STW Singletons Social Networking Ride at Swinley Forest – Sunday 7th February

so SS or gears then ?

bananaworld – I don't recognise that description! During last Sunday's wee drama, you were as a cool as a cucumber and took charge of a situation.

Blame everything on me, I've got a thick skin from having hung around on the Forum for too many years 🙄

Apologies for being unable to supply an updated report on Swinley conditions. It has been a little moist recently but today was sunny 🙂 Expect many puddles, mudguards if you dare and waterproof shorts would be a good choice. Full-on mud tyres not necessary.

I would also say that single speed is definitely the way to go 8) Solamanda – will we see you on Sunday? If so, would you be happy to demonstrate some jumpy stuff?

So, permits – do you have yours?

One last thing that you need to bring – a sense of humour

singletrackmind, no worries. i wont be "at work" but i never could help helping riders who ask 🙂

Ah, super the date seemed to change without me noticing….

I'll be there on the 14th as originally planned, oops!

Well much as I was looking forward to placing faces to the names on the thread I can't make it. The joy of work means that I can't fit in a whole day cycling.
Enjoy and I look forward to seeing the gossip…..

i've heard that the ride may be biased to the male sex so in order to redress the balance and make sure no ones a gooseberry, i've informed my works gay cycling club, much interest was shown. a sweep of the rear anyone? 😯

what time is it tomorrow and can how do i get there again 🙁

if its too damp for herts i'll deffo be there

Can anyone tell me if my question has been answered?

cynic-al – Member
Seriously, if I pitch up (no pun intended) will I get my hole?

Bring your own spade.

Tony – meet at 10.00 ready to pedal at 10.30 am. M4 junction 10 (A329M) or M3 junction 3.

Meet at 10.00 am, ready to pedal 10.30 am. I have a banner that I will endeavour to hang either between trees or on a car/van. Nearest station is Martin's Heron and it's just a few miles pedal away. Link:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&source=hp&rlz=1R2ADFA_enGB341&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=look+out+discovery+centre+bracknell&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=look+out+discovery+centre&hnear=bracknell&cid=0,0,13360349763248809014&ei=r-xlS_KzKYr-0gSm4LzGBg&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CAwQnwIwAA

There are NO parking charges BUT the car park gets very busy so allow plenty of time.

Permit – you need to purchase a day permit, price £2, to ride here. This can either be purchased from the Visitor Centre or online. Save time and purchase online beforehand! Link:

http://www.gorrick.com/swinley/permits.php

The Visitor Centre and award-winning toilets open at 10.00 am. The Cafe also opens at 10.00 am where hot and cold food, together with drinks, can be purchased.

Terrain – mixture of fire road and single track on a sandy soil, some exposed roots. Swinley can eat brake pads so you have been warned! Single speed friendly, niche bike friendly too.

Will report nearer the time on trail conditions but full-on mud tyres are not really necessary.

Depending on numbers, we may need to split into groups, each with a leader and sweeper. Nobody will be forced to ride anything they don't want to and I'm always happy to talk through each section so as you know what to expect. Please ask me!

Aiming to be back at the Cafe for around 1.00 pm for lunch, then more riding in the afternoon for those that want it. If you just want to join the morning session, that's fine.

Thanks Rob 8)

Looking forward to meeting everyone tomorrow. Look out for the banner.

This is going to be such fun 😆

Gosh – award-winning toilets? That settles it, I'll definitely be there!

What exactly is award-winning about the toilets?

And, now I think about this, which is not something I've thought about before, wha awards even exist for toilets…?

EDIT: and Karin, oh yes, I am an appreciator of Mr Pratchett's work. It makes me chuckle, much to the annoyance of otters on trains.

So we're at the visitor centre linked on that map – which is also the place to buy a permit? I'm intending to buy on the day just in case I don't make it by a) sleeping in b) having a mechanical before I even get there c) have hassle from train conductors.

Should be on the train arriving at Martins Heron for 9.38 if all goes to plan!

It would of been better to make it next Sunday 😡

tsk would have been better

I reckon that 09:38 arrival at Martins Heron could be quite full of sheepish singletons! 😉

If anyone needs guiding from the station to the woods at that time I reckon I can just about manage not getting us lost.

Right, er, better do some route planning for the off-road bit then…

forecast looks damp here so may be there for sure then.

baggsy in chilled group ride

Sorry all, due to flight delays I've not long got home from my ski trip and feel totally knackered, unless i wake up early without the aid of the alarm, which I doubt, I shan't be along tomorrow 😥 I hope I can meet more of you some time soon. Have fun.
Neil

Well peeps, this is it. See you on the other side… 😀

Sorry to hear you can't make it, Neil, hope to meet you on another ride.

baggsy in chilled group ride

Me too!! Oh wait… drat and dang it!

see u there

woke a little after 9, too late to get there, feel really disappointed now 😥 Oh well, sometime I WILL get to a Swinley ride.

photos here (maybe the wrong forum)
http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/stw-swinley-ride-pics?replies=6#post-1110870

For some reason the links to the photos have found themselves on the chat forum – Here for those who may be looking over this side.