Well what a day that turned out to be, started with a commute to work via my usual half on and half off road route but the real fun started once work was over.

The original plan was to ride home, dump the commute rucsac then ride back to Deepdene station to meet a new rider. This was soon ditched as Simon called and we arranged to ride back from Redhill together. As is often the way despite making good progress up to the top of Reigate hill we managed to sniff out a pint at the Sportsman Mogador - my very 1st time there but certainly won't be my last, I feel a Wednesday night pub stop venue coming on.

Back to the riding, with a pint tucked away we pressed on towards Dorking, we headed accross the golf course then over the M25 and made our way up to Headley Heath. Secret singletrack was running surprisingly well and it didn't seem to take too long at all to reach Mickleham Down. Once there Simon wanted to show me a new trail called 'Wizards Sleeve' I think.

Very nice it was too, not too steep with lots of swoops and turns with 3 very rideable log roles. So, so far I'd done a new route, been to a new pub and was due to complete the hatrick by meeting a new rider at 6.30. However we were still nearly an hour early so what else to do but head to Cobbets for more refreshments.

Whilst at Cobbetts we called George who duly arrived to join us and then un announced Mike turned up. Next to join the newbies ride was Pete so what of the newbies.

Well Michelle had contacted me via the website and we had arranged to meet her off the train and once the introductions were done and lights sorted we all headed off round the back of Dorking via the lower slopes of Ranmore and arrived at Nirvana cycles at 19.02 just 2 mins late. Luckliy Ian our newbie number 2 for the night was ready and waiting.

Now we were all gathered we headed out of Wstcott and up near Wootton church to come out at the Wootton Hatch. From here we made steady progress up wolvens lane with frequent re groupings. As we neared Coldharbour it was clear Ian was struggleing with the pace and despite our encouragment to stay with as we aimed for the tower Ian decided to head for home.

The rest of us carried on our way and cut past the start of Summer Lightning, over to the Dukes Warren then finally up to the tower where Michelle decided she wanted a pic - unfortunatly her battery was flat so we used my phone which as you'll see isnt the best quality.

You can just make out me & Mike, then theres Pete, Michelle and Simon.

Pete was on a time limit so decided to call it a day and set off for home whilst the rest of us set off again to show Michelle some of the beautiful singletrack that abounds in the area. We spent about half an hour doing trails such as worth the mither before deciding that it was time to start heading for home. We made our way back up to Leith Hill tower then down the whole new summer lightning trail to the Cricket Pitch.

The call of the Plough was too much for Mike and George at this point so they headed off there for some refreshments whilst Simon lead Michelle and myself all the back down the trails to Westcott. For me that was the end of the riding after an impressive 43 mid week miles, Simon did the honours and took Michelle back to the station and then had the unenviable task of riding himself all the way back to Redhill. - Top ride, 2 beer stops, 2 rides and 2 new riders, whats not to like