An earlier start than normal at Reigate Hill and for a change, instead of cycling, we set off in our cars to a new location. Destination, Swinley Forest near Bracknell.
An excellent turnout of 20 arrived at the Crown Estate of Swinley Forest where we paid our £1.50 for a permit to ride in the woods.
Setting off we were all a bit like lost sheep not knowing quite what to expect or where to go. Stuart, Xavier Kelsall and Paul Dowton had there been before so we followed them along the main tracks in the fire breaks. We then found ourselves entering the woods along narrow single tracks that twisted and wound themselves between the trees. We had to be careful that we didn’t wind ourselves around the tress! The humps and dips, twists and turns, required good concentration to avoid the tree stumps and gullies. No time for idle chit chat as ‘short term navigation’ was essential. The ground was firm and not too sandy with a few short sharp hills.
Breaking out of the woods we continued along one of the main tracks and Mike Chaplin demonstrated how not to do a bunny hop over a puddle and crashed to the ground in another puddle. Somewhat dazed, his left leg had cuts from top to bottom. The first aid team headed by Dave Sterry, looked after Mike whist another team returned back to ‘The Lookout’ centre to get help, with Stuart making ‘Ne-Nor’ noises. As there was little else to the others could do, they continued on their ride.
After a few minutes, Mike was able to get to his feet and could gently ride back to ‘The Lookout’ centre where he was cared for by their first aider. By lunchtime he was looking a bit better and his sister came to take him home.
This left the original group somewhat fragmented around the forest. It was not a problem as each group found the types of trails that they enjoyed. One or two individuals went off to explore on their own. It was the sort of forest where you weren’t quite sure where you were, but you couldn’t get lost as it wasn’t that big. Most of the sign posts pointed back to ‘The Lookout’ centre.
The group that continued on their ride after Mike’s accident came across another Mike who knew the forest and was adopted as their leader. He was a little reluctant at first but soon grew into the role. He led them around a variety of trails for about 40 minutes, which was really appreciated despite a few spills.
The other group that had looked after Mike Chapman set out again to explore the trails. In one area they found a large wooded gully with the track slaloming up the sides around the trees. On another part there was a specific jumping run about 100m long that provided some aerobatic entertainment.
As the morning ended we all headed back to ‘The Lookout’ centre for some lunch and to compare notes.
Setting off again in the afternoon, we tackled some very tricky trails with some big drop offs. We also found an area with some very steep descents and stood at the top waiting for someone else to go first. A number of brave people took up the challenge and descended with an array of techniques. Whilst climbing up a hill preparing for a steep downhill section, Adam Russell’s chain snapped. Stuart the lead mechanic ably assisted by apprentice Alan Gayle managed to repair the chain for Adam to the amusement of the bystanders.
As the afternoon continued and other commitments beckoned, people drifted back to the car park to return home. I was amazed to note that in the forest measuring 2 miles by 1 mile, I had cycled a distance of 20 miles. A really pleasant feature of the woods was the ample supply of ferns to provide a soft landing. It made a real change to the nettles and brambles we are normally subjected to. It was good to see James Hopkins and Claude make a change from the road cycling, although James did appear to be attracted to the tree roots and stumps!
It was a Grand Day Out where each person had the freedom to do their own thing and yet be part of a larger group.