Night
Rides
In addition to the events below,
there is a weekly night ride which meets at 7pm outside the visitor
centre. Contact Mathew
Clark or Gary
Ewing for more info.
Meet
time is 7pm, though with people travelling from afar the ride
normally starts about 7:10pm, and normally lasts no longer than
about 2 hours.
Meet outside the forest
classroom, behind the forest Visitor Centre. You'll see other
cars parked there (near the phone box). Don't park in the car
parks. The gates get locked at dusk!
It is very dark, and
we ride all the singletracks. I use a system that has a 20W halogen
bulb and lasts 2 hours. This kind of brightness is adequate, 12W
halogen bulb is an absolute minimum.
The routes always go
over technical black-grade style singletracks and move relatively
quickly, so for safety reasons we need to point out that you should
be a capable rider with appropriate kit. If your kit fails in
the dark (and cold and rain) then a repair could be problematic.
I hope the above info
helps. We're a friendly bunch and keen to help if you're new to
the night riding thing. If you've got any questions about the
necessary fitness/skill/kit, then please email back. I'll be pleased
to help.
On the other hand, if
you're an experienced singletrack monkey with all the kit - then
just turn up on Wednesday night!
OPTIONAL
A pint in the Cross Keys afterwards.
Gary
Ewing |
Fortnightly
Female Evening Bike sessions
In response to demand from
all the women who have spent too much of the winter curled up
by the fire, we're running some easy 'Get back into biking' evening
rides once a fortnight starting Tuesday 15th April at 6.30pm,
meeting outside the Forest Information Centre. The next session
will be on Tuesday 29th April.
The rides will last about an hour and will be green or blue routes,
trying to avoid the worst of the hills. The intention is to have
an informal get together, no coaching, just fun and hopefully
- some resultant fitness.
If interested - just turn up - or email Vicky
Chilcott, Secretary. |
| 2008
Events |
| 3rd
March, Formal club meeting |
| |
6.30pm
Hamsterley Forest Classroom. All welcome
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 9th March,
Monthly club ride |
| |
Meet
at 10.30am in the Bike Hire Car Park at Hamsterley Forest. Guided
mountain bike ride through forest. Free except for Forest parking
charge. All abilities and non-members welcome (ride will split
as necessary according to ability.) Under 17’s welcome if
accompanied by responsible adult.
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 15th
March, Trailbuilding session |
| |
Meet
outside WoodNWheels 10am, Hamsterley Forest. Session will last
about 4 hours. Bring packed lunch and something to drink, wear
old clothes and suitably strong footwear (ideally steel capped
shoes.) Under 17’s welcome if accompanied by responsible
adult. No previous experience necessary – training will
be given.
Contact
: Mathew Clark |
| 16th March,
2nd Beginners Male Mountain Bike Coaching Session |
| |
Meet
at 10.30am in the Bike Hire Car Park at Hamsterley Forest. Second
of two sessions for those new to mountain biking or looking to
brush up on existing skills. For full details - see first session
24 February.
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 29th
March, 1st Intermediate Male Mountain Bike Coaching Session |
| |
Meet
at 10.30am in the Bike Hire Car Park at Hamsterley Forest. First
of two sessions for those who have attended previous beginner
sessions (24 February and 16 March) or those looking to brush
up on existing skills. Free to members, except for Forest parking.
Non members £5 plus Forest parking charge. Led by trained
mountain bike leaders. Sessions will last approximately 4 –
5 hours and are led by trained Mountain Bike Leaders. Bring something
to eat and drink; waterproof clothing; bike helmet; gloves; glasses.
Bike hire can be arranged from WoodNWheels (Tel 01388 488222)
Second session – 13 April.
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 7th
April, Annual General Meeting |
| |
6.30pm,
more details to follow...
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 13th
April, Monthly club ride |
| |
Meet
at 10.30am in the Bike Hire Car Park at Hamsterley Forest. Guided
mountain bike ride through forest. Free except for Forest parking
charge. All abilities and non-members welcome (ride will split
as necessary according to ability.) Under 17’s welcome if
accompanied by responsible adult.
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 13th
April, 2nd Intermediate Male Mountain Bike Coaching Session |
| |
Meet
at 10.30am in the Bike Hire Car Park at Hamsterley Forest. Second
of two sessions – for full details see first session 30
March.
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 19th
April, Trailbuilding session |
| |
Meet
outside WoodNWheels 10am, Hamsterley Forest. Session will last
about 4 hours. Bring packed lunch and something to drink, wear
old clothes and suitably strong footwear (ideally steel capped
shoes.) Under 17’s welcome if accompanied by responsible
adult. No previous experience necessary – training will
be given.
Contact
: Mathew Clark |
| 5th
May, Social meeting |
| |
Informal
gathering at the Cross Keys in Hamsterley, 7pm start.
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 11th
May, Monthly club ride |
| |
Meet
at 10.30am in the Bike Hire Car Park at Hamsterley Forest. Guided
mountain bike ride through forest. Free except for Forest parking
charge. All abilities and non-members welcome (ride will split
as necessary according to ability.) Under 17’s welcome if
accompanied by responsible adult.
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 11th
May, Beginner Female Mountain Bike Coaching Session |
| |
Meet
at 10.30am in the Bike Hire Car Park at Hamsterley Forest. First
of two sessions for those new to mountain biking or looking to
brush up on existing skills. Free to members, except for Forest
parking charge. Non members £5 plus Forest parking charge.
Sessions last approximately 4 – 5 hours and are led by trained
Mountain Bike Leaders. Bring something to eat and drink; waterproof
clothing; bike helmet; gloves; glasses. Bike hire can be arranged
from WoodNWheels (Tel 01388 488222) Second session will be on
18 May.
Contact : Trailblazer
Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 17th
May, Trailbuilding session |
| |
Meet
outside WoodNWheels 10am, Hamsterley Forest. Session will last
about 4 hours. Bring packed lunch and something to drink, wear
old clothes and suitably strong footwear (ideally steel capped
shoes.) Under 17’s welcome if accompanied by responsible
adult. No previous experience necessary – training will
be given.
Contact
: Mathew Clark |
| 18th
May, 2nd Beginner Female Mountain Bike Coaching Session |
| |
Meet
at 10.30am in the Bike Hire Car Park at Hamsterley Forest. Second
of two sessions for those new to mountain biking or looking to
brush up on existing skills. For full details - see first session
11 May.
Contact : Trailblazer
Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 24th-31st
May, Glentress week away |
| |
Club
MTB week at 7 Stanes mountain bike haven. Camp, caravan, b&b
or hotel – your choice. More details to follow.
Contact : Trailblazer
Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 2nd
June, Formal club meeting |
| |
6.30pm
Hamsterley Forest Classroom. All welcome
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 8th
June, Monthly club ride |
| |
Meet
at 10.30am in the Bike Hire Car Park at Hamsterley Forest. Guided
mountain bike ride through forest. Free except for Forest parking
charge. All abilities and non-members welcome (ride will split
as necessary according to ability.) Under 17’s welcome if
accompanied by responsible adult.
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 21st
June, Trailbuilding session |
| |
Meet
outside WoodNWheels 10am, Hamsterley Forest. Session will last
about 4 hours. Bring packed lunch and something to drink, wear
old clothes and suitably strong footwear (ideally steel capped
shoes.) Under 17’s welcome if accompanied by responsible
adult. No previous experience necessary – training will
be given.
Contact
: Mathew Clark |
| 7th
July, Social meeting |
| |
Informal
gathering at the Cross Keys in Hamsterley, 7pm start.
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 13th
July, Monthly club ride |
| |
Meet
at 10.30am in the Bike Hire Car Park at Hamsterley Forest. Guided
mountain bike ride through forest. Free except for Forest parking
charge. All abilities and non-members welcome (ride will split
as necessary according to ability.) Under 17’s welcome if
accompanied by responsible adult.
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 13th
July, 2nd Intermediate Female Mountain Bike Coaching Session |
| |
Meet
at 10.30am in the Bike Hire Car Park at Hamsterley Forest. Second
of two sessions – for full details see first session 6 July.
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 19th
July, Trailbuilding session |
| |
Meet
outside WoodNWheels 10am, Hamsterley Forest. Session will last
about 4 hours. Bring packed lunch and something to drink, wear
old clothes and suitably strong footwear (ideally steel capped
shoes.) Under 17’s welcome if accompanied by responsible
adult. No previous experience necessary – training will
be given.
Contact
: Mathew Clark |
| 10th
August, 1st Intermediate Female Mountain Bike Coaching Session |
| |
Meet
outside WoodNWheels, Hamsterley Forest, 10.30am. First of two
sessions for those who have attended previous beginner sessions
(11 and 18 May) or those looking to brush up on existing skills.
Free to members, except for Forest parking. Non members £5
plus Forest parking charge. Sessions last approximately 4 –
5 hours and will be led by trained Mountain Bike Leaders. Bring
something to eat and drink; waterproof clothing; bike helmet;
gloves; glasses. Bike hire can be arranged from WoodNWheels (Tel
01388 488222) Second session – 13 July.
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 10th
August, Monthly club ride |
| |
Meet
at 10.30am in the Bike Hire Car Park at Hamsterley Forest. Guided
mountain bike ride through forest. Free except for Forest parking
charge. All abilities and non-members welcome (ride will split
as necessary according to ability.) Under 17’s welcome if
accompanied by responsible adult.
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 16th
August, Trailbuilding session |
| |
Meet
outside WoodNWheels 10am, Hamsterley Forest. Session will last
about 4 hours. Bring packed lunch and something to drink, wear
old clothes and suitably strong footwear (ideally steel capped
shoes.) Under 17’s welcome if accompanied by responsible
adult. No previous experience necessary – training will
be given.
Contact
: Mathew Clark |
| 1st
September, Formal club meeting |
| |
6.30pm
Hamsterley Forest Classroom. All welcome
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 7th
September, 6th Co Durham GMSR, Hamsterely Forest |
| |
Meet
at 10.30am in the Bike Hire Car Park at Hamsterley Forest. Charity
event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Choice of 3 off-road
cycle routes (Blue – family; Red – intermediate; Black
– challenging) or 2 walks, a trail-run or horse-quest. Registration
from 9am. £5 pre-registered (under 16’s free) or £8
on the day. Team and individual entries welcome. See http://www.hamsterley-trailblazers.co.uk/gmsr2007.htm
for details and pictures of 2007 event. Contact Ollie Graham,
Groundwork West Durham for more details and entry form
Contact
: Ollie
Graham |
| 14th
September, Monthly club ride |
| |
Meet
at 10.30am in the Bike Hire Car Park at Hamsterley Forest. Guided
mountain bike ride through forest. Free except for Forest parking
charge. All abilities and non-members welcome (ride will split
as necessary according to ability.) Under 17’s welcome if
accompanied by responsible adult.
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 20th
September, Trailbuilding session |
| |
Meet
outside WoodNWheels 10am, Hamsterley Forest. Session will last
about 4 hours. Bring packed lunch and something to drink, wear
old clothes and suitably strong footwear (ideally steel capped
shoes.) Under 17’s welcome if accompanied by responsible
adult. No previous experience necessary – training will
be given.
Contact
: Mathew Clark |
| 6th
October, Social meeting |
| |
Informal
gathering at the Cross Keys in Hamsterley, 7pm start.
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 12th
October, Monthly club ride |
| |
Meet
at 10.30am in the Bike Hire Car Park at Hamsterley Forest. Guided
mountain bike ride through forest. Free except for Forest parking
charge. All abilities and non-members welcome (ride will split
as necessary according to ability.) Under 17’s welcome if
accompanied by responsible adult.
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 18th
October, Trailbuilding session |
| |
Meet
outside WoodNWheels 10am, Hamsterley Forest. Session will last
about 4 hours. Bring packed lunch and something to drink, wear
old clothes and suitably strong footwear (ideally steel capped
shoes.) Under 17’s welcome if accompanied by responsible
adult. No previous experience necessary – training will
be given.
Contact
: Mathew Clark |
| 3rd
November, Formal club meeting |
| |
6.30pm
Hamsterley Forest Classroom. All welcome
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 9th
November, Monthly club ride |
| |
Meet
at 10.30am in the Bike Hire Car Park at Hamsterley Forest. Guided
mountain bike ride through forest. Free except for Forest parking
charge. All abilities and non-members welcome (ride will split
as necessary according to ability.) Under 17’s welcome if
accompanied by responsible adult.
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 15th
November, Trailbuilding session |
| |
Meet
outside WoodNWheels 10am, Hamsterley Forest. Session will last
about 4 hours. Bring packed lunch and something to drink, wear
old clothes and suitably strong footwear (ideally steel capped
shoes.) Under 17’s welcome if accompanied by responsible
adult. No previous experience necessary – training will
be given.
Contact
: Mathew Clark |
| 1st
December, Social meeting |
| |
Informal
gathering at the Cross Keys in Hamsterley, 7pm start.
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
| 14th
December, Monthly club ride |
| |
Meet
at 10.30am in the Bike Hire Car Park at Hamsterley Forest. Guided
mountain bike ride through forest. Free except for Forest parking
charge. All abilities and non-members welcome (ride will split
as necessary according to ability.) Under 17’s welcome if
accompanied by responsible adult.
Contact
: Trailblazer Secretary, Vicky Chilcott |
