Leith Hill aborted 24 February 2002

Participating riders: Richard Kendal, Colin Adams, Pete, Pete, John, Dave, Paul, Anthony, Marny and last but not least Martin (ran out of surnames)

Riders met at 9.30am at Newlands Corner car park and the weather was dry if somewhat overcast. No chance of acclimatising to trail conditions as the first trail headed down on slippery hardpack chalk and flints. Two people managed a closer look at the ground than they might have wished, one being Marny, never mind, no permanent damage.

Taking bridleways around St.Martha's Hill we arrived at the A248 Shalford Road where Marny decided to ride home via roads as she felt the pace to slow (don't you mean fast?) for her. At this point it started to rain, hmm, perhaps Marny new something?

Now nine we wiggled our way through Black Heath forest to Farley Green. A farm track lead into 'Ride Lane', a gradual climb that 4x4's have gullied out, we had to ride on the off camber banks to avoid the mud. After the long, long climb we entered Winterfold Wood heading past Ewhurst Windmill across the road into Pitch Hill where Colin showed a few amazed "serious bikers" how to ride the scary sections of "North Shore" madness.

See www.justridingalong.com for more about the treetop trail construction.

Paul "Pigeon Legs" descending Gasson Farm gully last summer

Pitch Hill was summitted, classic downhill (the Gasson Farm gully) if spoilt by the worsening rain and slippery muddy trails followed.

A food stop at Peaselake was much needed as we huddled in a busy bus stop shelter warming ourselves around cups of coffee. I think one of the Pete's headed home from here, the rest climbed Holmbury Hill.

Our riding passions were beginning to wane and after a few seconds discussion we decided Leith Hill in the rain was one hill too many. Paul diverted his route to Abinger (down a slippy Telegraph Road first) back along the A25. It was freezing riding on the road soaking wet, so Richard, Colin, Paul and myself climbed the North Downs at Shere, the same hill where many moons ago a BoB ride lost Steve Kettlewell with a broken neck! Thankfully the track along the North Downs was flat and rideable taking us straight back to Newlands Corner. Only 23 miles, but I felt that was enough in the wet.

Thanks to Paul Howard for leading the ride and to all those who attended. We must ride this area more. (But please, in the summertime?!-ed)

Martin Foad

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