I was lucky this weekend and managed to get out on two very decent length rides.

On Saturday I rode from home to Nirvana (approx 10 miles) which is about a 50 % off road route to join the 9.30 shop ride. There was a big turn out with a lot of unfamiliure faces as well as a fair few regulars which pushed the total number of riders up to 18.

Richard led out the ride up past the church then down to the Rookery and the Climb all the way up to Leith Hill Tower. Due to the number of people it was a little disjointed with a lot of stop start going on, Wendy and myself got detached for a short while having stoped to sort out her chain but we all met up again at the tower.

From here I was appointed leader to take everyone through the maze of singletrack between Leith Hill Tower and the final descent to Holmbury. The route I pieced together took in such delights as ' Windy Willow'. 'Caspers', 'Su Egypt', 'Pint Glass','Chocolate Jesus' and at least the same amount again of trails I just don't know the names of.

From the Quarry Richard took over again and led us down to Holmbury then over the hill to Peaslake and a tea stop. From here as is often the way for me I ventured home alone via a climb back over Holmbury Hill then a road trip back via Forst Green and Ockley. 35 miles was my final distance and I felt every meter of it in my tired legs.

Come Monday morning and another ride had been organised. This was to be a little more social with just myself, Simon, George, Matt and Laura. A long overdue trip out to Newlands was planned and this time I drove to the start at Westcott to save my legs a little.

We set off up White Down and then took a route I haven't done for a couple of years over to Newlands which goes out Via the Saw Mill so kind of does a big arch before rejoining the North Downs Way above Shere and blasting along the top to Newlands.

Once at Newlands a breakfast roll was the order of the day washed down with a cup of tea. George had to be home early so off he went eastward on his return leg. For the rest of us we carried on picking up all the excellent singletrack around the car park then heading west to eventually come out on Pewley Down. From here we cut over to 'The Chantries' and the super descent which comes out near 'Warwicks Bench' .

The trails now got easier and the pace relaxed as we cut over to the river wey and followed the towpath South for a couple of miles until the old Railway line to Horsham is met. From here we went down the railway line (part of the Downs Link) to just South of Bramley and then turned off over 1/2 mile field then on to Shamley Green.

Having stopped for a rest and re fuel at the local shop we pressed on back into the hills. The Bridleway we take eventually comes out on Farley Heath and from here we tracked back via pomds lane to above Shere then round Gomshall and Abinger Hammer, up to 'Cow Shit Field' and back to Westcott through Abinger Roughs.

Another 31 miles done and a great ride completed. Not overly technical but it made a very pleasent change.