Arriving at Wotton carpark i was suprised at the turn out for a xc billed ride.
We also had a new start (Ben). Setting off we started on road for the first 400m in a 15 rider peloton. On to the Abinger Roughs we dropped and crossed the A25 and made our way over towards Holmbury youth hostel. We climbed up towards the trig point taking a right in to a trail leading us over to the reservoir and the top of BKB. After preparing Ben for the trail ahead we all hit the trail in a train of fifteen all meeting at the bottom to watch Ben come down looking like he was having a blast.
It was at this point Adam told us it was his birthday. We wished him many happy returns and rode on. Passing the shop we climbed straight to the top of Pitch Hill and then linked three trails back down to the shop for tea.
After tea we started on the long climb to the top of Holmbury where my son thought it would be a good idea for him to use my bike down yogurt pots "Please Don't Break It" were my last words as Mat and Archie shot of in to the trail. After Briefing Ben on what to expect i led in only to find my bike being hastily removed from a bush to the amusement of one and all.
Kids Hey!
From here on out we basically climbed over to the top of Leith Hill Ben was starting to show signs tiredness but we managed to convince him there was only one more climb to go. After about the third time of being told this on different climbs i think he started to see through it a bit. The best thing about this start point is you always end at the pub so after a blast down Summer Lightning we ended in the pub carpark.
Entering the pub it was quickly pointed out to Adam that one of the forgotten club rules was, those with birthdays on club rides have to buy the Beers at the end. Adam couldn't recall that one but we soon had him convinced.
Jim