Down the local.
This is my local, it's not perfect, but we love it.
There is a dedicated few of us that are looking after things as best we can and making little improvements here and there, especially drainage, making sure the flora and forna is not harmed and trying to make things legit.
There is a good variety of short but sweet runs that have some fun features and create a good laugh and smile, they can all be linked, looped and you can make a real day of it riding and sessioning trails.
I know I'm going to be biased but personal favorites are Pulling Teeth, Boggy Log, Pirate's Treasure and whatever we name the new one. Notable mentions are Mr.Bradley right over the fire road and into the berm bit, Psycho is awesome, especially the step down into the berm.
Cheeky Chappy needs work after some kids messed with it, and there are loads of other random bits that need love, revisiting and linking.
What do you like?
A few of us lads are very dedicated to looking after the place, made multiple additions and improvements. We are looking to make things official. But desperately need help and guidance on how and what to do.
Locals are always friendly and willing to show people where things are.
We are a no peer pressure kind of vibe, do what you feel safe doing, no shame in that.
There are over 400 people on the main page, Tilgate Forest MTB, and the core riders mostly know each other, we often get new people move to the area who ride and we always enjoy meeting randoms and making new friends.
Most walkers are friendly.
What could be improved?
We are not currently sanctioned but are tolerated as Tilgate used to be a bike park, provided we don't go mad or build wooden features.
Quite a lot of random kids come and build badly thought out and executed features on trails that are already being cared for by people, basically poaching, and this often has to be broken down, repaired etc. And when caught we politely but firmly educate them not to.
Although there a good number of us we don't always work together and it's hard to organise well enough to cover everything that needs tlc.
We have a trail care that has sabotaged, and vandalised trails, a witness found her mid trail breaking up a berm, she is a forestry volunteer.
Last year the forestry were in, they mostly left trails alone, however they did lots of damage to the fire roads, the whole wood is part of a NCN route that is now way less accessible due to severe ruts, puddles and erosion.
Not really anywhere to park, we definately urge people to avoid the lane to the south as it creates friction with the locals, if you must park, use the Tilgate parking north of the M23.
Would you recommend?
yes
Date written:
06/07//2024 - over 1 year agoWas this review helpful to you?
Check out the full trail description: Tilgate Forest Mountain Biking Trails
