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[Closed] Best places in the south east for riding in winter? (drainage, mud etc)

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It get pretty claggy round where I live, near to the south downs. Where are some good spots that drain well and do not turn into mudfests quite so easily?


 
Posted : 05/11/2011 7:15 pm
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not to bad up here in north east essex(colchester)mainly sand on top of clay so drains so long as we don't have non stop rain over a few day can get boggy after that friday woods miltary trainning ground(open to public) is a fave local loop


 
Posted : 05/11/2011 8:15 pm
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thetford


 
Posted : 05/11/2011 8:21 pm
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Rotherfield! Near ton bridge wells!


 
Posted : 05/11/2011 8:58 pm
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Rotherfield in the winter, I don't think so! Pure clay

Stay clear of Bedgebury too.


 
Posted : 05/11/2011 9:17 pm
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Oldbury is supposedly very good for drainage over the winter months, have a look here for more info:

http://www.sketchymtb.co.uk/Blah.pl?m-1269809110/s-new/


 
Posted : 05/11/2011 9:56 pm
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Leith Hill drains ok, off to Swinley Forest Sunday will let you know.


 
Posted : 05/11/2011 10:57 pm
 hh45
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Surrey Hills and Swinley are not too bad if a few dry days beforehand but really everyone needs to consider the damage they do in extended wet spells. I dont want to wind peole up but really wet spells are why some of us have road bikes. And for longer sessions go to Wales.


 
Posted : 05/11/2011 11:15 pm
 br
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Not the Chilterns.


 
Posted : 05/11/2011 11:38 pm
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+1 For hh45. Surrey Hills have been trashed over the years with inconsiderate riding during prolonged wet spells.

However, it does drain better than pretty much anywhere else South I've ridden. Just give it a rest for a day or two after rain.


 
Posted : 05/11/2011 11:46 pm
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Yes, I live in Hampshire and the bridleways here get 4-5 feet wider in winter. Not good. I just head to some of the rockier parts of Wales when I'm not in hibernation mode.


 
Posted : 06/11/2011 1:25 am
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Woburn Sands - the clue is in the name!


 
Posted : 06/11/2011 1:56 am
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You could just explore the local area thoroughly and see which bits get bad and avoid them, I've been riding on the south downs for over 20 years and we ride all year round without any problems!


 
Posted : 06/11/2011 9:53 am
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Cheifgrooveguru +1


 
Posted : 06/11/2011 11:43 am