I'm about to move away from the Mountain Biking Mecca that is Lincoln to somewhere near Peterborough. Any decent riding out that way? I'm guessing the answers below will include "Thetford" and "buy a road bike". Happy to be proven wrong!
Bits and pieces, but you generally have to stitch it together with tarmac or cycle paths. Obviously no real hills to speak of, but if you're coming from Lincoln that's not an issue.
Closest 'proper' riding is at Wakerley and Fineshades woods about 20 minutes drive away. Join the Wakerley Wheelers Facebook page and come ride with us.
Whereabouts in 'borough are you moving to?
The road riding to the west is brilliant. Forget proper mountain biking unless you drive to the peak.
I'm moving to wittering, so wakerley / fineshades are (I think) within riding distance.
Many thanks for the invite! I suspect I might take you up on the offer! Next time I'm on the facetube I'll try and find your group...
If you're up at Wittering there are some of the Wheelers based in Stamford who know the natural trails up that way too you could hook up with. Tends to be a mix of edge of field bridleways, paths in the woods and disused quarries/claypits (same as much of the riding round here - teaches you how to pedal though).
Right, i've joined the group! Perhaps see you out on the trails!
Many thanks for the steer!
Hi Duffer,
As Colournoise says it's mainly bridleways etc. Try the bridleway out of the back of Wittering (I think it's near the Church), and then left onto the road towards the A47. Cross the A47 and pick up the byway next to the Dog Kennels place if it's still there (you'll be able to tell by the smell of the dog eggs!).
Then you're into Bedford Purlieus Woods - there's some tracks in here, but if you head south you can pick up various byways and bridleways all the way across to the other side of Oundle and across to near Corby.
You can also try the other side of the A1 from Sacrewell Farm towards Upton / Marholm / Milton Ferry etc.
It is all pretty flat - and muddy in winter - though...
Duffer - Member
I'm moving to wittering, so wakerley / fineshades are (I think) within riding distance.
I grew up in Wittering and the best places are (or at least were) definitely wakerley/fineshades and Yarwell sand and gravel pit for a bit of messing around (take the back road out to the A47 - go straight over along the track, over the next road, down Sulehay road and it's on your left after about half a mile) 🙂
Not a lot of options sadly.
Thanks for the input, chaps. I'll definitely be exploring the area in the not-too-distant future. There seems to be a couple of interesting looking bits within riding distance (mostly woodland). Only just moved, so still got plenty of sorting out to do. Also, my bikes are currently inaccessible... Should hopefully start getting out by next weekend.
Glenh - what's the story behind the Yarwell pit? Who does it belong to? Is it ok to ride there?
Sortmaster - thanks for the pointers. I'm currently trying to pick areas out on Google Maps, as i've not had time to explore. I've also made contact with the Wakerley Wheelers, so hopefully i'll be able to glean some knowledge from some locals.
Duffer
Posted to the A4 hub? Nice.
Limited riding, but here are a couple from your doorstep to start:
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The first one was one of my favourite loops for a long time - there is a stretch that feels like it is hundreds of miles away and the wildlife is exceptional (black roe deer). Have a word with the gym and see if they still have a fleet of mountain bikes - I left them with over 20 of them in 2009.
Looks like it is in fact a nature reserve now (not sure if riding is still allowed, although this doesn't say it isn't):
Duffer - Posted to the A4 hub? Nice
Better than being posted to the Death Star... As for the Gym, i'm hoping to get my MBL and start running some Expeds. The Gym does have bikes, as far as i'm aware.
Thanks for the above.
Glenh - thanks again!
Duffer - I was OIC Cycling there back in 08-09 and we ended up with about 40 qualified MBL on base as well as well-maintained fleet of bikes. A lot of the MBL were 2MT so there should still be one or two about even after all that time, and the ability to get transport. A couple were 5001 as well and they tend not to stray too far.
Riding the the quarry and nature reserve is a 'bit' cheeky, but I believe some other people have been known to ride there from time to time. There is a short loop around the 'forest' at Sulehay though.
I was OIC Cycling there back in 08-09 and we ended up with about 40 qualified MBL
I've done a little digging, and it seems to have died since then... The best i can get is "such and such is an MBL", but nothing formal in place.
I went and had a chat with the PTIs about formally re-invigorating the Cycling club, but they just didn't seem interested. Looks like i'll just have to arrange Expeds on an ad-hoc basis.
Don't go to Thetford whatever you do!!!
You'll explode or go mad or something it really is so bad you can't imagine it!! There is absolutely no point in going there and parking on the Brandon side at the visitors centre with its yummy cake and cheap car parking to ride the endless miles of un-mapped trails hidden away in the Brandon side of the forest.
Honest Guvnor theres no point what so ever. 😉