Mountain Bike Parks around South Essex/North London

[assadahmed]

I am new to mountain biking and wondered if there are any decent mountain bikes parks around south Essex/north London area. I live right next to Epping Forest which obviously contains lots of trails but wondered if there are any specific bike parks around?

[Jimbo.]

Nope, nothing.

[yellowjack]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-2648730... suggests that, if you have patience, there will be a chance to ride the Olympic Mountain Bike venue at some point.

Why it's taken two years to get to this point, heaven only knows

On 23rd May Hadleigh MTB club website said:

Finally Hadleigh MTB Club are offering more exclusive sessions at the venue which remains closed to the public and even better they are free for club members so head to their website for more information.

... http://www.hadleighmtbclub.co.uk/index.html

Edited by yellowjack on Sunday 22 June 20:39

[assadahmed]

I found this place in Redbridge near Fairlop Waters.

Aston Hill Bike Park near Aylesbury is not too far away. Less than an hour by car.

[vwsurfbum]

What type of riding are you wanting to do?

Swinley is not too far, Chicksands if you want to jump about a bit, Cyclopark and Bedgbury in Kent for a trip over the water doesnt take long.

[assadahmed]

I'm only a beginner and am recovering from a knee injury so looking for nice easy trails which wont put too much stress on my knee.

[missing the VR6]

Bedgebury forest is a piece of cake, I do it once a week. Went round it on Sunday our group included a 3 month pregnant friend of mine who's only been riding for about 6 months. Everything is rollable, plenty of people doing it on road bikes and cyclocross bikes. Can also be ridden hard for good fun.

[vwsurfbum]

As your not wanting to put too much stress on your knees dont think about aston hill or chicksands, you'll want to head to thetford for flat singletrack.
but your initial suggestion of Redbridge is more fun although a tenth of the size. (racing there tonight BTW)

[assadahmed]

vwsurfbum said:

As your not wanting to put too much stress on your knees dont think about aston hill or chicksands, you'll want to head to thetford for flat singletrack.
but your initial suggestion of Redbridge is more fun although a tenth of the size. (racing there tonight BTW)

Yes I think I will stick to Redbridge for the time being in addition to some short rides through Epping Forest.

[vrsmxtb]

missing the VR6 said:

Bedgebury forest is a piece of cake, I do it once a week. Went round it on Sunday our group included a 3 month pregnant friend of mine who's only been riding for about 6 months. Everything is rollable, plenty of people doing it on road bikes and cyclocross bikes. Can also be ridden hard for good fun.

Yep Bedgebury Forest is OK, probably not worth the drive down from London. The mountain are fairly easy as VR6 says, a few red runs which are slightly more tricky. There used to be a great site in Penshurst called PORC, no idea if it is still going or not. Probably plenty of good trails / bridleways about if you asked on a cycling forum.

[assadahmed]

Had a good look at the centre in Redbridge. Seems ideal taking into account my recovering knee. Its only 6 miles away from me so I can cycle there are back too! I also might pay for some guided rides through Epping Forest. Road around the forest last week and did not find it too easy finding my way around. A guided ride would help to locate suitable routes.

[vwsurfbum]

Head over to us on http://www.essexhertsmtb.co.uk/ and we'll show you around for free

[Spuffington]

I, personally, think you've got the best thing on your doorstep.

I grew up in Woodford and "learnt" to ride in Epping Forest and still 20 years later, I'm driving back there to ride it most weekends (well, as many as my wife will let me now that baby has arrived!).

Happy to show you around if you need a guide.

Ok, it's not the most hilly of places (although there are a good few you can build into a ride) but there's plenty of reasonably technical singletrack to cut your teeth on and plenty to knit together into rides of enormously varied lengths.

I've ridden a good few of the Thetford Forest Winter Series and it's amazing how many people are unable to ride singletrack well and rely on blasting along the fireroads to make up their time. Ride frequently in Epping Forest and you'll pick up a lot of skills IMO.

PM me if you want to meet up.

[Gizmoish]

Agreed, Epping Forest has a lot of good fun bits if you know where to find them. It's not a place to race around too much - too many dogs, walkers, deer, squirrels, etc.

There are also apparently five miles of MTB trails in the Lee Valley VeloPark (around the Olympic velodrome). I don't quite know where they are though...

PS - are you the newsreader?

[Mark83]

I live in East Herts and often MTB with friends in Epping but it gets a bit boring. We tend to go Swinley or Bedgebury as they're a relatively short drive away and most importantly, serve bacon rolls.