Swinley - Time To Play

After riding the Welsh mountains and in contrast, the flatness of local rides, a day of mountain bike riding was in order at the much talked about Swinley.

After driving down in the drizzle, we arrived to an almost overflowing car park.

The setting is beautiful in this Crown Estate Forest.

A permit is required to ride these trails, but at a cost of £2 per person, it is much cheaper than counter part Forestry Commission car park fees, currently between £6 and £7 per car.

We weren't to meet Stumpy Dan and Shazimat until later in the day, so after kitting Tom and I headed for the trails to have some fun.

On leaving the car park, we cycled a fire road which flowed up and down until we reached the entrance of the Expert Mountain bike area. As you ride along you can see an array of different routes that could be taken with destination unknown! Oh to be a rabbit!!! We started the flowing single track ride and was just making good speed when we were halted by a pack of riders descending. Not a problem, we pulled over and then continued uninterrupted on our way. We came across a kicker, that we stopped and sessioned a few times. Then on our way once more, through the fern strewn forest.

We then reached a part where you can ride and kicker off... My confidence not having yet reached a peak for the day, I sat back and watched Tom session until a massive group came up and took over the runs...

Happy to continue, and with the photos in the bag, we headed along the fire road once more, this time a fast descent swooping up to an evil steep climb, but with forward thinking, the climb was made easy, as we arrived at the downhill rabbit warren of fun!

At this point, there are several options to be taken...which one to do??!!

We opted initially for I think, number4. This was ok, but just seemed to me like a descending single track ride, nothing too technical or exhilarating but still fast and flowing. Trying not to look too disappointed, we made our way back up to the top.

We took option number3 for the second run. By chatting to other riders, they told us that this one was called Baby Maker...not sure if this was correct information or just being fed a dummy, but it was muchly fun... Very loose under rubber as you enter, sweeping round to the right, into a deep gully that flicks left, then away you go!! Short sharp twists and turns, berms, small tabletops and doubles... Not much chance of a breather as the succession of theses keeps you on the go constantly until an opening of different routes to take to exit appears. Our exit for this time, a small single track section, brought us quickly back out on to the fire road. My spirits much improved by this adrenalin provider, despite being on my brakes (WAY TO MUCH!!) We climbed for another go.

Still by taking on board information given by other riders, we took this trail again, but this time I was much more confident, allowing the skills I know I have to aid my descent, pushing my bike in to the berms and pumping and manuelling and kicking off some table tops, we arrived at the crossroads much quicker and with more enjoyment had. We continued on a swoop to the right as we began a small climb... this continuation lasted ages...excellent!! Having to put effort on the up parts and concentrating on the meanders in and out and through the trees, this half mile long stretch was so cool. All skills required and a big grin as the last kicker off back to the fire road.

My phone had beeped and on reading, Dan and Shaz were heading for Jump Gully... just one more go and we were off to met them.

The next time was just as awesome... loved all the berms, my bike just moving with accuracy and stability. Air was reached as I pushed in and up the table tops...and doubles, well, I rolled over them still. Next time!

Off to Jump Gully.

This isn't normally the sort of thing I would ride, probably more due to feeling quite intimidated. But today I was looking forward to at least giving it a go.

I was expecting it to be really busy so was surprised to see it empty with not a single rider on it. Tom and I were beginning to think we may have missed Dan and Shaz. But hey, we found them , on a chill. Really, really great to see them both. After having a chat and discussing the Gully, it was back on the bikes to have that go.

I entered more confident than I thought I would be, managing to jump the first two, rolled the third and really didn't do too great on the double. I got over the first part, but front wheel down for the second... think I needed to try that again.

With chat and banter inbetween, mainly Dan and I took it in turns to ride the Gully as Shaz did a few and Toms was on camera duty...

with Tom's encouragement and guidance of his own learnt skills, by the time I had ridden it about 6 times I was clear of the double... YIPPEE!!

Just to make sure this wasn't a fluke attempt, I sessioned another 4 or 5 times... how much fun was that!!

We did discuss a dual, but Tom insisted taking the high road just wouldn't flow enough...so by succession, I won!!

A great time was had at this new found playground...we all had fun jumping the jumps and clearing the double. New found skills for me that I can now work and improve on. Thanks to Tom for your guidance and being camera-man . Thanks to Dan for turning up!! And to Shaz, hope you feeling ok. It was really great to finally meet you.

Where next...............??!!

Written by :

goblinshimmer