Review for Thetford Forest Mountain Bike Trails

wideboydave:

Most of the trail network around Thetford is not technically hard... a 5yr old can ride 90% of the trails... but the challenge comes when you can ride the trails fast and duck through the trees (it's possible to average over 15mph if you're pretty fit and that feels like 50mph in between trees!). If you are adventurous, there are hundreds of miles of unmarked trails too (Brandon Country Park, and Santon Downham, both accessible on trails from the main High lodge area... try and join a locals' ride (TIMBER MTB members regularly ride and know the good spots) The waymarked trails are slowly being upgraded in quality too with the help of TIMBER MTB working with the FC The Beater Trail is the best in my opinion. If you want to see unusual races... check out the 12 hr night endurance held annually in early October... I've done it 3 times... Difficult to find hard technical sections if you're not a local.. and even then it's not exactly a DH Bike Park, so don't expect it. Lack of gradient means people you like practising tail whips will be disappointed, don't go to Thetford if you have 8" travel and expect not to pedal... Car park may seem expensive, but other than the cafe, there is no other revenue for the site (ie the trails themselves are free)

-lots of fast, smooth, flowing single track -few long grinding climbs (maintain a good average speed) -relatively low technicality: broad ability spectrum encouraging more people to enjoy cycling -lots of unmarked trails for the adventurous -friendly local clubs willing to guide visitors and newbie locals -easy to get to (halfway between Cambridge and Norwich, will be even better when A11 is finished!)