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.
There are some great spots of riding at Swinley, but if you stick strictly to the Blue and Red trails you’ll a) miss some great off-piste stuff and b) have to churn through some really dull miles to get to the good bits!
So this ride is to show you the best bits – starting on the Blue trail, but then picking up some of the off-piste used on the recent Enduro race to connect up to the best of Red. That will take us to the bottom far east corner, where the downhill trials are as well and after a play in that area, we will take a more leisurely ride to pick up the fabulous Tank Traps section, before ending with the best of Blue to take us back to the hub. Should be 20 miles in total.
This ride contains blue and red graded trails, so bare that in mind – it’s Swinley not the Alps, but the bits of red we will be doing are definitely red grade.
See you at the entrance to the Blue trail at 10am.
We’ll be back at Croft this Wednesday after work for a few laps and then seeing as it’s close to Christmas, we’re going to the pub!
We’ve met some great people since we started doing this in the spring, so if anyone wants to join us for a Christmas drink / bite to eat, we will be heading to the Baybury in Wichelstowe for 7pm. Everyone is most welcome – for the ride or just coming to the pub.
Don’t worry if you’ve not been before – it’s a great opportunity to come and talk to us about the club and what we do too.
Meet at Croft Trail Car Park at 6pm for riding and the Baybury in Wichelstowe for food and drink at 7pm.
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.
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
We will start and finish at the Carpenter’s Arms in Miserden. It’s a great pub with excellent post ride sustenance and even a sweet shop inside.
Helmets are compulsory as always and knee pads are advised.
Full suspension bikes recommended – the uphills are just as rocky as the downs!