Organiser: Martin Hore

We’ll be meeting at High Lodge Visitor Centre, outside the Bike Art shop at 10.30 am. I’m proposing an all day outing but with a stop midway for lunch at the Visitor Centre (café available) so that people can join in for half a day if they prefer.

There are two purpose-made single-track bike trails on offer. The “Beater Trail” is graded Blue (moderate) and is suitable for pretty much anyone who is confident on a bike, though it may feel quite challenging if you’ve not been off-road before. The “Lime Burner Trail” is graded Red (difficult) and requires a little more experience, though the climax – “The Beast” – can be avoided if necessary. There are also some optional pits along the way graded Black (severe).

I expect most people will want to do the Beater Trail in the morning and the Lime Burner Trail in the afternoon but of course people can vary that if they wish. Both trails are around 10 miles with short-cuts available.

You will need an off-road bike, or at least a hybrid road/off-road bike. Bikes can be hired from Bike Art though they are a little expensive for the whole day. You’ll need to book a bike in advance. Helmets are of course essential.

Parking at High Lodge is exorbitant. For those bringing their own bikes it’s much more economical to park at Brandon Country Park and cycle  to High Lodge from there (15mins max on forest tracks). The Lime Burner Trail finishes close to Brandon Country Park.

I hope we’ll have a good turn-out for this trip. An exciting day’s exercise is guaranteed on the best local cycling terrain in glorious November weather.

Please let me know if you will be joining us. I’ll try to put people in touch for transport so let me know if you can offer or would like a lift.

Hope to see you there!

Martin