The rather good looking 417 Project opens this March at Birdlip, near Cheltenham, so we’re going on Thursday 24th to check it out!
You can book your uplift/admission tickets here – currently £33 for the uplift and outdoor activities (indoor jumps and pump track are extra).
They’ve even got one of these – looks ace!
![Ladies Intermediate Coaching with Katy Curd @ Pedalabikeaway, FoD | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/18836669_1278930585538184_7619303031127443737_o.jpg?fit=300%2C225)
We have arranged an Intermediate Level ladies only course with the fabulous Katy Curd on Thursday 22nd June.
There are 5 places on the course, which consists of 3 hours of tuition with World Champion & world class coach, Katy Curd.
The cost is £60 per person, which can be paid in cash on the day or by bank transfer in advance.
![SMTBE AGM @ The Plough, Wanborough | Wanborough | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/095000_af826360.jpg?fit=300%2C225)
We are holding our AGM on Wednesday 10th January at 7pm at The Plough in Wanborough.
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.
![@ The Tawny Owl](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/12033200_10153759075129388_7811283101777566557_n.jpg?fit=300%2C225)
![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
![😊](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t1e/2/16/1f60a.png)
From the 3 Trees we will head out on the Ridgeway out to the bottom of Barbury Castle. This is further out on the Ridgeway from where we will drop down into the beautiful Vale of Rockley. A short sharp climb takes us to the top of a byway down to Ogbourne Maisey and then home along the old railway line cycle route.