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Sorry, didn't see your comment until after I posted mine since I had the page open already.

Anyway, I looked into that bike and it looks like a short travel XC bike, I don't think it'd be the right fit for me; I'm hoping to pick one up with similar geo to my Following.

Thinking I might try https://www.trailforks.com/routepopular/922720/ at Swinley. I've only got one day to ride and don't really want to spend it hunting down routes. With bikes and refreshments available right at the trail head it seems like the best option for me.

Oh, I see. So if I walk to Waterloo station from the hotel, then take the rail to Bracknell and cab from there it's a more reasonable commute; that sounds doable.

re @Howard, I found a few spots up near Epping where I could pick up a trail bike; but it sounds to me like Swinley may be a better choice all things considered. Even if I find someone to ride with I'd likely want to stay out all day without imposing on anyone.

What's the ride at Swinley like compared to Epping Forest?

A coworker recommended Swinly as well and it looks like a fine choice...but according to Google Maps that's a nearly 2 hour commute: https://goo.gl/maps/shgJq64jU492

It's doable, I suppose. Looks like the shop closes at 17:00 and if I can get there around noon that should provide enough time to ride.

Is it worth the commute in your opinion? Considering the lack of signage at Epping (assuming I'd be alone)?

I'm the person he's referring to. Going to be in town on Sunday, July 29 and have most of the day to ride. I'll be holed up at the Hilton Bankside near the company office, and from what I've been able to glean Epping Forest is the most comprehensive nearby trail network.

Looking for a loaner or a recommended shop to pick one up for the day that's pedaling distance from the trail head, along with (ideally) a recommended route.

Here in central Texas we don't have a lot of sustained climbs, it's mostly punchy ups and downs with a lot of technical features (big limestone steps, lots of scree, etc). It looks like Epping is mostly fast and flow which sounds great.

Thanks in advance!