BigBashBonanza
Registered user
I've just moved to Wiltshire (Tidworth) and wondering what's here and what's to do on my GSA......
Any input will be most welcome.
Any input will be most welcome.
So talk to me about Wiltshire!
- Thread starter BigBashBonanza
- Start date
Tidworth...... you are right in the middle of byway heaven. But yourself some maos
BigBashBonanza
Registered user
Maps?
I've got maps but not sure what is open for riding and what is closed to the public? Can I use the military training areas at weekends?
SALISBURY PLAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A360
A338
A342
A361
A354 (SALISBURY TO WEYMOUTH)
A30 (SALISBURY TO SHAFTESBURY AND FURTHER SW)
A350
and many, many more!!!!!!
A360
A338
A342
A361
A354 (SALISBURY TO WEYMOUTH)
A30 (SALISBURY TO SHAFTESBURY AND FURTHER SW)
A350
and many, many more!!!!!!
The majority, of the zillions of byways on an os map, in this area are Byway Open To All Traffic , BOAT, category. Refer to the Trailwise TRF site for a good overview. It's better if you go with someone as a guide. You can't go, if the red flags are flying,but the area is so vast, that it's easy to find another area. There is an mod web site which notifies when training is on.
Your biggest problem, is that the area is criss crossed with tracks in all directions and you MUST not go off the byway ,which is often hard to see. It's also advisable to be wary riding through puddles .
Bakerman usually has an event at Xmas, but be warned, there may be lots of ice.
Your biggest problem, is that the area is criss crossed with tracks in all directions and you MUST not go off the byway ,which is often hard to see. It's also advisable to be wary riding through puddles .
Bakerman usually has an event at Xmas, but be warned, there may be lots of ice.
I'm not on Tapabollox now, so here are some useful inks for you:
Have a look at the TRF Trailwise site for local byways
Have a look at this site for detailed OS mapping. You can also use that site to pin a gpx route and export to Garmin, so as to make sure that you stay on the byways.
Have a look at the TRF Trailwise site for local byways
Have a look at this site for detailed OS mapping. You can also use that site to pin a gpx route and export to Garmin, so as to make sure that you stay on the byways.
Shep
Shep of the Dessert
You must be Army why else would you move to Tidworth??? You're in the middle of everything byway wise, fill yer boots!!!
If you're a nice guy you might take a ride to Andover and visit Bakerman at Burbidges bakery on Ludgersall road, he knows the plains really well and runs an off road adventure over the christmas break, well worth a visit if only for the doughnuts!
If you're a nice guy you might take a ride to Andover and visit Bakerman at Burbidges bakery on Ludgersall road, he knows the plains really well and runs an off road adventure over the christmas break, well worth a visit if only for the doughnuts!
Fanum
Toubab
Don't go out and ride anything just 'cos it's there.......you are very fortunate to be in that area, but make sure you hook up with people who know what's legal and what isn't.
Sounds like a bummer saying that, but too many areas have been spoiled by idiots riding with no clue, so you'll be doing yourself a favour anyway
Watch out for that Bakerman character by the way....he has strong links to Egypt and he can barely write in English......Do your country a favour and visit his premises in Andover to see if you can catch him out
Sounds like a bummer saying that, but too many areas have been spoiled by idiots riding with no clue, so you'll be doing yourself a favour anyway
Watch out for that Bakerman character by the way....he has strong links to Egypt and he can barely write in English......Do your country a favour and visit his premises in Andover to see if you can catch him out
Bakery Christmas run thread here: http://ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?348766-BAKERY-OFF-ROAD-EVENT
It will be a great way to get out and see the 'plain as part of a group, just turn up, pay, eat, ride, eat some more, ride home
Groups will all have guides that know the area, so you won't have to worry about falling fowl of the police or land wardens.
BigBashBonanza
Registered user
Nice one guys, thanks for the replies.
I agree Fanum about not riding just anywhere. There are plenty of tracks for me to explore without making my own!
I had a decent look round today, near Perham Down and had a right hoot!
Losttheplot, I've heard about the Bakery Run at Christmas. As I've only got Anakee 3's on, how 'off-road' will it be?
I agree Fanum about not riding just anywhere. There are plenty of tracks for me to explore without making my own!
I had a decent look round today, near Perham Down and had a right hoot!
Losttheplot, I've heard about the Bakery Run at Christmas. As I've only got Anakee 3's on, how 'off-road' will it be?
Good to see I am not the only one down this way
Look out for a middle aged man wearing tweed plus fours and driving a 63 plate silver Golf - he has anger management 'issues' and may try to knock you off your bike / ram your car should you get in his way. Last seen leaving Countess Services last Saturday morning heading SW on the A303 
Lol I have an old land rover so I am lucky if I get up to 60 lol
speedfour4
Registered user
Yea get out on the plain miles an smiles off good mud and gravel tracks to enjoy, wardens are fine long as you stick to existing tracks and have a legal bike, set off off road tires are advisable but if stick to perimeter track then tourance type are fine, give me shout if you fancy a ride out.
James
From one off the times I've been up http://youtu.be/f1GjTjpNswg
James
From one off the times I've been up http://youtu.be/f1GjTjpNswg
oddshapedballs
Registered user
Wiltshire's a wonderful county, with one exception....Swindon! Stay away from Swindon, it's like a massive skid mark, has nothing going for it and is absolutely full of lazy good for nothing numpties. If ever there was a town where dreams go to die it's Swindumb!
BigBashBonanza
Registered user
I haven't had the delight of Swindon yet, but will nip up there to Blade (bike shop) maybe next weekend.
Speedfour4, many thanks for the offer and I'll take you up on that. Got Anakees fitted at the moment and have been on the Plain quite a bit (limited to routes with my rubber choice!) but had a whale of a time.
Will change to something more off road biased but having just bought a Montana, my slush funds are a little low right now!!
Speedfour4, many thanks for the offer and I'll take you up on that. Got Anakees fitted at the moment and have been on the Plain quite a bit (limited to routes with my rubber choice!) but had a whale of a time.
Will change to something more off road biased but having just bought a Montana, my slush funds are a little low right now!!
fully
Registered user
swindon
Swindon is however home to Bike Treads in Kemble trading estate
been using them for some time for tyres, MOTs and servicing
they looked after me well over the years
if you go during office hours there's an o'briens just up the road that does nice snacks while you wait.
Swindon is however home to Bike Treads in Kemble trading estate
been using them for some time for tyres, MOTs and servicing
they looked after me well over the years
if you go during office hours there's an o'briens just up the road that does nice snacks while you wait.
+1 for Bike Treads, been buying tyres there for years, helpful people and fair prices.
DesertStormer
Registered user
Wiltshire
Having spent the last 20 years with great bike-meeting places on my doorstep in Surrey/Sussex (Box Hill/Newlands Corner/Whiteways) I'm finding Wiltshire a bit bereft of Sunday morning ride-out destinations.
For example, I went out to the 'Venue' Hilltop cafe on Sunday morning (recommended in the Bike Friendly places in Wiltshire Guide) only to find they were friendly enough, but had just one bike in the carpark in addition to mine......
Am I missing somewhere...?
Having spent the last 20 years with great bike-meeting places on my doorstep in Surrey/Sussex (Box Hill/Newlands Corner/Whiteways) I'm finding Wiltshire a bit bereft of Sunday morning ride-out destinations.
For example, I went out to the 'Venue' Hilltop cafe on Sunday morning (recommended in the Bike Friendly places in Wiltshire Guide) only to find they were friendly enough, but had just one bike in the carpark in addition to mine......
Am I missing somewhere...?
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