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
THE Swinley super-sexual super-fun all-welcoming October FUN RIDE!
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:
I’VE NOT HEARD OF THIS MAGICAL SOUNDING EVENT, WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?[/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:
1 – “The A-Team”, 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!
2 – “The A(part2) Team”, 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!
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”….. 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.
WHERE AND WHEN?[/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 HERE….
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.
ARE THERE ANY RULES?[/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.
1) Bring your own spares,
2) Bring your own camelback/water,
3) Wear a helmet if you’ve got one or do your own risk assessment and dont,
4) Bring your own mid-ride snacks, dont want any “bonking” now do we
5) Route will be decided upon the day by the “leaders” of each group and will be dependent on any trail closures/conditions…
6) 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.
7) 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!
8 ) 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.
9) 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.
10) 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.
Drink/nicotine/crack-pipes disclaimer:
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.
WHO’S GOING TO LEAD THE WAY?
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
DOESN’T SWINLEY REQUIRE A PERMIT TO RIDE?[/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:
CLICK HERE – Third link from the bottom.
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.
WHATS THE PLAN FOR FOOD? I’M HUNGRY, LETS EAT YETI!![/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!
SO, ARE YOU UP FOR IT?[/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
DISCLAIMER:
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.
