![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
![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)
![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)
![SMTBE AGM @ The Plough, Wanborough | Wanborough | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/095000_af826360.jpg?fit=300%2C225)
We are holding our AGM on Wednesday 10th January at 7pm at The Plough in Wanborough.
This is a bringing your kids somewhere fun trip!
The 417 Project is only half an hour from Swindon and has some great trails and features for developing skills for all ages, although you need to be confident riding off stabilisers and over small obstacles.
There is a small outdoor trail aimed specifically at kids, with bermed corners and small ramps to go over, which is a great place to start.
That is right next to the bottom section of the Blue trail, which is great for progressing further – the more you progress, the further up the hill you go basically.
Inside one of the barns is a Velosolutions pump track too, which is great for everyone in all weathers.
Above that is also a Leisure Lakes bike shop, which does an excellent range of kids specific clothing and protection.
Oh and the cafe does amazing food, coffee and milkshakes!
Children are welcome on this event, but you will be responsible for your own children at all times, including making sure they are capable of riding whichever trail they decide to tackle.
It costs £8 entry for adults, or £5 for under 12s. You can book in advance online at https://417bikepark.co.uk
Helmets are compulsory at the bike park – they will not let you ride without one.
We will meet at 10am in the car park.
![Wednesdays After Work @ Croft Cycle Trail | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Thursday-Croft.jpg?fit=300%2C225)
We will start with a lap of the Blue trail to warm up, then sees what people want to do next. The options will be to head over the motorway to Wroughton for a couple of laps of the new pump track there, do a practice trip up and then down Ladder Lane, or just more laps of Croft.
This a very relaxed ride, at an easy pace, with lots of opportunities to develop and practice skills. Everyone is welcome and this is a great introductory ride if you’re just starting or coming back to mountain biking.
You must bring a helmet, but you don’t need lights yet 😊
Also thoroughly recommend insect repellent!
Meet in the Croft car park at 5.45pm
![Thursday Social Ride @ The Jovial Monk](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/12592427_10153989466619388_1809250435641685859_n.jpg?fit=300%2C225)
Thursday’s ride will start from the Jovial Monk Pub on St Andrews Ridge and led by John Jefferies.
Planned ride is weather dependant. There may be a more urban ride if it’s too wet and cold. We will leave @ 7pm and head out through blunsdon, stratton & Stanton woods to south marston ind est. from there through a nice little single track to south marston. A bit of road to Nightingale woods for a lap or 2 then back to the Jovial refreshments. It may be cold and wet, so dress appropriately.
A helmet, lights and a serviceable bike required.
Nice steady pace to suit those in attendance – nobody will be left behind.
![@ The Tawny Owl](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/12033200_10153759075129388_7811283101777566557_n.jpg?fit=300%2C225)
![Lydiard Park Family Picnic @ Lydiard Park](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/52082377_1986080404823195_6151179086757625856_n.jpg?fit=300%2C169)
We would like to invite everyone and their families to celebrate the start of the summer.
We will meet at the children’s play area at 11am, find a good picnic spot nearby and enjoy some family time, playing games such as rounders, football, frisbee and anything else we can find in the shed!!!! We will be close to the play area, cafe, toilets and most importantly the ice cream parlour!!!
Bringing bikes is optional. We will be there to take small groups around the outside of the park, if required.
Most importantly we want everyone to come together to have some family fun.
Don’t forget to bring a picnic and a picnic blanket and/or chairs to sit on.