November Sun- Midlands style

UK Riding in the Forest of Dean

I've been in the UK for a few weeks now and have ridden some of the classic loops that Herefordshire, Shropshire and other locations have to offer. This last week I have been on girlfriend duty and the week before I was in a North Wales getting very wet whilst doing my International Mountain Leader Summer Training.

After the first frost of the year it was with some relief, that the sun came out for a spectacular Autumnal ride in the singletrack haven that is Forest of Dean. We've been coming here for years and years so I know my way around fairly well. Last weekend two of the group had been up here exploring around and found some new bits. It then rained all week so when we were told of, "dry pine woods" in emails we were all still very much interested...

Sunshine at the capark

The visitor centre was packed out with all kinds of riders. Downhillers through XC weekend warriors too novices seeking easy flat riding along the old railway lines. Since the opening of the Verdeerers trail a few years ago it's been a popular winter riding spot for many many people. Its a classic UK man-made trail centre. Great fun when conditions are so soggy, but lacking a little something real.

How many Herefordians does it take to fix a puncture?

Dark woodland singletrack

Dropping in on the Red section

Screaming with fear or joy? both?

The big wheel crew

So after we'd zoomed down the final descent back towards the visitor centre we headed away from the crowds. Despite the bike area being so busy, its good that only locals or those in the know venture away from the Verdeerers trail as it keeps things quiet. However as these other trails haven't seen any machine touches (i.e gravel), they do get muddy! But that's real isn't it?

It could be summer but for the stripey socks

After a bonus loop we found the promised dry pine trails and headed off on more classic Forest of Dean singletrack with a super steep and greasy final section. The faint ribbon we'd undulated along gave false impressions of the trail ending, however the 29ner I was riding handled the steepest bombholes with ease. My Dad wisely chose to walk down the end bit.

Well earned coffee for my Dad

Dad's Scott 29ner- Fast UK capable trail bike. It just wants you to go fast everywhere!

November weather in the UK- GREAT

Cleaning bikes at home- NOT GREAT

Bonus loop- NOT GREAT, but the trail after it was worth doing.

Upsetting Wives/GF's- NOT GOOD

Possibility of this being my last ride of the year- NOT GOOD

Possibility of ski-touring in Cham next weekend- GREAT

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