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
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.
Debbie had this great(!) idea to ride over to Avebury to see the the Summer Solstice sun rise, in order to do this we have undegone the club ride leader training as we’re the only two barmy enough to want to do it at the moment. Excitingly this will be our first event as ride leaders so more than a good enough reason to get out of bed and join us 😀
The plan is nothing more than to cycle to Avebury to see the sunrise and then back (always maintaining a group), the pace will be slow and steady to suit those in attendance and suitable for all abilities and fitness levels. It is approximately 15 miles out and a similar distance back (the exact route will be reccied Thursday 6/6 and once done this event post will be amended to suit so stay tuned for further details).
Due to the start time and off road nature of this route you will need lights, a bike in good working order and of course a helmet. It would also be a good idea to bring water and something to eat, there may be food/coffee for sale there but this isn’t guaranteed.
Sunrise times…
London 04h43
Stonehenge 04h52
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
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.