I was thinking of going there this friday with my kids so a few questions
1. How suitable is it for young kids [ 7 & 8] - I am assuming it is generally smooth with easy gradients
2. how chavvy will it be/is it bearing in mind its a Bank Holiday
I dont mind yoofs hanging out but will I face a barrage of Special Brew fuelled spliff smoking crack heads on mopeds going the wrong way at high speed
Thanks
Its fine JY. Its ideal for a pootle around with the kids at that age. The distance is spot on. The red, black bits over the far side are very optional and easy to skip. its just gentle uppy-downy through the trees. They'd probably have fun on the skills section too when you've finished the loop.
I didn't find it too Scrotey when I went on a Saturday. You've got some of the local yoot skulking about, but I think its more about sneaking off for a bit of cheeky fingers'n'tops with a bottle of cider, rather than mugging people for their bikes
Its good and you'll be fine/love it.
Park in the Velodrome and afterwards have a wander in.
The vast majority of people there are walking dogs or jogging.
Cheers for that - might as well have just e-mailed you 😀
I was round there on Sat with my 5yo and it works very well. I had our 2 yo on the back of my bike so we were bimbling along v slowly, nae bother. There were a couple of climbs that were too steep for him so we just pushed up, they're very short.
One thing I noticed is that previously we've done a few laps of the skills loop in the park first, then done the trails, and the lad has flown down them. This time, though, we did the trails first and the boy was a lot more cautious. I think the skills loop must be a good confidence builder for them to get their eye in.
they will insist in the skills loop - I assume the little course by the velodrome?- first as they still remember doing that when it opened
I'll concur with all of the above. Surprisingly good. Close to my work so nip over there in my lunch break. Good little skills area with berms, progressive drops, table tops, rocky bits etc. Nice trail, lots of swoopy bits, little jumps and berms, certainly enough for a little 'un to get the rollercoaster effect and love it!
Good little red offshoots and even a surprisingly tricky (given what/where it is) little black bit as well. Certainly makes you concentrate.
Didn't see any of the scroterati at all. Though given it has been lunchtime each time, they're all probably still in their beds.. 😀