Great news that.
For those who have difficulty with my use of quotes in regard to 'trail centres', my trail centre is the Chilterns between Goring and Risborough. Means I don't have to spend too long in the car if at all, suits my age and (declining) ability and allows me to avoid gnarpoon mounted fluorescent weekend warriors.
I am now hiding under the table in the kitchen. Bring it on.
Did ye Aye?.
Wheras my 'natural' riding is mainly the 7 stands where I think you'll find all the trails are constructed from stone, which I think you'll agree is an obviously natural material. It also means I can sneer at anyone who isn't exactly like me.
I like a trail centre now and again for flat out razzing. I also love riding 'natural' trails too but one thing I do tend to find riding bridleways and natural routes is...
[url= https://i.imgflip.com/1uehqa.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.imgflip.com/1uehqa.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://imgflip.com/memegenerator ]via Imgflip Meme Generator[/url]
😀
So what ethos does someone who likes both natural rails AND trail centres have ?
Both. It's not a binary thing. I like both. That's why I have a rigid adventuring bike, a 100mm race bike, a 180mm big bike and a road bike. And even a track bike.
Some days I am in the mood for fast descents, other days for an adventure trek, and some I like to be in the workout zone, so to speak.
TL;DR - but get the gist 😛
Trail centres have their place. Some I like having a spin around (Afan, Cwmcarn, CYB, Glentress, Inners are my favourites. QECP is coming along nicely now). Some less so (Swinley cobbles especially now it's a trail centre, but then it still has much of the old stuff).
As for crowds, as mentioned, Penmachno. Never see a crowd there, or at times anyone at all for hours.
But then non trail centres are getting just as bad for crowds. Surrey Hills around Peaslake especially at weekends. It's as bad as a trail centre in ways. Overcrowded car parks. Hordes of brightly dressed Enduro gnar folk, along with sponsored vans with teams of riders.
Though it does thin out on the trails and being short trails it's less likely you'll find someone stopped or going slow on the trail.
Also the wider Surrey Hills does mean you can go off and avoid the hordes, plus find more interesting and more natural-ish stuff rather than the ever increasing size gap jumps.
kayak23 - MemberÂ
I like a trail centre now and again for flat out razzing. I also love riding 'natural' trails too but one thing I do tend to find riding bridleways and natural routes is...[Gates pic]
What you need is a group ride and each person takes it in turn to hold the gate open for the group and keep the whole group moving 😀
As for crowds, as mentioned, Penmachno. Never see a crowd there, or at times anyone at all for hours.
That's because it's crap. The last quarter is worth a ride and i'll loop that a few times next time i'm up that way, but the rest is not worth it. Never before or since have I been so disappointed after an MTB ride as I was when I rode Penmanchno.
The puddles there [Penmachno] aren't more than 3-4 inches deep, they just go on for a few miles
They were nearly hub deep when I rode it, and that's against 29" wheels. I don't mind a puddle or two but that was a bit too much.
