New to MTB, What do you do?

newburb_1968

Hi
Not sure if it's the right area to post or not too?
I'm not too sure what to do at the moment I usually out on road bike and want a little bit of off-roading to mix it up a bit.
I live on the Kent coast and usually just ride MTB along Green chain coastal path, however this get's boring and plain.
I recently went to Dartmoor and done a couple of rides there and also done part of Bedgebury MTB course (Family was with me so I couldn't do the full), which made me get a new MTB.

So I will get to my question now?
Do you guys/girls just dive off into a field/footpath/ bridal path and follow it through and see where it takes you?
I have woods, fields, etc nearby and I'm never sure weather it's the thing to do or do you go to planned route...
So what do you do? or what should I do?

.blitz

Newburb_1968 wrote:

Do you guys/girls just dive off into a field/footpath/ bridal path and follow it through and see where it takes you?

Err...no

At least check the map for bridleways and x-ref with Google maps to see what the trail looks like. This way you'll avoid git orf moi land moments with irate landowners.

rhext

No! Always plan route in advance using OS map and Google Earth. But the best thing is to try to hook up with some people who know the area.

Quite apart from the illegality of simply diving off down the nearest footpath, and the fact that it can upset landowners, you'll often find that a lot of footpaths are not actually that much fun to cycle (try getting your bike over a 5-foot high ladder-stile every couple of hundred yards, or sliding your way round yet another claggy field margin after a rainstorm).

Mountain biking magazines and route books are also a very good place to start. If you're near Dartmoor there are lots of classic routes there!

dave_hill

You do need to find out about rights of way, and how to identify them from maps. If you don't know how to read a map, visit the Ordnance Survey website and download the free leaflets from there. Or visit your local library and get a book on the subject.

In a nutshell the rule is - stay off public footpaths. Anyone who says that they're fair game is a buffoon.

Then get the correct OS map for your area, and arm yourself with a highlighter pen. Spread the map out on the dining table or living room floor and go through it square by square, highlighting all the bridleways and byways. Once you've done that, string a route together and go exploring!

If you just remember that a public right of way shown on a map isn't conclusive proof that it exists on the ground; and also that just because a road/path/track exists, doesn't mean that it is a public right of way - you won't go far wrong.

As has been said though, if you can team up with someone in the know to show you the ropes, it does help.

Anonymous

I think you've either got areas that aren't specifically MTB areas and those that are.

With those that are I would say certainly keep an eye out for any tracks leading off bridleways and fire roads. That's how you discover them! I've found tonnes of stuff that's specifically MTB singletrack that I'd never have found just from a map, all through using my eyes.

But of course you'd know in advance that the whole area (forest, estate, etc) allows access in those cases.

Outside of that then yes, it's down to OS maps and getting advice from others, routes from forums, websites & magazines, etc.

In my case I'm a bit spoilt by being in Surrey as although it's not a mountainous area, the place is crammed with a heck of a lot of woods & common land, most of which is open access. On top of that a lot of MOD land is actually fairly open, although you should still check access (there's an MOD web site I think which lists it), and keep off if the red flags are flying!

Typically I go by where other people ride though. e.g. around Surrey I do the known areas like Swinley, Mytchett/Tunnel Hill, Surrey Hills, and most official common land is fine if you stick to bridlepaths, but generally you're not going to get a farmer jumping out at you on common land if you stroll off the path (just an annoyed dog walker probably but they moan at you even if you have right of way). If I dive off I usually look for a track that is obviously a MTB track though.

Some tow paths are okay, but check again. Some canals require a permit for cycling, some don't. Some tolerate cycling but you need to give way for pedestrians (some of whom will stubbornly stand in your way and refuse to let you pass).

Remember, bridleways are generally permitted for cycling. Public Footpaths are not (not to mention you have to contend with styles).

Anonymous

Just to add something I've been learning, that even in public land with acceptance of mountain bikers there are often "issues" with the land owner and especially where trails are unofficially built. Some are tolerated as long as they are not overused and less likely to get sued if someone gets hurt. Some are not and if the land owner finds out they may destroy them.

If you are unsure on the legality and there are built trails there it may be worth checking for local bike groups who may have built them and see what they say. They may even object to Joe Public using the trails they built. And don't go shouting about the location if they are "questionable".

fletch8928

as said before, grab a map and plot then link the bridalways up. Try doing a search for rides in your area on bikehike.co.uk. I have found that to be useful when out of my known zones. Happy hunting.

diy

you might try the southdowns way if that is not too far for you. Although going E->W is a b1tch as you'll have the wind in your face and will need to pedal just to go down hill

Carlos_Fandango

Hi,

have a look at this website - www.sketchymtb.co.uk. They have group rides in Kent and go to Surrey Hills, Swinley etc