Where to go?

Mr OCD
Mr OCD Posts: 382
edited December 2010 in MTB beginners
I'm based near Manchester and I am looking for some MTB routes / trials to try out but have no idea where to look...

Can anyone point me in the right direction? :?
2009 Carrera Fury

Comments

  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    The 'Routes' or 'Rides' sections?
    I don't do smileys.

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  • thel33ter
    thel33ter Posts: 2,684
    Lee Quarry is meant to have some fun bits for messing around on. As Cooldad said, there is probably a thread in the Rides section with a group based near Manchester.
    And now you know, and knowing is half the battle
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  • xterra
    xterra Posts: 117
    both llandegla and Gisburn Forest are within easy reach, and good fun...
  • xterra
    xterra Posts: 117
    both llandegla and Gisburn Forest are within easy reach, and good fun...
  • shm_uk
    shm_uk Posts: 683
    South-East of Manchester you've got the Peak District - loads of properly good trails from Hayfield over to Edale/Hope/Castleton/Ladybower... some examples:

    http://www.mountainbikerides.co.uk/routes/1-the-peak-district.html


    There's also some trails in and around Macclesfield forest.
    I'd also definitely recommend a trip to Lee/Cragg Quarries, plus Llandegla & Gisburn.


    As for which is more 'local' for you, it depends exactly where you're located, or how far you're prepared to drive.
  • nonnac85
    nonnac85 Posts: 1,608
    Have a look at the maps on my website (in my sig below) to see what trail centres are near you.
    My Website - Trail Centre info for the UK: MTB Trail Time
  • Mr OCD
    Mr OCD Posts: 382
    Cheers people :)

    I'm located North Manchester ... just outside Bolton 8)
    2009 Carrera Fury
  • chedabob
    chedabob Posts: 1,133
    There's Healey Nab & Rivington near Chorley. If you don't mind the drive, Cannock Chase isn't too far away.
  • Duggan13
    Duggan13 Posts: 75
    Roman Lakes in Marple is a good starting point- have a look at the Mellor Maps and Around Hayfield on this website- www.bikemaps.co.uk. You can start in the Roman Lakes and extend to Hayfield or even further in the Peaks.

    I sometimes get the train from Piccadilly station to Marple Central or Rose Hill, only takes 20mins. Or, I'm based in South Manchester and it is fairly easy to ride through Reddish Vale along the canal to Marple if you fancy the exercise.

    PM me if you want more info or details.
  • fungus_the_muffin_man
    fungus_the_muffin_man Posts: 1,608
    I'm in Tyldesley so quite near you. There's also rivington and Darwin tower which are rideable.
    Bianchi. There are no alternatives only compromises!
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  • Scottsparkrider
    Scottsparkrider Posts: 59
    Get on the M61 and head north to the Lakes or the Yorkshire Dales for the best riding in the country.
  • cavegiant
    cavegiant Posts: 1,546
    recommended lee quary to a beginner, evil evil man.

    peak district and lake district have some of the best riding in the country.

    Gisburn and lee quary are fun, but probably way above your level, but they would give you an idea of what to aim for =-)

    llandegla is awesome and easier
    Why would I care about 150g of bike weight, I just ate 400g of cookies while reading this?
  • The Northern Monkey
    The Northern Monkey Posts: 19,174
    How is gisburn above his level?!

    Gisburn blue is fun and very very easy.... did it with my old man a while back.
    Santa Cruz Butcher
  • cavegiant
    cavegiant Posts: 1,546
    the blue is not really Gisburn though is it.

    The red/black made me scream outloud more than once.

    That section through the trees near the start is stunning. Ride is slow you have a swoopy track through the trees, ride it hard you have one of the fastest changing DH courses I have ridden. The first scream was hurtling around a corner only to find my bars were wider than the gap between the trees and I could not stop in time, scary flick got me through, but almost wet my pants.

    red/black there is an amazing ride, one of my favorites.
    Why would I care about 150g of bike weight, I just ate 400g of cookies while reading this?
  • The Northern Monkey
    The Northern Monkey Posts: 19,174
    I found Gisburn red/black to be a bit boring after a few rides.

    blue is good fun for beginners, its basically the lower loop of the red without the tech stuff.
    Santa Cruz Butcher
  • bwfc4eva868
    bwfc4eva868 Posts: 717
    I needed a change of undies the first time i went to Gisburn! Really made me realise that i had alot to learn, as my riding consisted of a few loops of Billinge Wood at Blackburn and a few local rides. Although i'm looking forward to mastering Gisburn red this year :)

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