![FoD Downhill Practice @ Pedalabikeaway | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Adrian-FoD-jumping-photos-11.jpg?fit=300%2C225)
This is the day before the first Root1 race at Tidworth and that will be closed off, so I’m off to FoD to session some downhill tracks as a bit of final practice.
The plan is to push up and start with Ski Run, followed by some others that offer a bit of rooty corner practice 😊
All are welcome, but bear in mind the level of the tracks will be riding, which are basically Black+, so you will need to be experienced.
Meet outside Pedalabikeaway Café at 10.30am
![Ladies Day at FoD @ Pedalabikeaway | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/IMG_0048.jpg?fit=300%2C228)
The Forest of Dean is one of my favourite places to ride, as not only does it have some of the best trails to be found, but it also has the warmest of welcomes and the best atmosphere that I’ve been too.
If you’ve been before you’ll know that already, so here’s another chance for you to go and if you haven’t been, you need to!!! And here’s your chance.
Join me on the trails for some shredding fun!! Everyone is welcome and the trails provide something for all abilities.
If you are new to mountain biking this is the perfect opportunity to see how much fun it can be! 🚴♀️
Meet outside the Pedalabikeaway cafe at 10.30am
![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.
![FoD for All (Happy Andy Day) @ Pedalabikeaway | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMG_1170.jpg?fit=300%2C169)
![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)
![FoD Family Ride @ Beechenhurst, Forest of Dean | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_5757-e1508096232701.jpg?fit=300%2C169)
![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!