best way to pick routes?
best way to pick routes?
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Buzz word

Original Poster:

2,028 posts

227 months

Friday 20th April 2007
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On reccomendation I split my Hijack From another thread...

Kermit power said:
Buzz word said:
Where do you chaps find good loops to do? i have just pulled my bike out the shed in an effort to get a bit fitter without the need for the gym. Everytime i have been out so far i have had issues...

Big roads, people dont give me enough space and get upset that i dont ride in the kerb. i plain
just dont like the unsmooth surface close to the kerb. i get the feeling that your just running the gauntlet.

country roads, nutcase drivers! i know how i drive on the roads when im out for a blast so would rather keep them clear.

Footpaths, probably my favourite. But some chap last night decided to pick an arguement about me cycling on one. Aparently i was evil because i overtook him off the path cycling through 3" grass and slowly. i just ended up getting sarcastic, but learnt a lesson... i wont be stopping for any chats in future.

i just want to go out do a few miles and not have any hassle. i remember it being like this when i was 16 and alot more into my riding. maybe im asking the impossible. but i just cant see where i get to ride a bike.


This is probably worthy of starting a new thread if you want to get a decent quantity of answers, but I'll give you a few more questions first!

Firstly, where exactly are you? more chance of other locals being able to suggest specific locations then.

Secondly, what kind of bike are you riding, and what kind of riding do you want to be doing?

I've got a road bike, but I only really use that for commuting to the office on the days I have to be there (13 miles each way, but almost all quiet suburban streets or cycle paths) and pootling into town on small shopping runs.

The work commute is helping me get fitter, but if I'm cycling on my own leisure time, then the road bike doesn't get a look in. I'll take the mountain bike every time.

If you have got, or decide to get a mountain bike, then grab an OS map of your nearest area of countryside and hunt out the bridleways. You are perfectly entitled to ride on these, so if you do get any hassle from pedestrians, they haven't got a leg to stand on*, and there won't be any cars to worry about either.

With regards to footpaths, however arsey the pedestrian got, he is, from a legal standpoint, in the right. Legally you can't ride on a footpath. It is, however, worth looking around, as some areas seem to have more of an issue with this than others. As examples close to me, I've had plenty of evil glares from dog walkers (who needless to say are happy for their hounds to crap everywhere) on footpaths on Epsom Common, but when I go down to the Surrey Hills near Dorking, despite the added effect of gravity making for much higher speeds down the hills, there is just no conflict at all. Bikers are considerate where it matters, and walkers seem happy to live and let live across the whole area.

*Although for the sake of "community relations" for yourself and other bikers, it's still worth being courteous, and not blatting past them at speed clipping them with your bars on the way!


I am in chelmsford, Essex. I guess i'm looking for some cross country sort of thing as i want to build up my fitness at the moment, but would still like some interesting trails. My bike is a ridgid item i used to use for jumps and trials when i was younger but with the seat at full extention it still fits.
Getting an OS map is probably a good idea. At the moment i have been putting in about 1-1.5hrs in the saddle down canal paths to see where they go but would really like some more entertaining terrain.
I was concidering exploring Danbury a little more but have heard that this also suffers from its millitant walking sorts.

ewenm

28,506 posts

263 months

Friday 20th April 2007
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OS Maps - 1:25000 scale or 1:50000 at a push. Obviously, look for tightly packed contours for interesting climbs and descents.

If you want to remain legal don't ride on footpaths, stick to bridleways and byways.

Also, local parks/stately homes may have dedicated bike routes in their grounds - Ashton Court in Bristol is like this. These won't be marked on OS maps, so can be difficult to find though.

Edited by ewenm on Friday 20th April 14:02

Lensey

2,526 posts

301 months

Thursday 3rd May 2007
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Have you got a rack? Could drive over to Braintree and ride along the Flitch Way to Stortford? Quite a nice little ride that thumbup

snotrag

15,250 posts

229 months

Thursday 3rd May 2007
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www.sustrans.org.uk

(iirc, sustrans dot something) Is an excellent resource for thousands of miles of cycle routes. Great for fitness/easy/family rides.