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CwmCarn...By Chance

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Mountain Bike Trails - Wales

Written by goblinshimmer

Monday, 02 June 2008

By remote chance, I was given opportunity of a free Saturday, should I do housework and shopping or push my luck with a third weekend in a row ride…??? Gave Tomks a call to see if he was free and discussed a Purbeck Hill jaunt. We hadn’t been for quite a time and the weather forecast was good. So yet another 4.30am up and out and on the road. Both set for the rolling hills of Dorset we set off. Only to change our minds on the approach to the M3, with a grin and that look of adventure, we continued to the M4... Cwmcarn here we come!!

It was overcast, with quite a muggy feel to the air as we donned our kit and prepared the bikes. We had a chat with a few riders, whom we of course promoted the site to. The trail didn’t seem as busy as usual, but Afan were holding a demo weekend and being the end of the halfterm holidays, this could have had its effect. But we were raring to go and I was determined to complete the full XC route.

The start had change slightly, still that slog straight from the carpark, but now up the other end from where the CwmUp lift can be hired. Single-track up and under the final jump of the DH course, more up, then flow, then up to the first gate. The boys that had left the car park before us were here puffing and panting and the real climb hadn’t even begun!!!

This starts as a lovely single-track section, that turns rooty and as it was quite wet, the roots felt oily and hard to negotiate. A section I have never mastered and avoided at all costs, previous visits have seen me on the deck many a time. Even to the point of tears and tantrums. Today I excelled, biting the bullet I climbed with more ease than ever before. I rose to the challenge and was more than pleased with the results.

Over the bridge to the other side, much more rocky this time with a little bit of work required, but still sweet single-track and much drier than the other side. So far so good, but I knew what was coming at the end of the short descent… Back over the bridge and more climb, again very rooty, but today was my day for wood and I eased up the hill, much to the distain of a few very puffed out riders. This climb meanders round and was a new, re-routed section the last time we had visited. It seems to have bed in great, making this much easier than a year ago.

Up to the fire-road that can be taken instead of the short single-track section, but I was on a mission and the more ascending track was ridden. I was caught out a little bit, as I haven’t done this little bit before, but I stayed on, up and over to Giants. This area is a lovely picnic spot and in the morning hue looked beautiful. We continued on a tiny section of fire-road to the next single-track…still on the up, but broken up with small flows to rest legs and a chance to pump and manual…and no rock, just smooth earth for your rubber to glide over..

This section ends with a sharp up to test your stamina, up on to the fir-tree lined fire-road. The last time we were here, it snowed, but not today…we petered up in anticipation of the summit.

My last visit I finally took the 4ft wooden kicker and today was no exception. Usually put off by onlookers, I sessioned 6 or 7 times… All but one with more than satisfactory results. My time to show off to Tom. I did land a bit back- wheel heavy on one, but remembered my tuition and jabbed the front break to bring the front wheel down… Still makes me shake doing air, but I feel so much more confident in my ability now. The ground was very loose, so not confident enough to try the 6ft…maybe next time.

We descended on the Red route, so fast and flowing, no real pedalling required. Lovely tight berms, running in succession, with a few small jumps, until it meets up with end of the black.

Out the gate and onto a very fast rocky enclosed single-track section…more than enough to test you staying on ability…so cool. A small jump at the end, quick change of gear and into a small climb through a woodland area. This section concludes into another fast flow down.

There is a concrete path with foot holds…so one hand on fence, one on stem and few metres to haul yourself up to the next gate. The hill opposite (castle hill, I think it was called) is used by walkers , but potentially looks so cool to ride down!!

This next descent is very much like that can be found at all the trail centres… cut into the side of the mountain, much rock, jumps, and twists, great to get your blood flowing, until more up, but not too steep until after the next gate.

This then becomes a steep climb on wide double track…but again, I’m not out to win any prizes for coming in first, but my pace is still good. I know we are reaching the climatic stages of the ride and am now eager to begin the flow again.

Perched on the edge of the mountain, we begin the descent, fast and following once more, with opportunity to jump the rock kickers strategically placed. I love it…The descent is fast through the gate and over the final fire-road, on to the quite newly built wooden kicker into the sweeping berm of the final section. Tom had told me to take it easy due to the wet, but my speed maintained, but with control and confidence. This section is just so awesome…feels like nothing in the world could ever catch you…and I know Tom didn’t…hehe. One last switchback to the car park gate… Muchly fun and grinning from ear to ear yet again!!

Anyone can do this trail, just needs perseverance on the up and confidence on the down… The down isn’t too technical, just so much fun, that sure does improve with each time visited. Tom lists this as his number one XC route and I am now inclined to agree… wicked ride!!!

Where next…………………..??

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