to be know as 'Alsation' although 'Dog Shit alley' was another name many people had for it. After crossing Stane street we headed on until Huw who seems to know trails where ever we go took us on a singletrack diversion which was excellent. After that we carried on to Mickleham down where we took 'Petes Passge' which I think others refer to as 'Alpine Trail'. This was riding really fast, fantastic. From here we crossed the road and did the climb up to High Ashurst which all but 2 or was it 3 people managed to clean.

By now the amount of climbing was starting to be felt in the legs but the toughest was yet to come. We followed the road round to the Smith and Western and then had a cracking blast down 'China Pig'. I haven't ridden it in such fine conditions since last year and boy was it fun. After re grouping at the bottom Kiwi Mike headed off for home. The rest of us turned right, back up the road to the little car park. Just before reaching it Johns Chain broke so Mike R volunteered to stay with him and meet us at the William 4th a little later.

The rest of us turned off through the car park back whench we came but this time did the steep climb known as 'Chain Breaker' I believe. Last time I tried that it was in the winter and no one cleaned it and I only got as far as the tight bend round the log. This time however, normal service was resumed with about 6 of the remaining 9 of us making it the whole way.

From here it was a quick blast across the gallops then down to the pub for welcome refreshments from the pretty, but seemingly very moody bar maid, oh how that shere drop is so good. Mike and John soon arrived via a added stop at the Running Horse and beers were enjoyed by all. Before long it was time to head for home down the A24 cycle lane then through Denbies and along to Westcott.

24 miles in all on a beautiful night - long may it continue.

Toby