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Finally going to get out there this week. I've followed some links from here to 'diary of a mountain biker' and 'chocolate log' but still not sure how to get started.
So, taking the train from Clapham Junction - Where do I get off for the best place to start? ( I heard Nirvana Cycles has maps )
How far is it from that station to the trails? Barry knows best or whatevers good. How are the trails at the moment? Should I bring sandwhiches or is there some good pub grub to be had? Cheers.
Coming from London, I've got this idea that I'll be in the middle of nowhere and cycling lost and aimless in the hills looking for trails.
Get to Dorking West.
Cycle up past Ashcombe school onto Ranmore and from there over fire trail over to Westcott where you can pick up a map from Nirvana cycles.
That will only show you a couple of loops and the other bits you'll either stumble across or somebody will show you.
I expect its still pretty muddy on the lower parts.
Food and drink over at Peaslake village.
Ask around at the Bus Stop at Peaslake and someone will show you some good stuff. I might even be out that way on Sunday. I can be bribed with an onion bhaji to show you all manner of good trails...
Or a nice slice of cake up at the Tower.
Or a pint.
I'm easy!
don't go to dorking west. go to dorking BR and ride up ashcombe road.
if you are leaving from CJ then you don't have to change and the train is quite quick, spending longer on the train and having to change trains (possibly more than once) is pointless when the stations are only 3mins cycle apart.
Thanks. I was going to go during the week, as I supose it's quieter, and I've got the time off. Maybe I'll go Sunday too. Wife is away with baby so I'm free. Does it get crazy busy on weekends? Worried about getting in peoples way. Or would it be better having people to show me around or follow?
Busy at weekends? Yes and no. However, keep moving and keep away from the carpark mincers and you'll be fine!
Getting in the way? Nah, don't worry at all! It's a lovely friendly place to ride and as long as you're aware of [i]all[/i] the other trail users (in all formats!) you'll be fine.
It's a warren of great trails, so it can be better to have either a map or a guide for a few trips to get to know what's out there.
I wrote a long long post here but to be honest it's better with people who know. I still find new stuff after 15 odd years.
Why don't you turn up to ride at 11 am Sunday at Nirvana Cycles!? You'll get to ride the interesting stuf rather than the overated touristy trails like BKB. Anything decent isn't mapped IMO.
Saturday isn't that busy surprisingly, Sunday (sunny) can be embarrassing to be around the numpty hell that Can be Peaselake.
+1 on join the 11am Nirvana Sunday ride. I'll probably be on the 9:44 from Clapham Junction myself on Sunday.
Bromley bikes are having a demo day down at Peaslake on Sunday so it could be busy
Good advice there well worth having a guide at first. There is some nice stuff on Redlands, but I disagree, BYB is always worth a blast, I couldn't spend all day there like some though!
Peaslake shop does a mean cheese straw too.
What is the 11am Nirvana ride likely to be like in terms of 'ability requirements'- have heard different opinions of what Nirvana consider to be an 'easy ride'. Would love to have a 'guide' around Leith (having only done Pitch/Holmbrey for 3 years) but have heard that they are unlikely to stop for anyone, and don't want to get left behind/spoil it for others!
😆Sunday (sunny) can be embarrassing to be around the numpty hell that Can be Peaselake.
...must admit, now I am in the fortunate position of living closer and not have to drive to get there, I am enjoying the slightly quieter evening riding!
There's always the Muddy Moles for a less intense ride - from near Leatherhead on Sunday mornings, start early though.
Nirvana 11 a.m is sounding good. sl2000, maybe I'll see you on the train then. I've never ridden in a group before. No idea if I'd like it or not, but worth a go. May go Thurs or Fri too, just to have a potter about.