![Saturday Morning Marlborough Madness Fun Ride @ Asda Orbital | Swindon | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/1797580_10154139007439388_4370425341142720760_n.jpg?fit=300%2C225)
A leisure ride from North Swindon to Marlborough and back with two start points – Asda Orbital Centre and the Esso Garage in Chiseldon.
Leaving from the first start point at Asda Walmart at the Orbital in North Swindon at 10am, we will head out through Shaw Forest to John Lewis at Mannington. From here we will join the old railway line up into Old Town and then through Coate Water, over the curly bridge up into Chiseldon.
We will meet people at the second rendezvous at the Esso Garage for approx 11.15 / 11.30.
From here we ride the old railway line into Marlborough. Beer and lunch for approx 1 to 1 1/2 hours before heading back with a possible pit (pint) stop in Ogbourne St George.
It’s a 40 mile ride start to finish but only a couple hills so relatively easy. We will ride at a steady pace and nobody will get left behind. It’s a fun ride, not a race. Helmets are a must.
Look forward to seeing you all.
![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 Christmas Party @ The White Hart, Wroughton | Wroughton | England | United Kingdom](https://i0.wp.com/swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/White-hart.jpg?fit=300%2C200)
It’s September, so we are legally allowed to talk about Christmas now! Believe it or not everywhere is booking up fast, but we have managed to book the White Hart’s function room and skittle alley for a Christmas Club Celebration.
We’ve had a fantastic year and gained lots of great new members and friends, so this is a chance to get as many of us together as we can to celebrate everything we’ve achieved this year.
This is a social event for everyone including partners and families.
On the night we will have an optional hot festive buffet, drinks, a skittles challenge and our annual club awards!
If you would like the festive buffet, the cost is £14.95 each (£7.50 for children) and we need a £5 deposit by Friday 22nd September. Alternatively you can just come for drinks and watch us eat 🙂
If you would like to come, please email us at admin@swindonmtbenthusiasts.co.uk with how many of you will be coming and whether you want the buffet or are just coming for a drink. The buffet will include a selection of festive hot and cold buffet food, including vegetarian and gluten free options.
You can give your £5 deposit to us on the next 2 wednesdays at Croft, or this weekend at Swinley. If you’re not going to any of those, please let us know in your comment and we will get in touch with payment details.
We hope you can join us and we look forward to celebrating Christmas with you all.
![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)
![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)
![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)
![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