Calendar

Apr
15
Sun
Race: Transition Bikes Southern Enduro Series 2018 RD1 @ QECP
Apr 15 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Race: Transition Bikes Southern Enduro Series 2018 RD1 @ QECP | England | United Kingdom

Price: for all 4 Rounds £160 on sale from 2nd of December for (Only 150 available) all remaining tickets £42.50 to go on sale two months before each round (Only 100 available).

Tickets available here: HERE.

Timing:

Professionally Timed by Action Sports Timing

More info: http://www.actionsportstiming.co.uk/

Stages: There will be 4 timed stages, which will be added together for an aggregate time to decide the winner in each category.

All stages will be over a mile long and around 100m to 150m in elevation/drop. Estimated stage times are about 2 minutes to 4 minutes long.

250 online entries available, no entries on the day.

  • Fantastic prizes for the top 3 riders in all categories. Plus some spot pizes
  • Free parking for all riders, spectators, friends and family. (Please car share where possible)
  • Free Camping
  • Race village
  • Full mechanical support for all riders.
  • Full medical support.
  • Food and drink on site.

Categories:

  • Male Elite age 18+
  • Male Senior age 18-29
  • Male Master age 30-39
  • Male Veteran age 40+
  • Male Supers Veteran age 50+
  • Male FUN age 18+
  • Male U16s age 14-15
  • Male U18s age 16-17
  • Female Elite age 18+
  • Female Senior age 18-29
  • Female Master age 30-39
  • Female Veteran age 40+
  • Female Supers Veteran age 50+
  • Female FUN age 18+
  • Female U16s age 14-15
  • Female U18s age 16-17
  • Hardtails age 18+

Elite: Riders that are sponsored or in PRO, Expert and Elite in other races or Top finisher in age categories in previous Enduro’s

Senior, Master, Veteran, Grand Veteran: Riders that are not sponsored and with medium skill level or Top finisher in Fun in previous Enduro’s

FUN: Riders 18 and over that are new to racing or new to the sport

U18: Riders under the age 18

WOMEN: Riders that are female

HARDTAILS: Riders 18 and that are racing on a Hardtail

Timings:

Saturday

No Practice!

Sunday
Marshals briefing 9.00
Riders briefing 9.15

Start of race 9.20
Start of race  11.30
Prize giving 16.30

May
26
Sat
SMTBE Family Ride – Swinley Saturday @ Swinley Bike Hub
May 26 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
SMTBE Family Ride - Swinley Saturday @ Swinley Bike Hub | England | United Kingdom

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

May
31
Thu
SMTBE Family Half Term Ride @ Waitrose
May 31 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

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

Jun
10
Sun
Race: 2018 Transition Bikes Southern Enduro Series Rd2 – Pippingford Park @ Pippingford Park
Jun 10 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Race: 2018 Transition Bikes Southern Enduro Series Rd2 – Pippingford Park @ Pippingford Park | Nutley | England | United Kingdom

Rd2 – Sun 10th June – Pippingford Park, East Sussex

Price: for all 4 Rounds £160 on sale from 2nd of December for (Only 150 available) all remaining tickets £42.50 to go on sale two months before each round (Only 100 available).

Tickets available here: HERE.

Timing:

Professionally Timed by Action Sports Timing

More info: http://www.actionsportstiming.co.uk/

Stages: There will be 4 timed stages, which will be added together for an aggregate time to decide the winner in each category.

2 stages in the bikepark and 2 stages in Blanford Forest.

All stages will be over a mile long and around 100m to 150m in elevation/drop. Estimated stage times are about 2 minutes to 4 minutes long.

250 online entries available, no entries on the day.

  • Fantastic prizes for the top 3 riders in all categories. Plus some spot pizes
  • Free parking for all riders, spectators, friends and family. (Please car share where possible)
  • Free Camping
  • Race village
  • Full mechanical support for all riders.
  • Full medical support.
  • Food and drink on site.

Categories:

  • Male Elite age 18+
  • Male Senior age 18-29
  • Male Master age 30-39
  • Male Veteran age 40+
  • Male Supers Veteran age 50+
  • Male FUN age 18+
  • Male U16s age 14-15
  • Male U18s age 16-17
  • Female Elite age 18+
  • Female Senior age 18-29
  • Female Master age 30-39
  • Female Veteran age 40+
  • Female Supers Veteran age 50+
  • Female FUN age 18+
  • Female U16s age 14-15
  • Female U18s age 16-17
  • Hardtails age 18+

Elite: Riders that are sponsored or in PRO, Expert and Elite in other races or Top finisher in age categories in previous Enduro’s

Senior, Master, Veteran, Grand Veteran: Riders that are not sponsored and with medium skill level or Top finisher in Fun in previous Enduro’s

FUN: Riders 18 and over that are new to racing or new to the sport

U18: Riders under the age 18

WOMEN: Riders that are female

HARDTAILS: Riders 18 and that are racing on a Hardtail

Timings:

Saturday

No Practice, Track walk from 16:00

Sunday
Marshals briefing 9.00
Riders briefing 9.15

Start of race 9.20
Start of race  11.30
Prize giving 16.30

Jul
14
Sat
2018 Identiti Bikes Southern Enduro Champs – Minehead @ Minehead
Jul 14 @ 8:00 am – Jul 15 @ 5:00 pm
2018 Identiti Bikes Southern Enduro Champs – Minehead @ Minehead | Minehead | England | United Kingdom

2018 Identiti Bikes Southern Enduro Champs – Minehead, Exmoor – 14th & 15th July 2017

Tickets available here: HERE.

 

Timing:

Professionally Timed by Action Sports Timing

More info: http://www.actionsportstiming.co.uk/

 

Price: £60 Early Bird price until 20th Jan (£65 after)

 

Venue: Minehead, Exmoor

400 online entries available, no entries on the day.

  • Fantastic prizes for the top 3 riders in all categories. Plus some spot pizes
  • Identiti AKA frame for the faster Male and Female
  • Free parking for all riders, spectators, friends and family. (Please car share where possible)
  • Large race village with On site shop.
  • Full mechanical support for all riders.
  • Full medical support.
  • Food and drink on site.
  • Free Camping
  • Beer tent & Band TBC

Stages: There will be 7 timed stages, which will be added together for an aggregate time to decide the winner in each category.

On Saturday afternoon you will race one of the stages (Seeding stage)*
Your result on that stage will reflect where you start on Sunday. On Sunday you will be set off in categories in seeded order.
There will be start times for each stage.

*Seeding stage counts to your overall time.

All stages will be over a mile long and around 100m to 150m in elevation/drop. Estimated stage times are about 2 minutes to 4 minutes long.

Categories:

  • Male Elite age 18+
  • Male Senior age 18-29
  • Male Master age 30-39
  • Male Veteran age 40+
  • Male Supers Veteran age 50+
  • Male FUN age 18+
  • Male U16s age 14-15
  • Male U18s age 16-17
  • Female Elite age 18+
  • Female Senior age 18-29
  • Female Master age 30-39
  • Female Veteran age 40+
  • Female Supers Veteran age 50+
  • Female FUN age 18+
  • Female U16s age 14-15
  • Female U18s age 16-17
  • Hardtails age 18+

Elite: Riders that are sponsored or in PRO, Expert and Elite in other races or Top finisher in age categories in previous Enduro’s

Senior, Master, Veteran, Grand Veteran: Riders that are not sponsored and with medium skill level or Top finisher in Fun in previous Enduro’s

FUN: Riders 18 and over that are new to racing or new to the sport

U18: Riders under the age 18

WOMEN: Riders that are female

HARDTAILS: Riders 18 and that are racing on a Hardtail

Timings:

Saturday
Marshals briefing 9.30
Riders briefing 9.45
Practice 10.00 to 15:00

Seeding 15:00 to 18:00


Sunday
Marshals briefing 9.30
Riders briefing 9.45
Start of race (first rider) 10.00
Prize giving 16.30

Nov
11
Sun
Sunday Scenic @ 3 Trees Cafe
Nov 11 @ 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Sunday Scenic @ 3 Trees Cafe | United Kingdom
This is steady XC ride taking in some of the cracking scenery on the Ridgeway.
 
Starting at the 3 Trees cafe, we will head along the Ridgeway, up the side of Barbury Castle (the gentlest side!), continuing along the Ridgeway past Hackpen Hill, before the descent across Rockley Downs to Ogbourne St Andrew.
From there we will take the old Railway line back to the 3 Trees cafe.
 
So uphill first (gets most of it out the way!), a nice down and steady return for coffee and cake.
 
This will be 24km in length and 275m of climbing – rather like the short route Tuesday night rides, but at the weekend.
 
We will be taking it at a relaxed pace, so this is suitable for those looking for a starter ride on the Ridgeway.
You must wear a helmet and a suitable coat is advised (showers are currently forecast).
 
Meet in the 3 Trees car park for a 10.30am set off.  
We will also be stopping briefly at 11am to observe 2 minutes silence for Remembrance Sunday.
Jan
6
Sun
White-Horsing Around Scenic Ride @ Foxhill Car Park
Jan 6 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
The first of my scenic rides for 2019 will be a round trip along the Ridgeway to the Uffington White Horse and back.
 
Along the way we’ll take in the stunning descent through the Hinton Parva coombes, a beautiful climb (honest!) from Bishopstone to the Ridgeway and the delights of Weathercock Hill.
We’ll be taking it easy to appreciate the scenery, covering about 27km in distance and 400m of climbing.
 
Meet at the Foxhill car park, just past The Ruji Restaurant.
 
You must bring a helmet and appropriate clothing, as well as snacks/food for the duration, as we will be out past lunchtime.
May
24
Fri
The Peaks Weekender @ The Peak District
May 24 @ 8:00 pm – May 27 @ 12:00 pm
The Peaks Weekender @ The Peak District | England | United Kingdom

The Peak District is simple awesome for mountain biking – stunning scenery and brilliant riding.
I’ve done lots of riding up there and am putting together some of the best in one long weekend.

We will be based in the Hope Valley, which has a great selection of campsites, B&B accommodation, cafes and bike shops. Personally I’ll be camping and will make a recommendation for a campsite after sampling a few, but there are plenty of great B&Bs for anyone that doesn’t like camping.

For the riding, we have 3 days:
A scenic starter, along the Monsal Trail. Starting at Bakewell Station up to Blackwell Mill and back. This is a former railway line that has been converted into a bridleway, using all the old features, including a number of viaducts and 4 tunnels through the Peaks. This gives us the chance to soak in the gorgeous scenery along the route, as well as a stop to enjoy them with a drink.

Day 2 is an epic XC ride starting in Hope and heading over Mam Tor out towards Derwent Water and back. The views on this route are even more stunning than the previous day, but the riding will be amazing too, with some epic descents – this one isn’t flat! 😉 We will be doing 25-30km with 1200-1500ft of climbing (depending on the weather), but the pace will be relaxed.

The final day will be a trip to the brilliant (but short) Lady Cannings trails, which we will use to end a 10km loop of the local Blacca Moor, which is another Peaks “must do”. That should see us finish at lunchtime, on the Bank Holiday Monday.

If you are planning on coming, please register either on the Facebook group event or by sending an email to adrian@swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk – just so we know to keep an eye out for you before setting off anywhere.

Aug
31
Sat
MTB-Marathon – Hope Valley @ Hope Valley College
Aug 31 @ 10:00 am – Sep 1 @ 6:00 pm
MTB-Marathon - Hope Valley @ Hope Valley College | Hope | England | United Kingdom
We did the MTB-Marathon in Hope last year and loved it. The whole series are brilliant events, incredibly well organised and supported with fabulous routes too. And free camping as well!
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

Oct
12
Sat
GetintoMTB Goes to Wales @ Afan Lodge
Oct 12 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
GetintoMTB Goes to Wales @ Afan Lodge

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 😀