retro trail centres?

[brocklanders023]

I agree that a lot of Dalby is retro friendly. Really like it up there

Gisburn near me is only a mini TC but could also be classed as retro friendly with only the very top section being most suited to modern bikes. Been riding up there for years but saw a whole new side to it at the retro meet earlier this year.

 

[mikee]

i prefer my local trails ,they are all retro friendly as they haven't changed
much in the past 100 years
hence I'm not a fan of trail centers

 

[Slow6]

Essentially a trail centre in the UK usually comprises a 'Trailhead' which could be anything from a small car park to an all-singing all-dancing cafe, showers and bike shop affair.

Thanks for the explanation. I love the sound of them but suspect I'd hate them in the flesh... Far too antisocial and I'd never have the right kit or clobber.

From what you describe I'm visualizing the fancier ones as dried up ski resorts.

 

[drystonepaul]

i prefer my local trails ,they are all retro friendly as they haven't changed
much in the past 100 years
hence I'm not a fan of trail centers

I agree with that. My local trails have that lovely ancient feel that can only be achieved by being lovely and ancient. Many parts of them are much more technical and challenging than 'trail features' found on the majority of purpose built trails.

Trail centres have certainly contributed to an exponential growth in the popularity of mountain biking. Unfortunately this means there is a huge swathe of bikers who:
a) Can't read a map
b) Can't fix a bike
c) Believe that it's impossible to ride off-road without disc brakes and suspension

I remember reading an article in one of the UK mountain bike magazines in the early to mid nineties which speculated on the future of mountain biking, particularly in terms of access.
I recall they correctly predicted the development of 'mtb theme parks' which would concentrate activity in designated and controlled areas. The author also believed that this could and would ultimately lead to wider access being restricted for bikes.

Partly true so far...

 

[drystonepaul]

From what you describe I'm visualizing the fancier ones as dried up ski resorts.

Funny you should mention that, as many of the Alpine ski resorts in France, Italy and Switzerland have developed extensive bike parks which utilise the ski lifts when the snow is all gone.

Trail centres are okay though I guess. Just choose your riding mates and time of visit wisely.

 

[orange71]

Retro trail centre? Grizedale Forest

Like other trail centres now it's where we went when the weather was really bad back in the early 90's.

Personally I prefer all day rides out on bridleways. But trail centres serve a purpose and that's fine by me.

 

[mikee]

i prefer my local trails ,they are all retro friendly as they haven't changed
much in the past 100 years
hence I'm not a fan of trail centers

I agree with that. My local trails have that lovely ancient feel that can only be achieved by being lovely and ancient. Many parts of them are much more technical and challenging than 'trail features' found on the majority of purpose built trails.

Trail centres have certainly contributed to an exponential growth in the popularity of mountain biking. Unfortunately this means there is a huge swathe of bikers who:
a) Can't read a map
b) Can't fix a bike
c) Believe that it's impossible to ride off-road without disc brakes and suspension

how true

the rights of acess laws up here help a bit tho

you should adopt them in england

 

[longun]

clipstone,easy

 

[velomaniac]

Cannock Chase's purpose built trails like 'follow the dog' (I think) are very retro friendly as one experiences at the Turkey Twizzler meets