Basingstoke goes to She TORQs (Off road)!

Fancy a new mountain biking challenge and some fun? 8 miles in woodland trails?... read on... 12:12 TORQ in your SLEEP is a 12 hour enduro mountain bike event that is held at Minley Manor, just off junction 4a of the M3. It is held on the last bank holiday weekend with camping, catering etc on site Saturday to Monday morning. The main 12 hour event starts 12 noon Sunday finishes at Midnight. However.... This year on Saturday, after the success of last year, as well as youth events, the Gorrick team are holding a 'She TORQs' one lap introductory charity lap at 5pm for women only, with lots of entertainment linked in.. here is what the website says... "5pm: She TORQs 1 lap of the quiet course as a fundraiser for the Army Benevolent Fund for female riders to race or pace. Afterwards there is chocolate, Pimms, socialising and opportunities in the Arena to get advice on bike maintenance, training, mtb holidays, nutrition, a future bike purchase, kit & clothing." Entry is £10 to charity. You should sign up her for free to let us know you're coming but you will need to pay the organisers via the website to secure your place or on the day. Here is the link for more info and how to pay: http://www.gorrick.com/racing/enduro12/index.php "Race or pace" means if you want to take your time you do so and walk the bits you're not confident to ride up. There are a couple of more technical sections but I aim to put on another Swinley Forest ride so you can practice and the technical bits are very short and sharp ups/downs. I would suggest you take a trip to Swinley Forest if you have not done much off road riding first to get a feel for it - I will try and arrange another session. You can go at our own pace and I do not envisage any issues with other riders - if there are some fast ladies, they can go ahead and as it is only one lap, they cannot overtake you! If you are worried about spectators, don't! The only places you will see spectators etc will be when riding into/out of the campsite which is a field - and any 'spectators' will also be fellow riders so no problems! Anyone with a mountain bike and a level of fitness to be able to and willing to walk/bike around forest trails (there are no big hills or mountains in that area of Hampshire but there are some short sharp climbs and drops down which are walkable) for 8 miles is welcome. The focus is on FUN and a new challenge for some of you in a safe environment... and some PIMMS and good advice afterwards! Last year there was also a raffle draw and we won some great prizes. I am suggesting we meet 4pm i.e. an hour before but you can come, camp, etc if you want bring the family if they are interested. I have put 3 hours to allow for the PIMMS etc but you can leave when you want. Last year 10 ladies came and loved it. Any queries, etc contact us [email protected] or www.facebook.com/breezingstoke or twitter @breezingstoke Cheers, Ruth