that's probably the infamous "barry knows best". its more like an xc style dh than a proper one. like most riding around there.
stop making excuses, the guys in the shop will prob sort you out with a bike they are really friendly guys in there, and if not, do things old skool and just go out in your boxxer shorts and bare feet!
there is certainly some great singletrack, and i go there quite a bit whien im down south. DOnt kill yourself too much though, the sheer volume of riders is because you are so close to london and like someone else here said, there's not much else within a 50 mile radius.
There's always a great vibe around peaslake though…….