mountain bike events for novices.

[sir humphrey appleby]

Despite being into Mountain biking for 30 odd years I still consider myself a bit of a novice with regards to trails, techniques/skills etc but having got bored with marathon training and running I need something else to get me out and about.
I have a fairly decent Cube 29 mountain bike that really hasn't had much of a workout.

I am thinking of signing up for some sort of mountain bike skills course like this: http://www.purplebikeshed.com/mtb-skills-courses/

This event is close to me here in the south of england : http://www.pedalhounds.co.uk/

I live 10 minutes away from the New Forest do I could just go out on my own but it is fairly flat, nit particularly challenging, I don't think I would learn much.

Does anyone else do anything similar?

[Yidwann]

For the New Forest you might as well have a hybrid, there is nothing there to particularly ride.

Check out Queen Elizabeth Country Park and Swinley Forest for the nearest set out trail places, the blue at QECP is nice and flowly, with nothing overly challenging on it that will scare you, same can be said for the red route really.

As for coaching, its a great idea, I raced Downhill for 10 years, but even I am going back to an old coach this winter..... They will make you faster and make your riding more enjoyable.

[Sk00p]

Which side of the New Forest are you?

I disagree with the above there is plenty to ride in the forest that warrants more than a hybrid if you don't mind ignoring the somewhat hypocritical rules in place, I give my hardtail 29er a regular workout West side of the forest.

Also plenty of challenging climbs if you know where to look, besides what the New Forest lacks in hills it makes up for in headwind

[sir humphrey appleby]

Sk00p said:

Which side of the New Forest are you?

I disagree with the above there is plenty to ride in the forest that warrants more than a hybrid if you don't mind ignoring the somewhat hypocritical rules in place, I give my hardtail 29er a regular workout West side of the forest.

Also plenty of challenging climbs if you know where to look, besides what the New Forest lacks in hills it makes up for in headwind

I'm on the east side, done plenty of rides out around the tracks in Brockenhurst with the kids etc but not exactly exciting.
I want to get better technically I guess, and be able to descent and jump with confidence.
If you can recommend anywhere in particular that would be appreciated, otherwise it looks like I will hae to get in the car and go to swinley.

[cbmotorsport]

Make the trek and go and see Tony Doyle at UK Bike Skills near Hertford, Hertfordshire.

If you're in any doubt, go to the Singletrackworld forums (the PH of mountain biking if you don't know it) and search for all the glowing recommendations.

http://ukbikeskills.co.uk/

[Sk00p]

sir humphrey appleby said:

I'm on the east side, done plenty of rides out around the tracks in Brockenhurst with the kids etc but not exactly exciting.
I want to get better technically I guess, and be able to descent and jump with confidence.
If you can recommend anywhere in particular that would be appreciated, otherwise it looks like I will hae to get in the car and go to swinley.

I'm lucky there's somewhat more contour over the West side, some fun stuff in the bit between Burley and Ringwood. I ride at Moors valley and Ringwood North Forest quite a bit too, the blue trail has no real technical challenges and is fun for the kids, ridden at speed though I still find it fun after 100 laps or more. There is watchmoor bike park with a few rollable dirt jumps to play on.

There is an endurance MTB event coming up in Blandford end of the month, I've ridden their track for a 90 min 3 lap race before and it's very involving and hard work. this event will be 2 1/2 hours so will be a bit of a killer but something I'm considering doing. Only £15 too.

Not sure if this will work:
https://www.facebook.com/events/130838594330667/?a...

I seem to be unusual in the fact I didn't think much of QECP, blue was ok but it was a long way to go for it. Re-running some of the more fun trails at Swinley is a good way to build confidence.

[sir humphrey appleby]

Sk00p said:

I'm lucky there's somewhat more contour over the West side, some fun stuff in the bit between Burley and Ringwood. I ride at Moors valley and Ringwood North Forest quite a bit too, the blue trail has no real technical challenges and is fun for the kids, ridden at speed though I still find it fun after 100 laps or more. There is watchmoor bike park with a few rollable dirt jumps to play on.

There is an endurance MTB event coming up in Blandford end of the month, I've ridden their track for a 90 min 3 lap race before and it's very involving and hard work. this event will be 2 1/2 hours so will be a bit of a killer but something I'm considering doing. Only £15 too.

Not sure if this will work:
https://www.facebook.com/events/130838594330667/?a...

I seem to be unusual in the fact I didn't think much of QECP, blue was ok but it was a long way to go for it. Re-running some of the more fun trails at Swinley is a good way to build confidence.

thanks for this, I will check it out!

[missing the VR6]

cbmotorsport said:

Make the trek and go and see Tony Doyle at UK Bike Skills near Hertford, Hertfordshire.

If you're in any doubt, go to the Singletrackworld forums (the PH of mountain biking if you don't know it) and search for all the glowing recommendations.

http://ukbikeskills.co.uk/

Couldn't recommend him highly enough, bought my riding on so much in one day. Bit of a div though,but worth tolerating.