Helloooo,
I used to love Downhill and all things gravitational I rode a Kona stinky till i bent the frame (and most of my ribs, wrist etc) then Orange for a bit, then i found Merida's beautiful frames and fell in love (hence the name). Since the real world has caught up with me (job etc) i have found downhill bike most unsuitable for road cycling especially when some grey codger on an ancient road bike overtakes me even though im spinning my highest gear :/. as a result bought a trusty Merida 903 road race (gay name) and hit the roads
so much fun! and sooooooo fast 
Road racing really is the shizz, even climbing uphills has become fun and a challenge. Although im sure i will never tire of riding long journeys, i have recently discovered fixed gear bikes and am looking for advice on building my own and of course for any ridin buddies in the Surrey area
I used to love Downhill and all things gravitational I rode a Kona stinky till i bent the frame (and most of my ribs, wrist etc) then Orange for a bit, then i found Merida's beautiful frames and fell in love (hence the name). Since the real world has caught up with me (job etc) i have found downhill bike most unsuitable for road cycling especially when some grey codger on an ancient road bike overtakes me even though im spinning my highest gear :/. as a result bought a trusty Merida 903 road race (gay name) and hit the roads
so much fun! and sooooooo fast Road racing really is the shizz, even climbing uphills has become fun and a challenge. Although im sure i will never tire of riding long journeys, i have recently discovered fixed gear bikes and am looking for advice on building my own and of course for any ridin buddies in the Surrey area 
As you like long rides there are quite a few organised by forummers, checkout the rides section.