Hammers (MTB)

Hamsterley and Beyond
15-20 miles / 1500-2000ft
Expect to be out for about 4-5hrs in total.

Ride/route description:
We'll use a combination of blue and red graded gravel fire roads and MTB trails in Hamsterley forest, with some stretches of tarmac to join the dots. We'll begin with the skills loop to get an idea of how the trails are graded within the forest, before riding some of the blue graded trails. If you decide that's enough for you, you can bail out before we head to red graded trails. There's also the option to bail out at various points on the red MTB trails, and rejoin the fire road.
Hamsterley MTB trails are very varied and not massively techy, so a good way to have a go with the option to bail out.
MTB or eMTB.
Distance / elevation is estimate, as it will depend on which routes we take on the day, depending on confidence levels of the group.
NO CAFE ENROUTE - BRING YOUR PACKED LUNCH.

If the ride is fully booked and you join the waiting list, British Cycling will send an automated email if a space becomes available - then it's first come, first served. (Note the date on the automated email may be wrong!!)... Ride leaders do NOT get to see the waiting list.
Ride leaders are volunteers and give up their time for free - if you sign-up then change your mind, please ensure you cancel your place so we know not to expect you and the place becomes available for someone else.


The boring stuff...
Safety information - please read:
* Repeat any calls that you hear or signals that you see (such as arm signals or calls such as ‘stopping’) so that riders behind you know what to expect
* In large groups, if you realise there’s a big gap between you and the person behind you, try and notify the leader.
* Although we don’t leave anyone behind, have a plan to get home if you’re unable to continue with the ride for any reason.
* If you find that we’re close to your home as we get towards the end of the ride, let the leaders know that you’ll be leaving the group.

THE OTHER BORING BUT IMPORTANT BITS....
Please make sure your bike is in working condition PRIOR to arriving for the ride and bring a spare inner tube to fit your tyres (check the valve type too!) and/or a puncture repair kit. The leaders can help you fix a puncture, but only if you have the right size inner tube for your bike or a puncture repair kit!

We look forward to seeing you.

Susan and Wendy