Review for Risca Bike Park and Cwmcarn Trails

richieyend:

I recently got roped into trying MTB and my mate suggested going to the Cwmcarn twrch trail, a red track with different varying trail surfaces. I am quite active anyway, however I soon realised that martial arts and running is no match for the constant slow twitch muscles of the first 45 minutes climb. I soon had to call to my mate to wait at the top while I attempted to take enough oxygen to feed my legs. I enjoyed the climb immensely, however, the reward came at the top of the trail where there was a downhill section with berms and jumps this was a fantastic section and it didn't let up. I was tested completely for my first ride with gravel, stones and boulders. All in all a fantastic trail, with many testing features including a gruelling but enjoyable climb, with a downhill section that has speed sections interlaced with technical brake and balance sections.

Trail is fantastic! thoroughly enjoyed the whole route although it took me 3 hours as a complete MTB novice with a certain degree of fitness plenty of places to stop and recover though. my friend can make it around in a best time of 1 hour 30. There isn't any onsite café but has toilet areas and a massive car park with a £3 all day ticket - I've never seen anyone checking but its to support maintenance of the trail. Crosskeys and Risca have plenty of shops and cafes and a Greggs if you fancy grabbing grub on your way out and its only a five minute drive. There is also a black trail downhill section (beyond my abilities atm) with a 'taxi' up to the top of the trail. They have recently been granted approval for 2 (maybe) new trails including an extra downhill section as far as I know!