[Closed] Swinley Forest Forum Ride - 10th January 2009

[i]pk-ripper - Member
lol - and there from radoggair is the reason why I don't bother.

rado, I agree it's about the company, which is why in smaller groups you can actually chat to people, about a fair bit of stuff (not just riding, as that's just one of many things I'm interested in) and actually get to know a bit more about them, all without worrying how many people are around you, whether you'll clip a wheel if you switch off, whether someone else will trip yours etc. You know, actual chatting, rather than swapping around positions in a larger bunch, saying a cursory "hello, who are you on the forum, whoops, singletrack bit, hopefully catch up with you in a bit". I wasn't 100% that I wouldn't be going, but hey, you've just helped me make up my mind.

oh, and bluetit really is a pathetic insult. You could have called me a **** or something, but no, you chose bluetit[/i]

Didn't want to go down the line of swearing you see, instead kept it 'gentlemanly'. You'll also find its a 'social' ride where you can chat whilst you climb. I even did it on the last meet. It also doesn't matter if there's 3 or 30 people, once you hit a fast bit of singletrack you don't or mostly can't still keep talking to them whilst cycling, unless your pathetically slow. Thus, this must mean your pathetically slow and unsocialable. Your replying sentence also refers to whether your with 4 or 40 people again. If you chat and switch off you may clip or be clipped regardless if your in a big bunch.

Anyway PK, cause i'm keeping it clean, enjoy your day all by yourself, we all look forward to your great pictures and stories of the days ride

Guys - we don't need this. Both of you come along on Saturday and enjoy the Swinley vibe.

Peace.

WTF...

People are having a to do, on this thread??? Chill out! and as CG says, come along and enjoy yerselves!

'Bluetit' LOL! Pretty sure that wasn't really meant as a proper insult!

C_G - i'm about 400 miles away so cant make it unfortunately. I look forward to the pics though. U guys n gals enjoy the ride

Rudeboy - just a bit of banter thats all.

[b]ON TOPIC - PLEASE READ[/b]

Everyone - thanks for all your input on this and in view of the cold weather conditions continuing, we have a plan.

We shall start riding as one large group and if it appears obvious that it's not going to work well, we will split into groups. Here's the contingency plan:

There are 5 people who will be able to lead and I'm pretty certain that I can rustle/bully some volunteers with local knowledge to sweep. Groups would have to be split by ability so you need to be honest! I am happy to lead at a gentle pace which will be particularly suitable for people coming back after injury/illness.

The group leaders will have a copy of the route I have devised but route choice will ultimately be left to them.

I do hope that this will reassure those who had concerns about waiting around/getting cold/getting lost etc. In fact it may persuade some more people to come along!

If anyone has any questions, feel free to post up or e-mail me, address in profile.

It's going to be a great day 🙂

Hi girls, I hope your ride goes OK on Saturday & that everyone has a great time. Sorry I wont be there as it's a 500 mile round trip for me & I'm not feeling too hot at the moment with the winter lurgy.

Is Rocketdog still going to pitch up in his leopard print outfit?

Only I think I saw 'shim' down the gym pumping iron to buff his body into shape

[img] [/img]

those were my slimmer days 🙁

cinnamon_girl

I'm hoping to be able to make it, pending any bike or baby emergencies.
I'll be coming from Ealing, West London and I can fit 1 other bike on the roof if anyone is on the way and needs a lift

smurf (previously known on here as murf)

Hello smurf. Ealing used to be one of my old stomping grounds!

We have a little snow at Swinley, it's looking rather pretty. But the good news is that the trails are still riding well so you won't need your spiked tyres 😀

cinnamon girl
As I'm still recovering, can I be put into the slowest group please?

Worry not - Auntie C_G will take care of the sick, lame and lazy 😉

Don't forget to bring your extra layers for when we stop for a break at the cafe! 😀

Anyone else need to know anything before Saturday?

I am hoping to come along as well. Might bring my daughter with me too maybe even my son if that's ok. They are 14 and 12 respectively and have spent many happy (well, mostly happy 🙂 ) hours trundling around Swinley. I know quite a few of the routes but would love to see where you are planning to take people and what sort of things you are hoping to get up ie. will you be heading out through the corkscrew and on round to Babymaker / Labrynth etc.

Bikingcatastrophe - I do think it's great that you are getting your kids out into the fresh air and countryside. I do however feel that this is not really suitable for a family ride.

Aleigh and I behave very badly sometimes and our language can be colourful. I have kids myself (although they are adults now) and I certainly would not have taken them to anything like this. People will be letting their hair down in an adult environment and they can not be expected to modify their behaviour 🙂

I am of course [b]not[/b] implying that the STW'ers would be worse than Aleigh and I ................................

but would be amazed if they were not an awful lot worse 😉

I do hope you understand 🙂

Cue, WCA.. However the BBB is suitable for all ages.. etc etc.. 😀

I got a new camera for Christmas (none of your fancy SLR stuff, but its good enough for me) so if you haven't got any other volunteers I'll take some pics.

I think I'll be there anyway!!

Thanks for the heads up CG and understand.Hmmm, two badly behaved ladies - definitely need to leave the kids behind! I guess they can go shopping with wifey for the day. 🙂

Only if we manage to turn up on the right day.

Dez - that would be great thank you but one proviso - you exclude me (not that Mr Poddy used to take any notice). Do you want to ride with the group or be "strategically placed for photographic opportunities"?!

Bikingcatastrophe - you could always come along for either morning or afternoon session? We will probably be in the Cafe around 1.00 pm.

singletrackmind - yep, this Saturday!

I thought this was Sunday, so might have a problem.. 😥

Just going to check

Why can't the kids come? It won't be too demanding for kids of that age. And if they're with their dad, they can always cut out early, if it's too tough.

As for the language, well, I'm sure people can moderate their language (I mean, as there will be ladies present, I will of course be minding my Ps and Qs). anyway, it's a cruel, harsh World out there; no point sheltering them from it. At that age, they probably know more swear words than their parents, anyway...

I think it's just because people don't want to be shown up by youngsters...

😆 excuse me whilst i almost spit my coffee out over my keyboard! 😆

😀 Saturday is ok. phew

Yay!

Something amused you, Aleigh? Do tell. 🙄

[i]I will of course be minding my Ps and Qs[/i]

😆

RudeBoy are you bringing your new internet friend?

Any room for another fat bloke ?

The kids got me on the Wii Fit and it said I was a beast or was that Obese ?
Anyway not been out on the bike for lots of months and not been to Swinley for over a year so sounds like a good oppurtunity to get started again.

ps Is it still uncool to ride a Marin ?

What new internet friend? Do you mean psychle? No, he's working, unfortunately, but I've told him about the van thing and that, so he should be up for future rides.

Good name BTW. Big up an' nuff respect to the Hackney Massive. Mind you, you've lost a bit of weight lately, haven't you? Not so massive any more. Or have you become McFatty again, over Xmas?

Aleigh; I can assure you, that I shall behave impeccably. Got to show that there are still [i]some[/i] Gentlemen left.

Muke- Marins are officially cool again, i think. They became so uncool, that it's gone full circle, and now they are cool again!

It's things like Titanium Litespeeds and that, that are not cool any more...

C_G, in answer to your question, I'll do what I've seen others do - blast ahead and wait "strategically placed for photographic opportunities".
Seems like a fun way to do it.
Maybe video a few bits too. See how it goes.

Oh yeah, and I'll exclude you (maybe) 🙂

she loves having a pic taken really 😆

i on the other hand don't 😉

[i]i on the other hand don't [/i]

I'll just take pics of the bikes and cut the rest off!

😆

Muke - of course, you will be more than welcome. I'll be leading the sick, lame and lazy ... and Marin riders in case they get picked on 😉

Rudeboy - you ain't riding in my posse! Nah, I'm not in the cool gang anymore ... unless that's where the knitting circle hang out!

Dez - we need to have a chat beforehand 😉 See me before we start, I'll let you have a copy of the route and the chances are you will know most of it anyway. My bike loves being photographed ... it's just the old girl that's on it that doesn't!

[i]chances are you will know most of it anyway[/i]

Now that's funny! I get lost going home from work most days 😀

it's your age dezb 😉

CG - I still havn't brought my Permit online yet. Can you confirm what time the permit office opens on Saturday morning please? If we are meeting at 10am to ride for 10.30am there should be time for me to buy it in the morning before we start?

Matt

It opens at 10 so you've got time.

Hi cinnamon_girl really looking forward to Saturday.Any confirmed numbers yet...especially in the very very slow group that I will be in?

mrseight - haven't a clue how many will turn up, you can never tell with these things! Don't worry, Auntie C_G will take care of the sick, lame, lazy and Marin riders group - I know where I'm going and it definitely won't be quickly 😀

[b]ON TOPIC - PLEASE READ[/b]

Permit - buy online and save time otherwise Visitor Centre (with loos) opens at 10.00am, as does Cafe where you will be able to get hot drinks to take out. There are no car parking charges, hurrah.

Don't forget to collect your discount voucher from me, I'll be wearing a ghastly green STW jersey on top of loads of layers!

We will definitely be riding in groups from the start so you need to think about which category you fall into - either fast, strong intermediate (2 groups), intermediate and erm, sick, lame, lazy and Marin riders led by me.

This will mean that people will stay warm and not have too much hanging around. Each group leader will be using their expert trail knowledge to put together a challenging and enjoyable route.

We will aim to be back at the Cafe at around 1.00 pm where hot food and drinks can be purchased together with massive slices of cake. We will need to sit outside so either pack a warm top in your backpack or retrieve one from your car.

More riding after lunch for those who want even more fun. If you wish to change group after lunch you can of course do so.

Current trail conditions - most of the white stuff has now disappeared but the trails are running really well and fast. Ground is still hard so you won't need full-on mud tyres.

What bike for Swinley? All welcome especially niche! A lot of people use a singlespeed, some use 29ers etc. There are hills but they tend to be small and short, a few roots, some aggregated trails - a mixture really.

Phew! Have I covered everything? If I haven't, just post up 8)

Dear Aunties CG and Aleigh:
I'm sorry, I'm going to have to wimp out. Something has come up. I was really looking forward to meeting you all (well, some of you) again. Later in the year, I hope.

Moses

Oh, that'a s shame Moses cos I know you like Swinley.

Not sure if Aleigh would like being referred to as Auntie 😉

Auntie indeed! Tsk 🙄

Metcheck are forecasting 2 degrees, some sunshine and a southerly breeze. Sounds good to me, just glad to see the back of that easterly wind!

Any questions, just post up or send me an e-mail, address in profile.

Can't wait til tomorrow and looking forward to meeting everyone. It's going to be such a fun day 😀

I am SOOOOO excited! I'll be able to lean out of the window of the van, swear at cyclists, and make lewd and suggestive comments to young ladies passing by. Better get me copy of the Sun, then...

Can I just confirm where we are meeting? Is it at the Look Out car park, and is there only one? I haven't been before.

r6ymy, yes the Lookout Carpark, there is only one, entrance is pretty much directly opposite the entrance to the Coral Reef/Tennis Courts at the top of nile mile ride.

Ian

r6ymy - There will be the standard issue Big Bike Bash staff car parked somewhere obvious.

[img] http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=yuf9wf&outx=800&quality=70 [/img]

I can't make it tomorrow but have been out in Swinley this morning - pretty much everything is frozen solid so it's more like riding on rippled concrete. It's fast too, but wear something warm!

WCA, what a cheap car. Could you not afford a decent one? Shame...

at least he's got one 😉

😯

Ooh, nasty...

I'll just nick yours.

yeah yeah

Cheap and decent. Apparently the market for large 6 litre V12 Coupes is a bit depressed at the moment. Somebody has lost over 90K in depreciation in just 45K miles!

Great time to buy some propper heavy metal.

There have been so many posts on this thread either 1 of two things is going to happen. Either nobody is going to turn up or everyone which would be worse as there would be one hell of a tail-back on the trails. Good luck, I will be avoiding Swinley like the plague on Saturday, no offence:p

Pretty much everything is frozen solid so it's more like riding on rippled concrete...

Oh good.

Ive just dusted off the bike, all seems good, sit on, rear shock compresses a lot, mmm maybe more weight gain than I thought, get off, shock stays down. I forgot that RP3s don't like cold weather. Plan B then dig out the Orange hardtail....My name is Muke and tommorow I shall mainly be standing up.

Looking forward to tommorow, maybe we need a roll call to see how many people are going and how many actually turn up ?

Need a lift as I'm currently car-less and we're not sure if the Ipswich contingent are fit enough after the great Christmas cold/flu experience. (Lift dependent on rest of party being fit!)

fauxX4 - i am guessing about the same number of people will turn up at Swinley as on a normal Saturday but there will be a lot more chatting and faffing and cakes. Then groups of riders will head off rather than one great big group.

C_G is an intellegent woman (is that an oxymoron? ;-)) and won't arrange a disaster.

[i]I will be avoiding Swinley like the plague on Saturday, no offence:p [/i]

no offence taken but you'll be missing one hell of a laugh! 😆

[i]C_G won't organise a disaster[/i]

I had forgotton aleigh was involved. Better bring extra sloe gin

😉

wca, just so you know i will need 3 litres for my camelbak 😆

Really wish I could join you all and put faces to names! Have a great time and where can we see the pictures?

Is Rudeboy still invited? He hasnt been temporarily banned from this ride by the mods has he?

I for one support Rudeboy all the way and look forward to meeting the guy. If he is as amusing in the flesh as he is in his post we will get on like a house on fire.

Go Rudeboy...

Matt

Plus obviously watching Aleigh consume 3 litres of sloe gin and ride afterwards would be pretty entertaining!

300 posts! Congrats!

Aleigh; won't Lambrini be more your thing?

(Reminder to self: wear full body armour and stab-vest, and stay out of range of Aleigh, tomorrow...)

'Nothings gonna change my love for you..'

bikey- really appreciate that, thanks. I think the 'transgression' has all been sorted out, now, thank God! BTW, I'm not as tall, in real life...

I'm just looking forward to meeting old faces, and new ones, and having a good time. As for the riding, well, I think the social aspect is more important to me, tbh, but Swinley is loads of fun, so I'm sure it will be a blast.

Will come over to say hi, but will probably ride "Hors du groupe" if that's OK. See you after for cake though.

[i]Plus obviously watching Aleigh consume 3 litres of sloe gin and ride afterwards would be pretty entertaining! [/i]

Who said anything about me drinking it after? I'll be drinking it whilst riding! 😆

Lambrini is for wimps rudeboy - something you'd know about ay? 😉

Oh and you'll need more than body armour if you even hesitate in playing that song near me!

CG has said there will be 5 groups in different parts of the forest BTW 🙂

not yet!

Pics will (hopefully!) be on my Fotopic site, soon as I'm physically able.
I'll individually email everyone who turns up with the link 😉

Perhaps you could post the link on here as well?

What a silly suggestion!

fauxbyfour - actually I have been rather offended, being a sensitive soul 😳

There won't be any significant tailbacks on the trails cos I don't envisage any sensible folk being out tomorrow. We have so many trails at Swinley to choose from, they're not just in the one area you know! Come and join us!

As you can see WCA has paid me a massive compliment and has total confidence. Thanks WCA!!

Rudeboy - you better stay outta my way tomorrow, I don't want any more dribbles on my new girlie 😉 Will you be on the ss?

Aleigh will deffo be entertaining us tomorrow, how strong is this stuff WCA?

nickc - you could always join a group for either a morning or afternoon session?

Look forward to meeting everyone!

Everyone else - do come over and say "hi"

With this many people coming it will be like a dry run of the Big bike Bash, just without the beer festival, live music, camping and silly competitions.

Cinnamon_girl - have a great time tomorrow. Have you warned the cafe to bake extra cake?

Can't be there myself, so to everyone who's going, have fun.

howdy folks 🙂

plan to come along tomorrow with Mrs OSK, looking forward to meeting some of you folks and getting to know a few more of the trails at Swinley. I'll be the one on a (surprise surprise) Kona and Mrs OSK is on a Spesh. Only been out there a couple of times so see you tomorrow all being well.

Hi

I'm going to try to make it along as well.

Will bring my camera so can take some pictures as well.

hs

Oh and you'll need more than body armour if you even hesitate in playing that song near me!

Ah, come on, babe! You'll love it, you'll see..

[b]If I had to live my life without you near me
The days would all be empty
The nights would seem so long
With you I see forever oh so clearly
I might have been in love before
But it never felt this strong

Our dreams are young
And we both know they'll take us
Where we want to go

Hold me now
Touch me now
I don't want to live without you

Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You ought know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love

Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You ought know by now how much I love you
The world may change my whole life through
But nothing's gonna change my love for you

If the road ahead is not so easy,
Our love will lead the way for us
Like a guiding star
I'll be there for you if you should need me
You don't have to change a thing
I love you just the way you are
So come with me and share the view
I'll help you see forever too
[/b]

hey there,

I will be along in the morning. Finally made it to the garage to put the bike back together. keep an eye out i'll be on a red inbred.

If your nice I may give you a fig roll 😉

does that sound like a euphemism?

Those little pug dogs remind me of fig rolls. They're quite cute, though. Make me laugh.