Thames Valley Veggies is hosting the next Vegan Fitness mountain biking and walking weekend. And we're celebrating World Animal Day in the process.

Locals (whether vegan or not) are welcome to join in with the daily activities. Vegans from all over the world with fitness aspirations are invited to join in and help plan the event through the Vegan Fitness Forum. There is accommodation on offer for those from far away.

Programme

• Saturday all day - mtb ride or walk option in the Chiltern Hills just north of Reading, meeting in Emmer Green
• Saturday evening Meal at our place - contribute and eat.
• Sunday all day - mtb ride or walk option in the Chiltern Hills just north of Reading, meeting in Emmer Green

You'll need to be reasonably fit and used to off-road cycling for the rides, the distance will be 45-55 miles and the pace medium with stops during the day.

For the walks average fitness is fine.

where

When you book, we'll give you details of where in Emmer Green (North Reading) we are meeting for the cycle ride start and lift shares to the walking starting points. It is where the overnight accommodation is too.

We'll be doing these activities whatever the weather as once you are out there the woods and hills of the Chilterns are fabulous rain or shine. It's a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

accommodation

We can supply free accommodation for a large number in varying degrees of luxury, for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, if required. Please state if this is required. You may need to bring sleeping bags.

food

For those staying over please contribute to a bring and share breakfast (cereals, fruit, bread things, juice etc.)

For those staying over on Friday night we will make a simple pasta dish, ideal for endurance.

The Saturday event may have a mid day pub stop or sandwiches - still working on that one, the evening meal will be at our place. It will be a bring and share affair.

Eating plans for Sunday are being considered.

All food consumed on the event is requested to be vegan.

biking details

Saturday's route

Saturdays route will be about 45-55 miles. The route is being built here. The out route (blue) is about 22 miles, and the return (which I've yet to complete) will be about the same but the terrain will be more demanding.

The terrain will be a mix of single track through woods and farm land, plus some connecting road stuff.

The surface in the Chilterns in typically solid, except if it rains lots then it can be thick mud!

Sunday's route

TBA. Will be shorter than Saturday's.

what to bring cycling

You need to somewhat self sufficient with your gear, just in case you need to leave the group for any reason.

• A mountain bike - a hybrid will not be suitable. Bike hire is available from Trailjunkies Mountain Bike Centre @ £15 p/d. We can collect these before the event so please let us know your requirements in good time. Talk directly to Trail Junkies if you have questions about the bikes, sizes etc.
• A helmet - no helmet, no ride.
• Eye protection - we will be cycling through lots of undergrowth, and stones flick up.
• Gloves.
• Water-proof coat.
• A spare inner tube.
• Basic bike tools and pump.
• Front and rear lights.
• Water carrier.
• Chewy bars etc. If I need to pick up hire bikes I cab grab Torq and Cliff bars on request.
• Recommended: OS Landranger map 175.
• Recommended: emergency inner tube patches.
• Recommended: chain splitter.
• Recommended: a mobile phone.
• Recommended: tyre patch.

Some of the above may be able to be borrowed from us, please ask well in advance.

Walking details

We need someone to lead the walking group.