Green lane riding in Derbyshire
Discussion
Does anyone have any experience in light off road riding in Derbyshire. I have no idea where a beginner would even start!
I have a Ducati Scrambler, and in warmer months I would really like to consider turning off the tarmac . Nothing too serious.
I’m in Belper, and normally get over to Buxton, Castleton, and Hathersage way.
I have a Ducati Scrambler, and in warmer months I would really like to consider turning off the tarmac . Nothing too serious.
I’m in Belper, and normally get over to Buxton, Castleton, and Hathersage way.
PT1984 said:
Does anyone have any experience in light off road riding in Derbyshire. I have no idea where a beginner would even start!
I have a Ducati Scrambler, and in warmer months I would really like to consider turning off the tarmac . Nothing too serious.
I’m in Belper, and normally get over to Buxton, Castleton, and Hathersage way.
That's a lot of bike to go laning on.I have a Ducati Scrambler, and in warmer months I would really like to consider turning off the tarmac . Nothing too serious.
I’m in Belper, and normally get over to Buxton, Castleton, and Hathersage way.
As already said, firstly join your local TRF group.
They’ll know all the local lanes including which ones are you can ride and which you can’t, pointers to get you up and running and riding buddy’s to help pick you bike up when you fall off (and you will).
The Ducati isn’t the best to start with. Too heavy to pick up and expensive to repair when it gets damaged.
Get a 250/300/350 enduro bike or maybe something softer like a CRF250/300.
The right bike will make it far easier and enjoyable.
They’ll know all the local lanes including which ones are you can ride and which you can’t, pointers to get you up and running and riding buddy’s to help pick you bike up when you fall off (and you will).
The Ducati isn’t the best to start with. Too heavy to pick up and expensive to repair when it gets damaged.
Get a 250/300/350 enduro bike or maybe something softer like a CRF250/300.
The right bike will make it far easier and enjoyable.
This is worth a look:
https://www.bywaymap.com/
Also check out the TET routes and any OS maps you can get hold of.
..and as previously mentioned TRF, which might be the best place start.
Be prepared for the UK not allowing you to tootle up just any track on your bike though. Most of the rest of Europe is happy enough but the UK is a bit 'get orf my land' about the whole thing.
https://www.bywaymap.com/
Also check out the TET routes and any OS maps you can get hold of.
..and as previously mentioned TRF, which might be the best place start.
Be prepared for the UK not allowing you to tootle up just any track on your bike though. Most of the rest of Europe is happy enough but the UK is a bit 'get orf my land' about the whole thing.
KTMsm said:
There are various Green Laning groups on Facebook
The problem with green lanes is it's hard to find out how technical they are until you go down them and many are only suitable for the experienced on bigger bikes
Particularly as your scrambler isn't really a scrambler
Yeah I know The problem with green lanes is it's hard to find out how technical they are until you go down them and many are only suitable for the experienced on bigger bikes
Particularly as your scrambler isn't really a scrambler
mikey_b said:
Bit of a trek from Derbyshire? Bloody long way home if he's unfortunate enough to drop it and break something critical, too.
Yep but that's the benefit of twins - they're better on the road
I'm in Warwickshire and regularly drive my van 2 hours to get my Enduro to decent lanes - the best do it all bike is a 701 but I'd still rather use the van for the boring bits and it's just easier if I get cold / wet / break down
It's the unfortunate reality in the UK
Derbyshire bridge in Buxton would be a good route for you plenty of space, abit rocky and not too tight.
There’s a few others round there such as charity lane but that might be abit ambitious on a scrambler as you need some ground clearance.
You’ll have fun exploring the lanes up there!
There’s a few others round there such as charity lane but that might be abit ambitious on a scrambler as you need some ground clearance.
You’ll have fun exploring the lanes up there!
Sounds like the OP wants a little ride off the beaten track on a summers day rather than full on mud plugging as everyone else seems to suggest. I was the same a couple of years back on my XSR700, I spent a bit of time finding some local, solid byways with a few puddles and ruts rather than boggy tracks. Had loads of fun just pottering along them, some cool pictures and a nice country ride home afterwards.
Can't help with anything local to you but I used various mapping sites to find some nice byways to explore.
Can't help with anything local to you but I used various mapping sites to find some nice byways to explore.
IlPapaMobile said:
Sounds like the OP wants a little ride off the beaten track on a summers day rather than full on mud plugging as everyone else seems to suggest. I was the same a couple of years back on my XSR700, I spent a bit of time finding some local, solid byways with a few puddles and ruts rather than boggy tracks. Had loads of fun just pottering along them, some cool pictures and a nice country ride home afterwards.
Can't help with anything local to you but I used various mapping sites to find some nice byways to explore.
This is one of the reasons why I envy those living in the US, there's very little wilderness for proper "adventure" in the UK. Most of the year off road riding here is limited to muddy and boggy lanes with endless restrictions and closuresCan't help with anything local to you but I used various mapping sites to find some nice byways to explore.
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