Summit MTB runs monthly rides in the Chilterns for members plus riders who are thinking of joining our club.

Guided by an experienced member with good knowledge of the area, these rides are supported by a second club rider at the back of the pack to try and make sure no-one gets lost or left behind. The pace is sociable with regular regroups along the way.

If you are planning on coming along please email us giving a mobile telephone number at summitmtb@gmail.com a couple of days before the day of the ride. To get the most out of the ride you should have some experience of cross-country mountain biking and enough fitness to last at least two hours in the saddle. Please make sure your bike is in a safe condition and you wear a hard shell cycling helmet during the ride.

Routes may vary depending on the trail and weather conditions and the decision on the day by the ride leader. Meet at 09.15 for a 09.30 prompt start

Club Rides

Sunday 20th April 2008:
Ibstone Lucky Seven

This is a beautiful and unspoilt part of the county with great woodland & tree-lined trails and village pubs. Easily accessed from the M40 and with so many good trails, you simply have to give it a go regardless of all the hills. This is a medium to hard ride which should take around 3.5 hours to complete. However there are various opportunities for shortcuts depending on progress during the ride.

Meeting point:
Exit the M40 at junction 5 and head south for 2 miles to Ibstone, and park in one of the lay-bys on the right near the Fox pub (SU751941).

[click here for the map pdf]

Sunday 18th May 2008:
– Lions of Bledlow/p>

Starting on the Ridgeway between Chinnor and Princes Risborough, this medium to hard ride takes in some of the best kept secrets in the Chilterns; the start takes you towards West Wycombe before heading towards Bledlow Ridge, Radnage, into the Wormsley estate, onto Christmas Common before heading down Pyrton Hill and back along the Ridgeway to the start.

Meeting point:
Lions of Bledlow pub car park

[click here for the map pdf]

Sunday 8th June 2008:
– Pednor Loop

Covering 28 miles & 950m ascent and taking in part of the Buckinghamshire Off Road Classic route, this is a four-hour ride likely to finish at 2pm. The route heads north-west toward Wendover before crossing over the A413 and heading back down via Dunsden, Prestwood, Little Missenden and Hythe End.

Meeting point:
Water Meadow car park, Chesham (SP958014) located between Chesham town centre and the old town off the dual carriageway of St. Marys Way.

[click here for the map pdf]

Sunday 13th July 2008:
– Bourne End Bash

This ride reads like a classic Berks/Bucks off road adventure. Kicking off from Bourne End railway station, heading over the Thames for the first time, through Cockmarsh, the MTB playground of Winter Hill, then heading west and taking on Knowl and Ashley Hill, before dropping down the b/way to the Black Boy Inn, picking up the Thames again and the final section around Marlow. The ride is expected to take 3.5 hours.

Meeting point:
Meet in the car park for Bourne End railway station.

[click here for the map pdf]

Sunday 17th August 2008:
– Judges Ride

On the north western edge of our patch, this ride is definitely worth the trip. A figure of 8 route which takes us through the Thames Path, Grims Ditch near Wallingford, and into the western flanks of the Chilterns. Includes some excellent singletrack, easy climbs and rewarding descents. The ride should last 3 hours – easy to medium course, with the chance to stop at a number of pubs en route.

Meeting point:
Cherry Tree Inn, Stoke Row.

[click here for the map pdf]

Sunday 7th September 2008:
– Ashridge and Whipsnade

Lying on the northern edge of our patch, this varied ride has it all including woodland singletrack, extensive bridleways, rooty sections, killer climbs and exhilarating descents. From the car park, we head north past the impressive Ashridge Estate House, through Little Gaddesden and Studham to Whipsnade (avoiding the wildlife). Turning west to Ivinghoe via Edlesborough, we head south through the picturesque village of Aldbury before returning to the start point across Ashridge Common.

Meeting point:
Public car park adjacent to Berkhamsted golf club and the war memorial just north east of Berkhamsted (TL005092).

[click here for the map pdf]

Sunday 5th October 2008 :
– West of Henley

West of Henley Loop. This ride takes in some of the finest singletrack in the Chilterns, and includes the Thames Path between Whitchurch and Goring, plus Grims Ditch on the Ridgeway near Wallingford. A challenging ride that will take approx 4 hours. This run can be shortened on the day if required.

Meeting point:
Meet in the layby at the end of the Fair Mile leading out of Henley towards Wallingford on the A4130.

[click here for the map pdf]

Sunday 9th November 2008:
– Wendover/Tring – Twin Peaks

From Wendover Woods to Tring and return, this 25 mile route takes advantage of surfaced sections of the Ridgeway, waymarked Wendover Woods MTB trail, and surrounding byways to minimise the winter mud. Interestingly, the route links the highest points in Buckinghamshire (in Wendover Woods) and Hertfordshire (Pavis Wood) affording some fine views. More importantly perhaps, Wendover Woods is home to the 'Cafe in the Woods' for that all important post-ride cuppa.

Meeting point:
Wendover Woods visitor car park (change required) - the entrance is signposted from the B4009 between Wendover and Tring, and can be found 250 yards along the St Leonards Road on the right.

[click here for the map pdf]

Sunday 14th December 2008:
– Christmas Common

Where else, but Christmas Common for our seasonal ride and lunch? A gentle loop around the Ridgeway, Howe Hill and Russell’s Water before heading back up to Christmas Common, where after a quick change, we will head into the Fox & Hounds for lunch. Numbers will be limited for the lunch so please contact us or post on the forum if you are planning to have lunch so that we can confirm numbers. Menus and prices will be shared nearer the date.

Meeting point:
Meet at the car park for the Fox & Hounds, Christmas Common .

[map pdf coming soon]