FOD Freeminers trail

Heading out a jaunt to the FOD at the weekend with some complete novice work buddies, taking them around Verderers trail is a given, but is there anything on the freeminers trail that they’ll struggle with?

I’ve not ridden it myself yet but very much want to give it a go, however I don’t really want to put the other chaps off on their first trip out if it’ll be too difficult.

Thoughts and experiences please!

Nothing overly challenging for a novice I’d say. In fact probably one of the better ones to cut your teeth on.

Rode it on the weekend, first time in years. Rooty is the term id use.
If they are complete novices i’d just go for one lap of verderers (you dont want to exhaust / break them on their first trip!)

As a trail goes, compared to others, its almost a Red but not quite. However, complete novices may find simple things we take for granted a real problem.

It may be too long for some, too hard for others etc.

Its very easy to underestimate the difficulty non mountain bikers will have.

Hard to judge without knowing your mates – but there are alternatives in the FOD and a tiny skills area at the beginning you can send them round to see how they get on.

Also lots of easy trails in that area anyway.

Have a bit of a nose through this vid for an idea. For “complete novices” it might be a bit much, the climb on Freeminers will probably have them pushing a bit too.

If they’re novice then I stick with the skills loop initially to sort out any faffage, then the blue. Save the red for those wanting more another time. The red is short, steep climbs and enough off camber roots to demoralize a novice into not wanting to return (plus if you do if after the blue there is a fair chance they’ll be tired).

At least if you take them round Verederers first and some want to do more, maybe another lap, given they know what to expect and how far they are going might be an idea, after all, those up to it can always push themselves harder on it if they want ?

Way too much climbing on the Freeminers for a novice imo

Never forget that what we classify as “suitable for novices” may not be for someone who hasn’t ridden a bike since they were a kid… Freeminers isn’t tricky if you’re half-decent on a bike, but for a proper novice? Stick to Verderers tbh.

Freeminers to a complete novice is so innapropriate as to make me question the relationship you have with your work colleagues. Go for it and take some GoPro footage of the accidents and their reaction to you.

Take them round Verderers twice, if they have the legs for it. Second time will be much more fun when they know what to expect and that will leave them tired and wanting to go again.
Freeminers is too much for complete novices.

Cheers chaps, this is the input I needed. As I said I’ve not ridden it myself yet but want to, so I guess I was hoping it was novice friendly for purely selfish reasons!

It just gives me an excuse to make the trip across the bridge again soon! 8)