I had a really nice ride at Swinley this morning. Conditions are still pretty good despite some recent rain – especially on the man-made trails. And while I was there, I ran into some of the trail pixies working on The Stickler. It was great to be able to thank them for their work and get news on what’s happening.
First up, we talked about permits. Everyone who rides in Swinley ought to buy a permit. Last year, it cost £20 which is nothing really for a whole year of riding. Interestingly, it sounds like the permits might well be funding even more development on the trails next year. Fantastic. To be honest, I’d happily take a 25% increase and pay £25 a year. If you ride there and don’t pay up: shame on you!
One trail in the sights for work is The Crowthorne Highway. A former singletrack that has been widened by riders trying to avoid puddles, we could see a harder surface put down on it soon. If that happens, the forest could grow back in and make the name as ironic as it used to be.
It was also good to see some chainsaw work has been going on clearing trees on some of the well known trails. Corkscrew is now clear and has a lovely pine aroma.
Given that those are the woods I played in and rode my Chopper in as a nipper (I grew up on the Old Wokingham Road opposite a small stand of woods known locally as the Triangle which I think have now been cut down), one of these days I really must make an effort to haul myself and my bike up there and have a ride around for old time’s sake. Obviously I’ll be doing the Big Girls Blouse routes.
You should definitely get down there! None of it’s very hard until you go as fast as you can 🙂