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RAPIDLY DOWNHILL MTB Mountain Biking in style March 2003. In the rain... Hats off to the scouts who completed a gruelling weekend's mountain biking on the North Downs in every type of weather. Rain, mud and steep hills were in order on Saturday, it's strange why that should represent a good time, but it was. We dropped off both sides of Ranmore Common, in a bid to get as muddy as possible - the first person to cover themselves being leader Ed after forgetting to unclip himself from the pedals after five minutes, which made everybody feel happy from the start. From there we headed down the most severe rooty downhill we could find to Westcott where we paid a customary visit to Nirvana Cycles - a very nice bike shop with lots of spare parts. Then it was a slog to the top of Leith Hill (highest point in the South East) and a massive test-your-breaks descent down "The Mother" to Holmbury St. Mary just before it got dark. For the third year running we overnighted at Holmbury Youth Hostel. We opted to camp this time rather than stay indoors, feeling brave, though there was no compromise on massive bowls of pasta for dinner. Next day we were rewarded with blue skies and bright sunshine. A blast to the top of Holmbury Hill heralded the start of some adrenaline-pumphill trails through the woods before. Naturally we played about in the bombholes and rode as fast as we could in and out of the trees. The views are also breathtaking and a quick bit of navigation practise was utilised. We then headed off to Peaslake, then Gomshall for the train home. The mountain biking weekend is always exciting, but never easy, so well done to all the scouts who took part. You all did very well. We just can't wait to go again - can't get enough of this mud-flying into your face malarkey...