Finding local trails

[IDB1]

How would you go about it?

I have an OS map (and installed BikeHub on my phone, google found cycle-routes and gps-routes but all seem to favour roads).

I'm living less than 5mins (by bike) from the Mid-Suffolk countryside.. there must be some ok singletrack locally to play on..

 

[Tazio]

Google Earth.

 

[IDB1]

Google Earth.

I have that on the pc but how does it locate suitable trails?

 

[Tazio]

Google Earth.

I have that on the pc but how does it locate suitable trails?

Just load up the aerial view of you local area and see if you can spot anything.

 

[suburbanreuben]

Get out and ride...

 

[legrandefromage]

ride and Google

OS maps help too.

 

[IDB1]

Get out and ride doesn't really work any more.. used to explore, a lot, lost my exploring mojo a while back - to the detriment of me and the hounds..

On OS maps what am I looking for, bridlepaths?? I'm guessing public footpaths are iffy (although I've walked a few locally and, while some were a bit narrow, they weren't well used at all) but how many ride them anyway?

 

[kaiser]

Search for local groups, facebook, ride guides, forums as well. And as mikee says where there's trees there's trails.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Well footpaths around here and generally fine, they've been used by cyclists since BiTD and probably before. The walkers know it and expect it, in fact they seem to like the chat and joking about how knackered I must feel after climbing a steep hill

If you want OS maps easily, use BING and switch to the OS maps.
You can always do a search on ther to pick up what routes can be found if anyone has made any.

But just find some bridleways, possibly footpaths and link them with what littel road you can use.
Remember what footpaths shouldn't be attempted next time though. Satallite views would probably help in guessing before hand.
OR go ask in a 'real' bike shop, see what secrets the locals know.
Any RetroBikes down your way ?

But really it is get out and ride in the end

 

[suburbanreuben]

There's nowt wrong with using a footpath, though some are footpaths for good reason. Short of the landowner issueing you with an injunction, no-one can stop you riding them.