Forest Baiku

[CAS]

Been out in the Forest of Dean today! Forgot the camera so you'll need to use your imagination


Mount as snow falls gently from leaden skies
And plunge into woods on frost crispy leaf mould and glassy puddles.
Magical hoare frost transforms the delicate branches of young trees.
This is why we’re out on a cold winter’s day !
Shivery cold, but warm to the climb
Not a soul to be seen, but out of sync squirrels and foraging blackbirds
Past railway relics and hints of collieries
Fast descent on tracks to Parkend.

Long climb to Coleford high above the road,
Winding tracks and wintry forest views

And LUNCH – hands round hot coffee – and chips – wicked but welcome!

Watery sun emerges for the return
Stiff legs

Chilly descent, fingers numb, toes tingling.
Envy upward riders their cosy warmth as the sun drops behind the hill.
Backs of houses, glimpses into people’s homes
Ice floes on lakes

Warming up as we climb towards the car

Back home
Fire lit
Job done
Great ride !

 

[obscurasky]

Been out in the Forest of Dean today! Forgot the camera so you'll need to use your imagination

I love riding in The Forest of Dean; it has to be one of Englands most unde-rated areas. There's so many really good rides there - it's just finding them that's the problem. You really need access to local knowledge to find the best stuff, otherwise you can waste a lot of time looking for decent trails.

 

[daj]

otherwise you can waste a lot of time looking for decent trails.

Wise words!!

Last time out was the first time I felt like we were away from the masses and finding decent trails, Remembering the names of the areas that we were taken to by our retrobike guides we picked a map up and asked around and went from there it was great

 

[Augustus]

snow falls gently from leaden skies

Snow? In June?

 

[CAS]

snow falls gently from leaden skies

Snow? In June?

Look carefully and you'll see I wrote this at the start of the year. Having said that I worked in the FOD for a number of years and snow is possible almost any time!!

 

[Russell]

snow falls gently from leaden skies

Snow? In June?

http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=52676

 

[CAS]

Been out in the Forest of Dean today! Forgot the camera so you'll need to use your imagination

I love riding in The Forest of Dean; it has to be one of Englands most unde-rated areas. There's so many really good rides there - it's just finding them that's the problem. You really need access to local knowledge to find the best stuff, otherwise you can waste a lot of time looking for decent trails.

So where in the Forest are you based then?