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Having planned a long-awaited riding weekend, based in Gloucester, the weather's not surprisingly done its best to thwart things. I hear the Cotswolds can be a nightmare after prolonged rain (having never ridden here before). Can anyone suggest any alternatives within an hour's drive that shouldn't be so weather-affected (I'm thinking south Wales trail centre may be the way to go) or if there are any spots in the Wolds that may still be rideable.
Many thanks
Los
If Cotswold mud isn't to your liking then try the Forest of Dean. 😀
It's fine. The odd churned up patch but it's nothing unusual. Cranham woods and Painswick Beacon would be your best bet.
Good plan. Don't mind the mud, at all; just that with young kids now I rarely get out for riding weekends and I really want to make the most of two full days of riding (not pushing or carrying my hardtail through bogs...)
just stay well away from the "Field of Doom"
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Yeah, I think i will. Where be this fabled 'Field of Doom', of which you speak?
mmm the mud around those parts can take on quite an astonishing form! be brave and embrace the filth!
Reckon singlespeed could be the way to go...
i would stay out of Cranham, let the trails rest rather than trash them through the winter. Cleeve, Painswick, Sheepscombe etc all seem to take the weather better.
"Cotsworld" I like that
I simply must write into Cotswold Life and ask them to do a feature on it
I am sitting in their offices at the moment so I can mention it if you like! (Bit worrying as a sub-editor that I can't spell Cotswold...) 😯
Wow! what a small 'Cots'world we live in 😛
I am sitting in their offices at the moment so I can mention it if you like! (Bit worrying as a sub-editor that I can't spell Cotswold...)
ever thought of working for the Guardian, i thought spelling was one of the key skills you need.
If you're planning on going to painswick let me know as my mate Matt and his Wife (and their new baby) have this place: http://www.stmichaelsrestaurant.co.uk/
oh and check out Noahs Ark, a damn fine (big) bike & board shop
Cheers Mr Nutt, looks like we may well be heading in that direction - looks inviting, though we may have to shower first...
I would try cleeve hill if you don't want too much mud!
I would leave Cranham out of the equasion as it is in a state and not really a fun ride after large group rides have hammered it over the last three weeks.
Cleeve never really gets muddy as it drains well. Have you considered a small 40 minute trip to the Malverns?
Yeah, Cleeve will be fine. Or off the back of Leckie. I could be persuaded to show you around as long as it's a) Sunday and b) not too early a start (so half ten/eleven)
We could even do the Field of Doom for a laugh if you like.
giggidy.
Cleeve itself is fine, over the back (thru the singletrack down to the logging area then back up to Watley Farm) is messy. Rode it on Sunday and it was not great. Did Leki on Tuesday night and not too bad generally.
Cranham should not be ridden when like this fullstop.
FOD is a mess but that just seems to add to it - look for FODCA Enduro Route on line.
Malvern Hills are also in great nick at the moment
and you are only a short hop to Cwm Carn - always rideable!!
Have fun
Did lekkie today; a little sloppy in places but fine overall. Happy days.