Was at BPW yesterday, usual reds, did 1 blue as well. Didn't venture onto blacks as it was a bit on the wet and slippery side of things.
Anyway, we're off to Barry's Sidings tomorrow with the team boss, so I was just wondering if there's stuff for me to ride as well as them? Never been there so no idea what to expect
I've only ridden there once and it was good fun, bit of a slog to the top but it's steep and fast coming back down. The loaded chips from the cafe were mega too. If you're riding reds and blacks at BPW you'll be fine.
Age and profession don't really come into it.
The trails there are on the more technical side IMO, but there's a fair bit that intermediate riders can enjoy.
Age and profession don’t really come into it
This place is a bit daft at times. You can't make a bit of a jokey comment without people picking every sodding aspect of a phrase apart.
It’s quite steep! I’d like to go back there when I’m not biked out after three big days (for me) because my riding brain just said “no, you’re not concentrating enough to stay rubber side down”. The 40+ IT bloke I was with enjoyed it, the 40+ council worker found it harder even though he’s better at fast jumpy stuff, and the 40+ plumber (who has a talent for overestimating my ability - “you’ll be fine!”) was in his element. I don’t even know what to call my “job” anymore…
It really depends on which trails you ride, and it helps if you know which ones are which. The ones I like can get very slippery when wet, so tend to only ride them when it's a bit more dry. It's definitely more technical (and significantly steeper than BPW) but there's plenty for everyone up there.
Is an IT bloke like an IT girl? If so take a mirror to check your hair and touch up your lippy after each run…
As a counter, I’m happy(ish) on most of the BPW reds, and absolutely love riding at Dyfi but I’m man enough to admit I found Barry Sidings almost unrideable for me. I was on my hardtail and it had been absolutely hammering it down so everything was soaked which can’t have helped, but it’s really, really steep and slippery.
I can’t remember which tracks I (sort of) did but I suspect you’ll be fine.
so I was just wondering if there’s stuff for me to ride as well as them?
You'll be there anyway so now's your chance to try some harder trails than BPW and get outside your comfort zone.
It's been a couple of years since I've been so things may have changed but there was nowt there that
is uncommon for average off piste tracks in many places in the UK.
I'm 55 and don't work if that has any bearing on it.
There's a lovely cafe
Seriously tho, I've never been. I'd be interested to know how it compares to risca off piste or wyllie (which I've just heard has been flatted by the FC).
There’s a lovely cafe
I'm now doing a family ride while the lad and his coach play. So that's mostly where I'll be ending up after a gentle cruise.
I may get 1-2 runs in at the end when they're done. But possibly not.
There’s plenty in the middle of the woods to have a play on and session. Anything with doubles is pretty obvious and you can ride around most of it. The steeper tracks are off the top, Rossers tracks and Welsh Gold, Black Gold etc - not crazy steep but could catch you out. And Scary Mary would be uncomfortable if you’re not happy on rocky trails. It’s well worth a look up there if you’ve made the trip out. I rode there for the first time in June and I’ve already made the trip back another couple of times from west Cornwall, one of my favourite spots for sure.
It's all sounding great and like stuff I'd love to try, but will have to be next time, not today.