Epping Forest Epics

alaric · Joined: 30 Dec 2005 Posts: 69 Location: Nea Makri, Greece

Em and I will be riding at the new centre at Bedgebury in Kent on Saturday.

There's a new visitor centre there with a Family Cycle trail, a technical trail and a North Shore trail (they've also yet to complete a freeride and dirt jump area).

There's also a cafe, showers and bike shop with bike hire.

We aim to get there at around 10 am.

More details, including location, here.

Hope to see some of you there!

If you need to contact me on the day my mobile number is 07904-020 208.

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"Act your shoe size, not your age..."

The BIG GT · Joined: 15 Jul 2006 Posts: 126 Location: Derby

Hi Aleric,
I have a mate who lives in Kent so have done the Bedgebury thang many times! It's now been extended up to 14km (from 13km) but you do have the option to miss out the new loop.

In this weather I would recommend avoiding it as it is a bogfest of a path climb, not technical at all and will only really be useful as an extra bit of fitness practice once it dries a bit.

The rest is pretty good, with lots of tight singletrack and short but very steep climbs thrown in occasionally. The surface drains well apart from a few spots so should be fine even in the current conditions.

The 'North Shore' section is tricky to find but well-constructed and too high off the ground for my liking but good if you have the nerve!

Coffee and cake at the centre is cheap but good (proper filter coffee and friut cake slices - mmmm!) but I don't think there's much really filling food, you may want to take some with you.

There's a bike wash and even showers for riders if you want to spare the upholstery! Take £5 in change for the ticket machine in the car park and lookout for families on the joint sections.

Enjoy your ride! If my friend is finally up for a ride, we may see you there!

Gary
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Too many trails, not enough time!

alaric · Joined: 30 Dec 2005 Posts: 69 Location: Nea Makri, Greece

Hi Gary,

We've already been a few times over the winter, so we've a good idea of what to expect.

The North Shore is easily spotted from the family trail, but not too well signposted if you actually go looking for it!

We've got quite a few friends going from Kent, we'll probably start with a potter around the family trail, and then those that want can go on to the tech. trail - Em, Kenny and I certainly will!

Be good to see you there.

Alaric.
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"Act your shoe size, not your age..."

Mick_the_Greek · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 264 Location: South Woodford

Hope to see you 10.00 am Saturday, if running late will tel.
Regards. Mike.