Its been 3 years since i was last there and now its time to visit again. This is an awesome place to visit with some serious trails worth riding. Some tough hill climbs, but with rewarding descents.
Current weather forecast is for showers, but this is Wales, so make sure you bring waterproofs! A helmet is also essential.
As I’m going to be at Swinley, I thought it would be a good opportunity to re-run the popular “Swinley’s Best Bits” ride. This is an action packed 10 miles & it really does pack in lots. Starting on the Blue trail we follow that till the point it gets dull, then go off piste on a section of the Enduro course, before picking up the best of Red to the downhill trails. Our highlight there is the old full Labrynth, but scope to do a few of the other DH trails in that corner too.
The we hit Red 25 on the way to back via the Tank Traps and the final ace descent of Blue.
If you want a bit more info on the route, check out our report
here, otherwise come and see for yourself 🙂
Meet at the entrance to the trails at Swinley for a 10.30 start.
This a re-runaid our popular “Swinley’s Best Bits” ride. This is an action packed 10 miles & it really does pack in lots. Starting on the Blue trail we follow that till the point it gets dull, then go off piste on a section of the Enduro course, before picking up the best of Red to the downhill trails. Our highlight there is the old full Labrynth, but scope to do a few of the other DH trails in that corner too.
The we hit Red 25 on the way to back via the Tank Traps and the final ace descent of Blue.
If you want a bit more info on the route, check out our report
here, otherwise come and see for yourself 🙂
Meet at the entrance to the trails at Swinley for a 10am start.
The big ride.
Whites Level up. Over the top to Ywal and return via Blade descent. This is an all day’r with in excess of 50km and well over 1000m of Climb.
This is an advanced level ride, being both technical and strenuous terrain. Strongly advise knee and elbow pads.
Helmet and waterproof jacket a must. Pack lights.
Would expect to be back at the ponds by 4pm
Following on from the success of the previous Get Into Mountain Biking events we’re heading to Afan in Wales!
This will still be aimed at improvers/intermediate riders but will be a progression from the previous trail centres we’ve visited.
Meeting at Afan Lodge at 11am we will take a short ride to the start of the trails and begin our day on the blue-graded Blue Scar. At the top of the Blue Scar climb we can then decide whether to climb a bit more and do the first part of the red-graded trail Penhydd or continue straight to the Blue Scar descent. There is a fair amount of climbing at Afan but most of it is on fire roads and there will be plenty of opportunity to stop and admire the stunning views.
After lunch those with the energy can climb back up and do more of Penhydd or Blue Scar again, and there is also a small skills area and lovely scenic route with short section of blue-graded trail along the valley.
Those that are really feeling energetic and brave may be tempted to give the red-graded trail Y-Wal a go, but be warned, Wales trail gradings are harder than English ones.
Afan is roughly two hours drive away from Swindon so we will meet at Afan Lodge at 11am. Afan Lodge is further up the road past Afan trail centre, you’ll see the trail centre on your right and Afan Lodge is on the left. There is plenty of free parking here and a lovely cafe, and an old railway line cycle path links the two.
Since we’ll be in Wales it would seem rude not to stay a bit longer and go to Bike Park Wales on the Sunday! This won’t be an official club trip as such but there is a bike-friendly Premier Inn 5 minutes away from BPW which I may well find myself in that night 😀