Every Thursday night there is a social ride out from the Jovial Monk pub in St Andrews Ridge. The ride is between 16-20 miles, depending on that week’s ride, but always at a pace to suit all those that attend.
After the ride there’s chip butties on offer for £2 a pop – well you’ll have earned them by that point!
Helmet’s a must. Lights also still required at this time of year, but if you don’t have any drop us an email or message – we’ve normally got a spare set knocking around for the evening.
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.
![Swinley's Best Bits @ Swinley Forest | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_4092.jpg?fit=300%2C135)
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.
![Barbury and Beyond... @ The Bayberry, Wichelstowe | Swindon | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/18582198_10213228737059349_886506923029948970_n.jpg?fit=300%2C225)
We will head out through Clouts Wood, west of the airfield and up onto Barbury.
Then Smithies and across to Earthline. A ridge ride and descent by the flying club before Chiseldon to coate and back to the Bayberry.
The route will be adjusted to suit a riders and weather conditions.
Estimate 30k distance and 400m ascent.
You will need lights and a helmet.
![Tuesday Night Ride - The Sugar Hill Gang @ The Bayberry | Swindon | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/18582198_10213228737059349_886506923029948970_n.jpg?fit=300%2C225)
Leaving the Bayberry we will head up through Coate and Chisie via the flying club to sample the delights of the Sugar Hill climb. Back around Liddington Castle and home via the Old ridgeway and Ladder lane.
There are 2 tough climbs on this ride. Pushing up is of course permitted. 33km distance and 400m of climbing on the route, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. The route may be altered (made easier, not harder!) to suit the riders and weather conditions.
LIGHTS are now a must and as always a helmet.
![SMTBE Ladies XC rides - Barbury Bound @ Croft Cycle Trail | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/IMG_0044.jpg?fit=300%2C228)
![Sunday Scenic @ 3 Trees Cafe | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/D4Kca1TT3m9y9asnVCNHQ-e1529618556718.jpg?fit=300%2C225)
![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.
![BPW Birthday Bash @ BikePark Wales](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/GPTempDownload.jpeg?fit=300%2C225)
A huge gathering at lunch will set us up for an afternoon of yet more trail fun!
Please note….. Helmets are compulsory at BikePark Wales and Full face helmets are advisable.