Regular MTB/CX rides in Epping Forest

If I'm honest, I normally just go down Forrest Side to Chingford, and get on the paths and trails from there, totally skipping Whitehall Plain.

Unsurprisingly there was a reasonable amount of mud on the way to Epping today. This mud was very attracted to my rotors. Trying to scrape it off with leaves didn't work. I now need new brake pads.

Sintered pads?

Dunno. Fucked pads now.

Most typical trails between Hollow ponds and Whitehall Plains are pretty obliterated at the moment, on the plus side, there will be loads of new lines to try in two months.

Anyone been up to Epping recently, specifically the Hollow ponds - Whitehall plain route, how's it looking re. mud? Walthamstow Marshes is still under water, but Hackney Marshes is not too bad, so might pop up this weekend.

Last time was 2 weeks ago when it was all frozen. I'd still avoid it

Bummer. Might try on the gravel/hybrid, and stick mainly to the roads.

Went past Whitehall plain on the road this morning and while it was frozen it’s still looking pretty churned

https://www.lfgss.com/comments/15679859/

This is still the best approach imo

All the fire roads north of Rangers Road are super fast and dry, everywhere to the south of that is a total write off. As is everything around High Beech

A lot of the trails on the east/Loughton side of Epping New Road are drying out but still a bit boggy

I don't mind sticking mainly to fire roads when I'm there, but cycling up via the road on mtb tyres is a bit overkill.

Pretty much everywhere is dry now. The ladder bridge over the stream by Whitehall Rd is getting sketchy too and missing some rungs

Pretty much everywhere is dry now

news I was waitng for thanks, it was awful last time i went

it was awful last time i went

I feel attacked somehow

Don't expect easier going, most places are ruts and roots gardens

most places are ruts and roots gardens

I just miss the mud

Can I interest sir in a mountain bike?

Has it ever had a full compliment of rungs? I'd rather just jump the stream going the other way.

it was awful last time i went

yeah, it got some serious abuse this winter, fecking walkers

How much did @Gregory pay you to say that?

epping is great right now

I don't know @Gregory but he sounds very sensible indeed

I couldn't believe how wide most of the paths had got from the walkers