Getting back into Mountain Biking around South Wales
Discussion
Love mountain biking, but been out of it for last 3 years due to having twins and relocating back from Switzerland to UK. Currently living in Cardiff and visit Cwmcarn Forest with the kids so see so many mountain bikers, that I get the need to be back in saddle.
I have an old Specialised Rockhopper hard tail which works fine but should I get a full face helmet, pads? Looking at all the local websites Cwmcarn might be a little too difficult for me getting back into biking, so maybe Bike Park Wales which is just as close might be better? I'm thinking trialing the Intermediate trails like Sixtapod would be a good thing?
Might give the coaching sessions a go in Bike Park Wales, also is the uplift a good idea as my fitness is great, but not amazing yet?
I have an old Specialised Rockhopper hard tail which works fine but should I get a full face helmet, pads? Looking at all the local websites Cwmcarn might be a little too difficult for me getting back into biking, so maybe Bike Park Wales which is just as close might be better? I'm thinking trialing the Intermediate trails like Sixtapod would be a good thing?
Might give the coaching sessions a go in Bike Park Wales, also is the uplift a good idea as my fitness is great, but not amazing yet?
if your planning on doing the downhill runs then I would strongly suggest a full face and pads.
there is a twitch trail there which is more cross country if I remember correctly the full course is 26 km or so. there are some nice places to stop chill out on the way round. some of the parts are quite good with some amazing views.
the uplift takes you to the top for the downhill runs nothing stopping you from using that and them coming back down via the twitch trail although if planning on using this I'd suggest booking an uplift pass as it can be quite busy over the weekends with all the downhill riders.
there is a twitch trail there which is more cross country if I remember correctly the full course is 26 km or so. there are some nice places to stop chill out on the way round. some of the parts are quite good with some amazing views.
the uplift takes you to the top for the downhill runs nothing stopping you from using that and them coming back down via the twitch trail although if planning on using this I'd suggest booking an uplift pass as it can be quite busy over the weekends with all the downhill riders.
No requirement for a full face at Cwmcarn. Personally I like riding in knee pads, think it's just psychological more than anything.
You've also got Afan and some of the trails there are easier than Cwmcarn, might be worth cruising down there and doing Whites Level, pretty easy trail.
You're not too far from Forrest of Dean either, both trails there are pretty easy, especially the blue.
You've also got Afan and some of the trails there are easier than Cwmcarn, might be worth cruising down there and doing Whites Level, pretty easy trail.
You're not too far from Forrest of Dean either, both trails there are pretty easy, especially the blue.
www.mbwales.co.uk
More info than you'll ever need.
Sounds like the blue trail at FoD would be ideal, the last three kms
are a fantastic descent. The Twrch at Cwmcarn is a slog early on but again the reward is worth it.
More info than you'll ever need.
Sounds like the blue trail at FoD would be ideal, the last three kms
are a fantastic descent. The Twrch at Cwmcarn is a slog early on but again the reward is worth it.
Where in Cardiff are you? There are some really look local trails in north Cardiff. Saves driving then. Me and a group of lads often go out and you are more than welcome to tag along. You don't need a full face for Twrch or Cafall at Cwmcarn. You will if you do Pedal Hounds or Y Myndd. Climbing Cwncarn in a full face is tough!
There is plenty of other places to go as well. Afan Argoed, Bike Park Wales and Forest of Dean. All close enough!
There is plenty of other places to go as well. Afan Argoed, Bike Park Wales and Forest of Dean. All close enough!
Depending on where in (or around) Cardiff you're based, you're basically in local trail heaven! There's a ton of trails around Castle Coch, venture further afield and there's some on Caerphilly mountain, also a lot on the hills around Gwaelod-y-Garth. Places like Cwmcarn are decent too but I prefer the more local hand-built stuff.
lgs22 said:
Depending on where in (or around) Cardiff you're based, you're basically in local trail heaven! There's a ton of trails around Castle Coch, venture further afield and there's some on Caerphilly mountain, also a lot on the hills around Gwaelod-y-Garth. Places like Cwmcarn are decent too but I prefer the more local hand-built stuff.
Nothing beats Castell Coch. Especially in this weather. Thanks all for the information. I know Castell Coch very well as I grew up as a teenager in Tongwynlais so spent a lot of time biking around that area and up and down the Taff Trail.
I am just wanting to take advantage of these uplift service at these bike sites to enjoy a bit of free riding and try to get my aerobic fitness back up to strength. Did a few runs in Switzerland taking a cable car to 10k feet and long trails down, so got into the easy way of life.
We are living in central Cardiff just off Roath Park so great for my wife to run, not so good for mountain biking.
I am just wanting to take advantage of these uplift service at these bike sites to enjoy a bit of free riding and try to get my aerobic fitness back up to strength. Did a few runs in Switzerland taking a cable car to 10k feet and long trails down, so got into the easy way of life.
We are living in central Cardiff just off Roath Park so great for my wife to run, not so good for mountain biking.
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