![Swinley Forest - the Good Bits @ Swinley Forest | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_4092.jpg?fit=300%2C135)
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.
![Breeze SMTBE - Ladies Leisure Rides 'BE BOLD FOR CHANGE' @ Three Trees Cafe | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/IMG_0046.jpg?fit=300%2C228)
As well as leading SMTBE rides, I am also a Breeze champion, and I am leading a combined Breeze ride, with a RideSocial bit in the middle.
I have put together a few of my favourite routes with an adventurous twist in the middle! We will start the route at the Three Trees Cafe , then take the cycle path through Chiseldon and then head to Coate Water via the ‘twirly whirly bridge’. We will ride round the back of Coate Water and head out onto the roads by the Broome Manor estate. After a short section of quiet road we will pick up the cycle path again down the side of the golf course and head onto Pipers Way and to Croft. This is where we will stop for a short break from the Breeze ride and if you want to join the ‘Ride Social’ at this point, then that will be the adventurous twist – a lap of Croft!
We will then continue the Breeze ride, head back to Coate Water via Broome Manor and stop for coffee or toilets if required. After Coate, we will take the Badbury Wick route back to the Three Trees Cafe, which is all quiet country roads. Once back at the Three Trees Cafe we will stop for a much needed hot drink and a cake!
Meet in the Three Trees Cafe car park for a 10am start.
![Tidworth Training (again!) @ Tidworth Freeride | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/randr-photo-1434210-5184px.jpg?fit=300%2C200)
Tidworth had to rearrange their opening weekend, so we’ve done the same with our first club trip there.
A bunch of us have enter the excellent Root1 Round 1 race, which uses Sicknote as the course, so we will definitely be practicing that, along with 99 Beeches – a new trail that will be used for Round 2.
And we’ll also be trying the other excellent trails there of course.
Don’t forget, entry to Tidworth cost £7 for the day and you will need to sign up for a B1ke (free) membership in advance.
Meet in the car park/finish area at 10am
![Thursday Ride and Play... @ The Tawny Owl | North Swindon | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/12033200_10153759075129388_7811283101777566557_n.jpg?fit=300%2C225)
This will be a gentle ride from the Tawny Owl pub and will be heading out and up to Old Town for a play off the walls.
However the route will be purely determine by the weather that day etc.
Lights are still required and a lid is a very must.
Would also like to point out due to insurance, only 18+ permitted on this ride.
![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
We’re going to be camping down at the excellent Sparkhayes campsite in Porlock – just round the corner from both the town and from the beach.
The campsite has electric hook ups, a shower/toilet block with washing up facilities, a kettle and small microwave. There is also a communal fridge and freezer.
The cost is £9 per person per night, with an additional £4 a night for the electric hook up.
Let us know if you want to stay and we’ll do a group booking – we will be there from the Friday night to set up as well, but people are welcome to join on the Friday night or Saturday morning.
Don’t forget the Saturday and Sunday rides that are part of the weekend.
![Exmoor Explore - Lets go to the sea @ Porlock Weir | Porlock Weir | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/DSC_0001.jpg?fit=300%2C200)
![MTB Wellness Ladies Ride @ Mouldon Hill Country Park](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/81497902_2583803225050907_4573892831663357952_o.jpg?fit=300%2C230)
This is a Ladies Only ride, led by Davinia.
We meet at Mouldon Hill in the car park and then follow route 45 South past Shaw Forest and pick up the West Swindon Round to Lydiard Park. We will stop at Lydiard for a drink and maybe a cake! Then back continuing on the West Swindon round and back up the old railway line to Mouldon Hill.
This is a very gentle ride, and is no more than 9 miles.
It is aimed at beginners and upwards and is for every ability.
It’s a chance to get back on the bike, have a chat and feel happy!
You will need a helmet, bike and yourself!
This ride is suitable for all mountain bikes or hybrid bikes with off road tyres.
![May Weekender 2020 - Exmoor @ Porlock](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/IMG_0264.jpg?fit=300%2C225)