8 riders greeted me as I rolled into the car park for a gentle pottle around the North Downs, including Adrian and Chris, more accustomed to tarmac and drop handle bars than bouncing bikes and the ‘slightly soft’ trails we were about to experience

Having seen the state of the riders returning from yesterdays ride I decided to extend the route to Epsom, avoiding a very muddy Headley. Its still quite fast ride across the golf course towards Walton on the Hill and down past the farms to Langley Vale. I was determined not to put off our new recruits before we were at least half way round

Now I was beginning to make excuses for the mud as we headed of up Stane Street, I new what was to come. There’s always a bigger puddle round the corner on this route. We pressed on as I kept the pace up to get this part out the way, it was really tough but we got through in good time with the decent down to Michleham to look forward to.

I set a challenge by picking a large pool of mud to go through (rather than the dry trail slightly to the left). All followed like sheep and I don’t think any of us got through in one peice. The joys of being in front...

Just one more climb, Box Hill. Never fun, but after all that pushing through the mud ! Hot drinks, and choice of cake, all round and a long rest.

We had done enough hard work by this stage, so a dash along the road (Adrian and Chris showing us the ropes now) and back on to the ridge to finish

There was plenty of opportunity to hand out some good advice, Helen in particular passing on many good tips from her trip to the Alps last year. You learn something new everyday. (Front brake eh!)

I challenged both Chris and Adrian to try a rooty drop off on the way back, daunting to most, but both duly obliged and looked pleased with their efforts.

A great ‘effort’ all round, 18miles no pushover – I had fun and hope every one else did too. Thanks to Lee for not losing anyone of the back

For the record, my rear brake was worn through to the piston!