So I am off to Devon in a few weeks and was wondering what the MTBing is like in the immediate area. I'm a roadie these days but that is mainly down to the lack of mountain where I live but if there is natural stuff to be had off my new doorstep I could be tempted back on the bouncer more often.
While we are at it are there any roadies in the area.?
Use segment explore on Strava and then have a look at the rides the segments are part of
Was in Bideford earlier last month, there ain't much flat,
If you don't surf, learn.
If you don't surf, learn.
Can't stand the sea, I'll stick to the road I think.
Lots and lots of big hill riding all around Bideford. Check out Taw Velo and North Devon Wheelers as clubs. Not much off road nearby really, apart from a downhill centre (if its still open)
Exmoor, Dartmoor and Quantocks less than an hour away.
No surf in Bideford anyway. Its all on the other side of the estuary. Which is much nicer btw
Can't stand the sea, I'll stick to the road I think.
Why are you moving near the sea then?
Why are you moving near the sea then?
Because the girlfriend who earns waaaay more than me moved that way for work a while ago and it's now or never for me to move, the long distance thing is not going to last another year.
Hocking's ice cream...mmmmm
Depending what type of MTBing you want, there are 3 stunning areas to ride that really aren't far away, Exmoor, Dartmoor and the Quantocks.
I regularly ride these, I'm from Tiverton so if you want local knowledge give me a shout.
As already said above, Exmoor and Dartmoor aren't that far away. There's also Haldon near Exeter and I think a new trail centre has opened up near Ilfracombe.
Southfork bikes in Braunton should be one of your first ports of call for offroad contacts. There is also a beach race taking place on the 12th July on Braunton Burrows which could be a laugh to watch.
As a North Devon resident myself I tend to ride on the road more, but then I like spinning my way up impossibly steep back roads. If you have a road bike get used to going up hill a lot. There is an excellent road focused bike shop in Bideford although they will happily repair all sorts of bike. In fact over the years I've seen road biking really get popular in North Devon.
Next question for Big Dave, compact.? I have been riding down there on and off for the last year or two and have always ground it out on a standard double, I can imagine that would become a chore on a regular basis.
Codden hill is probably nearest. Snapper is good . Venture across the water and talk to Southfork.
Next question for Big Dave, compact.?
It depends on the sort of riding you're intending to do. I'm sure plenty of the local club riders use standard doubles but if you want to take to the quiet little back lanes and get away from the main roads the lower gearing of a compact and a wide range rear cassette will make things a lot more bearable.
I ride a triple but then I'm old and knackered and like my beer.
Lots of coastal paths. Just go very early or later in the day!!!!