Review for Forest of Dean Mountain Biking Trails

benpinnick:

I rode here for the first time (properly) last week. Its not big, and its not got huge gradients, but what it lacks in length it makes up for in convenience. Not only is it easy to reach, but there are advantages to having short, fun trails, namely that you can improve your skills by riding the same stuff over and over. I did the Verderer in the morning (with red options) and the trail was great fun, hardly challenging, but the last DH on the verderer is one of the best I have ridden. Not too steep, and massive amounts of whoops and berms to really enjoy yourself on. In the afternoon I used the excellent Fly Up uplift to session the DH runs. The main runs are well used, and maybe need some TLC, but they are challenging enough to keep you on your toes, and the ability to do a complete loop in around 20 mins means you can fly up (pun intended), ride down and then go straight back to fix that thing you got wrong last time. None of the trails need a full on DH bike, and one guy I was riding with was nailing it on a hardtail 29er. A great way to hone your skills for sure. Recommended for a day trip from central/southern england, but don't skimp on the uplift. There's just not enough to justify an XC visit on its own. I would say though, the cafe is a little lacking in variety, and the showers/toilets arent the best, but no reason for that to put you off.