Calendar

Jul
19
Fri
Ladies Exmoor Adventure @ Porlock
Jul 19 @ 7:00 pm – Jul 21 @ 4:00 pm
Ladies Exmoor Adventure @ Porlock
This year’s ladies away trip sees us heading to Exmoor for a fun weekend of fantastic views, great riding and bags of fun!
We will be based in the town of Porlock, near Minehead and we will head down there after work on the Friday, where most of us will be setting up camp at Sparkhayes campsite (details further down). For those that don’t wish to camp, there are a variety of B&Bs and pubs to stay in – comment below if you want that option and I can suggest some places for you.
 
Friday night we will be getting settled in and have a few welcome drinks in one of the excellent local pubs.
 
Saturday is the big ride – our Seaside big one! Don’t worry, it’s not huge, 28km in fact, but with a fair bit of climbing that will gives us some amazing views of the sea and surrounding hills. We head out up Bossington Hill, which you can see from the campsite, before taking the ridge to Bratton. The return takes us via Selworth Combe, after which there will be an opportunity to visit the fantastic tea rooms at Horner and we will finish at Porlock Weir for a drink by the seaside.
 
Sunday we have two shorter rides on offer. The first is our Dunkery Dabble. Just under 10km, it does have a couple of steep bits in it, but we will take these at a gentle pace. The rewards though are some amazing views back towards the sea and some really fun descents in an idillic setting, complete with optional water crossings!
After this ride we will stop at the Horner tea rooms for a spot of lunch. If anyone needs to head back early, they can at this point, or stay on for the afternoon ride. This will be a quick 15km route from Horner out to the woods of Wootton Common and back. The way out and back are relatively flat, with the bulk of the climb at Wootton Common itself – a great way to finish a great weekend of riding.
 
All of these rides will be rides will be led by myself, supported by other ride leaders from the club, who are also first aid trained.
 
For more information about accommodation or anything else on the weekend, send an email to admin@swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk .
 
Sparkhayes campsite costs £9 a night per person and has good facilities (real showers and toilets, even a fridge).
Please email if you want to camp at Sparkhayes, as I will be doing a group booking with all the tents together.
Let me know if you don’t have a tent and want to camp, as a few of us have big tents with spare rooms in them.
 
There are plenty of food options in the town and we will probably eat out both nights, but it’s entirely up to you.
 
It will be a fun weekend and can’t wait to see you all.
Jul
28
Sun
Ladies Lakeside Ride @ Cricklade Leisure Centre
Jul 28 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Ladies Lakeside Ride @ Cricklade Leisure Centre

Debbie will be leading a gentle novice friendly ride around the Cotswold Lakes.

This is non technical and will be at the pace of the slowest rider. It is designed to suit ladies new to mountain biking and those who want a steady ride.

There will be a cafe stop 3/4 of the way round, but feel free to bring any snacks and water.

Helmets compulsory and this is not suitable for hybrid bikes, due to the possibility of mud on the tracks.

Meet in the car park to the Cricklade Leisure Centre for a 10am start.

Aug
21
Wed
Wednesday GetintoMTB @ Croft Cycle Trail
Aug 21 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wednesday GetintoMTB @ Croft Cycle Trail

Wednesdays are one of our #getintoMTB events, designed to help people get started, get back into MTB or anyone wanting a shorter, flatter ride. But there’s plenty of fun for all abilities.

The evening will be split into two parts:

6-7pm will be a Croft trail ride, laps of the trail (sessioning some of the features along the way)

7pm-8pm will be a local, fairly flat route, less than 10km in total.
PLEASE LET US KNOW BY POSTING BELOW IF YOU INTEND ONLY ATTENDING THE 7PM RIDE, so that we know to wait for you, as we leave promptly.

Under 18’s are allowed on this ride unaccompanied, as long as you have been out with us before. If you haven’t and wish to come, please drop an email to welfare@swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk so we can let you know the process for signing up to these rides.

As with all our rides, Helmets are compulsory.

Meet in the Croft Trail car park for both rides

Sep
4
Wed
Wednesday GetintoMTB @ Croft Cycle Trail
Sep 4 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wednesday GetintoMTB @ Croft Cycle Trail

Wednesdays are one of our #getintoMTB events, designed to help people get started, get back into MTB or anyone wanting a shorter, flatter ride. But there’s plenty of fun for all abilities.

The evening will be split into two parts:

6-7pm will be a Croft trail ride, laps of the trail (sessioning some of the features along the way)

7pm-8pm will be a local, fairly flat route, less than 10km in total.
PLEASE LET US KNOW BY POSTING BELOW IF YOU INTEND ONLY ATTENDING THE 7PM RIDE, so that we know to wait for you, as we leave promptly.

Under 18’s are allowed on this ride unaccompanied, as long as you have been out with us before. If you haven’t and wish to come, please drop an email to welfare@swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk so we can let you know the process for signing up to these rides.

As with all our rides, Helmets are compulsory.

Meet in the Croft Trail car park for both rides

Nov
13
Wed
Wednesday GetintoMTB @ The Baybury
Nov 13 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Wednesday GetintoMTB @ The Baybury

Wednesdays are one of our #getintoMTB events, designed to help people get started, get back into MTB or anyone wanting a shorter, flatter ride. 

We will be doing an urban ride out of 10-15km, seeing what fun we can find along the way. It won’t be technically or physically demanding, just fun 😊 

Under 18’s are allowed on this ride unaccompanied, as long as you have been out with us before. If you haven’t and wish to come, please drop an email to welfare@swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk so we can let you know the process for signing up to these rides. 

As with all our rides, Helmets are compulsory and you will also need lights. 

Meet in the Baybury car park at 6pm

(Please note the new start point) 

Jan
8
Wed
Wellness Wednesdays GetintoMTB @ The Bayberry
Jan 8 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wellness Wednesdays GetintoMTB @ The Bayberry
New Year, new theme 🙂
 
It’s the start of the year and lots of us have been off our bikes for at least the festive period, some of us longer.
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.
Jan
15
Wed
MTB Wellness Wednesdays @ The Bayberry
Jan 15 @ 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm
MTB Wellness Wednesdays @ The Bayberry
It’s the start of the year and lots of us have been off our bikes for at least the festive period, some of us longer.
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.
Jan
19
Sun
MTB Wellness GetintoMTB Weekend starter @ Croft Cycle Trail car park
Jan 19 @ 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
MTB Wellness GetintoMTB Weekend starter @ Croft Cycle Trail car park
We’re holding a ride and advice session to get you on your bike in 2020. The aim is to get you going with mountain biking, offering advice, answering questions and leading you on an introductory ride.
 
We will meet in the car park for the Croft trail opposite Nationwide HQ, which will be our base.
To start we will do a bike check with everyone – show you how to check your own bike and be on hand to sort any mechanical issues (where possible!).
Then we will have a quick session on your bike setup – basically help you to be as comfortable as possible on your bike. The more comfortable you are, the more you will enjoy it!
After that we will go for a ride. We have a nice local loop using towpaths, cycling paths (both dirt and tarmac) with gentle inclines, no longer than 10km, which will take in some great views and local parks – showcasing what’s on offer on our doorsteps.
When we return to Croft we will show you what ride leaders carry in their riding packs and there will be a chance to ask questions – what’s good wet weather gear, lights etc.
After all that, if anyone is still keen, we can show you Croft trail you 🙂
 
We will have at least 2 fully qualified ride leaders on hand at all times.
 
You MUST bring a helmet to ride in, but otherwise just bring yourself and a bike (the route is suitable for any MTB and even a hybrid with offload tyres).
 
Meet in Croft car park for 10.30am.
Feb
2
Sun
MTB Wellness Ladies Ride @ Mouldon Hill Country Park
Feb 2 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
MTB Wellness Ladies Ride @ Mouldon Hill Country Park

This is a Ladies Only ride, led by Davinia.

We meet at Mouldon Hill in the car park and then follow route 45 South past Shaw Forest and pick up the West Swindon Round to Lydiard Park. We will stop at Lydiard for a drink and maybe a cake! Then back continuing on the West Swindon round and back up the old railway line to Mouldon Hill.

This is a very gentle ride, and is no more than 9 miles.
It is aimed at beginners and upwards and is for every ability.
It’s a chance to get back on the bike, have a chat and feel happy!

You will need a helmet, bike and yourself!

This ride is suitable for all mountain bikes or hybrid bikes with off road tyres.

Mar
11
Wed
MTB Wellness Wednesdays @ The Bayberry
Mar 11 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
MTB Wellness Wednesdays @ The Bayberry

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 🙂

Ride 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.