Forest Cycling

We are re-starting the series of off-road bike rides using forest trails and similar routes in the Hexham area …. also extending to some more adventurous options such as Kielder Forest or Glen Tress (near Peebles). It would be really good if anyone has ideas about different locations / types of off-road ride: so very open to suggestions and/or offers to organise activities!

The next ride in Slaley Forest (from Ladycross Quarry) will be suitable for riders who have taken part in the Monday evening coached sessions over the summer i.e. children should be able (and be suitably dressed) to cope with at least one hour of cycling on a mixture of forest roads, tracks and similar terrain … with maybe a little parental help along the way.There are also some more demanding options to challenge older riders.

I know that several children were very cold during one of the rides last winter and some didn’t enjoy the ride. In the past we have  usually been very lucky to avoid a combination of cold weather and strong winds at the same time … but cannot rely on that!
The weather forecast is quite mild for this weekend but to reduce the risk of children getting cold (and miserable) we plan to have:
1. A more thorough clothing check before we start riding.
2. Regroup after 10-15 mins with a check of riders’ condition and how well they are dealing with the terrain. If appropriate, we will split into two groups at that point. This requires someone else to lead one group … I’ll bring an extra map.

Bikes: mountain bike, cyclo-cross or hybrid (NOT suitable for road bikes/tyres)
Correctly fitting helmets and suitable clothing to be worn
Children to be accompanied either by a parent or by another nominated adult.

Next dates:
SUNDAY 21st October at Slaley Forest
Saturday 10th November
Saturday or Sunday 1st/2nd December

Time:
Meeting at 1:30pm for a prompt 1:45pm start. Plan to end at about 3pm.

Slaley Forest location:
Park near to Ladycross Quarry (from Hexham on the B6306, continue past the Traveler’s Rest pub, turn R to Ladycross, continue on that road for 2 miles).

Please let me know if you plan to come or if you need more information.