Local North Downs 'legends'

Most people who know me know that I live in one of the most beautiful places in the UK - Beare Green (Dorking). An area of outstanding beauty and also an area that boast a fantastic network of on-/off-road riding trails.

Since moving to the UK (~10 years ago) I've been riding local roads and trails. In the years I've been rendezvousing there I've met a few 'legends' (people and places).

1. Dave Lees (mountain man)

Most Saturday mornings (9.30am) I meet like-minded mountain bikers at Nirvana Cycles, Westcott. There are a few notables including Hugh and Richard but, only a trail companion knows just what a legend Dave is. There's nothing special about is riding, handling ability, fitness, jokes, technical conversations, gold Santa Cruz bike, Assos kit or anything else.... he's just a legend. So, the next time you want a fantastic ride and want to experience a legend, come along to Nirvana Cycles on a Saturday morning make sure you ride in Dave's group. You won't forget it.

2. Surrey Hills roads

There's nothing quite like riding through the 'Surrey Hills' countryside. The roads are quiet and tranquil they're a joy to ride. I use the Surrey Hills lanes for training and have a few standard routes - flattish, hilly and mountain bike routes too. A local sportive, the Legs of Steel Sportive, is held on these lanes and takes in all the hills these Surrey lanes can throw at you. My personal favorite is Barhatch Lane hill.

3. Bike shops

Whilst the bike shops aren't actually legends in their own right, I've included them because they are important to me and have contributed to my love of cycling in the local area.

As you'd expect this area attracts many riders of all disciplines. So naturally the supply/demand ecosystem works nicely with three major bikes shops serving the region. Firstly, there's the roadies shop - Dauphin Cycles - which is located atop Box Hill. Whilst they mainly stock Italian bikes, they do have quite a fantastic range as well as clothing. The only down-side is they're closed Sundays... probably out riding?

At the opposite end is Nirvana Cycles. I've not spent much money there but their servicing and mountain bike specific knowledge is amazing. Simon, who owns the shop, is a jump junkie and swears by their Laprierre full-sussers. I might even convert sometime soon?

Lastly, Head-for-the-Hills, is a new mountain bike shop situated in the old end side of the Dorking High Street. They stock mountain bikes and have a busy servicing schedule so if you ever plan to have your bike serviced there make sure you book it well in advance.

These are my local North Downs legends. Do you have any?