Bedgebury forest riding

[Dr Frigo]

These trails opened only a few months ago, went there today with a French mate and three other "retro-bikers" and had a real blast. It took us just an hour drive from Croydon and is South-West of Turnbridge Wells. You pay £5 parking fee per car - which covers the cost of riding on man-made trails I guess.

The main trail is 13.2km long and 90% purpose-built singletrack. Not overly technical (there were kiddies along the course) but great fun, twisty wooded singletrack often covered in large gravel or loose soil which makes a lot of the turns tricky. There's a bit of climbing but not too much, and all in small portions. Some bits reminded me of Thetford, Checkendon and Leith Hill. The rigid singlespeed was the perfect bike for it.

We did one lap at a leisurely pace, taking photos talking etc, had some food at the chalet/café by a lake, then some of us went for another lap. I went as hard as I could to try and get the lap under 40", did it with only 5 seconds to spare - knackered, out of water and sweating profusely - the forest was protecting us from the hot sun but the intense vegetation (moslty ferns) kept it quite humid.

I'll definitely go back to this place, will try organise something with ACC there sometime. Apparenly Bewl Waters, which is only a few miles away, is as good if not better an area to ride. Bedgebury also has some North-shore trails but we didn't find them!

http://www.bikemagic.com/news/article.a ... 1&UAN=4731

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-6ljhu5

[Wal]

Sounds great! I'll definitely be a part of any ACC ride heading this way.

[Will]

Sounds good. Must check it out some time. I remember going there years ago - before it was developed - and it was pretty good fun. There's also a pinetum nearby, which can keep non-bikers happy.

I've been to Bewl Water as well. Unless they've developed some trails, you just ride around the reservoir. It's ok, but not exactly challenging!

[Dr Frigo]

Not exactly straightforward either Will!

[img]http://www.cuckmere-cycle.co.uk/downloads/bewlmap.jpg[/img]

[Will]

Yes, it's a complicated shape, but not difficult to follow. Just keep to the edge of the water.

That said, there's probably no water in the reservoir any more, so perhaps you can just ride it like a skate park!

[sid_day]

I flew over it at the beginning of July and it was really full.
My girlfriend bought me a flight in a Tiger Moth Biplane that was older than my dad!

The pilot siad he thought the severity of the water shortage was bollocks, as he has flown over so many reservoirs which had plenty of water in.

[Dr Frigo]

From LCS

Bedgebury Forest Open Day : 10/8/06
Bedgebury Forest Open Day on 17th August - Thursday.

Bedgebury is at Flimwell just off the A21. There is a superb new Visitor Centre with Bike Hire/Shop. Tea Shop, Car Parking for 1000 cars. Normal parking is £5 per car regardless of number of occupants), Bike Wash facility, Shower.

Island Shore Skills Area for Really experienced(and Brave) riders. A site is earmarked for some jumps. Beginners(Go Ride) skills area. It really is pretty good.

Also the Everyday Cycling Ride at Bedgebury on Sunday 17th September. This is a Participation 20k ride aimed at Non Club Riders riding for Charity details in your local Tesco store.

There are 35k of trails in the Forest now, 13k singletrack plus the Fire Roads.

[color=blue]The possibility of Cyclo Cross or MTB racing is there using the whole 1500 acres subject to course details being approved by Forestry Commisssion.[/color]

Website - http://www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury



I was thinking a race there would be good fun!

[Alex P]

I visted Bedgebury Forest the other week and it was an excellent ride, I tried to take it easy for the first lap but the single track was so good I couldn't help myself tearing it up as a result the second lap was a bit slower.

Finished off the morning drinking tea and eating cake at the cafe that over looks the lake there.

Definately recommend it but get there early as the car parks fill up as there are lots of other things to do for 'other' people.

[Will]

Sylv, would you be up for a return trip there some time soon?

[Dr Frigo]

Sure. When I have a car again (after next weekend).

[Dr Frigo]

Planning to go there with non-ACC friends on Sunday 8th Oct.

Can offer lift - register your interest here!

[Dr Frigo]

Same in grey!