Watch out tomorrow! I've been picking up some skillz from Famous and Feckless.

Like tommorow...

There may be two others coming from the Bikeradar group.



I'm always up for a challenge

The Trolls seem a bit too serious for me. Did consider one of their rides before. I drive past Tunnel Hill every day and saw a bunch out there with "club" shirts on. Not sure it was them, but that's taking it too far.

Tim, I've only ridden with the trolls twice but they all seem pretty laid-back in my experience (limited as it is). All the guys an girls I met were very welcoming and helpful and very tolerant of slower, less skilled riders although some folk that I've met that have ridden with them have been intimidated slightly by the hardcore riders. Takes all sorts!

Shmikuk,

Honey and Lemon mixed with a bottle of brandy will do the trick You'll feel better in next to no time.

Also, Kerr should be joining us in the morning and is willing to lead.

[quote name='mbElf' date='Jan 2 2011, 08:39 PM' post='172150']
Stan, i am not a member and there is a lock in any new people joining the forum

Just turn up & roll , there'll probably be 20+ riders , & as Ian said all very laid back , this is their friendly introduction night . Our last Swinley jolly was no harder than a ' Super Tuesday ' ride .

There is some snow forecast for Swinley tomorrow and the tempreture is not going above 0.

Might be spared the mud fest by the looks of it but warp up warm.

Maj

Good ride today , special thanks to Kerr for not being 100% but turning up & showing us the way !

Some good ride ideas being discussed at the cafe :

Woburn Sands - love to , choose a day , post it up , I''ll be there , I'm sure a few others will .

Ceasars Camp ( not the Swinley one ! ) as above , happy try that one night or day.

Yately & Tunnel Hill , once again , if somebody knows their way around , post it up .

Night rides : I'm out on a Cookham - Knowl Hill loop most Thursdays , I'll post up the details if anybody is interested .

Finally , I'm free & looking to get out anywhere on Wednesday day or evening , anybody ?

Good to meet new people today , forgive me for being a slow leaner when it comes to names , both real & forum names .

Hope to see some of you out on a ride soon ! Stan

PS. MbElf tomorrow evening 7pm for 7.15 pm start Potters Lay by GU16 6DD

Sorry guys, flu has kicked my ass this time round. I'll be back!!

Good ride. Nice to see so many out. Conditions surprisingly okay. A little sticky but not the mud bath I expected.

Todays route.

HI Guys
Good meeting you all today, and great ride, even if my legs felt about 100.
Hope to see some of you on a SH ride soon.

ps used my Bikeradar name - I didn't choose it. Blame thel33ter and popstar.

Hello All

Great ride today, nice to meet such a friendly group, so thanks for letting me tag along... definately up for meeting again. Like a few of you, dont work convential hours but always up for trying new venues when im free.

Keen on the night rides but dont get home until 7-30 a the earliest :-(

Great ride today, thanks for leading Kerr even though you were suffering from man flu! I felt a lot stronger than on Thursday.

Great to meet whole bunch of new faces, i hope you guys can join us again. Considering there were 14 of us we only had a couple of minor mechanicals which is pretty good in my opinion.

Well done Stan and all those who managed to climb the bomb hole. I thought i would never see the day. The grin on Stans face - well it said it all.

Stan, should be ok for tomorrow, I'll txt you to confirm.

All, I'll try and sort Tunnel Hill and Yateley out too - leave it with me. Sandyhill will post something regarding Ceasers Camp.



I was looking out for Shmikuk. I hope you are feeling better. Perhaps next week...




Thanks for this kenny - we only did 2.5 hours riding? i am sure we did more than that.

Cooldad, let us know if you organise anything at Surrey Hills. I would be up for that.

Happy riding in 2011

Maj

Comments as above

Ride posted up for the 23rd.

[quote name='mbElf' date='Jan 3 2011, 08:18 PM' post='172192']

Thanks for this kenny - we only did 2.5 hours riding? i am sure we did more than that.

Cooldad, let us know if you organise anything at Surrey Hills. I would be up for that.

Happy riding in 2011

Maj
[/quote

Dk's ride thingy is too clever for us - only registers when you are moving, not resting.

Will let you know about SH. Probably Sunday at 10.

It does tend to show us up. We do all day rides in Surrey Hills and yet still only 2 to 3 hours riding. Though SH pace is somewhat relaxed usually.

Though I've not adjusted the default setting. It's set to only track when going faster than 0.6mph.

Great ride guys! great turn out!!!

Swinley is in excellent condition considering the time of year. Its taken a hammering, but this time last year most places were under a foot of mud ... but is only beginning of jan. plenty of time to build up a good layer of gloop.

It was a bit sticky in some places... does kinda zapp your energy.

Really impressed with the guys riding UP the bombhole drop! much respect.

I noticed alot of new tracks cut in crowthorn wood , north and east of the cork screw, i guess from the gorrick races. The routes will disappear if not used when the ferns come through in the spring. worth investigating while they can be seen.

I have severely lost fitness. My lung burned like hell most of the ride. The legs are fine , but gym/spinning classes are not enough to maintain bike fitness over the worst of winter. Much respect to maj/stan and others who are still out riding regularly. Lets hope it is the the residual effects from the flu last week.

New years resolution... Get out and ride... MORE

Kerr

Evening all,

Have been viewing the forums for a few weeks but only just signed up. Would have signed up earlier and maybe joined a ride or two sooner if I hadn't caught the most 'orrible viral infection which took the best part of 4-5 weeks to shift, coupled with the snow has meant I have been off the bike for the last 6 or so weeks.

I tend to go out Sat / Sun and fit the rides around the kids activities, so anything from early sunrise starts to lunchtime / early afternoon rides on the weekends.

Not hugely fit but have been riding Swinley most weeks for the past 18 months so know my way around a fair few of the routes but am sure there are some stretches of single track I am not aware of.

Usually try and do 2-3 hour rides and cover anything from 12-20 miles.

Got out New Years day for the first time in 6 weeks and decided to try and kill myself by taking in a hilly route, see link below.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/61410967

Spent most of the ride blowing out of my ass, but cleared a few cobwebs so hopefully should be a little better the next time out, might get a bit of the fitness back after another half dozen rides.

Display name is "Bent Wheel" in memory of bending the front wheel in the corkscrew a couple of months ago.

Anyway, thats enough for now, hopefully I can get out on some Swinley rides with a few of you in the near future.

Happy Riding.

I just negotiated a pass for Saturday morning.

Usual time - usual place (Bent Wheel - that's the Lookout carpark at 8:45/9:00). Pace will be the usual leisurely fayre (in an olde wolde styleee).

To add to Kerr's earlier post, I know people moan about it getting muddy but when you consider how many riders go through there the trails hold up really well - a credit to to the trail "fairies" really.

Now if you really want to see some hills in Swinley (and I am not talking baby stuff like surrey hill, you need to get to the other side of the wires when on top of the Deer Stalker/Labyrinth and into Sandhurt Military Academy grounds. Would will need to avoid the odd mine and soldiers in training but you should find some proper hill there.

I am riding in Swinley at twice once a week (1 day 1 night) when I am in the country. Will be more than happy to take you around if you interested.
Or ask Stan as it seems that he is now discovering the place solo and might have some new routes to show me at my return

I am back Sunday night so first ride in over a month for me is Monday 10th starting about 13:30
Aslo planning Wednesday starting around 10:00 and a Friday night ride starting around 19:00
Anyone interested, just let me know.
Monday might not be the fastest of longest ride of all but I tend to keep moving and avoid excess stopping as mush as possible as with my not completely mended left broken leg, this is pretty much the only cardio I can do so I try to make the most of it. And also I get cold easy...

Bent Wheel..... you wont regret getting out for a weekend swinley ride with the guys the ride i joined in the summer is the whole reason i'm still riding today

mrsconsequence has been off the bike since the end of autumn (bar one super slow ride) so once she's built up some fitness again when the sun comes out i'm desperate to get on a forum ride again.. and again and again

Yes. I took you under my wing, I nurtured you, I encouraged you, I taught you everything I know, I willingly drank the cuppa and ate the slice of cake you bought for me at the end of the ride. And what happened?

... Silence ...

I scoured the forum for weeks looking for evidence that you were still riding, still heading out into Swinley, still turning a pedal, but it was like staring into a void of nothingness, an empty chasm, a black hole - there was no trace of you, the boy I took under my wing ... the son I never had ...

Then, several months later I discovered to my horror, to my utter dismay, that you'd deserted me, deserted your friends, your loved ones and that you were frequenting (takes deep breath to compose himself and wipes a tear from the corner of his eye) ... another forum . I was distraught beyond belief, words could not describe my emotions, my boy, my own flesh and blood was hanging out on STW!!!!*

So when are you coming out for another ride then? We need some decent video footage of "the crew".

*Some elements of this post have been embellished for dramatic effect.

Video footage you say....

That can be arranged!

Well i'm busy every weekend until Feb so I'm thinking the first weekend ride I can make in Feb... if I'm filming are people going to want to be doing the odd section over and over or happy with some "rider cam" stuff mashed together?

If people are willing I'm happy to spend some time filming everyone doing a particular run and sex it up... but would mean lots of back and forth on the same section.... (think over half an hour filming the various corners at the beginning of the middle part of the seagull run)

The same offer goes for any individual riders who might want footage of them nailing a particular track, if a mutually convenient time can be organised I'd be happy to spend a couple of hours kneeling in the mud to get shots of you whizzing around each corner... my plan is to end up with a sexy video of lots of different riders nailing as many swinley tracks as possible


I'm not quite sure how I ended up on STW, think the drama over there made me chuckle and it being a bit busier than here it was easier to waste time on... if it softens the blow then I'm always recommending this forum to the people of STW when they're in need of friendly advice/riding tips/riding buddies.

MrsConsequence definitely wants to come out for a weekend ride, but even with the "ride at the pace of the slowest rider" ethos I think you'd all want to ride off, she's currently at 0 fitness level... by march I plan on her being more riding fit and getting her out to play

I'm up for a Swinley ride some time in Feb if its cleared up by then - want to try those jumps I've seen Tommy K on Will have to be an easy paced one, my mtb fitness has probably gone down as I've been mostly riding road over winter as I can't deal with having to clean my bike every ride!

My better half is in the same boat. Keen but lost fitness whilst working abroad, and now wouldn't want to hold anyone up/ embarrass herself. Hopefully a few more rides and she'll gain back some lost confidence and get out again. Thing is I seem to hear similar stories from other friends whose partners have lost their mojo...maybe they should all get together for a ride?
A few river wey and Basingstoke canal rides should ease her back into it.
I'm always happy for a social ride to encorage other people to ride, it's just hard formsome people to lose that guilty feeling of holding others back.

Phhhhhht, all this not riding in winter.... London Calling @ Bikeradar is where it's at





On a vaguely related note, probably not gonna be able to make it for Saturdays for the next few weeks now I'm back at school

We're gonna be at Surrey Hills on Sunday though.

DrBike, not sure if i can make saturday... but its pretty good riding in swinley at the moment, enjoy.

thel33ter, i can make sunday, please keep me posted regarding your plans.

cheers

Maj

Videos - I have some of the messing about in the bomb hole area the other day, though not much and not great quality. I just need to get my head around video editing software to make something decent of it, but only with free software as I'm too tight to pay (and free software that doesn't crash every 2 seconds *cough* Microsoft Movie Maker!, and isn't too complicated). Video is all very new to me, usually it's the SLR for me.

I'm in. Do you want a lift Andy?

Yarp

Looks like I'm staying in London again this weekend. I can't believe I've missed all the Winter riding. I'm going to be dead come the Summer.

Anyone around a week on Saturday?

I'm a possible for this Saturday.

Max,

i could possibly make the 15th but will confirm nearer the time. Are you definitely down for that weekend?

Maj

I'd like to join you guys Saturday if that's ok?

Of course. As always everyone is welcome.

going to be silly muddy fun.

ps. Andy, 8-8:15 good for you?

Perfick!

I need to do some tyre swapping and other TLC on the On-One. I've a feeling that the wet weather tyres will be getting an outing


No need to ask permission but make sure you sign up on the New Rides link.

Trying to get a pass out for tomorrow morning, kids have a party 12:00 till 2pm so was looking to go around then, but working on a morning pass to join the group. Will advise later / add myself to the new ride if I can make it.

Where in the car park do you normally meet?

- Near Go Ape
- Middle section
- Overflow

Even offered to do the weekly shop this afternoon to gain some points as working from home

Here is hoping!

Cheers, best fit that new chain tonight then! I'm heading over from Woking if anyone needs a lift!

Unfortunately, everything's up in the air all the time and I can't be sure until mid-way through next week. Can only suggest.

However, I may be able to make tomorrow after all. However, if I do, please be aware that I'm going to be severely lagging at the back and probably vomming in a bush as I've done no (and I mean no) exercise at all for the last three months. Just so you're aware...

Much love,

Max

In - what's the weather forecast ?

Weather.... i don't want to look!

I'll have a nobbly up front this week, so slighlty better prepared than last weeks summer tyre option

If you go out the door right now you'll get a hint on the potential conditions!

Conditions look Ok for the morning, heavy rain is due to stop between 6am and 9am, at least we won't get wet unless you fall off!

Can imagine that things maybe a little muddy, potentially sticky in places and maybe a little slippery on some of those roots. Some sections maybe hub deep in mud, can't wait for all that grinding of moving parts (bike parts, not my parts)!!

Can't be any worse than what I have ridden in down there before, maybe on an equal, but not worse.

Having said that I did nip out earlier to pick up some safety glasses, can imagine getting caked in the stuff and value my vision

Bent Wheel , you'll find us over by Go Ape - except MbElf who doesn't like to be seen to be out with us !

I'm in a Tatty old Purple Honda Civic & riding a Dirty White Trek Hard Tail - look forward to meeting you . Stan

You risking the mud Tyres again stan? I'm gona stick with the all season spec captains although I think west see them near their limits tomorrow. Ian

Shmikuk & Bentwheel can you make sure that you fill in your contact info here

Done.

Dr bike and I will be in a silvery/bluey renault Laguna.

I'm in for this - 1st ride of the year.

I know it's going to be wet, muddy and hurt a lot. It's a bit like when you are about to eat some mad dog psycho killer chili. You feel the pain way before it actually hits your mouth, but you just gotta do it anyway.

No way Ian , they are just too hard to push !

Was out last night ( proper wet ! ) on all season Schwalbe Smart Sams , silly name but about the best compromise I've tried .