November Diary

Mtb Diary - November 2012

12 Nov

It’s always slightly depressing when you finally realise that summer has passed. No more dusty, loamy trails – baked dry by the sun and rolling faster than you can recall.  Not that we actually got any of that this year (unless of course you went abroad – I’m envious of you).

Today, however, I have been lucky. As I sit at the top of Bredon Hill I can see for miles across the Vale and Cotswolds. With the sun shining so warm and the sky so blue, one could almost mistake it for summer.

But as I sit and take in the views I am under no illusions. Following a tortuous climb to reach the summit I can remark that it most certainly is not summer. The sun may be out right now but it has been raining all week and the muddy trails are a stark reminder of this time of year.  They have been turned in to wet sloppy imitations of their previous selves and the climbs, as a result, have become an ordeal.

Still, with views like this it's not hard to see the advantage for getting out. 

It’s been raining all week and may not stop for a long time. You’ll be waiting even longer for the trails themselves to dry up. Try sometime next summer, if we have one.

But do not despair. It is this characteristic that is so familiar to the British, to all those who actually get out during the darker months. There’s no point sitting around and moaning about it – another typically English characteristic. It is these types of trails that are responsible for producing some of the finest professional riders to emerge from the UK.

The likes of Steve Peat & Mark Beaumont have developed their skills on these slippery, rooty trails. Getting out on this will undoubtedly make you a better rider too. By getting out now and pushing your limits you’ll be quicker come summer and better to boot.

For those of you who really do find it hard to get the enthusiasm to get out once it gets cold, think of it this way. It’s only going to get worse. And, you will regret not getting out now once the dark days of deepest winter really set in – not that it’ll stop me. I find that some of the best riding all year only materializes once the ground freezes over. Why not get out now and make the most of the last embers of warmth from the sun? The extra miles you put in now (and over the winter) will pay dividends next spring.

18^th Nov

Again, I have been lucky to get the sun. With the rain being persistent the climbs have become quite a challenge. I think it’s time for a tire change, my summer trail tires can no longer with the thick mud.

25^th Nov

Over the last month I have repeated my ride over Bredon Hill on several occasions. At first my thoughts were centred on the idea that it is sad to see the dusty trails disappear. What I hadn’t bargained for was that they would be literally subsumed beneath the water as they did this week…

…So, it’s floodin’ out there! So bloody what! Why should that stop you? It’s not like it doesn’t happen almost every year anyway, so we should be prepared for it by now. Although I will concede, it’s usually in the summer. In places, my trails have literally disappeared – they are impassable. But, rather than sitting around and moping, I have found alternative routes to link up the remaining sections that are still rideable and, this weekend, I ventured back up Bredon Hill for some slippery fun.

I have been having some issues with brakes this year after trying to ‘restore’ a hope mini M4, however that has been resolved by the fact that I no longer need them. I simply stop pedalling and I come to a halt quicker than if I apply them at all.

Tires have been a huge frustration though. My usually adaptable all-rounders simply cannot cope with the knee-high gloop. I get the feeling that I’m navigating a boat rather than riding my bike. New ones are a must do, despite the ‘gulp’ price.

Still, there’s a certain gratification at having been out. A typical ride is no longer just a ride but a full-scale expedition and it feels good to actually get back in one piece. I’m not even bothered with pace. Timing is out the window. Everything pales in to insignificance, I’m out and that’s all that matters to me.

Trail centres have revolutionized the way we can approach our winter riding. The man-made trails are quite often designed to be ride-able all year round without being any less fun.  So why not take advantage of the additional access you have to trails. Kit up and get out and stop moaning!

Verderers Trail, Forest Of Dean

Rating          4/5

Length         11km

Climbing      Not a lot

Time            40mins - 1.5hrs

Difficulty      Blue with Red options

The Verderer's Trail was penned by reputed designer Rowan Sorrel. It achieves an interesting brief by being simultaneously accessible for beginners and veterans alike. There are no hidden obstacles that will spark horror in the minds of novices. The distinction that allows both to enjoy this route is the speed at which you attack it.

Newbies can pootle around at their leisure without getting in to any difficulty and the more highly skilled riders tend to attack the trail at much faster speeds.

The Cannop Pedal'a'bike away centre has an array of mountain biking on offer. There are blue and red way marked xc trails, an collection of downhill tracks all accessible from the new uplift service (Fly-up Downhill). There's also a green family ride. The car park is quite often very busy but don't be put off as the trail itself is not usually very busy.

The trail itself is almost completely man-made surface with very few 'natural feeling' sections. Sitting within forestry commission managed woodland (there's evidence of this quite recently with a large area of tree felling about half way round - made the section feel a bit weird). However neither the character of trail nor the setting does anything to lessen the quality of the ride. It rolls pretty quickly and consistently even in severe wet weather and the trail is littered with loads of berms and dips/jumps to rail and pump.

The berms themselves are generally pretty good. Their construction, size and camber are all pretty much spot on for full attack. The trail gradually gains elevation through relatively slight climbs followed by flat pump sections. There are only 2 actual descents throughout the ride. The elevation gained is generally saved for the latter of the two, the final descent.  This is super fast and has great flow, in parts that is.

The final descent actually comprises of 3 smaller, manageable, sections. Each is split from the last by a small fireroad link. The first section is in the woods and it flows like a silk ribbon through the trees at a good speed. There are some off camber sections, but nothing to worry about. This part retains the close singletrack feel of the preceding climbs with the towering pines all still in attendance.

This character continues through section 2, although the trail gets slightly quicker and more technical. The introduction of some large berms towards the end prepares you for the moonscape that is the final section.

Emerging on to the fireroad you are presented with a wallride to set yourself up square for the start of the final descent. This section is made up of a heavily surfaced, rocky rollercoaster of huge rollers jumps (depends how fast you go) and berms that simply beg for you to go faster.

The route overall has an engaging character and as a result riders tend to attack it most of the way round. At 11km this is a perfect length for that kind of approach. My only gripe is the climb stuck in the middle of the final section of the final descent. In my opinion it has no place here, it ruins the flow of the, saps any energy you had left and almost spoils the flat out final final bit.

The link is needed to traverse some ground until you reach the amphitheater that is the very end and is probable exacerbated by the limited altitude available but come on! Sticking an up bit right in the middle of the down bit is bad form if you ask me. And, the rollers introduced right at the beginning of this climb prevent you from being able to power through with the momentum you've gained which makes it even worse.

I'm sure the relatively small altitude available to the designers hasn't helped but I'm sure there's a better solution to this section. Or, is this the bit that separates the men from the boys. Perhaps I should do some more training?

With the above in mind, I would (and have) still go round again! Although If I do I generally complete a loop of an off piste red trail (which links to the top of the final descent of Verderer's) to mix it up a bit.

GoogleMaps - Forest Of Dean

Coed Llandegla, Wrexham

Length:              21km

Difficulty            Red/Black
Climb                 Lots
Duration:           1.5 – 3hrs
Grade:               3/5

If this trail were rated merely for the black graded sections, it would get 5/5 in my book.

The approximately 8-10km of actual black graded trail offers a great mix of terrain, typology, speed and fun. There are jumps on every straight and berms at every corner. The only downside to this palate of delights is that you are unwittingly coaxed in to pushing as hard as you can without ever really planning to. Don’t get me wrong; this is how it needs to be done – Hard. Fast. Smooth!

It is, however, quite hard to find the same level of enthusiasm for the rest of the trail, especially after sampling the black bits.

The trail is essentially the red loop with the added spice of the more technically challenging ‘black’ sections. Combined, this offers 21km of trail. Not all, however, is singletrack. The ride shares the initial climb from the car park with the blue trail. As such this makes for an initially comfortable and start, allowing one to warm up gently and facilitating chat amongst riding buddies. The lack of a technical challenge very soon becomes tiresome, unfortunately the climb continues for what begins to feel like a never-ending length of time.

The fact that this area has been clear felled only adds to the tiresome nature of this first section. One advantage, I think that were the start as engaging as the black sections the trail would inevitably be very tiring, however this is a very minor benefit for a complete lack of interest.

As it is, I could only just manufacture the will to pedal up the final climb, only to be disappointed yet again. There is, to my despair, no final descent to the car park, which makes for quite an anti-climax to the end of the ride. A final descent usually provides a definite and perfect end.

There is definitely a feeling that the Red sections (i.e. more than half of the actual trail) were merely a link between the trailhead (visitors centre & car park) and the black sections.

As bad as this may sound, these sections are actually worth the pain. With great north-shore trail followed by one after another of really well crafted table top jumps and drops and super big berms you cannot help it to find a massive grin spread across your face after each and every section. They are quick, they flow superbly well together and there are no dodgy switch back corners in silly locations to spoil your momentum (warp speed btw).

While riding through the initial blue section, a friend of mine commented on the regimented nature of the trees – set out to aid felling for timber supplies. This is a clear indication that the woodland is by no means a ‘natural’ landscape. The trail itself is a reflection of this. Like an A-road passing through the English countryside, the trail carves a similarly drastic line through the wood with very little connection to its surroundings.

The designers appear to have favoured substance over style. The trail is hard packed stone and appears well managed. There was very little evidence of erosion or damage from use. There are a number of well placed drainage culverts, mainly on the steeper climbs/descents to ensure that rainwater cannot damage the trail and where ever the trail traverses boggy ground you are treated to sections of boardwalk to stave the mud-fest. The loop has definitely been designed to last.

The trail, as a complete entity, felt much longer than it actually was. In fact there was a certain level of disappointment between my riding colleagues when they were reminded it is only 21km. The level of engagement and effort used on the black sections (i.e. having fun) distorted the normal flow of time somewhat – time flies… as they say!

Cleeve Hill

Difficulty   Easy-Hard
Climb       1000ft and more
Rating      5/5

Time         2hrs - All day

Cleeve Hill near Cheltenham lies on the Oolitic limestone escarpment at the edge of the Cotswold hills. As a result the local riding is dramatic to say the least and with more than a 1000ft elevation gain in less than half a mile the climbs are definitely hard going.

There are, however, superior rewards for those willing to put in the effort required to reach the summit of Cleeve Hill. Alpine-esque trails snake across this grassy highland like yellow ribbons offering multiple lines; plenty of thrills and testing skills. With views to die for, its really quite hard to ever fault a place like this, especially when the sun is shining, warm on your back.

Rather than parking at Cleeve Hill, I have found that Winchcombe is as good a starting point as any. It allows for a number of different xc routes, which incorporate Cleeve Hill and ensures that, after hours spent playing at the top, there is a long and fast descent to finish the ride. Plus, with plenty of tea rooms, there is always the opportunity for some good post ride cake.

One of my favourite trails climbs out of Winchcombe via Gretton Hill (in the opposite direction to Cleeve Hill) and, following a diamond descent in to Prescott, climbs up Nottingham Hill (killer) and across the top to reach Cleeve Common.

After that you will definately need a rest, and with fantastic views out over Cheltenham (racecourse) and the river Severn (with black mountains in the background - on a good day) its hard not to spend too long having a 'little' rest.

Cleeve Hill plays host to an 18-hole golf course so passage along the main bridleways must be done with consideration. Heading towards the '3-masts' the trails then circle back across Cleeve Cloud.  Follow the line past the golf club house and towards the east of Cleeve Common (washpool). There are a number of good lines to explore in and around the old quarries.

Mountain biking is strictly restricted to the bridleways, however, if you are willing to risk it, some of the off piste trails are quite fantastic. Being part of the Cotswold escarpment the trails benefit from being usable all year round.  The base limestone rock is generally littered with smaller fragments making the surface quite loose, but cutting through the gravel the limestone offers good grip; it rolls well and, due to the porous substrate, water tends to drain away quite quickly.

Linking the quarries near to the wash pool in with your ride is highly recommended.

Despite the positive outlook, in wetter climes the hill can be a bit tortuous. Being so exposed the north west side (Cleeve Cloud - towards the three masts) can be extremely depressing. If your heading up then stick to the relative shelter of the eastern (Winchcombe) side.

After a days session, try heading down via bridleways to either Postlip (heading to Winchcombe), Nottingham Hill or Prestbury (via the three masts). Good uninterrupted descents!

Cleeve Hill has everything you would expect on a trail centre ride without being man-made. Neither does it have the traffic common to so many centres. The views are as good as any I've seen. Who needs trail centre's? Well, Cleeve Hill may be epically awesome, but variety is good!

Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase

Distance:     29.95km

Climb:         806m (not all in one go)

Time:          1.5-3 hours

Difficulty:     Red / Black options

Rating:        3/5

"Fast rolling, predominantly singletrack trails with plenty of technical interest on the ups and downs"

Cannock Chase in Staffordshire is a very well placed venue to pick up a large volume of people.  As such the trails can get rather busy and there are other activities on site so the car park can, at times, resemble sardines in a tin. Don't be put off, however as trail congestion is not a big problem here. To ensure you have the trails predominantly to yourself, however, I would recommend a weekday visit.

Aside from the trail itself there are a good mix of facilities here. There's a bike shop, a cafe selling hot and cold foods a picnic area and a decent toilet block. An external water supply for filling those bladders and I believe a bike wash, although I've never used it. There is a decent sized car park plus a whole load of other ways to explore the forest (such as Go-Ape!). But the trails, they're pretty good too. There is also a downhill venue a mile down the road. The runs are short but fun.

The main trail at Cannock The 'Monkey Trail' is an extension to the already popular 'Follow The Dog' route, both of which are classified Red. 'Monkey' splits off seamlessly, missing only a very minor section of 'The Dog' before rejoining less then 500 yards up the trail.  Together the two trails offer a good mix of character from fast singletrack and technical riding to more open (fire road) sections. This also provides a balance to the pace too, allowing riders to place more effort where it counts. There are also a number of Black graded optional extensions along the route, which offer welcome technical aspects.

The trail flows reasonably well and it certainly makes the most of the limited elevation through its numerous climbs/descents. The cobbled trail surface is set in hard packed but sandy earth. It does offer reasonable amounts of grip in the dry and it tends to run fast in the wet. However, I have noticed over the last few years how quickly it appears to break up. There are a number of places where the surface has broken away under braking, causing quite severe breaking bumps, especially in to the large berms on the downhill sections.

There does appear to be quite a good maintenance programme and there seems to be a constant effort to improve the trails, with new bits being added almost constantly. Although I admire their effort in this respect, I do wonder whether more resources would be better placed at keeping the existing trail in better shape or developing the construction in these high wear zones. Unfortunately, I think the real problem is beyond mere maintenance.

There is one underlying issue that niggles me as it spoils what would otherwise be a fantastic trail.  The switch backs!  They work well as a climbing tool by reducing the gradient and they are used extensively at Cannock. I would vehemently argue, however, that their use on the downhill sections is somewhat questionable.

The trail utilises switch backs to offer longer descents.  This in itself isn't so bad but the size and construction of them is more concerning. In their current state they offer little support, they are far too acute and unfortunately suffer heavy erosion making them incredibly loose. This spoils the flow of an otherwise very good trail and given the predominant bike used here I would suggest they need to be much more robust to maintain flow and retain speed.

Cannock is actually one of my favourite trail centres. I've ridden the trails a number of times, and as a result I've become more aware of which bits do and don't flow. It's not going to stop me coming, In fact I may well be there again this weekend.

GoogleMaps link - Cannock Chase 

Winchcombe mtb

Distance:     20.66km

Height:        556m

Time:          1.5-2 hours

Difficulty:   Red

Rating:        3/5

Great route for the local boys. Not sure if all of it is strictly bridleways so you pedal through at your own risk. It does follow designated pathways so any sections that are not bridleways you can get off and 'push'.

The biggest downside to this ride is having to finish with a 1-mile ride back in to Winchcombe on a busy main road. Other than that, however, it is fun, encompassing the very edge of the Cotswold hills escarpment. This means plenty of steep hills to climb and descend and wonderful scenery. There are singletrack sections through pine woodland, open sections with good views and fast descents also.

The route starts with a leisurely climb out of Winchcombe along the aptly named Castle street, which passes by Sudeley Castle. Things get very steep very quickly, however. The granny ring will certainly be required here.

The next section unfortunately passes through some privately owned woodland, which will restrict access. Owners I happen to know, however, for the people who don't you can link up the route via a right hand turn further down the hill (next to the farm) and some bridleway. This will bring you to the top of the climb where you will emerge from a firetrack on to the same road used to climb out of Winchcombe, but at the top of the hill.

The bridleway passes straight over the road and continues as singletrack for a quarter kilometer to another road. Bear left, and enter Farmcote estate following the sign post. Please note that you are entering a working wood with logging vehicles and other estate related activities occurring, it is advisable that you stick to the designated, and signposted ways through the wood.

The route meanders through these woods for some time before heading out towards Farmcote itself.  There is a couple of short but tough climbs, each followed by short and technical descents before things speed up with a very fast descent down through Hailes woods to Hailes Abbey. You can stop here for refreshments from either the shop or cafe/restaurant, including pick your own strawberries if the time is right.

The route changes from loamy mud to a water eroded stone based trail and back quite regularly and without warning. All round tyres are best suited for the route and it is just as much fun on a hardtail or a full-sus bike.

The trail isn't necessary that technically challenging and it won't provide the roller coaster type thrills we all come to expect from a modern trail centre. Having said that, big berms and massive tabletops are not what back country riding is generally about. Sometimes it is simply about putting in the miles, getting out there and conversing with mother nature. Wet roots, slippy rocks, and if your really lucky thick mud (especially in the Cotswolds) are generally what you'd expect of British trails.

Occasionally with friends, more often than not, on your own, it is a chance to get out there. A chance to reflect on the comings and goings of our 'busy' lives, a chance to slow down. In that respect this trail is pleasantly tranquil. The only people you are likely to pass are the odd walker or horse rider, and even then this is unlikely until you reach Hailes Abbey.

It is a route I return to time and again.

Google Map of winchcombe route

Bredon Hill

Rating:           3/5
Distance:       Varies from 5km to 30km

Climb:             Approximately 300 - 600m (depending on number of climbs)
Time:            1.5-3 hours
Difficulty        2/5

This is a classic biking location, which has been home for many a local biker for many a year.

Generally the riding is made from piecemeal sections linked together in all number of different ways by each and every individual. Mine generally starts, following a 10km ride from my house, from Cottons Lane in Ashton-under-hill at the foothills of Bredon hill on its eastern side.

What follows is a gradually more painful ride almost directly up the hill to the permissive circular around the top. I then loop anticlockwise via the 'elephant rock' and 'Banbury stone tower' a fort or lodge that sits at the very top of the hill (now used for telecommunications).

From here you are treated to magnificent views of the Cotswold escarpment, the Malvern hills (and on a good day the black mountains) plus the vast flat lands of the Vale. What this place lacks in technical content it certainly makes Wonderful 360° views.

Depending on where you come from you may wish to add in the descent in to Bredon at this point. From the Banbury tower, head south west following bridleways. What follows is a nice twisting section of singletrack that flows through the woods before you head down the hill at warp speed using the wide track in to Westmancote. Make sure to session the small jump track at the threshold of the grass field and the fire track before heading down the hill.

A second climb from Overbury will bring you back to the Banbury stone tower, from which you head to the north of the summit continuing the original anticlockwise route. Head through a couple of gates and take on the fast singletrack before bearing left at the crossing (the permissive circular crosses a second bridleway) heading down through a wood. This section can be ridden fast, however it is quite rooty/rutted so stay loose.

The route emerges in to open fields, follow the worn path through the grass, it eventually merges back on to singletrack. Follow this at your chosen speed, crossing two bridges. You will eventually emerge in Elmley Castle.

Technically the terrain is not that difficult. Having said that, the faster you ride the more demanding it becomes. The route can also get quite thick with mud, especially towards the base of the hill, during prolonged spells of rain. Don't let that put you off however. The views are, by far and way, definitely worth it. There are plenty of other climbing and descent options worth considering.

White's Level. Afan

Rating:     4/5

Length:    15km

Climbing: 525m

Time:       2-3 hours

Difficulty:   Red/Black options

'Technical climbing followed by flowing, fast and hard descending. Rewards the effort you put in'.

Afan and Glyncorrwg are separated by a couple of miles, and as a result you can join both the White's Level and Wall trails via linking sections to make one uber long day out. However, the White's Level trail is by far my favourite full trail of this little community. With exception of the skyline descent.

I have often parked at the Afan car park as it's simply the first I come too on my commute, however there are larger facilities at the Glyncorrwg site. Both have cafe, toilets and bike shop. The later also has a well maintained camping area for making a weekend of it.

The trail itself begins at the Glyncorrwg site, however, an easy ride along the old railway line (from the Afan site) does help to warm up the muscles for the killer climb that greats you immediately upon crossing the start gate. It is not easy going either.

Regular switch backs help to reduce the pain and provide glimpses of the ever emerging landscape. The initial climb takes approximately half an hour to 45 minutes. This is mainly due to its length but also the technicality of the trail surface. This is singletrack with a twist. Numerous rocky outcrops and slab sections break up the naturally loose surface of the trail providing plenty of technical challanges on your journey. It is a balance of power, skill and endurance to make the entire climb in one without the odd dab of the foot or fall in some instances. Don't get me wrong, if you concentrate it can be done, and made to look easy.

It is certainly satisfying when you finally reach the top and emerge above the tree line to the vast views that greet you at 'Windy Point'. Plus there's always someone cheering you up the last few yards. Cycling is definately a sport filled with cameraderie - everyone is always really chearful.

From here you have the option of takling the black rated downhill section, which starts off much like the rest of the trail, with some added boardwalk sections creating good flow and speed, before you emerge on the rocky outrcop. Littered with large boulders and very loose stones, the key is finding your chosen line early and commiting to it. Following a quick climb up a fire track back to the start, you rejoin the trail.

The next section, 'Goodwood', is a fun twisting section of singletrack that is designed to be ridden hard. You'd best hope you have energy left after the climb as the trail does not relent from start to finish. All the climbing is rewarded, however, with some very good, very fast descending. Littered with plenty rock drops and jumps, the final descent is a warp speed affair.

White's level never fails to put a smile on my face. It does certainly help if you are fit and prepared for the trail. A good breakfast is a must. If you have the energy to power round the loop without feeling like your dragging your heels the trail really comes alive.

A nice detail worth mentioning, which makes a huge difference to the maintenance and longevity of the trail is the drainage channels that are worked in to rocky climb sections. They direct the vast amounts of water that emerges from the hill directly down the hill and not along the trail. This in turn ensures that erosion is a much smaller problem than I have noticed at other venues. The channels themselves are little more than well placed stones to form a chute. They do not foul the trail and are pretty much inconspicouos to a bike.

It is worth noting, you will need to apply insect repellent to any areas of bare skin or suffer being eaten alive. Midges are found throughout the trail and stopping for any length of time is like jumping in to piranha infested waters.

 

Gorlech trail, Brechfa.

Rating:      4/5

Length:      22km

Climb:       1071m

Time:         between 2-3 hours

Difficulty:   Red

Thrills and ease of use of a trail centre with the remote feel of a local trail.

The Gorlech trail at Abergorlech near Brechfa in wales is what could be described as a trail formed from two sides of the same coin. Those two sides, however, are quite removed from each other in terms of character and trail style.

Generally speaking the first half of the trail is formed by single track climbing through lush, green, pine woodland. The trail follows this pleasant format for most of the climbing and the top sections before becoming progressively faster and bigger as you near the end. Large berms and tabletops litter the final descents (the final descent is made up from a number of linked sections which generally blend in to one).

The trail starts from the car park by means of a pretty standard fire track climb. After about half a kilometre the trail kinks right on to gravelly single track. The first half of the trail is, generally, single track climbing through lush pine woodland. There is a damp atmosphere and it can often be quite misty (giving rise to the feeling that the woods are haunted).

Even on a sunny day it can be quite a contrast as you emerge at the top of the climb and out from the tree line. Your climbing is rewarded with an additionally contrasting downhill section of berms and jumps. The section flows nicely and at each apex there are tree stumps designed for riding over - don't avoid them as they are good fun!)

This alternative style of trail is accentuated further on the final descents. Following some final switchback climbing to gain altitude, the trail then immediately gains speed and scale. The speed increases gradually with plenty of off camber turns as well as some huge berms, plenty of table tops and technically challenging corners (speed and momentum/flow are your friends here) all the way to the car park.

The trail surface is made up by hard packed slate and gravel, making the corners loose in places. The design of the trail does provide good lines through the corners so grip is still plentiful. The trail has good bedrock beneath and as such, even in wet conditions doesn't churn up much like some other centres might do. This trail has obviously been designed to take account of the prevailing welsh weather.

The car park is pretty much all that exists in terms of facilities. There are some portaloos however, there is a very nice pub just around the corner, which serves good food and has much nicer toilets.