New guy on the South Coast
_Troy_
Posts: 7
Evening all. I'm new here, so here is a thread.
I haven't done much in the way of cycling over the years, the odd bit of commuting, but that's about it. Towards the end of last summer I purchased a very cheap (£15) second hand Saracen Rufftrax with the view to hooning around the local scrubland. I did just that, with the company of my brother, and pushed the bike a little far. The brakes were shot and the gearing a bit hit or miss.
We are both now discussing some more outings, and with the Saracen past it's prime, I've invested in a new bike. In the spirit of cheapness I went for another second hand bike. It needs a few bits doing, but for £65 I wasn't going to complain.
So here it is, a Gary Fisher Wahoo Disc.
I plan to replace the grips, seat, rear wheel and tyres. Then just give it a good service and ride the damn thing.
Can anyone give suggestions of some good riding locations in the Dorset and Hampshire area? I'm located in Bournemouth and my brother in Portsmouth, so we would be looking anywhere between two and beyond. Ideally want some rough, downhill, traily type locations. 8)
I haven't done much in the way of cycling over the years, the odd bit of commuting, but that's about it. Towards the end of last summer I purchased a very cheap (£15) second hand Saracen Rufftrax with the view to hooning around the local scrubland. I did just that, with the company of my brother, and pushed the bike a little far. The brakes were shot and the gearing a bit hit or miss.
We are both now discussing some more outings, and with the Saracen past it's prime, I've invested in a new bike. In the spirit of cheapness I went for another second hand bike. It needs a few bits doing, but for £65 I wasn't going to complain.
So here it is, a Gary Fisher Wahoo Disc.
I plan to replace the grips, seat, rear wheel and tyres. Then just give it a good service and ride the damn thing.
Can anyone give suggestions of some good riding locations in the Dorset and Hampshire area? I'm located in Bournemouth and my brother in Portsmouth, so we would be looking anywhere between two and beyond. Ideally want some rough, downhill, traily type locations. 8)
0
Posts
Giant xtc se
Trek 1.2compact
Knowing where in the New Forest is the hard part. I'll have to do some research and pick up a map to find the best spots.
If you can travel a bit further, you would be better off riding around the South Downs.QE Country Park and the surrounding area (Buriton, Compton, Butser Hill, Petersfield, Liphook and a bit further, Hindhead) are all great with some brilliant downs and leg testing ups.
I did have a little trouble fitting the bike in my car though. Even after removing both wheels and the seat post, I had the frame on the back seats. I have an Astra Convertible, so not the ideal carrying vehicle! When the nice weather hits it won't be an issue because the roof can stay down 8)
Giant xtc se
Trek 1.2compact
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/mtb/ar ... Off-Road-0
Im sure everybody, not just the NF hates that kind of cyclist but it seems to be more anti bikes here than other places I have lived. When out walking I see a hell of a lot of signs with a red line through a picture of a bike and the local rag is always full of stories of protests and how inconsiderate cyclists are ruining the world.
I only moved to the area about 6 months ago and all the googling and talking to locals I have done has given me the same answers... riding is heavily restricted and the places you can ride aren't great for technical, get-your-blood-pumping stuff. Most of the riding I have done in the NF since moving has been on the roadie and I can confirm its flat reputation (obviously there are some hills but on the whole its flat) and I am yet to find anyone willing to show me around on the MTB! Tried to get in touch with New Force a couple of times with no response so I just stick to riding around the South Downs with my old MTB buddies.
There is over 100miles of off road cycle routes in and around the forest.
Join a bicycle club, Poole wheelers, Dorset Rough Riders, Christchurch Bicycle Club, Bournemouth Jubilee wheelers, Bournemouth Arrows, Tornado Road cc, New Forest CC and a new forest mtb club, don't know the name.
I can go from Christchurch-Burley-Holmsley-Beaulie-Brockenhurst-Burley-Bransgore-Home in a 50mile loop with over 3/4 of the ride off road and not having to use the same track twice.
I found most of the tracks by going out and exploring and getting lost, not sat at home googleing..
Giant xtc se
Trek 1.2compact
Giant xtc se
Trek 1.2compact
Ok well thanks for the tips will definitely look into some of those clubs. Im sure the OP is grateful too. I wasn't arguing with what you were saying, just giving my experience so far. Unfortunately I dont have time to go and get lost and explore, as much I would love to, so Google is my main weapon in the fight against road riding!
Giant Anthem X4 (2010) GT Avalanche 1.0 (2010)
Kingley Vale and QECP Trail Collective - QECP Trail Building
South Downs Way - Ride it in 1 go (100miles+) or dip in and out for certain chunks.
A few friends and I are based in and around Fareham.