Trip to Swinley Forest — March 29th

[davidr]

With the recent resurgence in popularity of all things muddy within the club, Charlie Codrington and I thought it would be a great idea to try and organise a few rides, training sessions, adventures etc over the coming months for anyone interested.

So first up, March 29th, MTB trip over to Swinley Forest near Bracknell.
Swinley is easy to get to from SE London by car, train, or even cycle apparently!
It's an excellent area run by the forestry commission with dedicated trails that cater for all abilities.
There's also a cafe and they offer bike hire so there's no excuse if you don't have a bike!

Plan is to spend the day riding the trails at Swinley as well as venture into Crowthorne Woods next door, regular Gorrick XC race venue, which has some good sections to practice on. There will be an element of coached skills practice included as well.

This trip is open to anyone who's interested — youth, men women... even road and track racers! ?
Other than the cost of getting there, and bike hire if needed, there's nothing to pay.
Simply post up if you're interested.

Cheers,

D.

[Deleted]

Booo, it's my birthday weekend and I'm spending it up in Coed Llandegla and Coed y Brenin doing the various trails there

Hopefully catch a ride with you guys on another date.


Alvaro

[Deleted]

Hi David,

Sounds fun - been a good while since I've been out on the MTB (should probably clean her as it goes...)

I've got a car, so can take some over as well. Will be limited a little as need to fold some of the seats down to get the bike in. Heading out from Vauxhall. Give me a pm if you want a lift.

Tom

[Kathryn Elizabeth Innes]

Ah also would have loved to do this but have a reunion that Sunday. Will keep an eye out for the next one. Thanks for organising.
Kat

[Deleted]

Thanks Dave and Charlie for setting this up so quickly, especially with the option to hire bikes. I am unsure whether I am here at the moment, but I will spread the word and join you on the next one. Cheers, Beth

[Deleted]

Afternoon - do we have a start time yet? A friend is aiming to meet me in the car park to deliver a jersey!

[davidr]

Ok, after much highly scientific, precision micro-, and macro-planning, here's the plan for next Sunday;

Meet at 11am at The Look Out Discovery Centre (RG12 7QW).
– There's plenty of car parking available although it is a pay & display (£4 for the day) so come prepared.
– For those who are sans automobile and can't get a lift, trains run direct from London Waterloo to Bracknell.
– Charlie will be leading a small group there by train. He'll post-up time and place details for where to meet if you wish to join them.

– BIKE HIRE: If you wish to hire a bike on the day from the hire place we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment / a lot of walking. For further information please visit the Swinley Bike Hub website or phone [phone].

Clothing: Make sure you're suitable dressed for the conditions on the day. Helmet, gloves (long fingered preferably), waterproof. Basically usual cycling clothing (lycra is acceptable off-road!). – there will be space available to stash extra clothing in cars.

Do make sure you have some ride food and at least one waterbottle – there is a cafe at the main carpark and we will stop for lunch, either there or nearby, but there's nothing out in the forest it's self. So, unless you're Ray Mears and or willing to hunt and eat squirrel, bring some food and drink with you!

Lastly, if you're coming along on Sunday, please can you post up if you haven't already so we know who to expect on the day etc.
Also post up if you've any questions.

See you all Sunday.

D.

[Deleted]

I was thinking of the train too, but they are all messed up on Sunday. Bracknell is two changes. The nearest may be Farnborough.

[Deleted]

Hi David,

Thanks for the details!

Kevin - I'll be driving down from Vauxhall, so can give you a lift if needed (or anyone else for that matter - depending on the number of people taking bikes with them)

I've got space to take one person with their bike, or two people who are hiring bikes down there! I'll be leaving Vauxhall at 09:30.

[Charliecod]

Kevin - the trains aren't looking over convenient, however we could go to Brookwood and ride along the canal bank and across the ranges to Crowthorne and Swingley. Would take about an hour of gentle meandering to get up to the Look out - suggest 9.15 from Clapham Junction?

Charlie

[Deleted]

Ok Charlie good plan. I'll get the same train but from Waterloo. Thanks anyway Tom for the offer of a lift.

[Deleted]

No worries guys - glad you're sorted! See you Sunday.

[davidr]

Forecast for tomorrow is looking very 'spring like' so make sure you have a rain jacket with you just in case!
There's lots of cover from the trees in the woods so we won't get that wet... I hope!
Depending on where we are in the forest we will either stop for lunch at the Lookout centre or a pub /similar establishment if any thing is closer. As this is 'rural' Berkshire they might not have the latest psychic bank transfer contacty card magic devices thingy we're all used so bring a bit of cash with you just in case!

In case of emergencies/lateness/forgetting to put the clocks forwards not back etc you can reach me on;
0 79 80 21 36 10

Until tomorrow!

D.

[Deleted]

Yeah, thought the forecast looked a bit iffy. Still - no point unless you get a bit muddy!

Oh - if anyone's got a shock pump can they bring it please? No idea where mine's got too. Don't think I need any adjustments but nice to have just in case.

See you tomorrow - zero 77 66 3 11 362