What you need to know before you Join Us.
EPPING FOREST SOCIAL MOUNTAIN BIKERS
This group is open to women and men and is completely free! Since July 2007 when it began over 150 people have said they would like to come along.
Our focus is riding in a group of friendly people to enjoy great company and to have a good time. The group consists of a really wide variety of people from all walks of life, Lawyers, Doctors, Nurses, Self Employed, Builders, Firemen – you name it we've got it. What we all have in common is a love of mountain bike riding. But don't be misled by the word ‘Social'. Whilst it does mean we like to talk, it doesn't mean a 3mph crawl along the sandy paths!!!
SO HOW LONG DO YOU RIDE FOR & HOW HARD IS IT?
Our rides are reasonably demanding. We don't go manic - and are certainly considerate of other forest users – but we can and do push the pace. From time to time we go up big hills and generally make sure we all get a good cardiovascular workout. In which case a total beginner - unless pretty fit – might find it hard the first few times. Newcomers are more than welcome to come along and give a ride or two a try. The main thing is to have a decent bike, good bike handling skills and some fitness (which soon picks up).
Our main weekend rides start at 11am, we stop for a bite to eat around 1.30-2.00pm then finish back at Chingford around 4.00 - 4.30pm.
In the summer we also have weekly “after work” rides of about 2 hours, however as the nights are now drawing in they have come to an end. But those who are free can set up times to meet up during week days and get extra rides in that way.
WHERE & WHEN WE MEET
New meeting point, since November 2008
Saturday is our regular ride day and is on each week all through the year - regardless of the weather. We meet at the far carpark on Bury Rd (not golf club carpark). For new comers, leave the station turn right on to Station Rd, cross over & take the 2nd turning left, Bury Rd. The carpark is 200m on the right.
Be there at 10.45am and leave at 11.00am sharp.
If you feel you will fit in then just come along and give it a try.
Depending on which type of ride you feel is best for you, ask for Miles for the harder, single track stuff or Ian and Dave for a more moderate ride.
Map of where we meet
TO SUM UP
WE ARE friendly, supportive, out for fun, to get fit and have a good time
WE'RE DEFINITELY NOT serious or competitive.
FINALLY IF YOU'RE ALREADY VERY FIT
If you're already an experienced Mountain Bike Rider and you're looking for fast, challenging or very technical riding - we're not for you! For that type of experience head meet others on Sundays at 9.30am at Carl's Tea Hut in High Beech. You will find a young group there who go out on fast & furious rides. They are definitely hard-core riders and unless you're exceptionally fit and truly have "No Fear" you won't keep up. Be it on your head – you have been warned!!!
INFORMATION & DECLARATION / DISCLAIMER / WAIVER
EppingForestSocialMountainBikers is not a club. There are no paying members. No one who goes out on the ride is a trained or formally authorised as a mountain bike leader. The group is solely aimed to bring together people who want to enjoy the company of others on informal mountain bike rides.
So if you like what you have seen and read, and want to come along for a ride, that's great. If you read and agree with the declaration below just turn up on a Saturday morning - there's no more to do.
The group meet outside Chingford Main Line Station at 10.45am and leave at 11.00am sharp. There's usually a faster and medium paced group to choose from
ESSENTIAL:
- WEAR A HELMET
- CARRY YOUR OWN REPAIR KIT INCLUDING SPARE INNER TUBE
- (You are advised for your comfort to bring a generous amount to drink)
I am 100% responsible for ensuring my bike is in full working order. Before I ride I know it should have been serviced within the last month and that gear cables, brake cables, discs/brake blocks, chain, chainrings, cassette, wheels, rims and condition of spokes etc have all been checked and are in good working order and that my bike has been approved for the rigors of off-road riding.
I understand that I am responsible for personally checking the components and condition of my bike, including lubricating it before every ride.
I understand that mountain biking can be physically demanding and acknowledge that I am advised to see my Doctor to have a full health assessment to be passed fit before I ride.
I confirm that I am a competent mountain bike rider and capable of riding both on the road and off-road including unmade up single tracks. I fully understand that riding a mountain bike on or off road can result in accidents and therefore ride totally at my own risk. I take total responsibility for my own health, and safety and the condition of my bike. I am fit enough to ride for 2 hours+.
I understand the points here and accept that on any rides the route leader, fellow riders or landowners, shall not be liable in any way or in any circumstances for any damage, injury or loss to me that may occur during or in connection with my participation in rides I choose to join.
I am of sound mind and body, I will ride within my capabilities and ensure my cycle is properly maintained and in full working order.
You need to read and accept the information and disclaimer statements and that you agree to abide by and accept the advice and conditions.
