Epping Forest Epics

TyaxSuper · Joined: 24 Jul 2006 Posts: 20 Location: Chingford

Hello Ive recently moved to Chingford and have just bought myself a mtb. Im a complete amateur and want to know where to ride in Epping forest. At the moment I have all the gear but NO idea!!

Ive done a few outings around the southern parts of the forest near the Royal Forest pub, but am looking for some more challenging sections to improve my riding.

Could anyone recommend some good trails and meeting points ?

I'd like to eventually join others in cycling on weekends but my fitness at the moment would mean Ill be at the back slowing you all down!

hamster · Joined: 10 Apr 2006 Posts: 73 Location: waltham abbey

hiya, firstly you should never worry about being the slowest or such - we've all been there and most groups ride at the pace of the slowest member. Just getting out and riding with others is rewarding, and fitness and skills will come with time/watching others etc.

for guided tours so to speak then Epping Forest Epics are a great bunch - setting out at 10am from same start point. The same can't be said for Epping Forest MTB club who set out from HB tea Hut but ride with heads-down german efficiency - no slow riders welcome!

check out eppingtrails.co.uk for some mapped routes if you want to go out solo (they tend not to ride/guide) - also eppinghardcru.co.uk give some idea of great ST centred around High Beach - they are also GPS mapping the 30 miles+ of ST in that area of the forest and will be posting downloadable maps soon

hope that helps and see you on the trails
_________________
that humerus still ain't humorous

TyaxSuper · Joined: 24 Jul 2006 Posts: 20 Location: Chingford

Thanks hamster,

Thats exactly what I was looking for some detailled maps with trails thanks!

Robo · Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 11:24 am Post subject:

Hi Mate,
If you don't get around to meeting at the Bike Shed in Woodford, then you may want to meet up with the ex Top Banana riders at High Beech on a Saturday. On Saturdays they have a slow/beginners ride, usually taken by a nice friendly guy called Barry. They too always ride to the slowest rider, and usually have someone experienced riding at the back to make sure no-one gets left behind.
They have been riding and meeting in Epping Forest for over 10 years, so they know it very well indeed.

They also meet Sundays and Wednesday night, but this is for quicker riders, and as the nights draw in, good lights are essential.

I'm happy to meet you for a ride during the week in the afternoons a few times to get you acustomed to Epping forest and some land marks so you don't get lost, if you're about in the aftrnoons that is.

Cheers.
Rob.

TyaxSuper · Joined: 24 Jul 2006 Posts: 20 Location: Chingford

Hi Robo

That sounds good. Im home from 530pm on Thursday if thats convenient? I usually start out from the car park next to the golf course, cos I live just off Station Road.

I went for a ride last night following one of the trails from eppingtrails.co.uk, and had a great time. Went on a trail up to High Beech.

I now know what slow technical sections mean.... Holy Bushes!

I think I might give Saturday morning a go then. When abouts do they start from?

John

SENOR J · Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 3:31 pm Post subject:

Robo,
sorry to interupt your chat but .......
i work 5 day double day shift patterns
(6am-2pm one week,2pm-10pm the next).
If you or anyone fancies some company/rides during weekday afternoons,
let me know.

hello all ,
unfortunately work has kept me busy last few weekends so i've missed mick's jedi-like guiding skills. just to complicate things , get me new flat keys on thursday , and then off to do the southdowns way on tuesday.
I hope to see you @ the bikeshed early/mid august.
Pete , hope you've gotten over your stack on pole hill. Very Happy

J.