Got an old work mate who wants to get into MTB - he lives in Harrogate currently (but might be moving to Otley or Wetherby shortly) and has asked me about routes/trails local to him. As I'm down in the flatlands of Peterborough my knowledge of that area is thin to say the least!
Obviously he's within easy driving distance of the Peaks and the Hebden Bridge area (although I guess round there might be too tech for a relative beginner).
Can anyone offer any routes properly local to him that would be good as an introduction to MTB? He's looking at a Voodoo Hoodoo or similar as a first bike.
Thanks in advance.
slainte ❓ rob
Its an Old book, but this one has some great routes for the beginner -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mountain-Bike-Guide-West-Yorkshire/dp/0948153172
generally, go West of Harrogate for harder (hillier) stuff, Eastwards towards Wetherby it flattens out. Will be miles and miles of farm track/bridleway ideal for a begginer to get their eye in and still feel like there getting 'out there'.
OS map is also a great idea.
some round my way in Nidderdale for someone starting out.
www.mtbthedales.org.uk
The two Brimham can be combined to one decent ride, The gouthwaite one is good, but tell him its backwards, he should go the other way. And Great Greenhow was written by Me! Scar house loop is a classic, bit gruelling though due to an excess of marbles.
Stainburn of course. www.singletraction.org.uk - the red and DL are actually pretty friendly, it gets it's rep from the black. he could even come to trailbuilding days if he wants, usually a lot of fun and chatting gets done, as well as some trailbuilding. 😉
Of course if he ends up out Otley way there's the chevin, and Ilkley Moor.
Bump for the evening/bored with the closing ceremony crowd...
slainte 🙂 rob
Stainburn for skills development!
Thanks folks. Have passed the suggestions on.
slainte 😀 rob
Rob
give him my email (in profile)
if he fancies a bit of showing round some route, i would oblige.
For a beginner, try Danefield Park between Otley and Leeds-Bradford Airport lots of bike friendly trails. Just watch out for dogwalkers.