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So SWMBO has started expressing an interest in getting out on the bike more as an additional form of marathon training alongside running.
Up to now I have been limited to taking her on the green/blue trails at the Wyre etc which for a large part are mostly wide firetrack type trails. (I.e. boring) however I took her to Hicks Lodge which whilst still relatively tame from my perspective was a really good introduction to more single track type riding with tighter corners and undulations for her without being a massive skills jump from easier firetrack type trails.
Once she had done one lap and got some confidence in cornering and got some speed up she was really enjoying it. Unfortunately it's a bit of trek from the West Midlands.
Can anyone recommend some closer similar skill level trails? I don't think she's quite ready for the Dog at Cannock but I think the firetracks will be a bit tame now!
Sherwood Pines blue and red sound perfect for her.
Thanks, they do look perfect. Might have to make a day of that however as it's a bit far for a quick lap and home unfortunately.
The blue at the Forest of Dean is nice for newbies. Since the resurfacing it's pretty smooth but still interesting. The red is quite a bit more challenging as the surface is significantly less groomed
As above, come on down to the FoD.
Thanks all, both FOD and Sherwood Pines are on the list for a longer day out.
Any recommendations for trails closer to the west mids preferably <1hr drive for quicker trips out for a ride?
If your west mids then just take her over to Sandwell valley. Short and sweet but quite varied in nature. It’s blue with a few techy bits she can try and it’s a 10 minute lap so easy to mess about on without being miles from the car. A little bit of exploring will get you a nice little ride around the area too, I used to do a nice couple of hours out and back from the middle of brum.
That or rolling trails over lickey/Clent way, finish with a beer then too.
Are you anywhere near Bridgnorth? The XC loop at Dudmaston might be just what you're looking for.
Mostly 'natural' trail (as opposed to surfaced trail-centre-type trails). Only a short 5km loop and will probably be pretty much empty (unless there's a race on).
Wee bit of info here:
https://www.moredirt.com/trail/United-Kingdom_West-Midlands/Dudmaston-Wood-Mountain-Bike-Trails/1635
Nearer enough Bridgnorth (Stourbridge) that Dudmaston isn't too far. Have had a google and I can quite work out where exactly the loop is - is it accessible from the National Trust of is it a separate part of the Dudmaston estate?
Also re: Dudmaston - how well does it drain, the geology over there is predominantly sandstone although there are subordinate mudstones so there is some clay areas - just wondering as I was going to go on a recon mission to try and find it once it's stopped raining but it didn't know if it drained ok and wouldn't be a marsh?
If you go past Dudmaston Hall on the main road to Bridgnorth from Kiddy (so it's on your left), there is an entrance and little car park on the right half a mile (guess) or so up the road. The trail is signed from the car park, you follow the main track/road into the wood.
Drainage-wise not sure. It's pretty sandy in places, but I've only been over a couple of times in dryish weather.
Hicks Lodge
Thanks B&B when and did a solo recon today found it , nice little surface NT Carpark too. Nice little loop bit greasy in places especially with the leaves down. I think it's one for her for dry weather as I think the combo of greasy/leafy and roots might not be a winner.
Hicks Lodge is perfect but it's just a bit of a jaunt from the West Midlands.