It's been a while since we headed down to Surrey for some mountain biking fun - actually the last time was back around November time when we headed out in the freezing cold, wet, wind and still managed to find a delayed train or two along the way, which wasn't much fun at all. It almost seemed to put us off biking for ages, but now that my bike's been cleaned, serviced and tested around Wimbledon Common, it was time to head out down to the hills of Surrey once again and over to Peaslake for a good half day of off road riding.

After a good few hours out there on Saturday morning, with a few loops of Yoghurt Pots (or aka Park Life), and a bit of bike trouble with my chain and Si's punctures, we still managed to get some good riding in, a rushed descent down Barry Knows Best and still get to the train in record time, which was the last one until the evening, so rather lucky there. From there, we headed back home, changed and then down to the Railway for a late lunch and a post-cycling refreshment.

Paul was organising a Poker afternoon/evening for a whole bunch of us, so after a feed we made our way through to West Hampstead, and despite being over 2 hours late, we joined in and I managed to hold my own until the last 5 in the game before getting bored, going all in, and losing it all. But a good evening with everyone, with Will taking first place and cleaning up the table. I've been wanted to play poker for ages, even bought a poker set at home, but nothing ever came of that, so good to eventually get around to having a night of dealing, bluffing, winning and losing.

I think the plan is to try have a few more (regular) evenings of poker, but we'll see what comes of that. There might have to be a bit more online gaming and practise involved before the next one if I want to make it into the final two or three, but last five not bad for a beginner :)