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Me and the mrs are thinking of moving to Abergavenny but don't know much about the place or anyone there. We've been to visit and it seems really nice.
It's important to both of us that there are quality trails we can ride to without having to drive. And I mean real
Trails, singletrack, not brecons bridleway. We both like tech singletrack and come from a dh background but ride more xc and enduro these days.
If anyone has experience of riding and living in Abergavenny and what the scene is like, are there people to ride with?! I'd love to hear about it.
Thanks!
Dunno about the riding, but I'd imagine it's fine - you can spit on the Brecons.
My rellies live in Gilwern & Crickhowell and I absolutely love visiting - love the area and absolutely love the people - so friendly.
There's only one Brecon, however there are many beacons.
Head up to Clydach Gorge and you will find everything you want. There is sure to be some cheeky stuff up behind Govillon towards Blaenavon, don't know what is on the other side towards the Blacks apart from the Sugar Loaf.
Plenty of groups of local riders for night rides and such. Not really a lot of man made singletrack but plenty of natural stuff. We ride from Talgarth, Talybont or surrounding area every Wednesday and there are plenty of technical trails out there, and even more sneaky ones! Also the upcoming Gethin woods development which will only be a quick blast over the Heads of the Valleys road in a few years (and the dh track that is there now is great too).
Can't comment on the riding, but I have a mate who lives in Aber and I've had a few nights out there. It's very "small town" but there's some nice pubs and restaurants. I reckon it'd be a nice place to live, you're surrounded by amazing countryside and Cardiff's not far if you feel the need for the Big City lights.
There is very good well used cheeky route around the sugar loaf which has it all ,epic views really fun single track a cracking descent thru woods on the deri,on a dry summers evening with a backdrop of the sun going down over the beacons its superb, plus loads more if fancy exploring . Either of the lbs will advise on local routes,as both have regular evening rides Abergavenny ain't perfect but does have considerable charms
Hells bells.. it's in Mid Wales! MTB heaven!
Abergavenny, Mid Wales????????
It was South Wales last time I visited
I'm halfway between Abergavenny and Brecon, got reasonable enough riding out the door, not super-tech, but certainly not a tow path. It can be found and it can be built. I've only been here a few years and have a lot more exploring to do.
Not so involved in shop rides as I don't live in town, but know that the shops in Abergavenny and Brecon lead rides.
Neil - I think I've probably seen your group out and about
Molgrips 😆
Abergavenny is in S.Wales, meanwhile, 10 miles west and we're in Powys, so get to be Mid Wales.
loads of MTB there do it you won't regret it, the 2 shops there have good groups who ride regularly have a look here
and as previous said Beacons on your doorstep for as much Natural stuff as you can shake a stick at, Cwmcarn half an hour away, Gethin opening next year 35 mins away, Afan an hour away tops and then there's the Forest of Dean too
What more do you want????
Mtb heaven that's why I live in S.Wales 😀
Black mountains are rideable from Abergavenny, plenty up there. The nature of the terrain tends to result in long rides though.
I've long been considering moving there mainly for MTB purposes.
Although I would like to point out that Brecon is much cheaper, a nicer place, and good as Abergavenny is, Brecon is much better 🙂
Having wandered through today I can say that the women? are rough!
Head up to Clydach Gorge and you will find everything you want. There is sure to be some cheeky stuff up behind Govillon towards Blaenavon, don't know what is on the other side towards the Blacks apart from the Sugar Loaf.
You are describing where I live!
My pleasure, we used to have a trial up that way when I was a schoolboy. Top place to live.
Can you give the OP some info?
Cool thanks for the info everyone.
Somebody told me that crime and in particular burglary was pretty bad in Abergavenny as there is a bit of a drugs problem? Looking at the stats it seems to be true. Having had bikes stolen from the garage before it's not really something I want to go through again!
There are a few shitty estates on the outskirts or Abergavenny, also Blaenavon is a bit of a dump. We got followed back to the outdoor adventure place Pwll Du on the Blorenge by some scum who stole a bike from the back of the car (cut through a cable lock with bolt cutters..).
I think it is fair to say that lots of market towns in Wales has a drug problem, Camarthen does, H West does. If you were to look 10 miles up the road around the Brynmawr area you will get twice as much house for your money. Very valleys so it might not suit.
... the outdoor adventure place Pwll Du...
Used to work on maintenance parties there back in the 70s when it was owned by Gloucestershire County Council. I learnt the important lesson that when rodding the drains do not stand over the downflow manhole when the blockage is freed... 😳
Houses might be cheaper in the valleys but its a different lifestyle and I for one wouldn't move back there. I live Abergavenny.
Just got back into riding after 10 year lay off. Getting fitter but yet to find decent trails just yet. On the hunt though
As with everywhere, there is a crappy bit with drugs and crime, but it is pretty easy to identify if you walk around the place. The Deri is probably the area the OP is thinking of? Plenty of quiet places in and just outside the town, western side, Llanfoist, Govillon, Dardy
I have lived in Abergavenny for around 8 years. Like others have said it does have its rough/bad areas. But name a town that doesnt. Yes you hear of the occasional shed/house being broken into but with unemployment at a high it is sort of expected. So you take extra precautions.
Where I live (a nicer part, I hope) I could leave my front door unlocked and the same with my garage and I would not expect any problems. I am just surrounded by retired curtain twitchers.
Regarding the local trails I know lots. More than welcome to guide you around a few.
Torques it's me and 2 others who've started riding again. I'm not fit at the moment especially off road. I put it down to my discs binding a bit but sorted all that out on weekend and its running perfect now. Just built a bike (not an expensive one but it'll do me until I get fitter) to get back into mtb again. Just a little hardtail with some rocks shox on the front and some Clarks hydraulic discs. Very pleased with it.
Desperate to find some trails though and getting some lights for some off road night riding.
bay1472 - Member
Desperate to find some trails that pass decent bakeries and getting a large rucksack to carry spare pies.
Welcome to STW mate 🙂
get into Gateway Cycles and ask in there there is a Wednesday night ride every week plus weekend rides good bunch of lads
There is a Wednesday night ride with Steve from Gateway and others. Their fitness levels are above average though and so are their technical abilities.
I can certainly show you some singletrack. The only problem is that to get to any of the decent stuff requires a fair bit of climbing. However I am willing to show you. How about Sunday?
bay1472 - Member
Desperate to find some trails that pass decent bakeries and getting a large rucksack to carry spare pies.
Giles you know me far too well but the trails need to pass by local pubs not bakeries.
I'm much better on 2 wheels when theres a motor stuck in the middle of the frame
Ps you're such a cock sometimes 😉
Torques I've dropped you an e-mail. Am going out on Sunday somewhere so would be interested. Have just contacted the 2 boys I ride with and asked if they're interested also. I think I'm probably the unfittest out of us all at the mo but can easily ride 20 plus miles no problem. Not sure how good I'd be over technical stuff though as haven't ridden since my mid 20's when I used to do a lot.
I think we've all got half decent bikes which will do for now but are all thinking of upgrading when we get into it a bit more.