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...and I'm thinking of either BPW or Dare Valley. We ride (albeit extremely causally) short cross country routes currently, so I'm looking for something that is effectively beginner/novice friendly with an uplift service.
Which would be the most appropriate out of these do you think?
BPW might a bit full on - even the blues have a much higher speed than regular trails.
I wouldn't say somewhere like BPW is a suitable place for a beginner/novice. You'll also have fast riders on the blues going very fast, that combined with a novice 9 year old is just a recipe for a big crash and injury.
Why did you need an uplift? Anywhere with one is going to be gravity focused and therefore more advanced than a beginner should be riding.
Edit: they do have that new green trail which would be suitable, look up 'kermit'.
Well I was thinking of sticking to the greens and blues with him. Obviously we wouldn't be riding down anything where wheels would be leaving the ground. He'd be capable of trails that are fully rollable, it's more of a confidence building thing.
Why the uplift? The same reasons as most people I guess. Maximising the runs you can get in in a day.
It's been 10 years since I was last at BPW, but when I was there last, the available blues were gentle enough in gradient. My only concern is whether it's so busy these days that fast riders will be barrelling through even on the greens/blues...
Does it have to be uplift?
I’d say the Forest of Dean is an excellent place for a beginner looking to do some bigger trails. Lots of easier stuff plus the little skills area with the jumps and drops lines / pump track etc.
Flyup 417 if you need uplift might be better than BPW for less ‘intimidation factor’.
That said BPW does have the new green and lots of blues - if you follow your lad down you can protect him from any morons wiping him out.
Not been to Dare Valley to comment on that option. It sounds like it might be ideal from what I read.
Ideally an uplift, as it's his birthday and I want it to be a little more special if that makes sense. Also for personal health reasons, it'd be a massive help to me. I'll check out Flyup 417 and see if it seems more appropriate, thanks for that 🙂
Dare Valley seems to fit the bill also.
The Dare Valley descents are ace, but I wouldn't say they're novice friendly, they're blue rated bike park style stuff and like the above you'll get faster riders there.
Your best bet would be Coed-y-Brennin and ride Minotaur as may times as you like, likewise the blue stuff at Afan is ace, but you're going to have to ride up some hills.
Your best bet would be Coed-y-Brennin and ride Minotaur
My daughter loved it at exactly the same age.
Blue Scar at Afan may be a nice adventure - but again no uplift.
Plenty of kids at BPW when I've been - I reckon he'll be fine and love it. Took my boy at 11 I think with no issues. The Kermit trail would be perfect, plus some of the blues
Your best bet would be Coed-y-Brennin and ride Minotaur as may times as you like,
9 year old would be bored rigid on the Minortaur pretty quickly.
OK, obviously hyperbole. But it sounds like the OP is after something a bit special. Though having reread it perhaps it is what he's after.
So difficult to judge isn't it...
Although the trails at CdB definitely aren’t familiar to me, I remember riding the Beast thinking if Mom could meet us where the trail comes to the road where you could load up the car and get to the top of that long road climb to enjoy the swoopy trail through the big pines? I’m sure someone local or with more knowledge than me could verify? Could be a handy uplift, I’m not exactly sure.
Dare I also chuck Antur Stiniog into the mix? Purely from a selfish point of view, cos I'm thinking of taking my 10 + 13 year olds there.
At the risk of hijacking this thread, anyone think it's a reasonable idea?
Why did you need an uplift? Anywhere with one is going to be gravity focused and therefore more advanced than a beginner should be riding.
Rubbish! Uplifts are great. Kids are knackered really quick with even a little pedaling up a fire road. With an uplift they can save their energy for progressing and how many kids don't love a tractor?
My 6yo absolutely loved dare valley. Yes you can do big jumps and rail berms but as long as they can brake well and control speed you can trundle down at walking pace, stopping to be look at each feature. By the 4th run she was flying.
Antur is quite gnarley with a few rock garden bits thrown into every trail. If your kids are used to bike parks it’ll be fine, otherwise I’d suggest Coed as above. Minotaur trail is really nice, with some options to make it purply rather than blue.
Dare looks good for a first time. They seem geared to families and younger kids so I reckon go there. BPW would be ok depending on his skills and bike but for a first time I reckon Dare as you could do a day there (or half a day if you go early) and swing back past FOD later on or the next day. FOD is also a good choice as you can do Verderers and play in the skills areas/tracks as well.
But if it’s a birthday treat then BPW will be fine on the blues and green trails.
Just make sure you’re at the back of the pack when the riders head off and stay behind him on the way down Sixtapod, etc so people don’t come up your arse too fast.
BPW might a bit full on – even the blues have a much higher speed than regular trails.
BPW is perfect. Kermit a couple of times followed by terrys belly and willy waver etc. Adult at the back to provide warning to other riders behind. The kids stop alot so lots of opportunity for others to pass.
Had nothing but politeness and encouragement for my kids at BPW. Even from those that look like they would be proper weekend warriors.