First time rider


BennoMate's picture

By BennoMate - Posted on 25 March 2014

Hey guys n gals,

Just got a bike off a mate who has moved away, was wondering where a good place to start might be around Syd.
Im in the inner west, have a car, and im keen to get going.

Thanks for your help,

Ben

Rob's picture

Welcome to MTB Eye-wink

Easy rides for the first timer would be something like the Lady Carrington drive ride in Royal National Park (this is out and back ride from Audley crossing) or Terrey Hills Perimeter and Long (you can skip long if you don't fancy it) trails in... erm... Terrey Hills Eye-wink

These are easy firetrails for beginners, hope that helps. Somewhere like Old Mans Valley or Manly Dam would probably be good intro to a bit of single track.

Matt P's picture

If you're new to MTB I'd suggest starting somewhere like the Royal National Park.

There is a mixture of fire trail, easy through to very challenging singletrack and generally it is easy to navigate (famous last words). There is also a good cafe to go to after the ride to relax. I always make a point of taking newbies to a place where they can sit down and discuss what they rode and it's always nice over a coffee or similar.

If you are new, going with a group would be best as that way you have some people to bounce ideas off, ask questions and make sure you don't get lost. FWIW, try to go in a small group. Whereas it's always nice to have lots of help, too much info can also be a little confusing or off-putting....especially when the debates get into full swing over componentry and preferred technique!!

Whereabouts in the inner west are you?

Edit- just saw that you're in Newtown.

Why don't you come along to the next trail building day down at Lucas Heights. That will be a great way to meet other riders, contribute to upkeep of trails and even have input into how the trails could be built. It's great to get feedback from beginners because it helps that the trails catering to a wide audience. The trail building days are the second Saturday of each month.

Scottboy's picture

I wouldnt put a newbie anywhere near the menai trals to ride a bike , im an average to above average rider and I dont think he will be able to negotiate Menai tracks

rossco_'s picture

Long trail wins my vote. Just go a bit slower on sand!

Matt P's picture

I wasn't for a second suggestiong he RIDE Menai........

Simon's picture

Got me started. Might be easier to get to than Terry Hills.

Ride under M2 from Vimiera Road, down to the water hole. Then can go either left or right onto firetrail with mix of climbs and downs. Perfect for fitness, basic skills and climbing.

On the fire trail it's a there and back type ride. But it works and obviously the ups and downs are opposite so good for skills.

Hasbeen Racing's picture

Way more fun than Terrey Hills, pretty easy and very accessible.

Jonathan's picture

+1 for st ives sniggle. LOTS of fun.

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