Aston Hill this weekend (Sat 10th March)

[mat205125]

Found this place on the interweb yesterday, and gonna pop along and try out some of their trails.

Anyone been there before? Anyone venturing out this weekend?

[rico]

I'm a regular in the summer. What do you want to know? What type of riding?

Basically...

XC - technical DH for about 10mins or so, then a long slog up hill. In winter the chalky bits are slippy or covered in mud. Not nice...

DH - very technical. Black run is my favourite.

4X - good giggle.

Haven't been up there since the Autumn. I personally stick to Woburn Sands and Chicksands in the winter, as the ground is sand based and doesn't get suicidal on the chalk!

[mat205125]

Just general opinions that you have provided.

Are the DH tracks navigable on an XC bike without wrecking it?

Aylesbury is only about an hour from me (near Swindon). Where are the other two places you mention? From recalling reading about them, I think they are further north.

[rico]

The Red run is a downhill track but also part of the XC loop. Very good fun, lots of switchbacks. Just take it easy first loop and see how it goes.

Woburn Sands is just outside Milton Keynes. Chicksands is just outside Bedford, so another 30+mins for you.

Give Aston a bash. Might be worth finding a number on the site www.astonhill.com and checking how the trails are first.

[mat205125]

Message sent, and awaiting reply.

Will give it a go regardless of the weather, and just adjust the speed to suit the conditions.

[rico]

Probably worth giving them a quick call.

Basically Aston was run by Ian Warby, who moved onto work on other projects. They're now going through an interim period before a new person takes over the running. It's Forestry Commission land. Therefore, not sure how easily the emails will be checked.

When you get there, its worth doing a top loop to start off with. Ask Mike or whoever is in the carpark to direct you. It's a short 30min loop but you can see how the trails are and get warmed up, before going down the red run and doing a full loop.

[mat205125]

Thanks for the tip.

Poor old bike has taken a right hammering in the last few weeks. Everywhere we've been since Xmas has been super wet and abrasive. Clay then Chalk then Sand then Chalk etc etc etc. It's certainly picked up a few squeaks and noises.

I feel a full day to strip it all back and clean and rebuild coming Sunday.

[rico]

Best thing about Aston is you're only ever a 15min or so push up from the carpark. Means you can ride light without taking a massive bag of kit.

Normally got a van as well! (not sure about in winter though when its more quiet)

[rico]

How did you get on today?

[mat205125]

rico said:

How did you get on today?

Very enjoyable afternoon. Nice place too.

As predicted, it was super slippy and muddy in places. One of the chalky patches caught me out and I ate a portion of dirt as a result ...... Flints sticking through rain eroded chalk smarts a little on the knees and elbows. Luckily the bike has suffered only a minor paint chip.

Will definitely be returning there again .... hopefully when it is a little drier.

[rico]

Awesome! I went to Chicksands near Bedford for the 4X. Much drier on the main trails, but the XC loop was still boggy.

Let me know when you're next at Aston. Maybe we should do a PH bikers meet there in the summer?

[mat205125]

A summer PH event would be a great idea.

Aston seems like a pretty good venue too as its relatively accessable from a lot of areas, and also has something for everyone to have a go at.