Its been 3 years since i was last there and now its time to visit again. This is an awesome place to visit with some serious trails worth riding. Some tough hill climbs, but with rewarding descents.
Current weather forecast is for showers, but this is Wales, so make sure you bring waterproofs! A helmet is also essential.
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.
We’ll be back at Croft this Wednesday after work for a few laps and then seeing as it’s close to Christmas, we’re going to the pub!
We’ve met some great people since we started doing this in the spring, so if anyone wants to join us for a Christmas drink / bite to eat, we will be heading to the Baybury in Wichelstowe for 7pm. Everyone is most welcome – for the ride or just coming to the pub.
Don’t worry if you’ve not been before – it’s a great opportunity to come and talk to us about the club and what we do too.
Meet at Croft Trail Car Park at 6pm for riding and the Baybury in Wichelstowe for food and drink at 7pm.
This will be an uplift day and starts at 9.30am, so be there early to get prepped, sign in etc
This is about 1 hour 30 min car drive (from swindon), so if you’re lift sharing allow time for pick ups.
Uplift ticket price is £36, but you can a pedal up ticket for £6.
You will need a helmet – they are compulsory at Bike Park Wales, and if you are fancying the rocky reds or black runs, a full face helmet is advisable.
Tickets sell out months in advance and you will need to book your own, so get in quick on the link below.
Our Wednesday night sessions at Croft are starting up again this week, so grab your lights and helmet and come and join us for a few laps.
Meet in the Croft car park at 6pm.
Will be the usual antics of meeting at Cannop cycle centre and taking a small part of the Verderers trail, before heading over to Loamalicious and then on to have a play at Dowies, followed by Murdoch, more Dowies, then to see BOTH Ceris descents.
Meet is 9:45am at the cafe so we can set off at 10am
Safety first, so bring a helmet.
A little earlier this week, aimed for those coming straight out of work, but with a second pick up too.
Meet in the Croft at 5.30 for the first lap, I will then pause at 6pm by the trail entrance again for anyone that can’t make the earlier start time – best of both 😊
You’ll still need lights I’m afraid and a helmet – those trees often jump out at you in the dark
The next club trip to FoD is in February. There’s loads happening in Cannop at the moment, with a new workshop, new bike shop and extended café at Pedalabikeaway. Work is also well underway on the new pump track and skills area, so loads to check.
We’re looking to venture out from the usual (although excellent) Verderers, with the downhill tracks, Dowies or Murdocks all being options.
So comment below what you’d like to and we’ll build a route for the day.
Meet outside the Pedalabikeaway at 10.30am
This ride is for any ladies wanting to spread their mountain bike wings a bit further and visit a truly great trail centre with a fantastic atmosphere and excellent riding.
There’s lots to do – the scenic Green family trail takes in the sights of the forest and the excellent Blue graded Verderers trail is jewel of the south west, with its showcase final descent that’s guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face.
A lap of Verderers will be the main event, but depending on the preferences of the group we can take in some of the family trail first, or the super fun Launchpad downhill run after.
Meet outside the Pedalabikeaway cafe at 10.30am