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DOWNHILL & OUT Mountain Biking on the North Downs March 2004 This weekend is so good, we do it every year. Thrashing bikes across and down the Surrey Hills is the best thing you can do reasonably locally, which is exactly why we did it. Newlands Corner The entire DofE contingent for South East England appeared to be out at Newlands Corner when we begun on Saturday morning. We looked a bit odd on our bikes, so we nipped off pretty sharpish to follow the North Downs Way east. Hackhurst Downs First descent of the day: Hackhurst Downs and a long easy blast to the tea room at the bottom. Then a 37mph road descent to Gomshall (hair-raising at that speed!) Friday Street A beautiful and hidden lunch spot before the slog up Leith Hill Leith Hill The highest point in South East England, and don't you know it as you push your way to the top! Some cracking downhills all over it though, and we rode many of them. Redlands Some of us headed to Redlands and the purpose-built mountain bike trails to be found there. Easy pickings for our competent off-roaders as we cruised down the technical bits. The Mother Rode this many times and it just gets better - quality at every turn or mud-bath. Robert lost his shoe, which was funny. Radnor Road The fastest road in Surrey on a bike, getting gradually steeper before ending at the flapjack shop in Peaslake. Nice. Holmbury Youth Hostel We haved stayed here every year this millenium, and that looks set to continue as it's friendly, comfortable and got a great location. They have lots of games and a ppol table, which helps. Holmbury Hill Some of the best riding in England can be found on Holmbury Hill and we rode the bombholes, drop offs and singletrack to be found on trails such as Parklife, Golden Birdies and Surfa Rosa. Great stuff. Pitch Hill Another stunning viewpoint and more downhill on the final afternoon's riding. Reynards Hill and down Our final summit of the expedition and it only goes down from here as we rode the best kept secret to Farley Green and on to Chilworth station where there was just enough time for a quick drink in the pub before heading home on the train. Pink Bike Pumps James G. brought his pink bike pump. That's all that needs to be said. It was a brilliant weekend and the weather was kind to us, and this is definitely something to be done again. We're now set for bigger and better things in North Wales and Canada.