So I know there's a tonne of riding around Stirling and can see some choice from trailforks but looking for something specific. Have a long weekend this weekend and wondering about heading up and borrowing a deviate highlander and trying it out over the weekend. I'll be taking my fella who is on an ebike and doesnt like anything too rooty or technical and because of weight we don't want something where he's going to have to carry it at all.
Would be nice to have something where we climb up a long way then descend all the way back down again but no chance I'm going near Ben Lomond on a weekend!!
Need something where I can properly test the bike but not test his gnar skills... or should I just wait and go without him?1
A loop involving Dumyat, Uni and Mine woods is the obvious test track. Just has one gate to lift over. The only problem is riding it during the day is likely to be a bit crap as it’s a busy hill.
Local alternative is the loop from Cambusbarron around the North Third reservoir and along the cliff ops etc, then a play in Cambu woods at the end.
Both aren’t the longest rides though if that matters. Alternatively head along to Dollar. Been quite a lot of building there recently, but been many moons since I’ve been there. There are various other routes, but none I can think of that would be worth testing that bike on.
Best thing is just ask Ben at Deviate or Iain at the adjoining Stirling Bike Works for recommendations - both are locals and can advise. TBH though mashr's suggestion is the best combo. There's plenty of alternative 'fruity' descents from the top of Mine Woods you can try (named 'All The Way Down' and 'Timmy's Trail' on Trailforks, but I've never heard them called that...), while sending less-gnar orientated folk straight down the gravel path (Coppermine) to meet up at the bottom. Easy enough to climb back up to ride different options or repeat the same trail if you want.
Ben Cleuch (the tallest hill in the Ochils range, a bit further east than Dumyat) is a bit of a slog up but the descent via Andrew Gannel can be fun. Rather old-skool though but chucks in a bit of everything on the way down.
Cheers, pretty much my worry that it won't be able to test it enough especially with my fella in tow.
Ben Ledi and Stank Glen, but BL is busy on a weekend too.
Do Ben Lomand in the evening
Also, Dunkeld is 1hr exactly from Deviate HQ and has a right mix if you go a bit beyond the local Stirling area. Comrie Croft close too.
GolfChick
Free MemberCheers, pretty much my worry that it won’t be able to test it enough especially with my fella in tow.
If he's not much of a rider then avoid North Third - that wont go well..... or may go straight off the cliff
Dumyat will be busy but there are options that allow you to descend techy stuff away from the crowd.
Do not descend on the tourist path - it's crap.
If you pm me I can email gpx etc.
I am just back from Colsnaur - superb circuit. Not particularly technical but a 550m descent always puts a smile on your face.
<span style="font-size: 0.8rem;"> I guide for beer. My son guides for cake ;)</span>
Echo:
Here's some gox and stuff
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/dumyat-route-advise-stealth-gpx-ask/
Drop Ben an email. He'll point you in the right direction and probably offer to ride with you. Top Fella.
Ben Lomand
Dear oh dear.
Dear oh deer' thats a trail in Alva.
Dollar would test the high pivot nicely on the heritage trail and rough Dh lines. The other half can session the middle dh trail and lonely tree and in 2 hrs you would have a good idea how it climbs and descends. Easy parking too. I am not sure anything else would be much of a test for the high pivot besides maybe up to Dunkeld or some other big mountain type ride.
