Hello from all of us at Pedalabikeaway,
If you’ve ridden the Forest this week, you’ll know something has shifted.
The air smells different.
The trails are starting to dry out.
And suddenly the woods feel alive again.
Spring is hands-down one of the best times to ride here.
The snowdrops and daffodils have already had their moment, quietly carpeting the forest floor like they do every year. Now the wild garlic is starting to push through, which means that unmistakable smell drifting through the trees on a warm ride.
Give it a few more weeks and the bluebells will take over the place — whole sections of the Forest turning that deep violet colour that somehow makes even a steady climb feel worth it.
And then there’s the wildlife.
You’ll start spotting deer moving through the trees more often, birds making a proper racket again… and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the newest forest residents.
The little wild boar piglets.
Around here they’re known as “humbugs” — tiny stripy things that look like someone crossed a pig with a liquorice sweet. They tend to appear suddenly, dash across the trail with mum not far behind, and remind you very quickly that this is very much their forest.
(If you do see them — slow down, give them space, and definitely don’t get between mum and the youngsters!)
Spring riding is a bit of a sweet spot.
The winter mud is fading, the dust of summer hasn’t arrived yet, the forest smells incredible, and every ride feels like the start of the season again.
If you’ve been meaning to get the bike out…
Now’s the time.
See you soon,
Gareth, Ian and the Pedals Team