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Getting my first proper full-sus bike hopefully the week after next, does anyone know anywhere around or that i could get to by train where there's any beginner-internediate level trails to really test my bike to its full abilities? I believe there's one or two on Bidston hill but does anyone know any anywhere else? Cheers

Storeton woods has some jumps/drops but it's very small, you can get round it in about 10 minutes. Thurstaston common has some singletrack, but you may get chased off by council busybodies as bikes are not allowed. I usually do a couple of laps of Bidston moss, then a couple of Bidston hill. It's a good way to get an hour or two of XC type stuff.

You could get the train to Chester, then the train to Delamere Forest and head off into the woods. It gets very muddy when it's been raining and very busy on hot summer weekends, but it's a good blast.

Cycling is not permitted in Storeton Woods.

Bike magazines/ google maybe ...

Yeh i've been to Storeton before and it wasn't quite as exciting as i would have wanted. Thurstaston Common I've not been to but i've heard from others about getting chased off, in less than favourable ways too. Bidston hill i knew about and I actually forgot about delamere forest, though I am sure it gets VERY busy and a crash into a small child is inevitable (as it is on a day like today riding along the prom tbh)


Magazines focus on more advanced trails as that's the level of the people who write the magazines. Google also brings up the super popular ones, the ones with LOADS of people on, i'm looking for some that more local people know that aren't as popular and therefore quieter to go of an evening or weekend.

I'm disappointed to hear that you've been riding your bicycle in Storeton woods when you must know full well that it's not permitted, people walking there with dogs and children should not be subjected to the dangers of encountering cyclists hurtling along FOOTPATHS, please try to find somewhere more appropriate to pursue your little hobby, and don't be so selfish and inconsiderate.

I'm disappointed that people with dogs and children walk along the cycle lanes at new brighton and harrison drive knowing full well the massive picture of a bike on the floor means its for cyclists.
I'm also fully aware people walk places but i do check if they are there before going down any path.

The council should have set aside part of Bidston Moss for this type of activity instead of spending money on 6ft lengths of cycle paths on pavements.

The bicycle lane on the prom is a ridiculous idea, it says to the cyclist that riding on pavements is acceptable whereas everywhere else on the Wirral it is not. Any responsible cyclist who saw a pavement full of pedestrians would naturally ride on the road where they belong. I formed this opinion from the experience of cycling to work for forty years.

'I formed this opinion from the experience of cycling to work for forty years.'

and clearly loved every single minute of it. (not)

Au contraire my dear Mr Oval, or may I call you Near? I looked forward to and enjoyed my ride into work, but I enjoyed the ride home even more so.

Mountain bikes are allowed on Bidston Moss, but it's very small and very flat. 3 laps in a more or less figure of eight is just over 1 mile according to my Garmin.

Bidston Moss is bigger than Storeton Woods and has a greater difference in elevation. If the other areas around there (Pride Park, back of B&Q etc) were better joined the area would be substantial.

Have you tried any of the Apps, I know that Strava has a way to share rides and times etc, its a good way to find new routes. Not many downhill runs on the Wirral, plenty of good XC though.

Place in North Wales http://www.coedllandegla.com

Place in the Lakes http://www.forestry.gov.uk/whinlatter

Go as quick as you like or dare on these trails....Get some armour.

Did you get another Whyte?

Kamikazi

I was looking at strava but i don't want to be one of those lot that compare times and graphs and all that, i wanna ride for fun not competition. And no, got a Giant this time. Its specs were much better than near enough everything else in the price range.

I am after more "steeper xc" stuff than dh stuff at the moment. Will eventually move onto dh when i get fully au fais with the bike and the handling and my confidence in it is all there, but for the first few weeks or so i just wanna hit some intermediate-advanced XC trails to get fully used to it before i hit the dh stuff. Will need a full-face helmet before all that too.