Give it a chance..
Now before we get stuck in, the trails are in a city, so there is a distinct lack of elevation and serious gravity fed fun.
Its not a hot destination for mountain bikers wishing to “shred the gnar” or if you are in search of real technical challenges (though the Super Nova Red section was particularly scary in the wet!). However, if you live in the South West and have a few hours to spare its well worth a visit.
Firstly parking is only £1.20 for the whole day – I know this is probably not high on the your check list when visiting a trail centre but if you live in south Wales for instance, now that the Severn Bridge Tolls have been removed its a very cheap trip – and I think you should consider it.
Whats here?
Only about 7 miles in total of way marked trails. Mostly “flat” and cross country by nature but the constant undulation will give you a proper work out. The Bristol Bikefest is a much missed event and tested riders endurance on multiple laps up until a few years ago.
These are made up of 2 main trails at Ashton Court and in the neighbouring Leigh Woods. Leigh Woods was less fun, but there are some off piste trails there that are worth exploring in the drier weather.
Mostly you have twisty single track, with a mix of rocky and natural (muddy) surfaces.
And don’t forget the undulation – which basically translates as you will be pedalling most of the way around.
Red Sections here bear absolutely no resemblance to “Reds” at Bike Park Wales or even the Forest of Dean. In a nutshell, its a pretty easy and non challenging environment on the whole. However…..
Don’t dismiss it
Recently there have been some developments and new trail sections have had some work done to provide flow and jumpable features that the trail had previously lacked.
There are a few sections (as you will see in my video) that are worth lapping and sessions in these short spots can help novice riders learn some skills and provide a fun playground for even the most advanced riders.
So go and give it a visit, put a few hours aside and session the new bits (you’ll know them when you find them) and if you don’t enjoy yourself you haven’t tried hard enough.
Good points:
Cheap parking £1.20
Small number of users
Good skills areas
All weather
Bike Hire
Coaching
Bike hut
Cafe
Bad points:
Little Variety
No elevation, means very little gravity fun
Not a technical trail centre
Would you recommend?
*Yes*
Date written:
04/01//2019 - almost 6 years agoWas this review helpful to you?
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