Trail Tours for a newbie

[brian_H]

Hi everyone.

I am looking at coming back to bikes again but rather than my old Race Rep type I last had (R6) I fancy something more sit-up and beg type. I have just been to the bike show and looked at a few smaller adventure bikes (KTM 390 type) and it got me thinking.

Would I enjoy a bit of green laneing more than normal road riding and I think the answer is yes.

A quick google and I found a couple of places that do trial experience's, including gear and bike hire for a pretty reasonable fee. Has anyone done one of these days?

I am going to book one for in the new year but just a little concerned at how much I am lacking in the fitness regard. I do lots of cardio (running, cycling etc) but very little upper body stuff and I wonder if a 6 or 7 hour green lane/off road session may prove to be too much.

Any experiences or recommendations gratefully received.

Cheers

Brian

[airsafari87]

Have a look at Dorothy’s Speedshop.

[Oceanrower]

I don’t know where you are but Off The Kerb on Dorking is great.

https://www.offthekerbtrailriding.com/

I’ve used them a couple of times now and highly recommend.

[brian_H]

Thanks, that looks exactly the kind of thing. Unfortunately I live in Cheshire so the location doesn't work. My other concern is, while I am not a fully fledged short arse....I am not the tallest so finding somewhere that doesn't have bikes that are too big for my physically may be an issue.

I am looking at local options so I have the chance to maybe go and have a look first before I book.

Cheers

[Birky_41]

I have just started getting into this after getting fed up with road riding the cold and wet over winter and a group of us all decided to go the off road route with zero regrets

I learnt quick that joining TRF and gaining access to the GR Maps has been really helpful. If there is a better (nav) version I'm all ears but what I use does alright

That KTM 390 will be lovely although depending on the terrain you might want to fit some more off road focused tyres

3 of my lot bought these Chinese Apollo thunder 300s brand new registered on the road £1995. They're cheap but very good to just have a bit of fun

The more experienced lot tend to have gone for CRFs or the KTM Husky route

Either ways the trick is to know the areas you can ride and if you have a small group ride with intercoms as it makes a world of difference

Physically you'll be fine based on what you said. It's not that tough and certainly isn't Enduro or Mx (I'm a washed up Mx racer)

I'm doing the Mick entrance Wales thing Thursday and then green Laning Friday. There are quite a few things like this about when you start searching

[brian_H]

Thanks for that.....The cheap Chinese route is not something I had considered but definitely worth a look at that kind of money. The KTM is a bit nice to get all muddy!

I have found a Trail Experience outfit in Lancashire so I am going to book that and see how I get on.

Cheers

B

[Biker9090]

brian_H said:

Thanks, that looks exactly the kind of thing. Unfortunately I live in Cheshire so the location doesn't work. My other concern is, while I am not a fully fledged short arse....I am not the tallest so finding somewhere that doesn't have bikes that are too big for my physically may be an issue.

I am looking at local options so I have the chance to maybe go and have a look first before I book.

Cheers

Watch the videos on YouTube, plenty of people of varying sizes. It's hardly the other side of the world.

[gareth_r]

American Youtube reviews suggest that the KTM 390 is too much of a road bike engine, and I'd imagine that would show up even more on a muddy Welsh or English byway.

[Jap90s]

Fitness wise you'll be fine most of the riders are totally unfit

I'm sure you'll find that unless you stick to easy gravel routes and there's not many of them in the UK, that you'll want the lightest bike available which tends to be an enduro bike a 390 is surprisingly heavy

[jumpingloci]

airsafari87 said:

Have a look at Dorothy s Speedshop.

Appreciate the mention AirSafari. The tours I run are generally aimed at novice trail riders. Some are weekends in UK, some a bit further afield. Recently back from light trail tours in Portugal, Morocco and Balkans. It's definitely a great way of getting more out of biking.

I always think starting on a bike that gives you the confidence is the main thing, especially in the UK where our trails are pretty snotty.

Have a look at Adventure Country Tracks for some ideas. Also Rally Moto is a great organisation running 'rallys' for novice/intermediates.

www.dorothysspeedshop.com