What a glorious day for a ride through the countryside, life is certainly worth getting out of bed for on days like today.

We met up at the Bell Pub as normal this morning and today we were joined by our new rider Catherine as well as a work colleague of mine who hasn’t been out with us before.

So in agreement that we would do the Headley, Ashtead, Epsom racecourse route off we headed up Alsation. I was already very warm and as happens out there in the woods the bracken and hedges are thriving. I was 10 seconds slower than my fastest time and a bit disappointed that 5 mins 24 seconds is my fastest and I haven’t beaten it in the last few weeks. Consoled with the fact it’s hot and the hedges were trying to kidnap me I settled for my time for now anyway.

From Alsation up through the back of Headley golf course, across through the woods to the fields where “The Horse” is normally out 😉

No horses today.

Down past The Cock Inn and left down the bridleway, crikey it was really sandy. It’s amazing how the trails can change from week to week depending on what the weather is like.

I was also sporting some new Bloc glasses which Dave had managed to get for a great price and having never been worn and arrived this morning in the post, very generously loaned to me. They are great!

So with the pleasure of the dusty downhill we were met by the climb that brings you out opposite the riding club, right on the road for a short distance and then left and down hill.

I really love this particular route because it has quite alot of variety and although some of the climbs are “trying” they are rewarded with fun downhill and just as you start to feel pushed the fun starts all over again.

So out and around the back of Epsom racecourse and heading back towards Headley and Stane street with the lovely rooty downhill then across the road for the steep climb with the thrill of racing down Alsation and home.

Our new riders appeared to be having a good time and rode really well, I hope we’ll be seeing them again and often.

A fantastic start to the weekend, an absolute treat to be spending a Saturday morning out in the sunshine and not a care in the world apart from how fast you can go and does your water taste like Milton?

Cycling back past the Bell Pub I could have easily have enjoyed a pint of something cold and a large plate of chips, maybe another time!

Another great ride 😉 I can’t get enough of them 😉

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About the author

Cathie was introduced to mountain biking by Dave about 9 years ago but only really been riding regularly since May 2008 when she invested in a new hard tail (a white On-One classic Inbred), a wise investment as a result of being able to trial different bikes at Cycle Works demo day at Holmbury-St-Mary. She also rides a full suspension Giant Cypher which was this year's treat and saw many miles during the summer of 2010.

Cathie has attended skills days with Dirt Divas at Swinley Forest, she would like to improve her skills on bomb holes and her favourite trails are the ride over to Newlands corner loving "Whitedown" and a favourite trail through Denbies.

Cathie loves meeting other female riders of all fitness levels and experience and is hoping for less punctures in 2011 now that both bikes are wearing tubeless tyres!