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Posting to mention actual mountain biking 🙂
My, isn't the whole Glentress/Innerleithen area fantastic for a weekend away? We did it last weekend as something of a replacement for our (now non-traditional, damn it!) PPdS weekender. Weather and trail conditions were very alpine! Sunny, dusty, hot. Is it like that all the time in the borders 😉
Friday was supposed to be the Golfie, but hangovers dictated it was a day on various Glentress reds and some off piste. Our decision making was not up to the steep trails! Lovely just the same.
Saturday was Glentress Black, and then back up to the mast as when we had got to that point before on the main loop, loads of folks had recommended and pointed out various off piste options that were all amazing. The main black trail itself was fantastic too. Very enjoyable. the three sons (teenagers) in the group real showed the old boys up! we did something like 60km and about 1600m climbing. Knackered.
Sunday was Adrenalin uplift. It was amazing. So many trails, so many horrifically steep lines on the off piste stuff. So much to keep everyone occupied. Some of the old boys much happier with no need to pedal. Adrenalin were amazing, waiting for no more than a few mins at the bottom before we were back at the top again. Now, an alpine chairlift on a lovely day is a pretty zen place to be. The experience in the back of a dusty van drifting corners at 50mph up a potholed forest road was a little different. 😆 Still it worked brilliantly.
Only casualty was one pedal that just fell apart on my son's bike (Why oh Why did I buy CB pedals? Every single piece of CB kit I have owned in all my years has spectacularly failed. that was the last ever), and my knees which after three days of knee caps were a bit raw and tender at the front from the rubbing. Need to replace those I think.
Anyway - if you haven't been - go do it! what a place.
Pic from somewhere on the way up redemption climb. some were not happy with all the climbing 🙂
Yep it's awesome up there and enough riding for a full week let along a weekend.
The steepness of some (most!) of the off piste took me by surprise, there were more than a few expletives being said!
Sunny, dusty, hot. Is it like that all the time in the borders 😉
No, you had our one day of summer - nothing to see here.
I rememeber last summer... it was a tuesday.
Anyway OP thats a nasty lie, its shit here no one should bother coming.
Apologies - you are right. It was shit!
@ta11pau1 yeah, shit the bed its steep. internal/external monologue was "keep low, weight down, bend your arms, lean the bike... **** **** ****... made it... **** **** ****... whats this!?!?.. OOOFT... made it..." etc etc
It is brilliant but I haven't been up there for years as it's now a 6 hour drive. I'll have to make the effort since we won't be going anywhere exotic for the foreseeable future.
I didn't ride down there for most of a year with lockdowns and some health issues, when I went back I genuinely thought "man, this trail's got way harder, wear and tear's a killer" about just about everything, before I realised my brain had just reset into Normal mode.
I rode Tweedlove a few years back in the rain, it was a fun introduction to some of the steeper and more technical trails.
But yes, it's rubbish, no-one should go there.
Awful place. I actively avoid it.
As above, if you don't go for a while it takes a good many trails before you relax again on the steep stuff.
I heard the trails were good so now live here.
It's very disappointing and I wouldn't recommend the riding here at all.
Wish I'd stayed were I was.
You need a single speed stu.
That's the last thing I need now I live here.😁
Must give a special mention to how shit prospacker and date night were this morning
Awful trails.
Been there most of the last fortnight and plan to try and stay there as much as poss until August.
I love the place. Golfie seems to be a new lesson every day for me just now.
Right side Clyde is my current fave.
Still struggle with the bottom runs at Inners mind.
Inners bottoms when it's really dry and loose can be real front bottoms!
Date night was a combination of dust and marbles today.
No idea how the bike actually got round a couple of the corners on the steepest part of the chute.
We had a flying visit on the way home from our trip last weekend. Both shocked with the fact it was dry. My favorite part of the hill is still the bit with 2nd Base, Kendal Mint Cake, etc on. Couple of great new trails since we were last up.
We went further north this time, controversially - I preferred the likes of Dunkeld/Scolty & the Deeside trails. There is a lot of hidden gold up there, that's equally as steep & long, just not quite so battered by volume of riders.
It must be tough picking between all the great places to ride 🙂
Just finishing up a week in Ballater, next stop Tweed Valley.. oh, how I ache! Just in time for a change in the weather too, by the looks of it.
I'm there in a couple of weeks with Mrs Ready. Bit nervous to be honest! Can anyone recommend a few trails to warm up on, rather than us head blindly into a steep techy trail that could end in divorce!
Can anyone recommend a few trails to warm up on, rather than us head blindly into a steep techy trail that could end in divorce!
Are you want g enduro stuff or do you mean "we want nice fun trails to ride?" if the later you really won't go wrong with Glentress colour progression.
Thanks @Joshvegas.
Last question.. Is the Adrenaline Uplift worth booking? Or is Inners a bit more "challenging"??
No idea lifts are cheating and I like my wheels on the ground. If you explain what might cause divorce people will chime in.
If you like and old school drag up fire road and bomb down a row of hills type xc route gypsy Glen is a lovely ride on a warm evening... Which you may or may not get...
Couldn't recommend the uplift except for people who either want to do the dh/offpistes, or who'll be happy just doing a couple of trails all day. The hill doesn't have a great mix of trails for less advanced riding, but also it's also an absolute warren so even if you were to go with a list of more approachable trails it's often easy to take a wrong turn and end up on something orrible.
You definitely can pick out good options if you want to try some of the offpistes, as a bit of progression/variety from the trailcentres. Like, the Fort and Dave's Trail at Glentress, or maybe Mast of Zorro, are right on the trail centre routes, or you can throw in Mild Peril as a diversion on the black.
Golfie was pretty busy today.
Think the fire was caused by ebikers with their planet destroying fire starting contraptions.
Caught these two admiring the aftermath of an ebike ride.
https://flic.kr/p/2m6kRAS
@ready
I can show you round a few of the trails if you want as I currently have a bit of time on my hands.
Glentress is pretty fun. Brown Troot great on a hangover. Especially in its current state.
Sorry for jumping on someone else's thread
So easyjet has beaten Boris and macron to skuppering my trip to the alps with whiteroom 😢 with all my flights cancelled
I've booked myself in a hotel in Innerleithen for a few days from 19th july
Planning to book the uplift at Innerleithen for one day.
What shouldn't I miss
Cheeky question anyone riding tweed valley who don't mind someone tagging along? 🙂
Although Jimmy crankies announcement regarding Manchester may put a spanner in the works 😞
lightfighter762 Full Member
Glentress is pretty fun. Brown Troot great on a hangover. Especially in its current state.
What is the current state of Broon Troot (sic)?
Although Jimmy crankies announcement
Don't be a cock.
Agree^
Don’t be a cock.
Don’t be cranky.
(Couldn’t resist)
What is the current state of Broon Troot (sic)?
Running great a couple of weeks ago. It's had one or two of the very worst roots removed (for the race I think) so is maybe a bit less awkward.
For those looking for some guidance re difficulty:
GT - If you are happy on the harder off piste i.e. Hush Hush and Trail Fairy Plan, you'll likely be fine on the easier Inners trails. They would include Angry Sheep, Green Wing, Deer Hunter, IXS, Upper/Middle Cresta and Upper/Middle Gold. If you're happy on those, you'd probably also be happy on the easier Golfie trails, like NYNY, Repeat Offender, Greg Jolifes etc.
RE the uplift. Is it worth it? If getting in ten laps sounds appealing, then 100% yes, it's worth it. Certainly gives you a good way of exploring the trails. The climb up is not toooo bad, but unless you're mega fit, you'd be very unlikely to do more than 2-3 laps. There are some superb trails at Inners, so in my view, definitely worth it. Try and tag along with a local!
@notsospeedydaz I’ve got a couple of days work in Eyemouth that week, should be done by Tuesday night and am planning on spending the rest of the week up there, Innerleithen/Golfie etc, I’m going to book the uplift for Friday & Saturday. Maybe Wednesday or Thursday at Ft Bill for a day.
Drive back to Bournemouth on Sunday. Thanks
I had a fish tea at the Ship in Eyemouth the other day. Was braw.
Sorry for jumping on someone else’s thread
So easyjet has beaten Boris and macron to skuppering my trip to the alps with whiteroom 😢 with all my flights cancelled
I’ve booked myself in a hotel in Innerleithen for a few days from 19th july
Planning to book the uplift at Innerleithen for one day.
What shouldn’t I missCheeky question anyone riding tweed valley who don’t mind someone tagging along? 🙂
Although Jimmy crankies announcement regarding Manchester may put a spanner in the works
I'm moving into a new house in Inners on the 16th and I'm off the whole week beginning 21st, so will definitely be around and riding. I'd be happy to give you a we tour round Golfie / Inners / Thony (brave pants). There's Yair and Cademuir also, although I don't know them quite as well.
Not to forget quality gravel riding and xc rides out into the hills as well from the Tweed Valley, which may suit families having longer stays after having visited the trail centres and want to just explore the area more. BikeValleyTrails will help them on their way.
Be off with you with yer gravel nonsense!
Another hijack - I'm visiting this weekend and will be riding alone. If anyone would be willing to show me round or let me tag on to a ride (Sat, Sun or Mon) it'd be greatly appreciated.
the easier Golfie trails, like NYNY, Repeat Offender
I found repeat offender much more difficult than NYNY, although it has a few jangy bits in the middle. Pretty much my limit. My first visit to Golfie I tried No Social. Nightmare. Spent it all on my arse.
I found repeat offender much more difficult than NYNY, although it has a few jangy bits in the middle. Pretty much my limit. My first visit to Golfie I tried No Social. Nightmare. Spent it all on my arse.
I guess it's all a matter of context. Personally, I would agree that Repeat is harder, but my GF reckons NYNY is harder because there's no real let up and it's so long, whereas on Repeat, whilst the features are bigger, at least there's some more chill bits in between. Totally depends on what you're used to though, so I can definitely sympathise
No Social is one of the few I've never tried (people keep telling me it's really hard!), but I've had many humbling experiences at Goflie that left me considering taking up a different hobby. I think unless you're an absolute shredder, it's best to get a steer on what to try first. They've added ratings on trailforks for each trail. Some are a bit random, but they're mostly not too far off.
I did some laps of Angry Sheep at Inners which was perfect for my soft southern skills, thought it was much steeper than it looked but was really getting into the rhythm by the end.
I also rode hush hush/five year plan at Glentress. MISTAKE. :O At the bottom, after checking I still had a ballsack after an altercation with the saddle, I was amazed to find I was alive. And wondered how I was still alive.
Will be at Golfie on Sunday. Looking forward to it now I've change rotor out back (was screaming all the way down in the dry the last time - awful, it was).
I think Sunday afternoon will be Thorni. Not been there in ages so will need to readjust to the steepness. Saturday probably Golfie. The conditions at the weekend were the absolute best I have ever ridden there. Just perfect.
left me considering taking up a different hobby
Exactly how I feel after riding there. I enjoy some of it, but mostly hanging on for dear life.
Exactly how I feel after riding there. I enjoy some of it, but mostly hanging on for dear life.
Same here, but I enjoy the challenge.. rode 3G, Repeat Offender, Waterworld etc. yesterday and feel like I could ride most of them but I'm let down by struggling to cope with the physicality and sheer relentless of the tracks compared to anything I ride the rest of the time - I have to stop to get a grip again!
On the other hand, doing those yesterday meant I was significantly quicker than previously on Mud & Roots, Broon Troot and Trail Fairy Plan at GT today!
Hijacking this thread as I'm planning on visting Glentress etc in mid Sept - any tips on good places to camp ?
You mean campsites or wild?
Just back from 4 nights in Innerleithen, booked as a last minute back up because of the Alps/Covid cancellation.
Had a couple of days at Glentress, Adrenaline Uplift day at Inners, plus a quick look at Golfie - and it was some of the best riding I've had in a long time. Coming from the flatlands of Suffolk, I was blown away by some of the steepness to start with, but you soon get used to it and positively embrace it - even though we had some proper "HOLY Sh!T" moments!
Awesome fun, absolutely loved it, and we will definitely be back!
I’m still here .
Not planning to leave Inners till Aug.
It’s still brilliant lol.
Been speaking to loads of visitors at the campsite and everyone loves it.
The only problem folk have is choosing what to fit in.
Head up tomorrow for a few days. Does anyone know of the trails North of New York, New York are open?
Don't think they're open until the end of the month.
If you mean the Wolf tracks, last week there was a sign saying none of them were open (although NYNY was OK). Flat white was also closed for repair.
Abigale is competing in the Vallelujah Enduro this weekend so we thought as the forecast isn't that bad that we would set off up today and make the most of it.
Abigale is competing in the Vallelujah Enduro this weekend so we thought as the forecast isn’t that bad that we would set off up today and make the most of it.
Isn't that bad!!? It's scheduled to be 24 degrees! In Scotland! I'm doing Valle too, should be a good one.
Any gen on Valle route? We're in the valley "training" for King and Queen and would be good to know what to avoid. Any info/guesses/speculations on K + Q route would be nice too.
Any gen on Valle route? We’re in the valley “training” for King and Queen and would be good to know what to avoid. Any info/guesses/speculations on K + Q route would be nice too.
The full course will be released tomorrow after the rider briefing at 1900. From the notes issued, looks like it's 100% GT, so I would just ride at Inners instead that weekend.
RE King and Queen - here's the 2019 route for reference:
Nothing too nuts in there. I guess it'll be of a similar difficulty.
Cheers, they were both my assumptions. Planned Golfie Saturday and Inners Sunday so should work out OK.
Any news on what’s unavailable to ride at the weekend due to the enduro?
Been out and about today and quite alot seems to be from the mast. I think the map goes out tonight
I'm up at Glentress Forest Lodges from 16th to 20th August, any one available to show a couple of wobbly eBikers around?
Drop us a PM if you want showing around.
Campsites really - will be in the van.
Edit - that's a delayed reply to JoshVegas, on where to stay in September around Glentress / Peebles - never been so not sure where's best to stay, but planning on travelling around a bit...
We have just had 5 nights with the camper at our usual spot which is Crossburn in Peebles, always first class. when we booked a couple of weeks prior the website was showing full for the full year but they had plenty of room when we rang.
Also stopped in the camper at Glentress Lodges and Tweedside at Innerleithen, both were good but think Crossburn pips them.
Stopped at Rosetta in Pebbles once but didn't sleep much as there was a lot of youths wandering about in the early hours.
I think some park on the carpark over the bridge in Peebles and it has public toilets at the top end
Golfie was about as good as it gets today conditions wise.
Some right grumpy folks about though.
hotel in Innerleithen
It's not St Ronan's is it?
spent last week in the tweed valley, like many as a trip abroad wasnt possible.
What an absolutely stunning part of the world. So many good trails. We did two days of adrenaline uplift. Then 4 days of riding, took in Golfie, Thornielee, Glentress etc.
A lot steeper than the usual stuff on the south coast of england, but a decent challenge. Thornielee was a particular highlight for me, Slabs n Tarts was an excellent trail.
Did a fair few of the more well known trails, NYNY, Feed the pony etc etc. All really good with their own charms.
Local bike shops were really helpful, I-Cycles doing a last minute brake bleed before they closed for the day.
No1 Coffee house had some banging veggie wraps.
All in all a great week and definitely a part of the world i would like to visit and ride again.
Please note, the above opinion was during a week of glorious sunshine, i am not sure how confident i would be on some of the steep trails if it was pissing wet! 😀
off up to the T.V. tomorrow for a few days. looking for some intel on must-do trails? read this thread a year ago and found some gems so hoping to strike gold again... got an uplift one day but planning to ride some different areas this time, yair / cademuir / thornilee - rather than just mashing golfie, unless theres anyu unmissable new stuff up caberston??
TA
Golfie has had some work. Dances with Wolves, Wolf of Wallstreet (totally transformed) and Big Baw are all running absolutely prime. Yair is running again, but I think access has changed, someone who rides there more will likely know better. Cademuir and Thorni both running very well.
How well do you know the uplift hill? There are some great mashups to be had, but it helps to follow a friendly local.
Also, it is BONE DRY at the minute. Not sure how the weekend will be though!
Out last night and flying - a bit of moisture TBH would help to 'tighten' the trails, such much dust.
Yeah, Golfie is ridiculously dry at the moment (Sunday just there). We rode what the EWS folk raced a few weeks ago and it was a good mix: Dances with Wolves, Repeat Offender, Big Baw, Feeding The Pony, then a mash up of DH stuff at Inners. It's a decent 36km/1600mtrs day. I'd not bother with the Inners stuff if I was doing it again, but the rest was superb. First time riding Feeding The Pony and its well worth the epic push up, good to have Big Baw back in use also.
Yair is running again, but I think access has changed, someone who rides there more will likely know better.
Yair is indeed mostly open. Forbidden Fruits is still closed though.
All the trails on the Raielees side now have a new start then drop back into the original trails.
I might be around on Friday if you want showing round?
I'd also look at Glenbenna if you've not riden the trails there before.
Golfie was getting a little too dry yesterday. Could do with damping down a bit.
I’d not bother with the Inners stuff if I was doing it again
If you know where to go, an uplift on the Inners side is still magic!
Golfie was getting a little too dry yesterday. Could do with damping down a bit.
I've been desperately trying not to stare at the piles of gravel on the inside of every corner. Some rain is is forecast I think.
If you know where to go, an uplift on the Inners side is still magic!
It was more the mash up they used for EWS wasn't the best trails, but we were determined to follow the exact EWS route through to the end just because! I prefer stuff Inners stuff like Angry Sheep etc although TBF don't know much else beyond that at Inners - Golfie is my default when visiting the area as I know much more of it already.
I’ve been desperately trying not to stare at the piles of gravel on the inside of every corner.
Aye the piles of type 1 that have been flung into some of the holes post EWS aren't great!