Well, as I announced to the assembled 13 riders (14 including myself) that a loop out over to Newlands Corner and the Chantries was the plan for tonights ride I was greeted by a few not so happy faces.
The Newlands run has a reputation in our group of being a bit dull but as I much prefer riding the stuff over there in the quiteness of a night ride we headed off in that direction.
Usual route out of Westcott then up White down, a small traverse along the top of the down then down through the Abba Zabba complex of trails - Amazingly this was Treds 1st ever visit there and he loved it so that was a pleasing start to the ride.
Rather than crossing the road and continueing down the hill we headed right, along some cheeky trails over a style or 2 and eventulally regained the top the North Downs. We sped along towards Guildford before taking a really fast decent down to the A25 (crossing that road about half way on its way up to Newlands).
Another traverse then a climb back up to the car park followed. Once regrouped we picked up all the lovely twisty singletrack around the back of the car park then headed out on the normal route to Pewley Down which is right on the edge of Guildford.
Another really fast decent off Pewley Down then a climb into the Chantries to pick up another great trail that undulates through the woods here and spits you out near Warwicks Bench car park on the edge of Guildford/Shalford)
Next was to again climb back through Chantry wood then on to St Marthas. Haven't been to the top here for ages so made a real plesent change as did the very tricky decent down 'Pipeline' which saw me take a tumble and pick up a few grazes for my trouble.
Next was a trip through the old Gun powder factories at Chilworth then the climb up to Blackheath. Huw then took over to guide us around his excellent little route only to get a little lost at the end. After a 10 minute or so diversion we found our way back on track and eventually appeared at Farley Green. A few more cheeky trails later and a bit of road work brought us out at the beautiful William 4th at Little London.
Kiwi Mike, Tred and Antony all headed straight for home whilst the remaining 11 of us stayed to sup our beer. Come 10 then off we went again on the usual manic sprint for Westcott. 28 miles covered which is a lot for a Wednesday night ride, perhaps the most ever for us and when I add on the extra 10 I did from home to Westcott including the climb up through Redlands wood and decent from Coldharbour to Westcott then I managed a rather spiffing 38 miles - all in all, another top night Mountain Biking in the Surrey Hills.
So, as it turned out a really good ride was had by all with a few people experiancing some fine trails for the 1st time ever which is always nice as their enthusiasm is plain to see. So, I was vindicated for my decesion to do this route which can now be left alone for a few weeks whilst other directions are explored - I feel a overdue trip out to Box Hill and Headly coming on - maybe next week.
Toby, Matt, John, Kiwi Mike, Tred, Antony, Mike, George, Duncan, Simon, Brian, Charlie, Ray & Huw.
