Mountain biking is off-road cycling. The tracks we ride can be anything from wide open fire trails to narrow single tracks, much like a walking track, and difficulty can range from mostly flat tracks, to steep climbs and descents with large jumps and obstacles. Most of the club trips are cross country so a little fitness is helpful to help get you up those hills, needless to say there will still be plenty of downhill sections to enjoy!

Club trips are generally split into one of three categories:

Cross country:

Generally done on lightweight bikes with limited or no suspension travel. Tracks are generally less technical without large jumps or rock gardens but can include steep ascents and descents. Beginner tracks will generally be wider, flatter and without technical obstacles. Advanced tracks will be tight, steep single trail and may include jumps and obstacles. This style of riding suits people with good fitness and less technical riding ability.

Downhill:

Generally done on bikes with large suspension travel and strong frames. Tracks are almost exclusively downhill and are mostly single trail. They will include berms, jumps, drop offs and rock gardens. Bikes are generally driven to the top of the trails. Beginner tracks will be less steep and have smaller obstacles, or tracks around obstacles. Advanced tracks will be steep and fast with large jumps and drop offs and difficult rock gardens. This style of riding suits people looking for fun and adrenalin!

All Mountain:

Generally done on bikes with large suspension travel but lighter weight frames. Tracks are uphill and downhill and are mostly single trail. Downhill sections will include berms, jumps, drop offs and rock gardens similar to downhill style riding. Uphill sections may also include obstacles like rock gardens and logs. Beginner tracks will be less steep and have smaller obstacles or tracks around obstacles. Advanced tracks will be steep uphill and downhill with large obstacles. This style of riding suits riders with good fitness, technical ability and looking for the exciting downhill sections.

If you have any questions please contact the mountain biking convenor.