![Tidworth Tinker @ Tidworth Freeride | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_0045.jpg?fit=300%2C200)
A timely weekend session at Tidworth, not too long before the first of the Root1 races. There have been some nice looking changes to the race track itself (Sicknote), as well as some of the other tracks, so a good opportunity to check it out.
You need to be a R1de member (this is free, but needs to be done in advance) and it costs £7 on the day for admission at the bike park. Register at www.b1ke.co.uk
Meet by the new hut at 10am.
You will need a helmet (full face is a good idea if you have one).
![Tidworth Morning Motivator @ Tidworth Freeride | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/DSC_0061.jpg?fit=300%2C200)
A relaxed morning session at Tidworth Freeride.
Meet by the hut at 10am and ride what you fancy.
You need to be a B1ke member to ride (which is free) – sign up on their website.
You must have a helmet to ride at Tidworth, and pads are a good idea too.
Ride grading – Orange- Bike park
Entry cost – £7
![SMTBE Family Ride - Swinley Saturday @ Swinley Bike Hub | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/32972138_1613418075422765_3644629511317749760_n.jpg?fit=300%2C169)
Sorry for the short notice, but we have a new opportunity to do a family ride at the weekend at Swinley Forest.
Swinley is a great place for all levels of cyclist, with fire roads, a great Green trail and the Blue trail, which builds up nicely.
We will start with the Green trail as an introduction, before heading out on to Blue. How much of Blue we do will depend on the ability of the group – there are some nice flatter sections, as well as nice descents, but always a fire road option as well.
There will be 2 ride leaders to guide you, but all children MUST be accompanied by an adult and remain your responsibility for the whole ride.
Children and adults must wear helmets
Need something to keep the kids entertained this half term? Then come along and join us on our family half term ride!
Starting at Waitrose, we will go along the Southern flyer and up a bit of the old railway line, before descending to Wichelstowe, where there is a playground to take break. From there we will head out to Croft, to do the final section of the trail (which is fairly flat), before heading back to Wichelstowe. We will go along the canal, round the lake and back up to Waitrose (& a cafe stop if desired).
Total route is 5.5 miles, or if 3.5 miles if you want to skip the Croft trip and stay at the playground. A great route combining cycle paths and off road riding.
The ride will be lead by our Welfare officer, Davinia, who is also a British Cycling qualified ride leader and Breeze champion.
Whilst on the ride your children must be accompanied and are your responsibility at all times.
Children and adults must wear helmets.
Meet outside the front of Waitrose at 10.30am
![SMTBE gives you Hope (MTB Marathon) @ Hope Valley College | Hope | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IMG_3621.jpg?fit=300%2C200)
![Wednesdays at Croft @ Croft Cycle Trail | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/fullsizeoutput_4b98.jpeg?fit=300%2C225)
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.
This week we’re going to do some skills demonstrations and practice, using the features of the trail. We’ll cover the basics you’ll need for tackling technical terrain – front wheel lifts, unweighting the back well, climbing and descending safely.
You must bring a helmet, but you don’t need lights, yet.
Also thoroughly recommend insect repellent!
Meet in the Croft car park at 5.30pm for a 5.45pm start
![Wednesdays After Work at Croft @ Croft Cycle Trails | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_0202.jpg?fit=300%2C200)
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!
![MTB-Marathon - Hope Valley @ Hope Valley College | Hope | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/fullsizeoutput_537d.jpeg?fit=300%2C225)
So we’re going to do this excellent final round in the amazing Peak District in 2019.
Although the main event is on the Sunday, there are also a Ladies Ride on the Saturday morning and a night marathon on the Saturday night, which has a choice of distances and light hire available from Exposure Lights.
On the Sunday 3 distances are available – Mini (25km), Half (45km) and Full (65km!). Bear in mind it’s in the Peak District, and the hills are big too, as well as the distance!
We’ve got members booked on the Half, but all routes start out together.
Full details here:
https://www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/events/1st-2nd-september-2018-hope-valley-peak-district.html