The Smoke Ring, a 3-Day Circuit Around London

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200mi Through the North Downs, Epping Forest, Colne Valley, and Surrey Hills

Epping Epic
Epping Epic

Bringing to mind Lewis Carroll caterpillars more than mountain biking, the inaugural Smoke Ring Mountain Bike Adventure is a three-day mountain bike event circling London.  Running anti-clockwise around the capital, the May 2016 ride offers 200 miles’ worth of tracks in Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire.

FGF 695 - Enduro Beckoning
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Ring around The Big Smoke
Ring around The Big Smoke

Thanks to the heavily-developed nature of the region, the route is roughly 60% dirt and 40% road – but it does manage to rack up a total of 10,000 feet of elevation gain.  Participants will camp for the event’s two nights, with luggage transfers provided each day.  Campsites will include charging facilities, access to workshop and cleaning equipment, and a buffet breakfast.

Riding it Swinley Style
Rocking it Swinley Style

On-route signage and GPX tracks will be provided, as will food and water stops.  The route will apparently consist of “bridleways, byways, singletrack, quiet lanes, woodland, heathland and urban, all with a huge variety of trail surfaces including rocks, roots and river crossings.”

Bagshot Heath
Bagshot Heath

Entry is open now through 18th May (ten days before the event) and the £180 cost seems reasonable for a long weekend of organised riding.

Given the course description, what would the ideal Smoke Ring bike be?  29er hardtail for speed?  Short-travel full-susser for big-day comfort?  Or (whisper it) would a ‘cross bike give riders the tarmac edge, you masochist?

mtbepics.co.uk/events


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OFFER ENDS 31st MARCH