Let's offroad / mountain bike / mtb / ride dirt

That was a lot of fun - good to put some faces to names. Look forward to the next one.

Definitely. Who's free on the 24th for a mince pie ride then?

As long as it's not raining. I'm super unfit, haven't touched a bike for a month.

Bodes well for Boxing Day then

As long as it's not raining. I'm super unfit, haven't touched a bike for a month.

Man the fuck up, I expect better from you.

I'm in for a morning ride on the 24th.

Can any of you guys give me a rough set of directions for the trail in this vid, I think its known as baby maker. Every time I go up to Swinley I end up thoroughly lost, would be nice to know where the built up trails are!

http://www.pinkbike.com/video/285563

If you run this garmin trace player, the entrance to babymaker is at about the 24 minute mark.

http://connect.garmin.com/player/252686032

Head south when you enter Swinley and follow the fireroads.You'll know you are nearly there when you are on a fireroad and make a steep descent followed by a steep climb to a plateau with a rather nice view south east (@23 minutes). Follow the fireroad to left as it splits towards the trees. Here you'll find four or so entrances to singletrack disappearing into the trees. IIRC the third entrance going clockwise is babymaker, although it could be the first; I'm sure James will correct me if wrong. The second entrance is a DH route and requires balls, the fourth is the shortest - if you take it, turn right at the bottom and head back up the steep slope - 'you must be joking' to the plateau.

The first three of these trails leads you through the trees over various berms and kickers and ends up in a spooky clearing. Here go straight on into the southern entrance back into the trees for the labyrinth trail, and again turn right at the exit and go back to the plateau via the stupid steep incline.

Great, cheers Howard! I'll try it out next time I'm there!

I'm in for a morning ride on the 24th.

Me too - just been given the OK.

What time shall we meet? Rain is later in the day, so start a bit earlier than last time?

Not very good picture but this is my current AM bike.
Saddle is normally and lower, forks extended for descending.

What time shall we meet? Rain is later in the day, so start a bit earlier than last time?

Sorry - I'm going to bail :(

Another time though :)

I'm a bit iffy as I need to sort the bike rack connector but will do my damnest.

10ish?

Hmm, having second thoughts as well now. DJ?

am working tomorrow

after xmas is possible

looks a bit iffy then

Yeah, let's do it in the new year

Damn, I really wanted to ride tomorrow*

*not really, just came here to chicken out.

no, in between xmas and new year is a good time

Not very good picture but this is my current AM bike.
Saddle is normally and lower, forks extended for descending.

I think you'll find that's just an XC bike.

I think you'll find that's just an XC bike** with flat pedals, a bash ring, 20mm through axle, 8" brake rotor and long travel fork**

Where is the cut off point between XC and AM?

Long travel forks, I reckon. And tyres that can handle more than canal towpaths.

Oh and that's a 15mm axle.

that's a 100mm forks, 120mm max.