Swinley Forest Forum Ride – 10th January 2009

pk-ripper – Member
lol – and there from radoggair is the reason why I don’t bother.

rado, I agree it’s about the company, which is why in smaller groups you can actually chat to people, about a fair bit of stuff (not just riding, as that’s just one of many things I’m interested in) and actually get to know a bit more about them, all without worrying how many people are around you, whether you’ll clip a wheel if you switch off, whether someone else will trip yours etc. You know, actual chatting, rather than swapping around positions in a larger bunch, saying a cursory “hello, who are you on the forum, whoops, singletrack bit, hopefully catch up with you in a bit”. I wasn’t 100% that I wouldn’t be going, but hey, you’ve just helped me make up my mind.

oh, and bluetit really is a pathetic insult. You could have called me a **** or something, but no, you chose bluetit

Didn’t want to go down the line of swearing you see, instead kept it ‘gentlemanly’. You’ll also find its a ‘social’ ride where you can chat whilst you climb. I even did it on the last meet. It also doesn’t matter if there’s 3 or 30 people, once you hit a fast bit of singletrack you don’t or mostly can’t still keep talking to them whilst cycling, unless your pathetically slow. Thus, this must mean your pathetically slow and unsocialable. Your replying sentence also refers to whether your with 4 or 40 people again. If you chat and switch off you may clip or be clipped regardless if your in a big bunch.

Anyway PK, cause i’m keeping it clean, enjoy your day all by yourself, we all look forward to your great pictures and stories of the days ride

Guys – we don’t need this. Both of you come along on Saturday and enjoy the Swinley vibe.

Peace.

WTF…

People are having a to do, on this thread??? Chill out! and as CG says, come along and enjoy yerselves!

‘Bluetit’ LOL! Pretty sure that wasn’t really meant as a proper insult!

C_G – i’m about 400 miles away so cant make it unfortunately. I look forward to the pics though. U guys n gals enjoy the ride

Rudeboy – just a bit of banter thats all.

ON TOPIC – PLEASE READ

Everyone – thanks for all your input on this and in view of the cold weather conditions continuing, we have a plan.

We shall start riding as one large group and if it appears obvious that it’s not going to work well, we will split into groups. Here’s the contingency plan:

There are 5 people who will be able to lead and I’m pretty certain that I can rustle/bully some volunteers with local knowledge to sweep. Groups would have to be split by ability so you need to be honest! I am happy to lead at a gentle pace which will be particularly suitable for people coming back after injury/illness.

The group leaders will have a copy of the route I have devised but route choice will ultimately be left to them.

I do hope that this will reassure those who had concerns about waiting around/getting cold/getting lost etc. In fact it may persuade some more people to come along!

If anyone has any questions, feel free to post up or e-mail me, address in profile.

It’s going to be a great day 🙂

Hi girls, I hope your ride goes OK on Saturday & that everyone has a great time. Sorry I wont be there as it’s a 500 mile round trip for me & I’m not feeling too hot at the moment with the winter lurgy.

Is Rocketdog still going to pitch up in his leopard print outfit?

Only I think I saw ‘shim’ down the gym pumping iron to buff his body into shape

those were my slimmer days 🙁

cinnamon_girl

I’m hoping to be able to make it, pending any bike or baby emergencies.
I’ll be coming from Ealing, West London and I can fit 1 other bike on the roof if anyone is on the way and needs a lift

smurf (previously known on here as murf)

Hello smurf. Ealing used to be one of my old stomping grounds!

We have a little snow at Swinley, it’s looking rather pretty. But the good news is that the trails are still riding well so you won’t need your spiked tyres 😀

cinnamon girl
As I’m still recovering, can I be put into the slowest group please?

Worry not – Auntie C_G will take care of the sick, lame and lazy 😉

Don’t forget to bring your extra layers for when we stop for a break at the cafe! 😀

Anyone else need to know anything before Saturday?

I am hoping to come along as well. Might bring my daughter with me too maybe even my son if that’s ok. They are 14 and 12 respectively and have spent many happy (well, mostly happy 🙂 ) hours trundling around Swinley. I know quite a few of the routes but would love to see where you are planning to take people and what sort of things you are hoping to get up ie. will you be heading out through the corkscrew and on round to Babymaker / Labrynth etc.

Bikingcatastrophe – I do think it’s great that you are getting your kids out into the fresh air and countryside. I do however feel that this is not really suitable for a family ride.

Aleigh and I behave very badly sometimes and our language can be colourful. I have kids myself (although they are adults now) and I certainly would not have taken them to anything like this. People will be letting their hair down in an adult environment and they can not be expected to modify their behaviour 🙂

I am of course not implying that the STW’ers would be worse than Aleigh and I …………………………..

but would be amazed if they were not an awful lot worse 😉

I do hope you understand 🙂

Cue, WCA.. However the BBB is suitable for all ages.. etc etc.. 😀

I got a new camera for Christmas (none of your fancy SLR stuff, but its good enough for me) so if you haven’t got any other volunteers I’ll take some pics.

I think I’ll be there anyway!!

Thanks for the heads up CG and understand.Hmmm, two badly behaved ladies – definitely need to leave the kids behind! I guess they can go shopping with wifey for the day. 🙂

Only if we manage to turn up on the right day.

Dez – that would be great thank you but one proviso – you exclude me (not that Mr Poddy used to take any notice). Do you want to ride with the group or be “strategically placed for photographic opportunities”?!

Bikingcatastrophe – you could always come along for either morning or afternoon session? We will probably be in the Cafe around 1.00 pm.

singletrackmind – yep, this Saturday!

I thought this was Sunday, so might have a problem.. 😥

Just going to check

Why can’t the kids come? It won’t be too demanding for kids of that age. And if they’re with their dad, they can always cut out early, if it’s too tough.

As for the language, well, I’m sure people can moderate their language (I mean, as there will be ladies present, I will of course be minding my Ps and Qs). anyway, it’s a cruel, harsh World out there; no point sheltering them from it. At that age, they probably know more swear words than their parents, anyway…

I think it’s just because people don’t want to be shown up by youngsters…

😆 excuse me whilst i almost spit my coffee out over my keyboard! 😆

😀 Saturday is ok. phew

Yay!

Something amused you, Aleigh? Do tell. 🙄

I will of course be minding my Ps and Qs

😆

RudeBoy are you bringing your new internet friend?

Any room for another fat bloke ?

The kids got me on the Wii Fit and it said I was a beast or was that Obese ?
Anyway not been out on the bike for lots of months and not been to Swinley for over a year so sounds like a good oppurtunity to get started again.

ps Is it still uncool to ride a Marin ?

What new internet friend? Do you mean psychle? No, he’s working, unfortunately, but I’ve told him about the van thing and that, so he should be up for future rides.

Good name BTW. Big up an’ nuff respect to the Hackney Massive. Mind you, you’ve lost a bit of weight lately, haven’t you? Not so massive any more. Or have you become McFatty again, over Xmas?

Aleigh; I can assure you, that I shall behave impeccably. Got to show that there are still some Gentlemen left.

Muke- Marins are officially cool again, i think. They became so uncool, that it’s gone full circle, and now they are cool again!

It’s things like Titanium Litespeeds and that, that are not cool any more…

C_G, in answer to your question, I’ll do what I’ve seen others do – blast ahead and wait “strategically placed for photographic opportunities”.
Seems like a fun way to do it.
Maybe video a few bits too. See how it goes.

Oh yeah, and I’ll exclude you (maybe) 🙂

she loves having a pic taken really 😆

i on the other hand don’t 😉

i on the other hand don’t

I’ll just take pics of the bikes and cut the rest off!

😆

Muke – of course, you will be more than welcome. I’ll be leading the sick, lame and lazy … and Marin riders in case they get picked on 😉

Rudeboy – you ain’t riding in my posse! Nah, I’m not in the cool gang anymore … unless that’s where the knitting circle hang out!

Dez – we need to have a chat beforehand 😉 See me before we start, I’ll let you have a copy of the route and the chances are you will know most of it anyway. My bike loves being photographed … it’s just the old girl that’s on it that doesn’t!

chances are you will know most of it anyway

Now that’s funny! I get lost going home from work most days 😀

it’s your age dezb 😉

CG – I still havn’t brought my Permit online yet. Can you confirm what time the permit office opens on Saturday morning please? If we are meeting at 10am to ride for 10.30am there should be time for me to buy it in the morning before we start?

Matt

It opens at 10 so you’ve got time.

Hi cinnamon_girl really looking forward to Saturday.Any confirmed numbers yet…especially in the very very slow group that I will be in?

mrseight – haven’t a clue how many will turn up, you can never tell with these things! Don’t worry, Auntie C_G will take care of the sick, lame, lazy and Marin riders group – I know where I’m going and it definitely won’t be quickly 😀

ON TOPIC – PLEASE READ

Permit – buy online and save time otherwise Visitor Centre (with loos) opens at 10.00am, as does Cafe where you will be able to get hot drinks to take out. There are no car parking charges, hurrah.

Don’t forget to collect your discount voucher from me, I’ll be wearing a ghastly green STW jersey on top of loads of layers!

We will definitely be riding in groups from the start so you need to think about which category you fall into – either fast, strong intermediate (2 groups), intermediate and erm, sick, lame, lazy and Marin riders led by me.

This will mean that people will stay warm and not have too much hanging around. Each group leader will be using their expert trail knowledge to put together a challenging and enjoyable route.

We will aim to be back at the Cafe at around 1.00 pm where hot food and drinks can be purchased together with massive slices of cake. We will need to sit outside so either pack a warm top in your backpack or retrieve one from your car.

More riding after lunch for those who want even more fun. If you wish to change group after lunch you can of course do so.

Current trail conditions – most of the white stuff has now disappeared but the trails are running really well and fast. Ground is still hard so you won’t need full-on mud tyres.

What bike for Swinley? All welcome especially niche! A lot of people use a singlespeed, some use 29ers etc. There are hills but they tend to be small and short, a few roots, some aggregated trails – a mixture really.

Phew! Have I covered everything? If I haven’t, just post up 8)

Dear Aunties CG and Aleigh:
I’m sorry, I’m going to have to wimp out. Something has come up. I was really looking forward to meeting you all (well, some of you) again. Later in the year, I hope.

Moses