Micheldever Wood / Black Wood near Winchester – worth exploring?

Did Black Wood again yesterday (3rd June), a fantastic summer's evening, and the trail was nice'n'dry. I'd just been for my first visit to proper mtb centres last weekend, and unfortunately Black Wood was rather dull in comparison!

Just a wee update: I eventually rode around Black Wood today and what a surprise it was. Hadn't expected to see so many beech trees!

I followed some singletrack and found some bombholes, one of which was rather large. I was riding around there for ages, couldn't believe how much singletrack there was. GPS was switched on, so uploaded route later and discovered I had only ridden half of the wood!

Didn't see another soul but was quite shocked at the amount of rubbish that had been dumped.

Another visit needed me thinks. 🙂

I've never seen any rubbish up there!
Plenty of big bombholes, though.

Hmm. I've got to get down there and have another look I reckon. Last time I went it was boggy, I got lost (and rained on) cycling home and ran out of food.

it certainly won't be boggy now.
let me know if you need a tour guide!

Thanks for the offer! I have no idea when I will get time to go at the moment though 😥

So is there more than one large bombhole then? Found a small one too. Had a half-hearted attempt at the big one but felt, being on my own, I needed to be sensible! Actually it was jolly difficult clambering back up!

The rubbish was actually on the bridleway, obviously used the opening from the 303 to access.

Could anyone make an evening ride up there? There is space to park for around 6 cars.

Trail center plans on hold, as FC are a royal pain in the $@$£ and especially Nick Hazlitt, the area manager. Ian Warby and I are trying to think of ways to gain funding, as the FC will then listen, but we are now being treated like a flea on a flabby elephants behind!

Any ideas anyone.

Anyone up for a bit of Guerilla trail building?

I guess you need to play the PC game and sell it on that basis. Cynical? Moi?

On a serious note, I am still not convinced that the soil there is suitable for mtb'ing.

Edit: am assuming this is still Farley Mount.

AndyRT – I might be interested in trying to help out. I have had some dealings with Nick Hazlett before (and other FC guys) when trying to get something going in Lordswood. We go approval for some 'erosion control' and 'weed clearance' but because the woods are leased not owned we couldn't take it further.

What sort of funding levels do you need?

We managed to get the FC to provide some drain piping and wood when required. We just provided the labour. We had to give written explanation of what we planned. Get it approved. Do the work. Get it approved. Repeat for each section of work. Bit of a drag but it was doable.

Email me if you want to discuss.

What's up with the soil? Is it sustainability you are worried about?

Anyone up for a bit of Guerilla trail building?

If you can get something going then i'll offer my services.

As long as it doesn't annoy the FC so they throw their toys out the pram…?

Chalk base.

Size depends on your perspective! There are two bombholes that you will really struggle to get out of on some aspects (don't forget this route was for motorcyles) and there are numerous other bombholes that need commitment to escape.

Would be up for certain evenings. Allow 2 hours to complete it. Gets gloomy under the trees by late evening, even at this time of year, so lights are useful.

Plenty more parking at the railway station (costs two pounds) – there might even be a pub by there, I seem to recall.

Large bombhole gave you two attempts, first one had a couple of stumps as it descended followed by a rooty finish. That led to second attempt which looked easier. Really needed quite a fast run-up but soil was not particularly grippy, ie more loamy.

Early evening would be best as I don't have lights!

I am in the UK next week and wouldn't mind joining you guys if that is okay. I can pick up and drop off 1 person and bike from Winchester is swap for directions if that helps.

Any evening

Would it be okay for me to come along too. I'm trying to incorporate Black Wood, Micheldever and Farleigh Mount into one big ride so being able to map it with some local knowledge would be ideal. 🙂

I think I know the one you mean – you immediately double back and hit it again. Yep, the first escape is the worst (I have heard someone has done it, so it is possible! But not me.) Second escape I did after several attempts, and plucking up courage to take a little speed into it.

Yeah the soil can be loamy – but soft if you wipe out 🙂

How about a 6pm start? You should be OK, especially on a sunny day. Otherwise just take it a bit slower towards the end.

6pm

Which day/date – I am free all week I think

Who wants a lift, I am heading up from Southampton?

If next week… Wednesday?

6pm Wednesday 14th.

Gears, SS or fixie?

I only do gears, don't think I should advise!
Gradients tend to be long & gentle.

Possibly, have got a delivery due that day but will know 48 hours beforehand whether it's am or pm.

Obviously if that's OK for everyone, go for it!

Thanks Brian for being our guide. 🙂

Otherwise, Monday is OK for me. Tues & Thurs not. Friday unknown.

BIgBikeBash….all help is welcome.

Sparsholt College want to help too.

I am at a loss to understand the FC's lack of interest, as the site would be perfect. Ian is really excited by it, just need to find a funding body with loads of cash, so we can do it properly.

In regards to soil type, I think intelligent trail design will solve most issues, and using hardcore just below the surface would render the chalk a stable substrate I think. I have dreams of creating a dual slalom course, which would add a bit of spice in an XC ride, and a stealthy approach to the footprint of the trails, so once bedded in, other users of the woods wouldnt be aware they are there.

I can dream…

AndyRT, are you talking Farley Mount or Black Wood?

Andy – How much is 'loads' of cash? Clearly unlimited funds are preferable but as a starting figure are you thinking £500, £5,000 or £50,000?

Cinnamon_girl, I don't mind starting later if that helps with your delivery. How late are you happy to cycle under the trees without lights?

I'm moving to Winchester in the next few months and would like to start investigating the riding around there, so do you mind if I join in on Wednesday too?

Would also be interested in helping out with the trails and FC…

Thanks,

Pete

BBB: as much as we can get!

BoW: West Woods at Farley Mount

Brian – thanks but should know on Monday whether it's morning or afternoon. Please don't delay start time on my account.

AndyRT – Drop me a mail with a rough idea of what you are planning. Minimum, Okay and Dream options with best guess estimates of what is actually needed – Timber, Hardcore, Power, Water etc. I can sometimes act as a facilitator with these things.

Pete: all welcome!

6pm Wednesday 14th – Tick
SS or geared – Tick

Location to meet?
Does anyone need a lift from between Southampton and there (room for 2 more inc bikes)?

I suggest parking by the industrial units on the south west edge of Black Wood. Grid ref SU 53200 42260. (Follow the road north from West Stratton until it dead-ends.) Plenty of parking space on the access road here.

Starting the ride here gets the uphill stuff out of the way early on, while legs are fresh.

c_g ???

No, it's OK! Had posted a link to parking area but then saw you had posted directions, so just removed it.

Edit: apparently planning permission is being sought for building holiday chalets in Black Wood. 😯