We headed off towards St Leonard's Forest to ride the Jewel of the Crown singletrack, a mile of wet, slippery, near varnished roots to test every riders skills.

From here we headed off towards Tilgate Forest, climbing up through the very fragrant Newstead Farm. Once across the motorway we came into Tilgate Forest. The group split so a few riders could have a go at the official downhill trails in the forest, with berms, jumps, drops, the lot. We then all rode the Alice in Wonderland trail which circles the forest. Great fun, helped by being surprisingly dry.

We then crossed the motorway and had our teastop at Tilgate park walled gardens.

The route back took us along Parish Lane and through Holmbush farm to finish. All got back at 13:15hrs with no punctures (if you don't count Si sneaking in the last half mile with air hissing out of the rear tyre- Ed).

Many thanks to my back marker Steve Grant for his help in leading and support in planning the ride.

Lee