New guy from Kent

TheNeep

Hello all,

Thought i'd better register after lurking a little while, have been looking at adding to my list of hobbies, and after a good chat with a friend of mine. Think me and brother will be giving this a go. Have been told of bedgebury (sp) in Kent as a decent place to go. Will be looking to spend 400-500 on each Bike, apart from any advice i've been given and from my what i've looked up, neither of us have any experience in Mountain Biking, the only experience I do have that I would somewhat compare it to is Motox throughout my teens.

So i'll no doubt be pestering the boards with questions upon questions..

Cheers!

From the Dartford area.

cooldad

Welcome. The answer to the question you haven't asked yet is Carerra from Halfords or Rockrider from Decathlon.

Roostoids

Wotcha new guy.

Close to Dartford and (allegedly) opening soon is http://www.cyclopark.com/

With dedicated road and off-road tracks it might be the perfect place to get up to speed on your new rides.

Bedgebury isn't that close to you, but is worth a look if you don't mind the £8.50 parking sting. It's entry level to mid range I guess, but a bit of a slog, there's a lot of peddling and not alot of downhill stuff there. Great for fitness though and generally a nice place, nice people there (runners, dog walkers, cyclists etc). A good way to spend your day.

Consider Crawley, nearer to you, Leith Hill has some great natural singletrack trails that you need to be on your toes for, and again is just a really picturesque place to go, especially on a sunny day.

Enjoy, and make sure your bikes have good strong wheels/brakes. Prob most important thing when starting out in my opinion, as you'll be stopping alot cos you didn't read the trail properly, and you'll be hitting stuff you didn't mean to with your wheels, for the same reason

cooldad

Surrey Hills (of which Leith is one) have miles and miles of excellent riding, but it's quite spread out and not sign posted so best to go with someone who knows the area well. Regular rides arranged in London Calling in Rides section, and through the link in my sig. You're more than welcome to join in. Various levels of talent from very good to rubbish (me). Just for fun so no problems about being left behind for the wolves, bears etc.

baser

Hi mate

I am also kent based, although not the best there are plenty of trails on Dartford Heath. You also have Shorne just south of Gravesend, it has a pretty good loop, although you need to be careful of fast runs as the bike route tends to have people, dog Walkers etc etc wondering around on it.

Further than that there is plenty to ride on the north downs rochester, Blue Bell Hill, Brands Hatch etc.

Bedgeberry is a great ride, clearly signposted and can be challenge if you are a novice. Surrey Hills is a really good ride but you need to know your way around as it's not marked in anyway.

Enjoy your new hobby.

TheNeep

Thanks for your posts... honestly the most informative and helpful posts I've ever recieved.. sniff sniff...

Once I've sold my motorbike, which will be soon hopefully. Will try to sort out a couple of bikes for me and the brother, and then get out there and have a go. Having seen quite a few 'which bike' posts I have a rough idea what to look for.. so unfortunately cooldad you jumped the gun there boyo!!

cooldad

TheNeep wrote:

unfortunately cooldad you jumped the gun there boyo!!

That's what my ex used to say as well.

Hughlovittt

Hello!

Joyden's Wood (Bexley) is good little place to practice. You can get lost in there for about an hour or so with enough short but steep climbs and a number of decents. There are a few walkers around most evenings so you need to look ahead on the runs but other than that certainly somewhere local that is good fun.

Dr Avinuon

This is a good bunch to get in touch with in the South East if you want to meet up with a some other riders.
http://www.sketchymtb.co.uk/Blah.pl?

cycle monster

Ah, Bedgebury. I always make a point of a pilgrimage there each year. If you are in Kent you will find yourself there eventually. The red route is extremely varied and worth a trip in my view. I go there annually from NW Essex, a three hour round trip but then my nearest option is Thetford. As a result Bedgebury is the Himalayas for me. Welcome to you, enjoy yourself and get in touch with other local riders, there is more good stuff around you than you think.