Away Days
Here you will find a sample of some of the places we ride. It is not a complete list, and we are always looking for new areas to explore!
Usually the club hires a minibus and van to take a maximum of 20 members, with bikes, for the measly sum of £10 each (club subsidised rate for members only). If the location is further away the charge may be slightly more but will be indicated on the payment link, so check before you buy!
If attending one of our away days it is advised that you bring along a blanket or similar sheet etc. to protect your bike in the van – one that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Some of the trail centres and bike parks do provide cafe, bike cleaning, shower and toilet facilities – click on the away day names, to link to their website, to find out what each centre offers.
Quantocks Hills – Near Taunton, Somerset.
When: TBA
Logistics: Meet at location to start riding at for 10.30am. Meet point is Crowcombe Gate, which is up the hill out of Crowcombe village. TA4 4AB. Park about 200m after the cattle grid in the open area.
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Pub lunch in Holford.
Grade: Medium with hills! Big hills so ebikes or fit riders. Some technical terrain but top quality.
The Quantocks are full of bridleways and other secret trails, and feature regularly in bike magazine ride guides. We aim to pack in as much riding as we can manage including classic trails such as Weacombe, Sterte Combe and ‘The Chimney’.
Not suitable for beginners, but there will be an option for tired legs to finish early so the others can do a bit more.
Downhillers and gravity riders can do their own thing on the legendary Triscombe trails.
The route includes a lunch stop in Holford.
Swinley Forest – Near Bracknell, Berkshire.
When: TBA
Due to Covid restrictions we are unable to provide a minibus to transport members and bikes so until further notice please make your own way to the location.
Logistics: Meet at The Lookout for 10am to ride for 10.30am. ///moth.zealous.values
Grade: Easy to Medium
There are trails for all abilities from easy to technical off piste so choose your level and go with whatever group is suitable for you.
Swinley Forest is a trail centre and has both waymarked blue (easy) and red (experienced rider) graded trails.
The trails are short enough for anyone to finish early and chill out at the picnic area so the others can do a bit more. There is a cafe on site. The aim is to pack in as much riding as we can manage. Return approx 15:00hrs
For those who want to, we could visit the secret Gorrick trails and Crowthorne Woods for maximum fun.
Not a member yet? Maybe now is the time to sign up and enjoy some of the benefits!
To secure your place you need to pay in advance. The bookings are on a first come first served basis.
Cotswolds – Castle Combe, Wiltshire.
When: TBA
Logistics: Meet at ASDA Canford Heath at 8.00am to be away by 8.15. Aiming to get there by 10.30am. Back 6.00pm approx. (Parking in Asda is free all day)
Grade: Medium
Our route starts at the southern end of the Cotswold Hills. Nearby Castle Combe village and its race circuit draw the crowds, but you can largely escape all this on our route, which passes through picturesque countryside and pretty little hamlets. Pub lunch stop included.
There is no booking required for this away day.
Haldon Forest – Near Exeter Racecourse, Devon.
When: TBA
Logistics: Due to Covid restrictions we are unable to provide a minibus to transport members and bikes so until further notice please make your own way to the location and meet in the car park at 10:30am to be ready to ride promptly at 11:00.
Grade: Trails to suit all abilities – blue, red and off piste.
Haldon Forest is a trail centre and has both way marked blue and red graded trails. There is also a selection of enduro and off-piste trails for those who would like to do these.
The aim to pack in as much riding as we can manage.
Not suitable for beginners, but there will be an option for tired legs to finish early at the café so the others can do a bit more.
Surrey Hills – Surrey.
When: TBA
Logistics: Details to follow
Grade: Medium to Hard – NOT suitable for beginners
The Surrey Hills is a regional centre for Mountain Biking. The Greensand Hills of Leith Hill and the Hurtwood, in particular are seen as offering some of the best mountain bike terrain for extensive off-road cycling in the country.
One of the major areas in the Surrey Hills for mountain biking is the Hurtwood. The area is actively managed to give the best experience to mountain bikers. Regular maintenance work is carried out on trails and many new ones are created.
Not suitable for beginners, but there will be an option for tired legs to finish early so the others can do a bit more.
To secure your place you need to pay in advance and it is on a first come first served basis.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park – Near Petersfield, Hampshire.
When: TBA
Logistics: Due to Covid restrictions we are unable to provide a minibus to transport members and bikes so until further notice please make your own way to the location and meet in the car park at 10:00am to be ready to ride promptly at 10:30.
Grade: Medium
Queen Elizabeth Country Park is our closest trail centre just north of Portsmouth and has both way marked blue and red graded trails. There is also a selection of bridleways and off-piste trails. We usually split into groups for those who want to explore.
The aim is to pack in as much riding as we can manage.
Not suitable for beginners due to the hilly terrain but there will be an option for tired legs to finish early so the others can do a bit more.
There is no booking required for this away day.
Isle Of Wight.
When: TBA
Logistics: Due to Covid restrictions we are unable to provide a minibus to transport members and bikes so until further notice please make your own way to the location. see ride calendar for more details or the members page event posting.
Grade: Medium
Meet for the 09.45 sailing from Lymington. Parking at the terminal is expensive, so arrive early, park in the town side streets, and ride the mile to the ferry.
Please arrive no later than 9.30 as they usually load up the bikes before the cars and they won’t wait for you!
Please also prepay and print your foot passenger ticket online the day before (bikes go free). Face mask needed but can be removed on the open deck.
Hilly and some rough terrain in places. Great fun for most but not suitable for beginners.
There is no online club booking required for this away day and the ride is only available to club members. Please pre-pay for your foot passenger ticket. online the day before you travel.