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Newbies and trails!

tass21tass21 Posts: 5
edited February 2009 in MTB beginners
Hi there, i am pretty new to mountain biking and would like to have a go at the two trail centres in the lake district, i've never ridden any singletrack and am a bit nervous about going and i guess i'm looking for some reassurances from the more experienced riders that are on these forums!

Any tips or advice is greatly welcomed and appreciated! I live in west cumbria which is why i am looking at these particular trails, if i have a go and enjoy it i'm thinking about the 7stanes next!

Looking forward to reading some replies, cheers Neil! :D

Posts

  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    Don't just limit yourself to trail centres - the real thing in my opinion is far better, more variety of natural riding, obstacles and terrain.

    Have a look at the route guides on this site.
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  • WhytepeakWhytepeak Posts: 2,616
    Refering to whinlatter and grizedale.
    Grizedale is bumpy on a hardtail, but good fun, you'll be fine.
    In the words of Russel Burton ( trail designer) 'you can take it easy on the boardwalk sections, just try not to be overtaken by a 5 year old' - no pressure.
    But seriously, don't be scared by the grade of trail, you'll be fine :D

    I hear whinlatter is less bumpy, but more challenging - going to ride it this week end, happy times ahead :D
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  • dave_hilldave_hill Posts: 3,877
    As Supersonic says, don't limit yourself to trail centres! Living where you do you're right on the doorstep of the best natural riding in the country!

    Grizedale is easy tackle on a hardtail, it's like riding on a carpet! There's nothing difficult about it at all.

    One word of caution though - there are several sections of raised board-walk which can be be treacherous when they're damp and lethal when they're wet or frosty. Unfortunately the trail builders didn't see fit to put in any "chicken runs" around them so if you don't feel confident to tackle them it's probably best to get off and walk.

    The other thing about it is that last time I went (August last year I think) som eof the NFT was in pretty poor repair. Some of the single-track sections had got pretty eroded due to the wet weather.

    Trail centres get busy at weekends - try to get there early if you can and be ready for faster riders coming up behind you. Be prepared to let them past if necessary - if someone calls trail from behind you try to stop or move off the side at the first safe opportunity. Don't just stop in the middle of the trail as you're a) likely to cause a pile-up, and b) even more likely to get a mouthful.

    As far as natural trails go, get yourself copies of the Ordnance Survey Explorer maps covering your area and get out exploring! Keep to bridleways, byways and roads (NO PUBLIC FOOTPATHS!!!) and you won't go far wrong!
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  • The Northern MonkeyThe Northern Monkey Posts: 19,174
    Aye, NFT is easy on a HT. As dave said, watch out on the boardwalks... you'll notice the big pedal/shin sized chunks that have been taken out of the worst ones.
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  • NorthwindNorthwind Posts: 14,675
    I'd say just work up, it's better to waste a ride on a green or a blue that doesn't challenge you than it is to jump in too deep and spend a miserable afternoon tottering around a red that's too much. IMO ;) I don't think you'll ever regret biting off less than you can chew, at least once, but riding is so much about confidence and if you get a big scare on your first trail centre ride, that's no good.

    And yeah, natural trails are great... Trail centres pretty much guarantee a good ride but real world riding will occasionally hand you down a great one out of nowhere.
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  • joshtpjoshtp Posts: 3,966
    i agree that natural riding is awsome. if you do want to get to a trail centre, i know its a long way, but head down to brechfa in wales. its got some great green and blue trails, that are both easy and the singletrack is great fun for even a pro, properly fun and flowy. go have a look, TODAY. anyhow, its probably no further than 7 stanes.( also why go to scotland when you could co to wales :!: :wink: )
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  • tass21tass21 Posts: 5
    joshtp/mbukman wrote:
    i agree that natural riding is awsome. if you do want to get to a trail centre, i know its a long way, but head down to brechfa in wales. its got some great green and blue trails, that are both easy and the singletrack is great fun for even a pro, properly fun and flowy. go have a look, TODAY. anyhow, its probably no further than 7 stanes.( also why go to scotland when you could co to wales :!: :wink: )

    Would i be right in assuming you are welsh? I've read about the welsh trail centres and its something i hope to do in the near future! :P
  • Banned!Banned! Posts: 34
    the welsh trail centres are good, but the whole of scotland is a natural trail, so we win.
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