Alternative Club Run this Sat - off road

[Alex P]

I have a friend coming over this Saturday from Medway Velo (yes I do have a friend) and was going to do an off road run over at the Lookout, Bracknell Forest and anybody is welcome to join us.

The Lookout or Discovery Centre is in Bracknell Forest and one of the premier off road areas for MTBs in the South East. They have been holding MTB races here for the last 15 years and I have been riding it for the last 12 years and know it very well. It has a huge car park, you can rent bikes there including full suspension (Wellington Trek Cycle hire at The Look Out - 01344 772797), a decent cafe serving food and drinks and also a great kids area (indoor and out), so you can bring the wife and kids and leave them there (I do it all the time).
http://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leis ... centre.htm

The ride will start at about 9ish and will last 2-3 hours. I have done this a few times for friends and have routes already planned out. This will not be hardcore or technical, it will be all off road, mainly on single tracks, there will be some climbs but they will be short and sharp with the downhills long and sweeping. A few stops so that I can catch my breath or for you to laugh when I fall off.

There can even be a short excursion to view Broadmoor Hospital infamous for some of its inmates.

The downside is that it is a 30 mins drive from Croydon (M25, M3 southbound, exit J3 heading towards Bracknell, left at the first major roundabout (sign posted Crowthorne) and first left into the Discovery Centre car park.

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x ... search.srf

Come and join us or let me know if you are interested in future dates as I intend to do more of these this year including a ride for those who have never really been off road and want to try the experience in a safe environment.

Alex

[Grahame]

I'm up for this.

I have an estate car with room for another person and bike (or at a pinch 2 of each) if somebody wants to carpool.

Bracknell forest is a good place to play on a Mountainbike. Just remember that we should pay a £1 each day use fee at the Lookout - this pays for trail upkeep and creation, as well as insurance in the event of an accident (I think) so is a good investment. The on-site tea and bun shop is good as well.

Oh, and if somebody in the club wants to try mountainbiking, but doesn't have an off-roadworthy bike, let me know and I'll let you borrow one*


*Conditions - you must be between 5'8" and 6'0" for my bikes to fit you reasonably well and you must promise to be reasonably careful.

[Grahame]

Marco - Bracknell is very singlespeedable - that's what I'm taking, there's only one hill over the far side of the forest that consistently beats me, and I've seen it ridden.

About 30 minutes drive from ECBR - do you want a lift?

[sylv]

Great idea, and I haven't ridden my ss for ages.
Grahame not sure if I will have my car back then, will let you know if not. And maybe speak on the clubrun.
Still feeling ill though! It's ok at home, but at work the air conditioning makes it much worse.

[Grahame]

The solution is obvious - stay at home, listen to loud music (whilst the neighbours are out) and get better as quickly as possible.

I think Alex intends this ride to be instead of the Saturday clubrun this weekend. Lift is available if required.

[sylv]

Ah yes true it's Sat, that's good I'll go to Eway on Sun.
Was feeling ok when I got up so rode in, it just gets worse when I'm in the office. Might go home at lunch and put Talk Talk's Spirit of Eden at full blast while reading some old Dirt Rags, very tempting. Neighbours upstairs are postmen though.

[Alex P]

Grahame

I think that the hill that you are refering to might be the "Wall" and we will have you going up and down it no problem on Sat.

There is also a great gully with some mild jumps that you can have a go at and I'll watch you all.

This will be a good opportunity if you want to have a go at mountain biking or even bring your kids along and you can hire a bike there (number above)

Marco hopefully this will not be fast (you will have to wait for me otherwise)

[Grahame]

"The Wall" - that's the chappy.

Anyway - I assume we'll be meeting just outside the main door that you go through to buy the day pass.

I'll PM my mobile number in case of any delays. (Note to any reading Police employees - I have handsfree)

[Alex P]

Its all about being in the right gear at the time - oops sorry you only have got one to play with - you will be walking.

I will try to park in a visible part of the car park in the direction of the main entrance - I've got a silver/grey Audi A6 estate if that helps

[Alan M]

I think I may join in with this fun - adds to the variety - am doing a calshot novice thing with SWCC the following week so a real contrast

[Grahame]

OK, I'll look out for you both. Alex, I'll be in a dark blue BMW 5 series estate, probably with Sylv inside it as well.

[sylv]

Won't be making it tomorrow, have spent 2.5 days at home but still feeling ill.

[Grahame]

OK, hope you recover soon Sylv.

Alan, Marco - do you want a lift? If so, I can meet you at ECBR at about 8:30am.

Let me know.

[Alan M]

Its OK , I'll see you there Grahame, but thanks for the offer. I may drop in ti check out some kitchen tiles on my way back.

Cheers

Alan