To add to the above, my Exodus roof box with Exodus branded T track adapters fit perfectly on my Thule roof bars, so seems to be a pretty standard fitting.

Complete Cotic Flaremax?  The silver build is right at the top end of your budget (okay, £99 over but I’m here with the upsell 😉) but I think you’d feel like you’d got more of a custom build from a company with a great rep. They do 0% direct and have a good demo tour, too.

So it’s (part) SAC and SSSI, for woodland habitat and associated ground flora, as well as geological interest?

My experience is more with Natural England than NRW, but I’d suggest that your move away from cutting new tracks to using existing ones would be viewed more positively. That is, as long as the existing tracks are sanctioned and accepted, not “cheeky trails” that NRW think are bad for the site.

If you want to keep going with the plan, I’d be braced for taking on the required impact assessment work to support your request, which might involve some fairly involved ecological survey work if NRW’s own survey data isn’t very up to date. NRW won’t want to undertake the development of your plans themselves for free, so it’ll be up to you to give them the right standard of information to demonstrate your event won’t be damaging and give them the confidence to sign it off. I’m guessing NRW are also the landowner?

Singletrack through woodland etc doesn’t seem that destructive, if very carefully routed to avoid the most sensitive areas and times of year (which you will have worked out based on surveys) but probably also need to consider first aid access to the course by 4×4, spectator access, where the start/finish race village will be, that sort of thing. A track record of having run “tidy” events probably wouldn’t hurt!

Good luck!

In terms of getting advice on what you might be looking for, products available etc then I’d suggest starting with BRE.

https://bregroup.com

They do guidance, events, displays of technology and buildings and so on, including work with government which means some of these are discounted or freely available. Might be good for an overview of the sector and personally I’ve always found them helpful as someone with very limited knowledge of building technology!

You’ve probably seen this already?

https://www.imba-europe.org/resources/trail-building-and-development

Here you go, might fill in some of the gaps for you between your CyB visits…

https://singletrackworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/trail-centre-zero-the-rebirth-of-coed-y-brenin/

I like the rockiness as it makes a change / challenge for me. Good thing you didn’t try the old Red Bull again 😉

It may depend on the trails you ride, too. The suspension allows you to corner more smoothly, hold a line etc without being knocked about so much.

For one person riding very rocky trails, 140mm might feel perfect whereas for someone else on sandy or dirt trails, it might be less of a benefit.

I ride one of those 120/100 mm 29ers (kona hei hei) and it’s great here in the south of England. If I lived somewhere hillier and rockier I’d want a longer travel bike for regular trail riding (I take a beating over a full day at Coed y Benin compared to my old 150mm bike for example!).

I was out on the western end yesterday, between Winchester and Old Winchester Hill. It was running well, with a couple of sticky bits in the normal wet spots, but all rideable and the bike only needed a bit of brushing down afterwards. Generally good though. No rain here in Winchester today and only a bit in the forecast (Wednesday morning?) so I’d think it would be in an even better state this weekend.

Ahhh I like that a lot! I saw the Bird guys at the last Southern Enduro with an AM9 as a race bike and thought it looked nice. Also interested in your sizing choice, given the long reach figures.

Oh heck, that might be a tough job!

I’m guessing it’s a “normal” workplace and you aren’t on a Forces base or the like! Probably circulate a short survey to staff and ask them what they use? Might end up being more basic and cardio focused, with higher numbers of popular things rather than variety as a result though.

I think some of the suggestions above would be far too advanced for my workplace, YMMV!

I guess that’s broadly what Stans think is optimal, but as mentioned above, some tyres will be affected more than others.

Mavic did a thing about the various factors a little while ago and published a table of what was “safe” as well…

http://engineerstalk.mavic.com/en/the-right-tyre-width-on-the-right-rim-width/

I think there’s a shoe stiffness consideration, too. On most large platform flat pedals, the pedal provides the support and the corresponding shoe is softer to better fit onto the pedal platform / mold into it, which is why some (like Vaults) are quite concave.

SPD shoes tend to be stiffer as the pedal is often very small, so the stiffness that stops your foot bending too much comes from the shoe.

So you need to factor that in, as well as grippy sole rubber etc. There are less stiff SPD shoes designed to work with large platform SPD’s so those might work a bit better with flats. Of course, if you are going to use little XC SPD pedals and less stiff shoes for your ride, then you’d probably find your feet hurting a lot as the shoe and your foot folds around the little pedal (a feeling I absolutely hate!).

Cool, drop me a pm on here or email and will catch you around briefing time!

I’ll take what I can get, but being honest anything above middle in Masters I’m happy with :)

If you’re travelling up alone and fancy some company for at least the practice runs then give me a shout – more the merrier, especially if you’re good at spotting new lines, Bwahahaha! ;)

Bump – I’ll be there to make up the numbers!

I’ve not raced Pippingford before as it’s a longer trip than other Southern Enduro venues, but I’m going to get to all the rounds this year. Someone will be along in a bit to tell us what’s what with all the secret lines and tyre choices ;)

I think there are some YouTube videos of the courses from previous events?

The other Southern Enduro events are a really fun and relaxed way into this kind of racing. Usual rules of turn up early enough with everything you need and make it to the briefing at the start. The Marshalls and organisers are always really helpful on the day too.

See you there!

It’s a very relatable situation. I think trying to keep any competitive sport going through the small child phase is tough.

You and I have raced in the same events over the last few years OP – although I prefer gears; ) – and with a toddler and soon to be newborn I guess I have an inkling of what you are trying to balance and I do find it a struggle.

The other half is really quite reasonable about me racing and riding this season, but it has been our single biggest cause of friction over the last 10 years. Similar to you, its been a case of her not having a comparable hobby / time commitment to something, but I did also take it too far in the past.

Things I did that were my fault included being obsessed with riding further away – Wales, FoD etc (we live in the south east) so riding would regularly involve a long day out almost every week. In my situation now, especially as a one car family, that would be too much. But it doesn’t sound like you are doing this! I ride after kid bedtime (like you) but also get an afternoon at weekends, a luxury I think will stop with a newborn. So you don’t sound like you are asking for too much, in comparison.

I also stopped racing XC and Brass Monkeys. I now have winter off and am only doing a few (five?) races this summer. Having the winter off seems to make my Spring / Summer commitments look more restrained and there’s less perception I am constantly on the bike or training :)

I sat down with her in January and marked the events I wanted to do in the calendar, which we agreed before I paid for entries. I’m also with the folk who suggested that it’s important to fight your corner on this, once you are confident that you aren’t being unreasonable.

I likewise feel I could do a lot more and I really enjoy riding at the moment. I’m dealing with this by looking at it as a phase. While we have babies and young toddlers, I think I am doing well to keep riding, racing and enjoying it. In a few years time the pressure will reduce (maybe!) but I’ve seen so many friends quit the sport entirely when family arrives that maybe you should also be proud of what you are achieving and not beat yourself up about doing more / better, but that isn’t a criticism.

I was there on the weekend and will be racing on the 15th.

As Hobnob says, a week of dry weather would make a big difference. The race trails are usually less well used or reconfigured / new, so they are generally in better shape than other trails in the park.

Sure it’ll be fun no matter what!

Yes.

Overall “bigger” bikes (reach, wheelbase etc) means for the first time bikes can feel like they fit me. I’m 6’2″ so no giant, but with long arms and legs. I’m fully prepared to believe this is partly psychological on my part, but as a result of recent trends I like riding my bike more and feel like I’ve progressed faster.

See also: long (170mm+) dropper posts, “fun” 29ers and the increased choice of bars with more rise.

99% on my own. I think I’d like to ride socially more, but right now time is tight so I’m less keen to compromise on the riding and I’m much less flexible with when I can get out.

This is all to do with babies and family life though (me and former riding mates) so really I’m happy to ride on my own if the alternative is stopping riding altogether, plus I know it’ll be easier and better in the future. Just a phase, not really a preference!

Can i replace the original decals with some of those modern Axxios anti-vibration stickers? 😉

Yeah it doesn’t sound like you are really keen to buy a full sus bike!

If you just want to pick up some time on the descents, a more modern HT might help you without giving up the characteristics you actually enjoy. Kona Honzo gets good reviews in that regard, but I’d echo that the Birds do make a cracking deal, or even simply update your Cotic.

All of the bikes you mentioned would make great short travel trail bikes, but I think it’s traditional on here to only recommend my own bike (Kona Hei Hei) ;)

It sounds like a move to full sus will need a bit of a transition period for you, based on your experience of test rides. Geometry changes of modern bikes from your 2008 Soul will also mean a bit of re-learning, so as long as you brace yourself to adapt some stuff and give it some time, it could be really rewarding.

Okay in terms of the general cheeky trails being tolerated, I guess you’ll either be lucky or unlucky with the new owner – the site designation will likely make little difference.

On the SSSI designation, a couple of points might help… firstly, is it actually SSSI? Sorry, I know that sounds like I’m questioning your local knowledge, but in my experience people often say “SSSI” when talking about almost any nature conservation site, and there are quite a few different “levels” of these sites.

If it is a SSSI and you are in England, then the site is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the condition of the site is monitored and overseen by Natural England. This is relevant, as Natural England subdivide the site into “units” and publish condition reports and their views about management online – find the site on the government Magic gis website under designations and it’ll link you to all this info.

Anyhow, my point is that Natural England will instruct the new owners (the current owner has to notify them of the change in ownership) to manage the site in line with those recommendations. If those reports say “mtb is destroying the SSSI features – fence those guys out” then you could be in trouble. If it doesn’t mention any negative impact of “informal recreational use” or similar, the new owner has no reason to change the current use for SSSI reasons and should continue to follow published recommendations. But they may fence you out for any other random landowner reason, same as anywhere I guess.

My only advice is that this might be a bad time for someone to dig a new trail through some ancient woodland ground flora, or whatever, and give the new owner a reason to shut bikes out…

No gap jumps.

Couple of small (large kerb sized) board walk drops and some rocky steps.

You need to pay attention, but it’s “trail riding” stuff, not bike park stuff.

XC rather than XC racing? In fairness I think even Schurter is on wider race tyres now.

I wouldn’t think the small width difference alone will make much difference. A fast tread pattern and a compound chosen to reduce the drag is probably where you would notice a difference over a big soft trail bike tyre.

I’d guess you might get a slight weight reduction too, but as you’re South Downs based, the flints mean you can forget super light tyre carcasses!

Bracketing, I think that’s what you are talking about.

Just Google “mtb suspension bracketing” and pick the source / manufacturer guide you like best 👍

Yep, in 2009. For me it was a really good choice, improved my lifestyle no end. I was straightforwardly short sighted, I’ve had no negative issues at all and my eyesight is still 20/20.

It’s been most noticeable for water sports and swimming, but also for bikes as I found riding in groups with dust a real issue with contact lenses and eye infections. Plus a huge reduction in general faff with contacts, glasses etc.

I went with AVC in London (Harley Street…) as they had a really good reputation and my long-running optometrist recommended them. I really wanted a good result so a lower price was a secondary consideration for me, within reason (I had also heard second-hand horror stories). Think I paid 3.5k ish, IIRC, but compared to daily lenses and nice glasses it paid for itself a few years ago.

So yeah, my experience of it has been great.

Three pages and no-one has mentioned e-bikes?

Thought that was going to be the next big boom… ;)

£350 is a sweet spot I reckon!

Enough to not just casually grab something, but not up there with a frame / bike purchase :)

For me (mtb only) it’s one of:
Wheels
Dropper post
Fancy lights
Full fork and shock service with a new ramp control
Etc…

Hope santa reads this.

Llyn peninsula? The area of Porthmadog / Criccieth might fit the bill, we did something similar last year.

There’s a holiday park (Haven?) near Criccieth with loads of stuff for kids and a beach, if that’s something you’d consider.

Otherwise I’d say the area is easy to get to the hilly areas of snowdonia from – CYB is 35 mins from Criccieth, Betws y coed etc are a bit further, but the peninsular is much flatter and full of lanes and cycle paths than central snowdonia, plus you get the coast, caernarfon, Abersoch etc which are all good family destinations.

Well the South Downs is great for riding, so you’re off to a good start OP – all the suggestions above open up your options in the area.

For your suggestions of how to get back into it, here’s mine… Treat yourself on your riding location now and then, if you can. The south downs are great and amazing in drier conditions, but a lot of the more natural / bridleway / track kind of riding can be muddy slogs in winter. A trip to QECP’s all-weather blue trail, Swinley Forest or the Surrey Hills at Peaslake now and then can put a smile on your face with a bit of flowy trail riding when the local mud gets a bit much.

I don’t know much about clubs or groups down your way, but a local bike shop is the usual good bet to ask.

Bike rack wise, I use a Thule carrier on the roof (the fork mounted one) – it’s about 10 years old and doing fine as there are zero moving parts, but I have roof bars on the car already anyway.

Don’t stress the bike brand at all! Anything that can survive the local mud is a winner – I like to think of the south downs / Chilterns areas as specialist terrain in their own right ;)

So you use the same bar on both your bikes, but is the geometry stack height exactly the same on both bikes?

Handy coincidence if so, but if they aren’t the same, you could probably already compare whether you prefer a higher or lower bar position and decide if 15mm more rise on either bike would be preferable.

Onza Ibex 29 x 2.25 is my compromise for what I guess you are describing! Like a smaller, cut down, lighter High Roller in many ways. They’ve been great for two months now.

Loads of the QECP blue trail has all-weather surfacing now – a newly surfaced section re-opened last week. First climb might be a little slippy in places, but in a fun way.

It’s still different to Swinley even with the new surfacing, especially the longer climb up and longer descent as a reward.

I thought the Petzl mechanical prusik was the Zigzag?

No idea if it’s what you really need on your roof though ;)

I climb trees with my job, but I’m not a tree surgeon (I’m an Ecologist). The climbing training is the same, through the City and Guilds CS30 “chainsaw” series of courses for tree climbing and aerial rescue. For full tree work qualifications there’s a flow chart somewhere that shows you the order to do them in, as some are prerequisites for others, so that might help get an idea of how long it might take to pick up all the skills. You also need to know a lot about, y’know, trees and tree health and that :)

The apprentice route looks quite good, but it does look like a hard / risky job – I only have to do the fun bit!

We have a mixture of cheaper Bushnell Nature and Trophy cameras at work, they’ve been fine .

I’ve bought and used quite a few different models over the last few years and would generally suggest a “keep it simple” approach. The setup of the camera in position is by far the biggest factor and sometimes more features means you don’t get the shots – especially if you aren’t watching the footage back very often. Poor focus, false triggers from wind on nearby vegetation and low ground mist around dawn can all be issues with placing the cameras in slightly the wrong place, as well as looking just off to the side of where all the wildlife is :)

I’ve used low-glow led cameras and sometimes they are worthwhile, depending on what animals / behaviour you are hoping to film. When the cameras activate, the IR illuminator LEDS glow red. It isn’t like a torch or flash, but in very dark environments animals do notice it – lots of videos I have show animals looking startled / curiously at the camera. How much that matters depends on the animal, but for badgers, deer, hedgehogs and the like, I don’t personally think it’s a big issue.

All the ones I have used are motion-activated, with a choice of video clips of different durations or still photos. I mostly use 10 second video clips.

Probably 25% from home, Winchester.Mostly within a 45 minute drive the rest of the time.

Local singletrack and south downs are perfectly good, so I think this says more about seeking out what I enjoy the most, rather than being forced to travel.

There’s a few versions now I think – even beyond the carbon / alloy choice there’s a longer travel (is it 140mm?) 27.5, the 120mm fork 29er (which is what I ride) and the xc race 29er 100/100 mm version.

I like mine, for what it’s worth. Good allround trail bike, looks nice in XL!

Up at the limit, but I quite like these…

https://www.rutlandcycling.com/bikes/mountain-bikes/genesis-core-20-2017-hardtail-mountain-bike-blue_374162?origin=pla&kwd=&currency=GBP&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2MWbvbGW1wIVz73tCh2eAQOwEAQYAiABEgK5M_D_BwE

Funn Mamba pedal has a similar 1 sided option as well, probably best used with a chunky spd shoe with a well recessed cleat.

The downside for me of these designs would be unclipping and reclipping whilst riding, having to check first which pedal side I was on. If she is more likely to be making a planned choice of clipped or on the flat side for each section of trail, it might suit her better?