Our last XC Open Group Ride was held in and around Ivinghoe, taking in a picturesque snow covered Chiltern Hills. We had seven people out on the ride; we were surprised on such a good turn out as the weather was very bad as it snowed all the way round. An Open Ride wouldn't be an Open Ride had a few mechanicals along the way the temperature dropped further so there was a lot of very cold riders so we stopped for a break at the Bluebell Cafe to warm up. Further along we had to split the group up to assist one of the riders as he was struggling a bit. Minus some pretty snow covered views it wasn’t the best day to go riding but we were surprised how many turned up, we were really glad our contingency plans worked. Thank you to everyone who came along and we hope to see you all again soon.
The last of our three rides on Sunday 12th November was our Club Members ride at Watlington. After a few last minute cancellations four riders braved the chill and mud but enjoyed a fantastic Chiltern Hills loop in the sunshine. A club ride isn't complete without a cafe visit which was of course completed! A big thank you to club member SteveA for organising and leading the ride.
The first of our two club member only rides on Sunday 12th November was a "Sunday Swinley" ride at Swinley Forest near Bracknell. Just two of us turned up for this super short notice organised ride (it was only confirmed late the day before). An early start was cold, but the sun was out. The trails were running fast but there were some large areas of standing water and some nice sloppy sections and lethal roots thrown in too. The carrot cake went down a treat mind.
What a great day in the calendar, three rides in one day (12/11/2017)! Our first ride was our Open XC Group Ride at Invinghoe, open to both non-member visitor riders (to try out the club!) and existing club members too. Six riders took part in this ride, including a mix of new and returning faces. A sunny but muddy 15 mile (ish) Chiltern Hills loop enjoyed by all. A big thank you to ride leaders Darren and Mark for planning and leading the ride.
Our last Club Members ride took place this weekend just gone (28th October). Five club members took to the trails on a Chiltern Hills 'Chequers Loop'. Trail conditions were pretty good considering the time of year. The photo taken at our 'secret club office'. Thank you to club member Steve Attwood for planning and leading the ride. More club members rides to be published in the diary very soon.
After some changes at work and some short notice holiday being approved it was decided for a cheeky three day mountain bike weekend. After looking into the lack of short notice flights to the Alp and the poor weather forecast for Scotland I decided to head to North Wales. As it was far too short notice to make it a proper club trip I decided at least to open it up to members to come along; Chris, Adam and James all appeared for a various combination of days.
Read more: Club Members in North Wales; Llandegla, Coed y Brenin & Penmachno Report
Our July open group ride was held from Ivinghoe Beacon and took in a circa fifteen mile Chiltern Hills loop. Non club members are invited to join us for these open rides to try out the club, meet the staff, meet some members and try out some new trails before joining as a Club member. Nine people turned up in total and a good ride was had by all with no mechanical issues or punctures (unusual!). The group did encounter a little bit of rain but generally a dry ride with tea and cake at the Bluebell Cafe. It was fantastic also to have a great mix of new first timer riders, returning faces and members too.
Club member SteveA kindly led yet another great Chiltern Hills based loop taking in some fantastic views and singletrack in and around Wendover, Hastoe and Dunsmore areas. Four club members joined Steve out on this ride, taking in some new dusty trails and enjoying the sunshine!
The view from Ivinghoe Beacon during our club members only ride at the weekend, one of the many reasons we all love the Chilterns.
Club members Steve kindly organised an extended Chequers route out and about in the sunshine with both some long standing members and new members alike. A big thank you to everyone for attending and to Steve for organising.