Regarding the new trails in Ashton Court, Bristol, I have a couple of gripes:
Firstly, it's not really mountain biking is it? Even my hardtail with the forks wound right down isn't the best bike to ride them on. Ideally I'd want a BMX to be really quick. Where's the roots and rocks and technical aspect that actually needs off road riding skills that rather than being able to ride berms and rollers!
Secondly, when in a few months we've all perfected our BMX skills, we'll be lusting after a bit of real technical mountain bike riding. This will push us out of Ashton Court into other (probably illegal) areas causing friction with walkers, landowners etc. The shiny new paved trails will also encourage a whole load more new riders. These in turn will become bored of berms and rollers and move out to the illegal trails. Even the 'secret' places to ride are getting discovered and churned up as the numbers of riders who use them increases.
Superficially the new trails seem like a great idea. But I can't help thinking it'll never be as good as it was. The sustainable trails also have to cater for better riders and not be one dimensional so we all get bored and move on.
What d'ya tink?
