Mountain biking in Suffolk/Norfolk
Mountain biking in Suffolk/Norfolk
Author
Discussion

jimmyboy85

Original Poster:

380 posts

177 months

Sunday 20th May 2012
quotequote all
Considering getting a mountain bike next month and am just wondering what the riding is like around suffolk and norfolk.

I'm thinking if I do make the jump and buy one I will probably be using it around kings forrest and thetford forrest.

Are these locations good fun? technical or easy (not ridden a bike for 10 or so years!) I take it they are not that hilly? and are there any other locations close by worth riding.

Also what type of bike would be best for these locations?

Basically just want a bit more info from any locals before I take the plunge and buy something.
Cheers people.

rhinochopig

17,932 posts

227 months

Sunday 20th May 2012
quotequote all
Mountain + Norfolk / Suffolk rofl


1 PST

195 posts

176 months

Sunday 20th May 2012
quotequote all
The fact we dont have any hills around here doesn't help but Thetford Forest is good fun, the red and black route are ok.
Went yesterday morning and this morning so cant be that bad.
Its a lot more fun than going to the gym, plus I only got back into it a couple of years ago and have not looked back since!!
Four of us are of to Wales this weekend coming to find some hills!!!
We are coming up to 40!! All the gear and no idea!!!!

1 PST

195 posts

176 months

Sunday 20th May 2012
quotequote all
I started off with a hard tail, GT Avalanche 1.0, previous years model so got a good deal at Paul's Cycles. Great bike, still use it a lot.
Now got a full suspension Specialised for heavier stuff.
Around here a hard tail would be best, but a couple of weeks ago I went to Grizedale Forest and was very glad of my full sus!!!

tjdixon911

1,911 posts

266 months

Sunday 20th May 2012
quotequote all
There are a few places around - thetford is good for what it is and being local, it has black/red routes which are both well maintained and doable no matter on your ability - I've enjoyed my last few trips over there, some of the best bits are unmarked though so you just need to find them...

There is some nice riding round Sherringham area too, it's supprisingly hilly - there are no marked routes so it's a matter of searching for them - I go with a few friends that know the area so just follow them - depending where you live it can be a pain to get to, especially in the summer!

In Norwich there is mouse hold - its not a big area so not for "getting miles in" but can be fun with a few short down hill lines / jumps etc.

A little further afield you have chicksands and Woburn...

There are a few other places around, check out thetford MTb racing, mud sweat and gears and Timber websites.

tjdixon911

1,911 posts

266 months

Sunday 20th May 2012
quotequote all
1 PST said:
I started off with a hard tail, GT Avalanche 1.0, previous years model so got a good deal at Paul's Cycles. Great bike, still use it a lot.
Now got a full suspension Specialised for heavier stuff.
Around here a hard tail would be best, but a couple of weeks ago I went to Grizedale Forest and was very glad of my full sus!!!
Agree with this a hardtail is all you need - I'm completely over biked with my Full sus, now considering a hardtail.

What did you think of Grizdale? I'm heading up that area in a few weeks...

1 PST

195 posts

176 months

Sunday 20th May 2012
quotequote all
tjdixon911 said:
Agree with this a hardtail is all you need - I'm completely over biked with my Full sus, now considering a hardtail.

What did you think of Grizdale? I'm heading up that area in a few weeks...
Grizedale was good, only had the chance to do the North Face trail as I was on a weeks hols with friends but I was the only one into biking.
Nice trial but I was surprised how much was on fire tracks.
It was good to get some speed up down hill and trust your bike and hopefully ones own ability!! which is not a lot!!

GreatGranny

9,519 posts

255 months

Sunday 20th May 2012
quotequote all
Agree re. Thetford being a good ride. Not long, strenuous or particularly technical but very enjoyable.

For the real deal you will need to make a long day of it or weekend somewhere like The Peaks which is not too far.

FWDRacer

3,565 posts

253 months

Monday 21st May 2012
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rhinochopig said:
Mountain + Norfolk / Suffolk rofl
My first thoughts too hehe

jimmyboy85

Original Poster:

380 posts

177 months

Wednesday 23rd May 2012
quotequote all
Cheers for the feedback,

Appreciate there are no real hills but think I will take the plunge any way.
Hardtail sounds the best choice as there is no way I can stretch to full suspension any way.

Just need to get a bike now.

dirty boy

14,859 posts

238 months

Thursday 24th May 2012
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Not sure where abouts you are exactly, but Dunwich has a good ride through the forest.

http://www.trogmtb.com/index.php?option=com_jfusio...

jimmyboy85

Original Poster:

380 posts

177 months

Saturday 26th May 2012
quotequote all
cheers, im near bury st edmunds but will be riding all over suffolk and norfolk really if i get into it. and as other people have suggested trips further a field would be well worth the effort