![A Tail of Two Trails @ Croft Cycle Trail | Swindon | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/IMG_0029.jpg?fit=300%2C225)
Something a little bit different this week – a lap of Croft followed by a ride out to Shaw Forest on route 45 for a lap of there, before heading back to Croft.
This is a perfect ride for beginners, with a well surfaced, largely flat route, with optional fun bits! It’s 10 miles to Shaw and back, so that’s the minimum, plus how every many laps of Croft / Shaw Forest you want to do.
It will be dark obviously, but the route to Shaw is well surfaced and lit in places – lights are essential though, as it’s very dark in other places.
Meet in the Croft car park for a 6pm set off.
![Barbury and Beyond... @ The Bayberry, Wichelstowe | Swindon | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/18582198_10213228737059349_886506923029948970_n.jpg?fit=300%2C225)
We will head out through Clouts Wood, west of the airfield and up onto Barbury.
Then Smithies and across to Earthline. A ridge ride and descent by the flying club before Chiseldon to coate and back to the Bayberry.
The route will be adjusted to suit a riders and weather conditions.
Estimate 30k distance and 400m ascent.
You will need lights and a helmet.
![Tuesday Night Ride - The Sugar Hill Gang @ The Bayberry | Swindon | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/18582198_10213228737059349_886506923029948970_n.jpg?fit=300%2C225)
Leaving the Bayberry we will head up through Coate and Chisie via the flying club to sample the delights of the Sugar Hill climb. Back around Liddington Castle and home via the Old ridgeway and Ladder lane.
There are 2 tough climbs on this ride. Pushing up is of course permitted. 33km distance and 400m of climbing on the route, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. The route may be altered (made easier, not harder!) to suit the riders and weather conditions.
LIGHTS are now a must and as always a helmet.
![SMTBE Ladies XC rides - Barbury Bound @ Croft Cycle Trail | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/IMG_0044.jpg?fit=300%2C228)
![Tuesday Night Ride - Ridgeway Bound @ The Bayberry | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SMTBE-Tuesday-Evening-Silouette-Cover.jpg?fit=300%2C109)
Nothing too extreme weather wise it seems, so we will be doing a ridgeway route. Wet and slippery ground conditions are likely though.
We will do a 30k route, with the usually amount of ridgeway hills.
You will need lights and a helmet, waterproof jacket/tools/puncture repair – all the usual accessories…
![Sunday Scenic @ 3 Trees Cafe | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/D4Kca1TT3m9y9asnVCNHQ-e1529618556718.jpg?fit=300%2C225)
I’ve found time to squeeze in another weekend Scenic ride in January, going in a different direction along the Ridgeway.
The start is at the bottom of the Barbury steep side (see map posting) setting off along the Ridgeway away from Barbury to Broad Hinton. From there we amble along the valley and a potential pub stop. Then the climb back up to the Ridgeway and the White Horse trail to Rockley. Then it’s back along the valley and up onto the ridge back to the start.
The ride will be 27km in length with 350m of climbing and some beautiful scenery.
Please see map for the start point, although you can also park at Barbury and cycle down to there if you want.
You must wear a helmet and dressed according to the conditions – it’s pretty cold out there still!
![MTB Wellness Wednesday @ The Bayberry](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/IMG_2149-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225)
Wednesdays have always been a relaxed beginners ride and we’re continuing that in 2020, but specifically aiming at getting you going.
So this is the perfect ride if you are just starting, coming back to riding after a break or just want to go for a pedal to lift your spirits.
The ride theme is Wellness. There are main reasons to ride – fitness, physical and mental health – but they’re all about making yourself feel better and having fun 🙂
We will been doing a gentle pace and there will be lots of opportunities for having a chat and asking about anything MTB related. I am a MIAS Level 3 Ride Leader and skills coach and am always happy to answer any questions – if I don’t know the answer, I’ll know who to ask 🙂
Rides will be about 10km and fairly flat. Nothing technical, mainly using cycle paths (especially in the winter weather!). Perfect for all abilities.
All you need is a helmet and bike (and at this time of year, lights as well).
Meet in the Bayberry car park for 6pm start.