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Which one to take a complete newbie out on. I want them to enjoy the views and have fun not think they are going to die and never ride again. Any opinions and why rather than I think it’s rubbish etc. Ridden both lots so struggling to come up with my own impartial view.
complete newbie ? neither something like nanty for a complete newbie
I think the weather would play a big part. It also depends on how much you think they will enjoy the tech bits. I think the Marin is a bit of a slog and always feels like i'm going up rather than down. But if i was taking my mum i'd probably plump for Marin.
Marin, but maybe a couple of laps of Gwydir Bach, rather than Gwydir Mawr. That avoids the more technical stuff and the toughest climbs, plus means you can bail early if their fitness isn't up to it.
I've only ridden at Penmachno twice. The first time I loved it, the second time I spent the entire time getting whiplashed by wet branches, scratched by bracken and playing the "how deep is this wheel-sized, water-filled hole" game. There are some great sections, but it's not somewhere I'd chose to take a beginner if I wanted to enthusiast them with a love for the sport.
If Coed-y-Brenin is an option, then I'd plump for that over the others. Gives more route options for progression - start with the first bit of Minotaur, if that's too easy for them then move on to Temptiwr.
If it was 100% newbie, i'd probably just take them to somewhere like Delamere to start with.
Newbie as in done Degla red and got round that fine.
Definitely not Penmachno! It's soaking wet in the height of summer, let alone this time of year and a recipe for freezing cold feet.
Not done the Marin for years and I understand it's changed a bit since I last did it, but I don't remember anything too technical, so that would be my choice out of the two.
If I had to choose, I'd say Marin, penmachni is a tedious slog this time of year
Marin or CYB
Penmachno will need flippers and a snorkel at this time of year . Marin will have standing water but rides better in the wet than Penmachno .
Amazingly did Penmachno in summer it was bone dry. First time for everything. I think 2 mini loops of the Marin. Get in the last downhills. First go he can check them out, second go hammer it. Must be a great trail it’s named after me!
Marin Trail for the views:
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I like the Marin. Its proper "Old School" ...
The end of the Marin is superb...the rest is pretty good too.
Penmachno will be a trough of cold water.
I think that's answers it 😉
Take them to Degla then, - at least that way, if they think its shite, at least they can get a decent brew and a bit of Scoff at the end.
Neither the Marin or Penmach have any facilities there..
Have you ridden Penmachno at this time of year? I have. I don't think I've ever been so cold on a bike in my life. And that was with proper winter kit on, which gave up the ghost after the first couple of miles. The trails will essentially be streams of ice cold water. Its horrible!
I love the place in the summer (when it somehow still seems to be always wet) but I wouldn't go near the plae again at this time of year
Marin, or CYB. You should note that CYB has a cafe/bike shop place to warm up, definitely a factor at this time of year. Marin has nowt, you're getting into the car to head down to Llanwrst.
I love machno in whatever weather. Bone dry, river or snow.
But Marin I reckon for a noob. There's one very steep down that worries noobs but other than that it's great 🙂
I rode the Marin as my first ever MTB ride and enjoyed it. I went back for the first time last month and enjoyed most of it, but the new section (Dwsin Drwg) is much harder than the rest. I'm not very good, but from the number of escape lines I think others also found it hard. I suggest doing the short loop, Gwydir Bach, and if it goes well, do it again. There will be lots that a new rider will enjoy another try at once they have learned a bit.
Ridden it lots of times in winter binners it’s great. Van and brew gear packed for mobile cafe at end. Marin it is as he stormed round Degla on first try.