Six other enthusiastic mountain bikers met me at London Bridge station, something of a record attendance for a Lewisham Cyclists off-roader.

Fuse, Aaron, Jim, Fish, Michael, Joe and Ian.

A Magnificent Seven.

The 3d representation of the landscape linked to the original ride description on the website had intrigued more than one of our riders today. The unusual way the land ripples away from the coastline in a series of ridges (take a look at the linked map of the route) had wet the appetites of this off road hill climbing bunch.

Our route took us out of Dover towards the west climbing gently on a farm track type of a road. No one was in a hurry; the ride was only 16 miles so everyone rode along slowly taking in the autumn scenery. The leaves, though they have been changing colour for some time now are still predominately green and mostly still on the trees, making for easier off road riding but a less colourful experience. I'm looking forward to a couple of local off road rides in Oxleas Woods and Epping Forest when we'll really be able to enjoy the autumn colours.

After 4 or 5 miles we had our first puncture (only two on this ride). The worst thing about punctures on off road rides is that your bike is probably very muddy making the job messy. What I really like about large off road tyres with a Kevlar bead is the way they almost fall off the rim, no tyre levers needed at any stage. The job was done in about 10 minutes and we are on our way. The route leaves the track and goes onto quiet roads for a speedy descent into the historic village of Alkham . The information board tells us it is historic. However it's main claim to fame is that people have lived there for millennia. It's a nice place though and we have a beer in the pub and lounge around on the terraced village green. The climb out of Alkham is steep and tough going and a local dog is determined to make things a little tougher running at the side of us and jumping manically into the bikes. Passing through woodland we disturb a flock of parrots. They are everywhere. Maybe they come over on the ferry and settle in the first woodland they come to.

As we get higher, I pause to take some snaps. I only get one before the camera packs in. A battery problem I think. I charged it last night honest. Apologies to those who like looking at the pictures from the rides but there is only one this week.

When we turn east we embark on a fantastically enjoyable section of single track that drops gently off the top of the northern most ridge swooping through woods and fields before bottoming out in the northern suburbs of Dover . Continuing east we are climbing again on a very narrow, overgrown bridleway. This one is difficult because the brambles and nettles are attacking our arms and legs. Sometimes it's a good idea to wear long trousers and long sleeves on an off road ride. Levelling out our route continues east until we meet the North Downs Way and turn south to head back to Dover .

As we head back into Dover we hit a section of track where a groove has been warn into the clay covered chalk. From experience I know that clay and chalk is a deadly combination. And so it proved today, we went over like dominoes, the slippery surface defeating every one of us several times over. Egos bruised we descended back into Dover , pausing to visit the well preserved ‘historic' castle and take in the fantastic views over the channel.

Great fish and chips in a café and then a trudge around the town - seven guys covered from head to toe in mud were causing a few heads to turn. I'm always amazed that they let me on the train when I'm in that kind of condition, but as usual no one seems to care and we make our way back to London without complaint or incident.

The 16 miles took about 3 hours.

Thanks everyone for a fun day out.

Ian Pendleton.