Posting this thread again as the original one fell into a bit or an argument that has tainted the thread with an atmosphere that isn't in the spirit of an friendly and welcoming forum ride.
I've had a few emails asking when I'd organise another one and now people are mentioning it in threads on here I suppose I'd better get cracking
[center][u][b]THE Swinley super-sexual super-fun all-welcoming October FUN RIDE![/b][/u][/center]
OK, here we go again 🙂 In the same way staff on planes ask you to pay attention as the safety announcement may have changed since your last flight, there are some changes and additional information in this post!
I have broken it up into sections to try and answer as many questions in advance as possible:
[b][u]I'VE NOT HEARD OF THIS MAGICAL SOUNDING EVENT, WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA?[/b][/u]
Who wants to join us for a chilled not so serious not too fast ride? A ride that is completely devoid of mad skilz, big air and judgement, an afternoon of getting muddy in Swinley...
Equally who wants to meet up with some of the weirdos from this forum and blast through the single track like a scolded yeti?
The first SwingleySexyParty ended up with some confusion at the beginning and we ended up with everyone heading out in one BIG group of just over 45 riders.. the second one had around 60-70ish turn up so we divided into groups.
It's shorter notice this time and its that time of year when the trails are nice and muddy, potentially a smaller turn out but I think it's sensible to have a couple of groups if the attendance list grows big enough, for example:
[b]1 - "The A-Team"[/b], a group of riders so fast and AWESOME that it would be mean and nasty to make them wait for the slower riders... this group will be lead by PaulD who has kindly volunteered after leading the group last time, thank you!
[b]2 - "The A(part2) Team"[/b], as above, but possibly necessary if enough people come along to have 2 faster groups... Thisisnotaspoon has offered to lead this group again 🙂 thank you also!
[b]3 - "The It's not how fast you ride its how much fun you're having (but secretly jealous of the extra confident healthy people) Team"[/b]..... AndyRT has kindly volunteered to lead this group this time 😀 huge thank you!
Conversation and pace should be set by the slowest person in the "INHFYRIHMFYH(BSJOFECHP)" group so please dont worry about not keeping up with the mentalists, this should be an afternoon with lots of little stops and no pressure to be super skilled or speedy.
If that sounds like your idea of fun, then it would be a pleasure to have you along.
[b][u]WHERE AND WHEN?[/b][/u]
The plan is to meet at 11:30 on Saturday 1st October in the LookOut carpark for fettling, pumping up tyres, admiring Yeti's pre-ride stretches and then setting off to ride at 12o-clock lunchtime.
It is worth emphasising that it is sensible to allow plenty of time to park and, if needs be, use the Coral Reef car park which is across the road from the entrance to the LookOut. There is an Overflow car park that is accessed from far right hand side of car park on the road that exits the car park... It is alongside the B3430 Nine Mile Ride.
A webpage with the look out address details (on the right of the map), map and directions is available [url= http://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisure/leis-the-look-out-discovery-centre/leis-lo-find-us.htm ]HERE....[/url]
Once you've parked up, unloaded your dandyweapon of choice and checked your "tyre choice for Swinley?" thread then come join me underneath the trees to the right just as you go though the Go-Ape gates.
[b][u]ARE THERE ANY RULES?[/b][/u]
Rules? Wouldn't that ruin the spirit of such a friendly chilled ride? Well yes it would if it was all taken too seriously, however there are some pointers that are worth getting out of the way now, fingers crossed they don't come across as super-strict rules.. more pieces of advice to make your ride and everyone else's that little bit more enjoyable.
[b]1)[/b] Bring your own spares,
[b]2)[/b] Bring your own camelback/water,
[b]3)[/b] Wear a helmet if you've got one or do your own risk assessment and dont,
[b]4)[/b] Bring your own mid-ride snacks, dont want any "bonking" now do we
[b]5)[/b] Route will be decided upon the day by the "leaders" of each group and will be dependent on any trail closures/conditions...
[b]6)[/b] If LOTS of people turn up then we might need to break up into more than 2 groups, best to decide this on the day.
[b]7)[/b] As with the last sexyparty...In the spirit of a beginners/gentle/nothing-too-serious-ride I will be wearing full on downhill pyjamas, I will ride a carrera from Halfords and I will make sure any bike snobs out there will be mortally offended by my blatant disregard for the unwritten rules of MTB... so if anyone is worrying about what they ride or their choice of lycra, relax as you wont be judged!
[b]8 )[/b] We ride at the pace of the slowest rider in each group, or we ride at our own pace and wait at the top of the next hill/section/junction for others to catch up.
[b]9)[/b] No pressure on anyone to do things they are not happy with as it's all about having fun! Walking certain sections/hills will not be frowned upon.
[b]10)[/b] Due to potentially large numbers of riders, please don't bring your dogs as chances are my friend Matt will ride into them whilst distracted by their awesomeness... he is still learning the hard way that you ride into what you're looking at.
[u]Drink/nicotine/crack-pipes disclaimer:[/u]
I dont really feel the need to tell people to be considerate, so I'll just say that people are people and will do what they want, but in the spirit of a super-welcoming-ride if people do want to smoke/drink/turn up naked then I'd respectfully ask that people are considerate of those that might be put out by it, and for non-smokers to not make the poor nicotine starved feel guilty with disapproving looks etc.
[b][u]WHO'S GOING TO LEAD THE WAY?[/u][/b]
As mentioned above if numbers are big enough then PaulD, Thisisnotaspoon and AndyRT have kindly offered their services for the ride. If less than 15-20 turn up then we can all head out in one group and follow a random rider around for the ride, sticking close enough to worry them but when they turn around we can all turn away and whistle like we're not up to nuffink
[b][u]DOESN'T SWINLEY REQUIRE A PERMIT TO RIDE?[/b][/u]
Why yes it does, you can buy one on the day or alternatively you can buy in advance online.... link to purchase day permit:
[url= https://sslrelay.com/www.mbsawebsite.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=154cee931a8d0a9/shopdata/index.shopscript ]CLICK HERE - Third link from the bottom[/url].
Please, please get a permit, there has been a lot of work put into trail maintainance recently and the permit money does help contribute towards that.... oh and the Rangers are cracking down on permits.
[b][u]WHATS THE PLAN FOR FOOD? I'M HUNGRY, LETS EAT YETI!![/b][/u]
Those who survive the afternoon are all invited to a post ride feast in the cafe.
Seating is outside so maybe throw an extra layer in your car for when we get back, and feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks for the feast if you want to save money or treat the group to your own flapjack/cake creations.
Please make sure you eat properly in the morning before the ride too!
[b][u]SO, ARE YOU UP FOR IT?[/b][/u]
If you're planning on joining in then register your interest on this thread, I will give out my mobile number to those requesting it via email nearer the time.
Feel free to invite your regular riding buddies along to it.
This is going to be fun
[u]DISCLAIMER:[/u]
[i]As this ride is simply a casual ride organised by a group of friends based in a magical digital world, we are not members of any association or federation and therefore are not covered by any insurance.
By the very nature of the sport all-terrain biking does have a degree of RISK and we ask all those who join us to take this into consideration .
I cannot accept any liability or responsibility for any incidents which may occur during this ride and suggest that those who are new to the sport ensure they are prepared for the inevitable, puncture, mechanical,rain shower and odd tumble or two.
It is recommended that your mobile phone has an entry titled "EMERGENCY" or "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) with a contact number of someone you'd like contacted if something goes wrong... which we hope we will never have to use.[/i]
The force is strong with this thread....
I'm still going to be overseas, though. 🙁
*walks out to the sound of the bell*
Damn you Phil, I can't make this date.
my offer of help still stands, and may be able to bring a few strangers with me too
You know it's inevitable, he won't be able to resist posting here too. he ruins the forum and now he's starting to do the same with the rides
Good luck with it though
cheers Andy! bring as many strangers as you want 😀
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I like the disclaimer. Has anyone actually ever turned up naked or smoking crack/pot?
not yet, but there's still time for yeti to re-arrange his holiday to the alps 😉
I'm keen. I'm a Swinley virgin and not too good in group situations but this sounds like a really nice way of getting to know new people and a fresh, local-ish riding spot. Well done for persisting!
Just so we don't end up with a huge slow group and no fast or medium like last time, I can confirm that despite my group being designated the medium to fast group that I am neither fast nor medium (definately a large) and I don't think we rode any further than the slow group, we even managed to get lost!
Later, riders will regard this event as a zeitgeist moment in the history of STW. Those, like me, who couldn't go will gnaw their fingernails and grind their teeth whenever the Great Swinley Ride of October 2011 is mentioned... I hope it'll be remembered as an awesome day, but if there's scrapping images must be posted!
Had a mail about it this morning and shoved it in my diary. I'll probably be in the middle group.
*Shameless bump for a positive thread!*
Gutted I can't make this - it's my birthday (30 wooooo) so spending the day with family. And I missed the last one 'cos my car got upset on the way out of London.
Fingers crossed I'll be free for the next one though 🙂
I might come if i can find a replacement bottom bracket in time 😉
Unfortunately can't make it that day but hope you all have a blast. Good work organising it Phil.
I'm off to read the original thread now to see what the commotion was, although I have a sneaking suspicion I can guess!
I am in again!
I can still make it, and can still help with guiding/sweeping.
I'm in.
Haven't been since I broke my collarbone in the bombhole. Will check the rugby calendar, so provisional.
Oh and watch out for the kids. PalmerPark Velo will be out that morning.
Happiness rules!
🙂 cheers WillTheRealForumPleaseStandUp!
Happy birthday in advance SamB, hope you have a great day with the family 🙂
bump for the evening crowd
Excellent. Looks like I'll definitely be making this now. 😀
I'm absolutely gutted I can't make it due to a previous invite to a piss-up in Wales.
Keep having them, though. One day, one day...
dont worry whoppit, there will be more... even if i couldnt ride i'd probably still organise them and get a buzz out of seeing everyone set off for a ride 😀
yes
tazzy, if you're reading this... come and play, i've already asked your mum and its ok as long as you're home by dinner time and dont get too muddy 😀
bump
Wooo , i'm up for this.
Never visited Swinley before 🙂
Would a SS be ok?
yes, its basically a three speed zone
SS is fine for swinley, its not exactly mountainous but its pretty much up or down... very little flat stuff 🙂 i'm converting my HT to SS on saturday in preparation 😀
Cool, thats good news.
I only live 15 miles away but the bike has to come in the car ( honda S2000 ) which means I need a reason to make the effort LOL
Lets hope for less mud
🙂 be good to meet you dude
If there's a reason why this thread is languishing on page 2 of STW. What that reason is beats the hell out of me...
(good thread bump and I'm not even going. 😥 )
I'm in.... I live 1.3 miles away and am always up for a quick blast round Swinley... 🙂
quick blast eh... might want to join PaulD's speedy group then!
looking forward to meeting you 🙂
Can't make this one 🙁
Whatever happened to the video that you made of the last one?
i got a bit burnt out having spent 60+ hours editing a snowboarding video so by the time i got started on the swinley ride video i jsut couldnt wrap my head around another 12+hours of footage to sort through! its sitting in a file though and i've done most of the hard work trimming clips down. once mrsconsequence has finished her video project and the computers free i'm feeling the itch tog et working on it again having been watching mrsconsequence beavering away 🙂
having been watching mrsconsequence beavering away
Not sure if 😯 or 😈 .....
none of that misogymathingy now 😆
Phil,
Just found this new post and confirm that I will lead the fast group.
I will also recce the route on the Thursday or Friday and post my findings here (what tyre/tyre pressure/saddle/forks/brake pads for Swinley etc).
I expect to ride the new extension to Stickler both ways, Tank Traps, Gully, Labyrinth, Wall-2 and over to the Seagull for Corkscrew and Session Area before coming in for tea and medals.
PaulD
sounds fantastic paul, thank you!
went to swinley today, conditions aren't bad at all considering the recent showers... sunny and very windy days have kept it to only a few puddles 😀
bump for weekend people 🙂
Was hoping to make this but conincides with the Coed enduro and am doing that on the Sunday, will be resting up on the Saturday, have fun.
Would also love to have made it Philly. But it coincides with my first ever opportunity to attend a gay wedding in the hugely exciting city of Leicester. And I ain't missing the chance to dance at that. 🙂
I'll be there if i'm not on holiday...never ridden in Swinley before as its an awkward distance between long ride/short car journey for me 😕
darcy, i'm disappointed.. we've never stopped anyone from dancing at swinley.
🙂 be cool if you can make it akak!
morning bump 🙂
akak - drive past it, park a short distance away and ride back?
bumpity bump
I'll be there, possibly with two other riding buddies.
Love riding Swinley and will be great to be shown ''Stickler both ways, Tank Traps, Gully, Labyrinth, Wall-2 and over to the Seagull for Corkscrew and Session Area'' as I always get lost when I go.
Sounds like a good day out. See y'all there
🙂 nice one slimjim
Gutted can't make this one as the last one was great fun - I will be on my way to the Lakes for a weeks family holiday and Mrs nacho threatened me and the bike if we followed on a day later!
Will it be warmer this time?
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crikey - peaks pootle organisation is positively shambolic compared to this!
one day we'll hook them all up, a "sexy pootle chapter ride"....
in fact, that's an idea......
its a GENIUS idea 
right. I'll be in touch.
what have i agreed to? 😯
Will ask Mrs Sandwich once the peaks is done and dusted. It may not be possible to get out 2 weekends on the bounce.
So these beavers Phil.......
Phil - between us we could kill the sandwiches!
beavers, killing sandwiches... i'm not sure why i wasnt expecting for this thread to turn a little surreal 😆
Courtesy of my gran popping her clogs, I shall be back from India that weekend which is a mixture of 🙁 and 🙂
An excursion around Swinley should make the weekend more exciting though 8)
Cheers, Rich
i hope we can provide some light relief turboferret 🙂
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I would love to come along. I'm only in Alton so just up the road. It would be really to meet some of you. Don't really know the trails so it would be good to get a heads up on whats where.
perfect way of getting to know whats there... sounds like PaulD's route is a good loop that takes in some of the main trails, i'm guessing Andy and thisisnotaspoon will end up leading similar routes 🙂
be good to have you along, if you usually ride with friends, feel fee to bring em along too
Thanks Phil, I do have a regular riding buddy that I know will be up for it. We are neither athelete's nor super hero's but can hussle for a pair of chubbers. Looking forward to it already!
We might come along to this ride now, too. I'll see....
Be nice to hook up with a few people I don't see very often 🙂
Thinking.........
9yards to Watsons Wander/Wider
Corkscrew, followed by an epic faff/getting lost arround Crowthorne and possibly wondering how we ended up inside the Broadmoor fence.
Seagull Run
The epicly muddy but lesser known rubbish alternative to stickler because I missed the entrance
Stickler
Tank traps
Jump gulley
Up the nasty climb by the burnt out scooter
Labrynth
Some pissing about arround the jump/drop area without actualy doing any jumps or drops.
Retrun to the car park via 9yards for some tea and cake.
I thought I saw some or other news bulletin saying forestry ops will be in Crowthorne, mulching the firewood, ready for planting new loo roll trees. If they are busy by then, I doubt any trails left that side of the road 🙁
I was going to try and get as many fun bits into an xc ride in a few hours. twister, tank traps cork screw labyrinth (or lose the will to live and convince yourself you are being chased by a scary monster ( at night obviously)). It all rather depends on mud tolerance of my group.
Either way, it will be fun. Shall indeed be armed with varied cakes and coffee
thank you again guys, really looking forward to this 🙂
thisisnotaspoon, if the numbers are smaller than last time (judging by response on the thread its looking a bit smaller) would you be happy to join up with PaulD or chill in the more relaxed group?
Quite happy to sweep for the faster group, see which route people are going and which one's likely to have bits I've not done before/for a while.
🙂 sweet cheers dude!
Pencil me in for the slow group!
As usual with these things fate has intervened to prevent my attendance. New glasses required to as the current ones do not meet the requirements for corrected vision for driving. Damn and double damn.
When's the next one?
curse you fate!
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not sure when the next one will be, i'm sure there'll be more though 🙂
I'm in! I can train it from Brighton - what's the best station to aim for?
ohhhh thisisnotaspoon is always good for advice on which train station is best and stuff if i remember correctly from the last rides...
Bagshot, Martins Heron & South Ascot are the nearest stations, all within approx 10 mins riding of the forest (Lookout entrance).
Martins Heron is probably your best bet if you can find an easy link (direct from Waterloo), failing that Bracknell station is only about 15/20mins ride and should be mainline?