Working on Summer Lightning (Pic: Dan Trent)

Thanks to the continued efforts of volunteer trail builders the new Summer Lightning trail near Coldharbour in the Surrey hills continues to take shape. Several weeks of foul weather proved a good test of earlier efforts and enabled budding trail builders to see what had worked and what hadn’t in terms of the goal of creating an exciting, durable trail for Surrey’s mountain bike fraternity.

With extra drainage added and huge volumes of moisture-trapping bracken mulch removed, the new trail should be well placed to stand up to the rigours of winter and another weekend of building has been arranged for the new year. If you want to get involved bring your spade, rake and two strong arms to the trailhead at Wolvens Lane, Coldharbour on Sunday 12th January at 10am.

If you’re interested in learning more about trail building theory and how to put it into practise, Aston Hills supremo Ian Warby will be on hand on 8th February to hold a lesson in building sustainable trails and how go about setting up your own trail group. The session will cost £15 and include lunch. To book your place and find out more about both events see www.justridingalong.com or contact Rebecca Milbourn on 01306 887923.