Fun in the Forest (Hamsterley)

Fun in the Forest (Hamsterley)
10 or 18 miles, dependent on your choice... (Steady to challenging)

Part 1 is 10 miles (steady)
Parts 2 & 3 add an additional 8 miles (more challenging)
Expect to be out for between 2-4hrs in total, dependent on which option you choose
(If you'd like to do this ride but don't have transport from Newcastle, send a message and I'll try and suggest a car-share)

Ride/route description:
This ride will be split in to three parts, allowing you to select from different options.
PART 1: We'll start will a loop on 'blue' trail. This is good gravel surface, suitable for any bike with robust tyres (but not skinny road tyres). A couple of inclines, but no big hills. This blue route could be likened to what would be graded as green (easier than blue) in other forests - but there's an option to tap out at 7 miles and follow the smooth tarmac forest road for a further 3 miles, back to the start point.
(The image for this ride listing was taken on the blue trail)...
PART 2: If you choose not to tap out after part 1, we'll continue on to some non-technical red trail. This is wide track, but rougher gravel than the blue and involves a couple of longer inclines - still doable on any bike with robust tyres.
PART 3: We'll reach a point where you will have the option to either stick on the non-technical route (wide gravel track), or for those on MTBs or hybrids with suspension, you have the option to take in some MTB 'flow' sections (twists, turns and bumps - challenging - confident riders only), regrouping at a rendezvous point on the wide gravel track.

You do not need to decide which option is for you until we're riding. (If you've done Kielder Forest Lakeside Way with us, with the exception of the optional flow section, this is easier!)...
Cafe stop at the end of the ride, so bring snacks and fluid to see you through.

If the ride is fully booked and you join the waiting list, British Cycling will send an automated email if a space becomes available. It is then first come, first served. Ride leaders DO NOT get to see the waiting list, so if you join it, please drop the ride organiser a message so we have an idea of how many people are on the waiting list.

Safety information - please read:
* The ride leader needs to be able to perform regular shoulder checks - for this reason, please don't ride too close to the leader's back wheel
* Repeat any calls that you hear or signals that you see (such as arm signals or calls such as ‘stopping’) so that riders behind you know what to expect
* In large groups, if you realise there’s a big gap between you and the person behind you, try and notify the leader.
* Although we don’t leave anyone behind, have a plan to get home if you’re unable to continue with the ride for any reason.
* If you find that we’re close to your home as we get towards the end of the ride, let the leaders know that you’ll be leaving the group.

THE OTHER BORING BUT IMPORTANT BITS....
Please make sure your bike is in working condition PRIOR to arriving for the ride and bring a spare inner tube to fit your tyres (check the valve type too!) and/or a puncture repair kit. The leaders can help you fix a puncture, but only if you have the right size inner tube for your bike or a puncture repair kit!

If the weather is poor, we will contact you if we are cancelling the ride and will do so by putting a message in the ‘conversation’ tab in the ride. You should receive a notification by email if there is a message. If you have not heard from us, we are still riding.

If you book on this ride and then find you have to cancel, please do so as soon as you can so that your place is available to someone else.

The organiser of the ride may take photographs or videos of the ride and riders for publicity purposes. By registering to participate in the ride, you agree that photographic images of you or containing you, may be used by the organiser, sponsors or promoters of the ride for publicity purposes

We look forward to seeing you.

Susan and Wendy