Writeup by Phil Allum
The Forest of Dean is always one of our most attended rides. This is because there really is something for everyone there, see http://www.fodmtb.com/ for details of what’s there. See also our previous ride reports.
So on a nice dry, mild Good Friday, a massive gaggle of MB Swindonites had gathered, ready to set off. Most people wanted to stick together so we opted for the Freeminers as a warmup. Tony Holmes and our newcomer Denise decided to tackle the Verderers. A small group of latecomers also started off on the Verderers.
There seems to be almost continued developments on the Freeminers at the moment, the latest being a set of 5 progressively higher wooden jumps. These proved very popular. The dry weather meant that the trail conditions were spot on.
After a brief regroup back in the carpark, Paul Broadrick very kindly offered to give us an off piste tour. It covered approx 30km and included some of the enduro route, old downhill tracks like Y2K and other parts of the Forest. After this huge tour, which left some of us flagging somewhat, a regroup at the cafe was in order. Here i had to depart due to other arrangements, leaving the rest telling stories over coffee and cake.
Big thanks to Paul Broadrick for sharing his local knowledge with us, opening up an even bigger network of trails around the Forest of Dean.
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