New developments coming at Aston Hill

Giraffoto
Giraffoto Posts: 2,078
edited August 2012 in Routes
I went there last night since it’s so close to home (not been there before, but it turns out I can ride there in half an hour) and met the man from the Forestry Commission: he told me that they’re getting in a course designer to improve the downhill runs, and when it’s all done they’ll be the best in the country. Apparently the course designer has previously laid out runs in Whistler, so we can assume he knows what makes it fun for all the downhill people
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Comments

  • Majski
    Majski Posts: 443
    I like the fact that he categorically stated that they'll be the 'best in the country'. I'd say that's unlikely! It's only a tiny hill for a start
  • Roostoids
    Roostoids Posts: 128
    Here's hoping.

    They got a 'root-busta' machine? :)
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  • Dirtrider
    Dirtrider Posts: 1,611
    They are rebuilding the DH3 run, with no roots in it, they have all been removed.

    I've been riding there a lot recently, and its slightly falling apart. I'm going to start helping on dig days, it's the only way these places keep running.

    Aston Hill is good, and technical, especially for the south, but needs more maintanence.
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  • Majski
    Majski Posts: 443
    Why the hell would you remove all the roots from a DH track?
  • Dirtrider
    Dirtrider Posts: 1,611
    Because all of the other runs there are full of roots and arent flowy at all. Its so it's better tor ide in the wet, and less technical.

    Theres also some nice drops and two massive hips. Really nice tracks.
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  • Giraffoto
    Giraffoto Posts: 2,078
    Dirtrider wrote:
    all of the other runs there are full of roots . . .

    That's almost an understatement. I slithered off the XC track and it got smoother when I was in the shrubbery!
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  • Majski
    Majski Posts: 443
    aston can be flowy even in the rootiest area, you just have to stay light and hit them as fast as you can. I don't understand removing technical features from DH trails - especially really short ones
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    I've had painful experiences of the roots there. Though does make it technical and would like to master rooty drops on tight switchbacks.

    But would be good to also have fast and flowy as well. Can still have plenty of technical but better if they flow.

    Far more important though is all weather proofing. The new 'Surfaced to Air' is such a trail apparently. Looks great though I need chicken run options for the bigger drops! Talking of which, I notice some places vary the drop depth across the width so anyone can do them, and it's just the line you take which determines how big a drop it is. Looking at videos of Gawton they seem to have drops like that. Better that way for someone like me as I can step up to doing them bigger as I practice rather than avoiding them for being too big.
  • Roostoids
    Roostoids Posts: 128
    Thinking of a visit this weekend. hows the work coming along? Is everything open and good condition?
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