Is Swinley like Cannock in that a reasonably agressive tyre hooks up best in the soft (?), loamy (?) sandy (?) ground?
Or are we best on the summer tyres (now Autumn tyres too) such as Ralfs with minimum grip?
ride what ya bring 🙂
I'd be interested in this but unlikely to have a bike. Then again, I could 'borrow' a test bike for the day...
Anyone driving from London (Wandsworth)?
I can get there as early as needed as I am only coming from Reading way, happy to help with banners and getting sorted etc. (I am 6.4)
Stick me down for the fast group.....
Bob, red rocklobster...
I'll see if I can get a "pass".
Smurf (with carbon mojo)
Cant make it.... 🙁
smurf - MemberI'll see if I can get a "pass".
Smurf (with carbon mojo)
Is it off Lester? Sorry, joking 😉
Ti29er - Swinley is sandy and some of the trails are armoured. I will leave it to others to recommend suitable tyres but at the moment I am using a Nobby Nic on the front and Panaracer Fire XC on the rear.
jimmy - you can hire bikes there 🙂
http://www.wellingtontrek.co.uk/bikehire.php
It would be worth calling them in advance though.
ricochet_rob - thanks for offer of help.
[b]everyone[/b] - polite request for volunteers to possibly help with Slackers group. In January there were 16 Slackers which was too many. If I have to split the group, I will need a leader and sweeper. Thanks.
I will see if I can juggle things to get a pass for the Sunday instead of my normal Saturday. Fast group, but happy not to lead it this time 🙂
i may as well sweep because being at the back is my past time 😆
Hark at Ali !
oh sorry - did you want to do it?! 😉
lol , I though you were sweeping cos you rode a broom .
well.....it is the day after halloween so i may still have the broom!
everyone - polite request for volunteers to possibly help with Slackers group.
Don't mind helping if required... 🙂
i'll be in slackers, sweep
jedi - thank you 🙂
[b]Everyone[/b] - I have spoken to the Cafe and they have agreed to open up early for the STW'ers! So ... from 9.00 am you will be able to enjoy bacon rolls, egg rolls or egg and bacon rolls plus tea and coffee 😀
Mark - thank you, could you be a sweeper please?
Right - who has put those tags up there ^^^^^
Someone needs sorting ...
I don't know my way round brilliantly but I'm happy to sweep in the Slackers. I'll be riding with the OH any way so will be meandering round with them 🙂
mk1fan - thank you 🙂
Have I upset someone? I'm being called a witch 😥
I'd love to come but it means having to bring my rather gobby east london wide-boy mate who can't control himself when in the countryside.
If you think you can manage to deal with this then RudeBoy will be there...
Hey - it would be great to see my London louts again 😉
Rudeboy's a pussycat and he loves these rides 😀
Mark - thank you, could you be a sweeper please?
No problems Elaine, I'd be happy to. Leaves no expectations for me to be quick that way too! 😉
CG
the "witch" tag is in reference to Ali riding a broom and acting as sweeper .
"well.....it is the day after halloween so i may still have the broom!"
Do you think I should try to ride it with my fixed wheel? I will definately be in the slackers group then.
Hazzah!
DrP can make it!!
C-G; how many groups are there then? Are we decorating the bikes halloween stylee? Bobbing apples in the camelback??
Looking forward to catching up with 'the old kru!'
DrP
Hazzah indeed young doctor.
See you in a couple of weeks.
I'll bring my cheque book too...!
DrP
If i can find a replacement stem for the one i've just killed, i'll be coming retro on the alpinestars. Thoroughly enjoyed riding it today for the first time in 16 years. i'm a rigid convert, new bike time!
cheque book????
knottie - I have breathed a sigh of relief!
WCA - is this the Carver in a new guise?
Hey Dr. P - will be good to see you again. You'll be in solamanda's group cos he's doing the jumpy stuff 8) Feel free to decorate your bike! What's with the cheque book? I don't remember mentioning I will be giving out lbs discount vouchers 😉
rusty - you need to stop wrecking parts 🙄 Yeah, bring the retro. Had a quick look at the pics, were bikes more colourful in those days? Not sure if all the riders were wearing appropriate clothing though, not a mankini amongst them!
Cheque book is a personal arrangement between me and the good doctor.
ahhhhh lol 🙂
OK Pete 😯 Looking forward to seeing you again!
Cheque book - tick
Rubber gloves - tick
Mild local anaesthetic gel - tick
I'm ready Pete - now the open mind and good sense of humour is all down to you........ 😉
See you all in a few!
DrP
Yay DrP is joining us! Do we know how many are coming yet?
[b]Polite request[/b]:
Could all those who have kindly volunteered to act as guides and sweepers please e-mail me so as I know who is still available? Address in profile.
Thank you 🙂
ill sweep the chilled group (and maybe do a skills clinic ) 🙂
jedi - thank you 🙂 Depending on numbers, may split Slackers into 2 groups. A skills clinic sounds just what I need 8)
How are you feeling C_G?
Hello, another local (lead a ride around swinley on tuesdays sometimes), don't mind leading or sweeping if needed. 🙂
Mulletus - ghastly 🙁 Waiting for antibiotics to kick in, also have various drops plus painkillers. Am on the red wine now which I probably shouldn't have 🙄 Hoping to sleep right through without changing sheets again 😯
Thanks for asking though (although you probably wish you hadn't now!).
fingerbike - thank you 🙂
CG YGM .OF.
Fingerbike, did you used to have a polished kona dudu?
A polished Kona Dudu? Yes I did... 8)
Aha, I've ridden with you before many a year ago. Where is Jesus these days?
Solomanda, what sort of pace are you riding the slackers group at? I know there's a possible clue in the title .. but still..
Should be up for this!
Solomanda, what sort of pace are you riding the slackers group at?
PMSL 😀 I will be leading one of the Slackers groups, solamanda will be leading the downhilly/jumpy group.
juiced - feel free to e-mail if you have concerns.
I'll take a lead from what people want on the day. If enough jumpy dh'ery types turn up I'll show them some singletrack, some of which is worth repeating a few times and ride some token jumps/drops. The actual a-b distance pace will be pretty slow.
Aha, I've ridden with you before many a year ago. Where is Jesus these days?
Haha, look forward to an old(er) familiar face then.. 🙂
Jesus? He's currently driving around New Zealand in a Camper van.
Missing Swinley though, occasionally keep him updated on the condition of the trails... He will be back to tweak his trails soon no doubt...
juiced - it is a chilled out day, the Slackers will ride at the pace of the slowest and there will be a sweeper. This ride is really only suitable for adults that have some off-road experience and therefore not suitable for beginners.
The Slackers group is ideal for people that are returning from injury, or looking for a gentle ride without any pressure. Hope this helps you 🙂
Cinnamongirl, just re-read page one. Apologies very tired at present!
Hi, been on the forum few a couple of weeks; was just wondering what the DH/jumps stuff is like? All rollable? Massive hucks? Never been to Swinley so have no clue!
Swinley is owned by the crown estate not the Forestry, everything is rollable, has to be otherwise it gets flattened, nothing massive just some cheeky drops (not in the middle of any trails) and tabletops.
[b]solamanda/fingerbike[/b] - could you two hucking dudes share guiding/sweeping duties of one group, pretty please? 🙂
[b]Polite request[/b] - could I please have a volunteer to lead a second Slackers group (you need to know Swinley though) should there be sufficient numbers to warrant one? Thank you 🙂
I am planning a trip to the woods on the day, so will show my face in one of the slackers/jumpy groups.
Polite request - could I please have a volunteer to lead a second Slackers group (you need to know Swinley though) should there be sufficient numbers to warrant one? Thank you
I don't mind offering my volunteering for this! Swinley local so know the trails well.
Cheers
Sean
Will there be a mid paced group.
Spanner Man - thank you, that would be excellent 🙂
Nig E5 - there will probably be two.
rusty - you can always ride in the morning with a particular group and change to another in the afternoon. People do not have to stay in the same group all day.
I think i have done the volunteering for this! Swinley local too so know the trails inside out. Can help with the low to mid pace and love the tech bits. I have trained a few apprentices so am happy to pass on my swinley knowledge. No plumbing questions.
solamanda/fingerbike - could you two hucking dudes share guiding/sweeping duties of one group, pretty please?
Sounds good to me, just don't expect any backflips at the jumps or anything. 🙂
No backflips? That's rubbish. I do hope you can do a 360 atleast.
I could probably do a 350?!? 😕
Just found my flat pedals, bike now in jump/play mode...
I might trail round with the gnarly-jumpy group and take pictures if that's OK with you lot? I have a new flashgun I need to learn how to use 🙂
Lots of people, flat pedals and a photographer. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, I’m in. 😀
Can I put myself down for whatever group turns out to be the wheels firmly on the ground group?
Can guide or sweep as well - I know Swinley pretty well.
WTRFPSU - thank you 🙂 I may well need you! There is only one jumpy group being led by some rad dudes. All the others will be of varying pace and ar$e-on-the-ground skills.
petetheplumber - yep, you'll be riding with your normal partner so am sure you can do a great job with your group 🙂
CG is there to be a mid to slow paced group who will cater for those who are just learning to jump even though they ride a bike with silly clown size wheels 😕
Niche bikes are welcome bigsi 🙂 As far as I am aware, solamanda will be encouraging his jumpy group to session stuff so I would suggest you join in. solamanda is very skillful and he will be able to offer lots of advice, he knows his stuff 8)
I might trail round with the gnarly-jumpy group and take pictures if that's OK with you lot?
Must remember to cut the buttocks out of my Lyra shorts! 😈
[b]Everyone[/b]
I will be posting up final details either this evening or tomorrow. Pay attention 8)
Elaine going to need directions from M3 please 🙁
OF - follow the plumes of blue smoke from my old van.
Leave the M3 at junction 3. Follow A322 toward Bracknell. Go over one set of traffic lights and keep going. Ignore the A30 exit and the exit to Windsor /Ascot. At the first proper roundabout turn left. Follow signs to the "Look Out". The entry is about third of a mile on your left.
cheers anjs .
You should be able to follow your nose, with that many of us there, the smell of BS will be drifting for miles.