I'm in Northampton in a weeks time, coming up from the South Coast.
Is Chicksands worth a stop off and ride or is there anywhere that might be a bit better. Happy with XC, Intermediate DH or FR type stuff.....depends on which bike I take.
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Chicksands
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Posted 1 year ago #
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Dirt jumping and four cross seems to be the main stay of chicksands, however there are some very very short DH runs. These were renamed as 'muddy paths' by a couple of northern friends that popped in. Certainly not worth a stop for XC.
However, I've not been in the pay per view area for a very long time, and especially not now they've built that fence all the way around it (whats that all about? H&S or are the FC really trying to reclaim it?).
I wouldn't stop special, but then I live there. If you're desperate for somewhere new to ride and fancy an hour wiggling through some dusty singletrack, give me a shout and I'll happily show you round the free bits.
Damion
Posted 1 year ago # -
Chicsands is good, although I tend to get bored after a few hours. Good place to spend a morning or afternoon if you're in the area. It's only an hours drive from Northampton.
Although last time I was there, we were approached by some young lad demanding money to ride there. I understand you now have to pay for the privilege of riding the trails but I refuse to hand over cash to any random stranger with no introduction or identification explaining how they are and who they represent.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Have you been to Aston Hill before?
It was fast and dusty when I was last there at the start of the hot spell and the dh tracks are very good.
Posted 1 year ago # -
have you thought of woburn sands instead of chicksands?
better for both fr and xc but does cost £3 each for the day if the ranger is about.
Follow the a5130 south out of woburns sands...as you climb the hill, you will see the wood on your right and mybe a few cars parked on the verge..park there, go through the gate and enjoy
Posted 1 year ago # -
Chicksands (rowney warren) is ok for a xc blast, you can make a longer ride by following the road to haynes west end and then pop into chicksands woods(which is a wood 5 mins from rowney warren), then follow the green sand ridge trail to clophill, then through clophill towards maulden, then go to maulden woods for a blast then back the way you came. you only have to pay to ride the jumps n 4x on weekends and bank hols.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Ahhh Chicky..... brings back memories.
Posted 1 year ago # -
There is a good singletrack run from the top by dead mans cross along the outside of the wood all the way around until you end up at the road in the middle. Aside from that there are a few nice short runs around. The north shore has all been torn down and the DS and 4X are too sandy at the moment.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Chicksands dual slalom and 4x are great. The tabletop jumps kick you up weird and I've not given the doubles a go yet as I'm scared of gaps again at the minute.
Woburn's great, loads of short mini dh type runs with some big gaps and step downs if that's your sort of thing. Really loose at the minute as it's all that sandy kinda soil, fun though and your bike leaves with a nice film of dust
Other than that there's not much about.. harlestone firs has a few small jumps but nothing amazing. Western Park in Leicester has a really nice jumps track, I learnt to jump there as it has a pretty good variety of jump sizes. The surface is like a grater when you fall though so bring pads! Video by Gareth on MTBB:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=axHy4dmyoM0I'm in Northamptonshire so if you want someone to ride with I'd meet you for a ride at Chicky, Western Park or Woburn! Email in profile if you want to arrange something. Bike wise I'd probably bring a long travel hardtail if you have one. The XC here is flat and boring and the "gnarcore-ier" stuff doesn't really need a full sus.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I went to Chicksands yesterday for the 1st time and have to say I thought it was great.
Posted 1 year ago # -
lucien,
come to herts for a ridePosted 1 year ago # -
Glad to hear Chicksands is good moving to Henlow in November
Posted 1 year ago # -
I'd do Aston hill! The trails are brilliant. Bit of a push back up but well worth it.
Posted 1 year ago # -
if its dry aston hill everytime for dh fun
Posted 1 year ago # -
Here is a GPX for some of the singletrack at Chicksands, it may be a bit off track as I had to edit it.
Posted 1 year ago #
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