Jun
24

Mountain biking, it’s not just for the young and lycra clad, although, if that’s your thing….

"A broader look at the MTB phenomenon from a beginner's viewpoint"

What about the beginner?

The popularity of mountain biking just keeps on shifting up a gear. And why not? Having fun on a bike in the great outdoors is something almost anyone can do. Guy Kestevens’s authoritative blog post admirably covered the experienced rider’s view of Wales’ trails. Well, 1 good blog post deserves another. So let’s have a broader look at the MTB phenomenon from a beginner’s viewpoint.

Off-road rough-riding has been around for as long as there have been bikes to do it on. You’ll need:

• A knobbly-tyred mountain-type bike
• A helmet
• And a willing pair of legs

When you’ve got those, you’ll want a trail through some stunning scenery to start pedalling in.

A Q & A with Tyred Out

The Tyred Out team

To guide us further we had a chat with the good folks at tyred-out.com, they offer a range of courses aimed at people with all levels of mountain biking experience.

Q: How difficult are the trails?

A: Trails vary in difficulty, depending on the quality of the trail surface, to the design of the trail and its location, as well as the ability of the rider. Generally speaking, a novice rider would be better off starting on a cross-country trail, as these tend to lend themselves to more gentle contour-following riding, with the option of opting out of more technically-demanding sections by riding the forest road adjacent. Once the rider’s confidence and skill level have grown, more ambitious rides can be undertaken, and at greater speed!

Q: What level am I? Intermediate or beginner?

A: From our point of view, a beginner is anyone who can ride a bike and who wants to develop their mountain bike riding skills. An intermediate rider would be someone who has a good level of fitness and some experience of mountain biking, but who wants to develop their skills and techniques to enable them to ride the trails better.

Q: Why do I need a course? Can’t I just get my bike out and ride?

A: Snowdonia has a number of excellent waymarked trails, where riders can turn up and ride on their own. However, having a guide allows you to maximize the day, concentrating on learning and developing the skills and techniques required to ride the trails with speed and confidence, without the dangers of getting lost, hurting yourself and losing confidence. Also, a guide can take riders to places off-the-beaten track – hidden gems of riding where skills can be developed away from the crowds!

Q: What are your favourite trails in Snowdonia?

A: Snowdonia, and Wales as a whole, has some of the best mountain biking in the world, with the Penmachno Trail arguably one of the best cross country trails in the country, suited to a wide range of mountain biking abilities. Set deep in the Gwydyr Forest, the trail offers breath-taking views, rolling scenic riding and technical sections, appealing to both adrenaline seekers and leisure riders alike.

Tyred Out operate from their base in the Glasgwm valley, Penmachno, in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. They say they are ideally placed for mountain biking at all levels of ability, in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country.

More info

MB Wales

Wales in Motion audio slideshow