Ride It! Dorking report

Saturday

Well, the conditions were a little different from the last time we were on the North Downs!!! This time it was sunny and there wasn’t a spot of mud on the trails. I only saw 2 bikes that came back muddy and they had found lots of it, with both riders unable to pin-point where they found it.

The route took a long, gently inclining off-road trail to Leith Hill with a short, steep climb towards the end. From here, the highest point in the SE of England, there’s only one way, and that’s down. Another short, sharp climb meant another long down with a section of great singletrack running parallel to the main track. Then we come to the next hill! This was the last for the short and about halfway around the route for the medium. Unlike last time we where in the area, the trails were dry and for the determined this was a tough, but rideable climb. At the top was Tony, the SIS drinks station and a deserved rest. The short ride then did its first real bit of road to the top of a fantastic final descent and home. The medium riders carried on with another long climb and steep descent from the top of White Hill, a sneaky short climb and further, gradual ascent to the top of Box Hill. The final descent was long (about 2km) and fast.

A tough, but rewarding day.

Sunday

Sunday weather was just as kind to the Roadies as it was to the Mountain bikers. This meant Jon at the Gore tent had an easy day as there wasn’t too much take up on a free loan of water and wind proofs! He did give out quite a few pairs of shorts, gloves and T-shirts though.

The North Downs are a great place to ride for both Mountain and Road riders alike, with loads of countryside and views to take in. The views, however, do come at a bit of a cost, and that’s some effort to get to the top. Our Fun route wound its way through the country roads to just below Leith Hill and then a great descent back to the centre. The Short route broke off through Holmbury St. Mary and looped back up towards Leith Hill and a climb to the SIS drink station. Here, the Medium broke of for a further descent and flattish loop and back up the steepest climb to Coldharbour and the final 5km descent to base.

The Long route started off with a climb and descent of Ranmore common and followed that with Box Hill. On the subject of Box Hill, I’m aware that some people were a little sad that we didn’t include it in any other route. One rider didn’t come back as he decided to spend the rest of the day there! Sorry, will definitely be there next time!

Thanks
Dean

Rider results

Check out your time from the event by downloading the results from our rider results page

Click here to view the results

Gore try before you buy

Our Gore expert Jon was once again on hand dishing out the samples and letting riders find out for themselves the quality and comfort of Gore Bike Wear. Saturday was a busy day with riders borrowing waterproofs to stash in their Camelbak incase the ominous weather came to fruition. On Sunday with a clear but cool day Windstopper was the order of the day with the Gore Gilets proving to be most popular.

Click here for details of the Gore try before you buy service

Demo bikes

Don’t forget the Pinnacle demo bike fleet is on site at all Ride It! events. Bikes need to be booked in advance. Bikes are already booking out fast for the next events, so if you want to throw your leg over a nice new Pinnacle full suspension mountain bike or carbon road bike make your booking soon!

Click here for details of our demo bike service

 

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