Haldon Forest trails

andyonwight

I own a Saracen Element 2 which, to be honest, not used for much MTBing but ore on the cycle paths fro Newport to Sandown on the Isle of Wight where I live.

However I took it to Devon last week whilst on Holiday in Dawlish and found the Haldon Forest centre.
What can I say but I had too much fun there on the 3 afternoons I went there. Tried the Easy route once but found it to be quite flat and wide but a nice war-up.

The moderate trail was next, about 7 miles of mixed wide gravel and single track sections. As someone who had never done this sort of thing before, I found it a great place to learn. 1st time round was taken at a slow to medium pace. Slower in the areas that looked tighter. Better to go slow and arrive back at car park than crash out big time. The descents are not steep but were fluid.

The next two times I felt more confident and was doing it at a medium speed most of the way. Yes I made some mistakes but who does not. After each run I was wet and muddy but had a smile on my face. Now back on the Island I am going to find some more places to practise on and get fitter for my return trip in October.