That’s remote as in the hidden trails and scenic routes I enjoyed yesterday with a client, rather than remote as in sitting at home with an electronic control while the action happens elsewhere.

Gian from nearby Lewes had been gifted a mountain bike session with me as his birthday present – nicely timed so that it could also be an escape to the hills on Fathers’ Day. Like many, his mountain bike routes tend to be out and back along the better known, well worn tracks near his home so it was great introducing him to some of the lesser known routes on this part of the South Downs – all new to Gian.

The Downs nearby offers so much choice of trails. We started from Shoreham heading straight out along the Downs Link, turning up onto the South Downs way through the sprawling pig farm and up along the high ridge above Steyning and the Sussex Weald.

No ZigZag ride is complete without a bit of zigzagging so we zipped down one of the less well known trails, along the side of a secluded vineyard and through quiet woodland ready for one of the hairier, harder hill climbs before coming out at Chanctonbury Ring.

Fuelled up with ZigZag booster bars we sped a long way round to Cissbury Ring, taking in more woodland and beautiful views. We paused for a contemplative stop at Coombs Church, with its 1,000yr old murals and finally rode back to civilisation as its now known.

Many thanks to Gian for the great company and to his wife for thinking of us to gift a ride.