Hey John,
Crud Catcher front and rear are keeping my ass reasonably clean at the moment.
I live in Lordswood and have occasionally gone out with ‘Thursday Night Posse’ boys. They are capable riders and LURVE the mud – which is just as well cos there’s lots of very sticky mud, roots and deep ditches in there LOL. It’d be quite tough work (especially at this time of year) for someone who doesn’t ride regularly and is not fit.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed riding (avoiding too much the mud), then I’d reccommend the Forest between Ashurst and Beaulieu. There’s loads of non-techie, not-too-muddy riding from Ashurst to Bucklers Hard and back (about 27 miles.)
If you can cope with a bit more mud and a bit hillier, then the Millyford Bridge, Stoney Cross, Red Shoot side is good to – Maybe taking in Fritham, Frogham too.
I’m regularly out in those areas during the week at the moment so I can tell you (so long as your not seeking technical thrills) there’s lots of nice rideable trails to get you out in the fresh air.
Timmy (Old Git 52 with 1 x 10 LOL) 😀
ps. Forgot to mention: Funtington/Kingley Vale has great riding and is not far from you. I went there a lot there in the summer but haven’t been since the weather turned so don’t know what it’s like in the wet.