Big turn out for the night ride as at last the weather takes a turn for the better. With enthusiasm dwindling over the past few weeks due to the seemingly endless poor weather, it was great to see 11 people make the effort to enjoy the 1st real spring ride of the year.

Carl made an appearance for the 1st time since last autumn and was fit as ever, besides that all the others were familiar faces. Both Huw and Steph were at Nirvana shopping but not riding, at least we saw Huw again later in the evening at the Kings Head where most of us stopped for beer.

As for the ride, it wasn't a classic as there were too many interruptions with mechanicals and the trails are still far from their best. It was however fun and we spent most the evening on Leith Hill doing a huge variety of single-track.

George, Mike and Simon opted to leave early and headed to the Plough for some Tallywhacker, Carl headed off just before we dropped down into Holmbury but the remaining 7 of us made it all the way to meet up with Huw in the pub.

With two recent reports of bikes being stolen in Holmbury on Wednesday nights we took the added precaution of locking the bikes up with all the locks we could muster between us and thankfully they were all there upon our exit.

Only 17 miles or so were covered in total but in the muddy conditions that still isn't too bad. Good to see a whole array of 'Dorking Cocks' clothing being used which should also be making an appearance at the Bookham trailquest this Sunday.

Toby