I'm assisting a colleague with the organisation of our department's inaugural MTB trip during a weekend in April. We have 15-20 interested people, most of whom are likely to be novices to MTBing (but many of them have a reasonable level of fitness). They will be travelling from various locations in the UK (Leeds, Scotland, London and Birmingham)
We have two options on the table:
1. South Wales Trail Centre – Afan being the obvious choice.
I've ridden Afan a few times and, speaking as someone who is reasonably fit but can't pull a wheelie or jump, I think it will be ok for beginners provided that they keep to the shorter runs and are prepared to complete the routes in 4 hours rather than 2.
Pros:
– Accommodation perhaps more suited to a large group of cyclists (locking up hired bikes?)
– trails easy to get to and no route planning involved.
– motorway access is good
Cons:
– no opportunity to explore the landscape or to choose your own route
– getting caught up with other MTBers (and getting in their way??)
2. Peaks (exact location unknown)
I've done very little biking in the Peaks and therefore I'm unsure how well suited it would be for such a trip.
Pros:
– greater trail flexibility (but planning work involved for the less fit members who don't want to try the big routes in the MTB magazines)
– Travel time from our various offices will be more similar than to South Wales
Cons:
– route planning
– higher level of fitness required for the bigger climbs?
– suitability of accommodation?
I'm minded towards Wales and then a second trip to the Peaks (requiring more organisation) if the first trip goes well. However, will Afan be too much for the inexperienced bikers?
I'd appreciate the thoughts of the experienced bikers (and those who have organised big group outings – SFB?)