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Heading to Cornwall in a couple of weeks time and wondering whether to take the Mega or the road bike.
I've only done a bit of exploring on the road previously and theres loads of stuff to do, but it would make a nice change to do some off road. So is it worth taking the mtb? Any good stuff (without driving far from Porthleven) and is it easy to find or will it be better tagging along with a local group?
I'm based in NE England so Hamsters (including all the off piste stuff) is my local. Also do BPW now and again (reds and red/blacks, no real gnar!).
Poldice isn’t far.
There's plenty of perfectly nice riding round there, but nothing to really blow your socks off. I'd say get the OS Explorer maps (you'll want 102, 103 and 104) and have a go at Bridleway Tetris. Oh, and the NT have opened up a few bridleways on the Penrose Estate which aren't on the maps - that's bang on where you're headed, but it's more about views than adrenaline!
Police is a good shout and there's a fairly work-out-able ride from Chacewater to Carn Brea and back which goes that way, but it'd mean 20 minutes in the car. Similarly, the Penwith moors are worth exploring, but unless it dries up in the next couple of weeks they'll be hard work in places.
Don't know what Hamsterly (sp?) is like, but I expect you'll find it all a bit tame (apart from some of the off-piste stuff at Police, perhaps).
If it were me I'd take the road bike and explore the Lizard. It's somehow different from anywhere else in Cornwall, is really atmospheric, and from Mullion to Goonhilly Downs to the creeks of the Helford there's tons of variety.
In Cornwall (Falmouth) right now for two weeks. Also from the desolate north and would say the MTB down here leaves much to be desired. Most of my fun has been had riding down staircases and alleyways. I would bring the roadie... Although if you're anywhere near the coastal path that might be worth a sneaky bimble.
That said, haven't been to Poldice yet - hoping to pop in on the drive back north. Seem to remember reading about the place in the Other Magazine back in the early 00's.
I don’t know Helston too well but there are some trails but mainly bridal ways. As said before, Poldice, Carn Brea and Carn Marth can all be done in one ride but Carn Brea and Poldice are worth their own rides. Poldice is a mixture of big jumps and downhill tracks, Carn Brea is steep rocky, rutty gnar. If you want to ride Carn Brea I can show you around.
I would take the road bike. A loop of the Lands End peninsular from St.Ives all the way round to Mousehole was one of my favourite rides last year. Quiet coastal roads with amazing views.
There is good mountainbiking about, but you need to know where to find it.
Have a look at cornwallmtb.co.uk in case you're around when these guys are riding in the area, although the upcoming rides are fairly easy going.
If you're just on your own I would maybe take a road bike, as mentioned the coastal road west around the Land's End peninsular is spectacular and easy to follow.
n Cornwall (Falmouth) right now for two weeks. Also from the desolate north and would say the MTB down here leaves much to be desired. Most of my fun has been had riding down staircases and alleyways.
I hope Jacobs Ladder is on your list.. 😀
Thanks for replies folks. Will check out Poldice, Carn Brea etc online.
If you have time en-route you could always visit Gawton.
Some good trails there and easy pushup.
Poldice is worthy of the Mega particularly looping in Carn Brea and Carn Marth. Further afield, Grogley Woods between Bodmin and Wadebridge is also good. Helston/Porthleven area is lower lying and rolling hills - some fun but short trails off Tregonning Hill and Godolphin hill nearby but not much locally there in need of much travels really. Trails are fun on a gravel bike though.
Nearish Strava routes here and here for an idea of the trails.
Also, some links to other riding spots and MTB t'ings, on my blog here 🙂