EPPING FOREST TRAIL RIDE

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/b/4/2/event_247103362.jpegLet’s go trail and mountain biking. We are escaping pollution and urbanization and exploring London's famous and ancient forest and beautiful glades. Join us as we spend our time cycling the off road public trails and more hidden cycle trails of Epping Forest…….a beautiful wilderness stretching from the outskirts of London deep into rural Essex. So we are going off road cycling and therefore you will not be able to use a bike which is only suitable for roads. A mountain bike or trail bike is required.

Spanning two-and-a-half thousand hectares, the forest has attracted national heroes such as Lawrence of Arabia, who once lived by its edge, as well as royalty who came to what was formerly a royal hunting ground as well as notorious highwaymen such as Dick Turpin. Luckily we won't encounter any highwaymen. However, we will see beautiful forest land, meadows, ponds, rivers, streams, bogs, maybe deer and some rare birds as well as some breath-taking views of London from afar. We will be riding through the depths of the forests. I am an avid fan of the Forest and regularly ride in the forest and always have a great time.

We will meet at Chingford Railway Station at 11:30 am which is an over ground station and not an underground station. Trains can be caught on a regular basis (10.17am 10:32 am; 10:47 am) and takes approx. 27 minutes from Liverpool Street Station or any of the stations on the way east. Chingford is also easily accessed by road. The North Circular is close as is the M25. Alternatively you can use the underground part of the way to Walthamstow or part of the Central Line. Or of course you can CYCLE to the meeting point. Once we are all gathered together we will embark on our exploration.

We will stop for lunch at one of the pubs in the heart of the Forest and a social sit down and then do a further exploration before heading on back in a circular fashion. Our journey will also end by a large pub for those who wish to have some form of refreshment....to quench their thirst. The pub is close to Chingford Station.

Cycle Level: Easy / Medium

Length of Cycle: 4.5 hours (could be longer if we wish - there are so many trails)

Things to bring:

1. Clothing suitable in case it rains.
2. Definitely bring water
3. Tyre repair kit (just in case)
4. Camera - if you would like to take some pictures.
5. Money if you wish to use the pubs for refreshment
   Please note if it rains a few days before there could be some mud but hopefully it will stay dry.

Mountain biking in Epping Forest has increasingly become a popular activity within the Forest. You can cycle throughout most of the Forest with the exception of areas with historic, ecological and scientific sensitivities and the easy access paths, where prohibition notices are displayed.

Although there are no designated cycle routes within the Forest, there are approximately 80km (50 miles) of horse-rides. About half of these are surfaced with the remainder unsurfaced and marked with white posts. Cyclists are welcome to use these tracks but whilst enjoying your cycle ride please be aware of horses or other members of the public who may be startled by the sudden appearance of cyclists.

Looking forward to a fun day out with you all.