[Closed] Swinley 17th March ? (This coming Sat)

I could be up for that 🙂

Only slight snag might be I'm marshalling the Womens Enduro on Sunday so will have to test that water on getting a pass.

I might be up for this, what time were you thinking of starting?

I've not done an STW meetup ride before, but following on from the "Rides alone 99% of the time" thread a social ride might make a nice change.

Some of the trails might be closed for tapping of the Womens Enduro on Sunday

Akers, I'm flexible on timing, whatever suits the masses, assuming we get masses 🙂

Early as possible is best on Sat otherwise Parking gets mental!

Works fine for me 🙂

I'm up handy.... How about we go for 9am ?

I'm also in the "rides alone 99% (100 really) of the time" club. I'll try to make it on sat.

least boggy

Mmmmm, Red 2 trail might not agree............  🤡

Agree... but we can if we want circumnavigate a few trails, or even shoot off Piste on about Red 7 etc...

Maybe, will have to see about getting a pass, I'm supposed to be sailing on Sunday and TBH I;ve not been on the water in ages!

Mmmmm, Red 2 trail might not agree…………

Simple, just ignore everything between Stickler and Pips Seat.  Given the state of the fireroad there sometimes I'm not the only one that does that!

Early as possible is best on Sat otherwise Parking gets mental!

I park at Ligh****er CP and ride in these days, more fun, more miles. I should be able to ride over to  the Hub by 9 though

Mmmmm, Red 2 trail might not agree...

I normally consider Red 2 to be OB from around October to June

...even shoot off Piste on about Red 7 etc…

for a pootle round Crowthorne Woods and the Corkscrew? 😉 I'm up for that...

I'm a definite maybe..

I wish I wasn't working!

I can't make it but hoping to get up there one midweek day sometime soonish.  Never been before

Is routefinding easy enough for half a day's amusement?  Have a garmin/phone and could raid strava if needed but I prefer following obvious(ish) trails to looking at a screen all the time

Any tips gratefully accepted

It’s easy but may be there this week also (fair weather depending) if you want a guide

The main route is all clearly signposted. There's a couple of spots on the red where you can miss the trail, but it pretty much all converges back to a central point so you can't really get lost.

I'll show if my shock turns up in time. I'll be riding over so don't be surprised if I'm a bit slow! Was it 9am at the trail centre car park you're planning?

Yeah why not Padkinson. If you're short a bike, i'm taking both of mine for some testing, you're more than welcome to use the Whyte T-130/Parkwood.

Lets say 9am at the right hand domey thing just in front of the main doors.

I normally consider Red 2 to be OB from around October to June

Does anybody know if they're going to improve Red 2??

There was a trail team swinley meeting to announce planned trail works but I think it might have been cancelled due to snow..............

Part of me is tempted, part of me is worried I'd be slowing you guys up (not ridden for a month and still in winter mode)

Does anybody know if they’re going to improve Red 2??

There was a trail team swinley meeting to announce planned trail works but I think it might have been cancelled due to snow…………..

The TTS meeting is to discuss building out the freeride / clubhouse area to make more of those trails official and be able to develop them with new features.  Don't think the XC trails are due too much change, R2 is fine (and a change from the cobbles when dry), it's just the amount of traffic and natural trail surface make it a winter bog, I just bypass via the fire road in winter.

 is worried I’d be slowing you guys up

Please don't think that. Even if you're slow, it's just more time to chat about bikes, cars, beer, football. If you want to come and meet up, just do it.

The TTS meeting is to discuss building out the freeride / clubhouse area to make more of those trails official and be able to develop them with new features.

Really? After all the faff with the new (old) freeride area they decide that swinley is still the perfect place for an official freeride area? If the jump gully was no good for ambulance access then the clubhouse area isn't going to be any better. Sure that part of the forest probably had the best of those sort of trails already, but why not leave them in their fine unadopted state and do something for the 99% of riders who don't need 8 foot gap jumps and do need a trail you can ride without a snorkel (red 2!)

...and breathe....

I get where you’re coming from but whole point of the meetings is to consult with riders of all abilities (they were after reps of various skill levels) as to what they want to see. Expect to see progressive features and use / maintenance of existing trails. (If it ever happens)

The white elephant that they expended all the time on by the discovery center has never been opened because it is so exclusive (big features), plus according to insiders, still needs a load of work for it to even get to a decent state.

To be fair it is only really red 2 which is a big issue on the marked route unless it gets really wet. I’d welcome some time spent on progressive features as it would help my riding, as frankly features like the Seagull drops of doom followed by the ultra mellow table don’t add much interest/value. On top of this they have been working on the XC trails, blue (7?) has had a revamp recently (more flow, but I sort of preferred its natural state).

R2 is fine

Really??!!  Most riders don't even bother with it, it's a mess...................

I think he meant as a trail in general, not as a trail in winter/slop 🙂

I quite enjoy it when it's dry 🙂  But i am a Swinley fanboi overall to be honest.

 ...blue (7?) has had a revamp recently (more flow, but I sort of preferred its natural state).

100% agree. I can understand why they did it, it's a blue trail section after all, but the old natural surface had roots and texture. You had to earn your speed through line choice and bike handling. Now it's just another section of smoothed out berms that becomes ginger sludge when wet. 🙁

 think he meant as a trail in general, not as a trail in winter/slop

This.

I agree it's horrible in the wet, but the same was true of the previous section on the other side of the fire road.  But the winter condition is due to the surface / volume of traffic, so unless it's paved in cobbles and ginge it's likely to stay that way.  I just see it as a nostalgic reminder of the 'old swinley'.

So who's in then ?

Padkinson, you wanting to use my other bike ?

I'll pass on using the bike, but thank you! I don't fancy driving over so it's ride out or bust for me, if the shock doesn't arrive I'll go for a road ride :O

I’ll pass on using the bike, but thank you! I don’t fancy driving over so it’s ride out or bust for me, if the shock doesn’t arrive I’ll go for a road ride :O

Damn, that means i have to go back to the car now to swap to the 2nd bike and then back out on the trails !

So who’s in then ?

Provided the Gods of Weather (looking good so far) and Parenthood (fingers crossed for no family illness) look favourably upon me, I'm in!

I went for a blast last night, I can confirm that Crowthorne was wet although the Gorrick track was still holding up well (or at least it's recovered, I've not diffen it since the last race). Fine on the fat bike, but seriously wet in places, and about to get wetter today/tomorrow judging by the forecast.

The Seagull drops of doom, I actually missed them in the dark as the trail is now so wide you actually have to look out for them in the middle of the bog.  And the bogginess didn't endeer me into going back and riding them.

I agree with most of the negative sentiments above about TTS's work, but then I don't have time to volunteer so I guess I get what I pay for.

LOL you're not selling this weekends idea to me TINAS 🙂

It can't be any worse than the Sunday after the snow (March 4th). At one point I got off the bike because I thought either the rear brake was binding or the freehub had died. But no, it was just the drag of 'The Ginge' on the fire road

It can’t be any worse than the Sunday after the snow (March 4th). At one point I got off the bike because I thought either the rear brake was binding or the freehub had died. But no, it was just the drag of ‘The Ginge’ on the fire road

I dunno, I usually ride elsewhere on natural trails that get less traffic and if I do Swinley it's usually not the entire blue/red/blue loop so I miss the worst bits (how F***ing hipster do I sound?).  The fire road from Upper Star post to Caesar's camp was so wet I actually struggled to keep it in a straight line due to wheelspin.

The trails themselves seemed OK, a mix of good work by TTS sanitising the awkward bits of seagull, and thousands of riders wearing out the older bits to turn them back into a lovely rooty 'natural' surface (that doesn't get muddy) means they were actually quite fun.

[edit] I don't mean the old seagull which now forms the outbound section, that's horrible and I avoided it, I mean the first section of the 'new' Seagull.

Apparantly TTS haven't been maintaining the trails for the past year or so, it is somebody else's responsibility now................

Ohh and while were here, who removed the root at pips seat?

Still not sure if I can make it Sat

Short story is CE are sick of mopping up injured riders and ambulance’s they have a  responsibility to ensure people are safe on CE land.

Most of the injury’s are on not on official trails but on ‘dug’ features

CE revives no income from Bikes and due to William the conqueror is only answerable to god. Swinley is not public land so ultimately CE are responsible.

They need to do something about the level of injury on the land and activily mitigate risk and the choices are level and ban or adopt and make safer.

I understood there is currently no budget (or very little) for existing trails and the work being proposed is purely focused on routes from Clubhouse and Camel

Whilst I sympathise with the CE, if that is their position why flatten the gully? It was relatively accessible by ambulance and helicopter and a good intro to the jumps on the red route. And apart from the inherent risk of the jumps themselves posed no other risk (no gap jumps, no trees to hit, no loose corners, no crossings).  So<span style="font-size: 0.8rem;"> they've flattened that and now want to bring babymaker and axle run upto spec which even without jumps if you messed up on the official trail (deerstalker) you'd hit a tree and be in trouble.</span>

I believe that they are learning from Gulleygate, they levelled that and saw the problem move not go away, this time I think they are being more pragmatic but I understand the status quo option is not an option. They are talking about widening and removing trees.

There's a meeting tonight, get yourself along.

Guessing a few of us have never been there before - any link or brief synopsis or a good overview of what's available/facilities/parking/local tips etc?

Come on Sat 🙂 We'll tell you when you're there 😉

Quite fancy making this with my kid, but no way we could get there for 9... (he's a teenager, you see). 10 probably, at a push!

Is it all arranged for 9?

There’s a meeting tonight, get yourself along.

I'm going riding somewhere else, I find it solves most of my Swinley related problems.

CE revives no income from Bikes...

Serious question, who gets all the money from the parking?

I was always perfectly happy to pay to ride when it was by permit (day or annual). I'd be happy to do so again, if it meant we see some adoption, (sympathetic) maintenance and development of the trail network.

Quite fancy making this with my kid, but no way we could get there for 9… (he’s a teenager, you see). 10 probably, at a push!

Is it all arranged for 9

Up to now there's only potentially 2 of us who have said "yes"... The rest.. have replied but are not confirmed as such.

Cheers weeksy, will check back tomorrow (if I can find the thread!)

any link or brief synopsis or a good overview of what’s available/facilities/parking/local tips etc?

Swinley Riders has most of the info you need regarding facilities, parking, etc

Swinley Bike Hub are the onsite bike shop/hire/etc place shoud you need anything

Local tips - If you are planning to visit at weekends in the morning, you really need to be there before 10am or you'll struggle to park, afternoons aren't quite so bad. Alternatively park over the road at Coral Reef. There are more unofficial trails to enjoy both inside and adjacent to the park if you know where to go. Best bet is to get a local to show you round.

If we are meeting for 9am, I could come. Depends how much we mince around blue-red-blue, as I've got lunch time commitments.

(I can bring the bike bag too, if that's convenient Weeksy)

Cheers Akers.

@weeksy

Ahh, love to but totally man-flued up at present and just about got the energy to type let alone propel a bike! 😉

(they)now want to bring Babymaker and Axle Run up to spec which even without jumps if you messed up on the official trail (Deerstalker) you’d hit a tree and be in trouble...

See Here for prime example(I have no idea how embed video in here!)

Car park is owned and run by the council and that’s where the money goes (apparently)

Swinley Trees are actually Ents, I’ve had a few frisky ones suddenly move onto my line.

Lets stick with 9am then guys... I'll be starting on the Whyte T-130SX in sky blue and be by the satellite dish thing just in front of main entrance.

It looks like it should be a dry morning, though the trails won't be. Best wrap up warm, BBC forecast is 1 to 2 deg C but with windchill it'll feel nearer -3 to -4. Brrrrrr-acing!

Looking forward to it though 🙂

I'm all good with that... Wrapping up warm is easy, being wet isn't nice from rain.

I think I’m meeting an old friend up at peaslake so probably out of this one. Will let you know if plan changes otherwise, but up for Swinley another time If not.

Debating whether i should take a rest day today... Don't want to have peaked before the big event !

If you're now tapering I'm starting to worry. As this is my first STW meetup ride, have I entered an unofficial race that I don't know about!?!

Is this a "First rule of Fight Club..." moment! 😉

LOL i was kidding mate 🙂  I've got the Pilgrims of Zwift ride in 30 mins... Although, trust me when i tell you... I'm not fast, not in anyones world or imagination.

Was up there y’day and things have improved from the big thaw 10 days ago when the main trails were getting a right hammering esp the newly refurbished sections. It’s still wet though. A lot of the off piste stuff could do with being left alone to recover a bit, but the runs off section 20 are still fine.

Might be up for this. Can I just ask what sort of bikes people will ride? Don’t want to be underbiked.

Cheers.

It's Swinley, a hardtail is fine, actually a singlespeed is fine.  HTH.

If I turn up (50/50, I need to finish some decorating tonight to earn my pass) I'll be on a rigid single speed fat bike, you can never be underbiked at Swinley it just makes the odd bit a little harder!

Can I just ask what sort of bikes people will ride? Don’t want to be underbiked.

Unless you turn up on a Road bike, you'll be okay or overbiked 🙂

Sadly can't make this anymore. Car shopping has been pushed forward 🙁

Can we do another when the weathers nicer?

Enjoy all!

Even though I'm not committed yet do we have a plan?

Say meet at the big listening tubes in front on the Lookout @ 9am

or are we just going to ride around looking for portly middle aged men driving Audi's and unloading Niche single speed bikes with bizarre handlebars?

or are we just going to ride around looking for portly middle aged men driving Audi’s and unloading Niche single speed bikes with bizarre handlebars?

I don't drive an Audi.

Weeksy Said

Lets stick with 9am then guys… I’ll be starting on the Whyte T-130SX in sky blue and be by the satellite dish thing just in front of main entrance.

this seems to be the planned meeting point...

T-130 for me.

Meeting at the dish things 9am.

I'm in.. green Chameleon.. will be happy to ride at the back to make everyone else look good (cough)..

Singlespeed Unicycle with Alt bars will be on the roof of my Quattro All Road S

Permission granted, see you at 9

Sounds like a variety of bikes. Threat of snow so it will have to be the fat bike and it’s the only one ready. Apologies. Will try to make it for 9.

No one needs to apologise for any bike, it's all just blokes on bikes messing about.

I'm looking forward to it. Just stuck some air in tyres as it's not moved since NYD, bit of a check, put seat post on charge, will scoot in and lube chain etc. All good

Oh.

Went to lube chain. My cranks don't move lol. Not a problem, bottom bracket dead. 2 min swap.

Oh. My tool doesn't fit! The swingarm is in the way on one side!

I'll be on the Parkwood!

Didn't know Whytes had press fit... 😉

Lol HT2 race Face. Last time I used it, it was a mud bath at Swinley, it seems to have died after that.

Bought this.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Acor-Bottom-Bracket-Tools-Fits-Shimano-Hollowtech-II-SRAM-GXP-MTB-Bike-Cranks/142529956071?epid=1023800419&hash=item212f7288e7:g:Z0oAAOSw3gJZNqsQ

Parole applications filed in triplicate, good behaviour delivered along with copious amounts of tea, and permission has been obtained.

I'll be there at 9.

 portly 30something man cheapskateing and riding in from muzzys kebab van on a  niche single speed bike with bizarre handlebars?