Mt. Biking - Forest of Dean

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Owner: MartinF
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Worst Wipeout Award 2003

Member#: 72
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Registered: 28-10-2002
Diary Entries: 184

Mood: needing time out

7th September 2004
Mt. Biking: Forest of Dean
Wind Direction: NE
Wind Stength:
Surf / Sea State:
Air Temperature: 20C
Sea Temperature:
Weather: Sunny
Max Speed:
Distance Covered:

Took the opportunity to check out the FoDCA trail in the Forest of Dean this pm as I was meeting someone in Coleford in the evening. Sounds a bit like "vodka", but doesn't look at all like it!!

FoDCA, incidentally, stands for Forest of Dean Cycling Association.

This is a small, purpose-built trail of about 4kms, starting & finishing just by the Pedalabikeaway cycle centre, just off the B4234. It's normally fixed-fee, pay & display parking here (£2), but - wot a shame - the machine was bust!

A very interesting track, pretty well marked with red arrows for the most part, though there are a couple of spots where it's possible to go wrong. It's all through the trees apart from very short bits where you cross firetracks. The trail is called "Singletrail" and - basically - that's what it is. It's a one-way circuit & there's practically nowhere where you can cycle two abreast.

The first couple of hundred metres has several drop-offs - one of them being pretty vicious! They almost take you by surprise.

There are several short, steep ascents, & a few technical descents - one VERY steep descent into a bombhole, with an equally steep, but much longer, climb out.

Many of the more difficult bits have alternative, easier routes, should you want to take those.

I did the trail 3 times - 1st time was 39mins, 2nd time 29mins, 3rd time 27mins.

The trail was also pretty dry today so quite easy going. However, there are some areas which look like they're SERIOUS mud baths in the wet. The other notable feature is the sheer quanitiy & aggressiveness of the tree roots - I've never seen so many of the damn things!

I was the only person there, though I bet it's pretty busy on weekends. Defintely worth a visit if you'e in the area. Probably worth a special trip as well, but you may want to do another of the FoD routes if you've got more than a couple of hours available.

Vodka website is here.

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