Fun In Thetford
I have been going to Thetford with my mum for a long time with our bikes and I have learnt lots of skills there. Today was extra special as I had a new bike to try out... My early Christmas present... A Marin Alpine Trail 120xc... So first thing after breakfast we went to the bike shop to pick it up, then me, Mum and Tom set off for Thetford.
When we got to there, we had to set my bike up for me. It seemed to take forever to make all the changes that would make just right for me to ride. But it was worth it...
We set off to do the Red Route first. It was great to still wear short sleeve tops and shorts as the sun was shining brightly. I thought it would be really muddy, but it wasn't that bad. A few big muddy puddles, but not like a month ago.
My new bike was brill to ride and we were soon at the new section on the trail. I couldn't believe we were already there. The first berm was a bit shaky as I wasn't used to riding a 26" wheel bike, but after a couple more I felt more comfortable and it was actually easier than my old bike. I didn't ride any of the north shore sections, but mum and Tom did. I not ready for that yet.
I kept good speed as we made our way through the different single track sections and where the two tunnels used to be, a new bermed section has been made, but isn't open properly yet. There are a couple of very small kickers on the way through too. The other tunnel was too muddy, so we rode down the new bit.. it was really cool. Can't wait to ride it again when it is open for real.
I chose to do the short Red as I was really excited about riding the Black route. So as soon as we had completed the Red we started the Black and headed for Maggits Pit.
I had lots more confidence now on my bike and dropped straight into the pit. How easy was that! I even made it easily out the other side. We stayed and played for a few drop ins and then carried on through some more single track on to the wiggles. This section is really good fun. Me and mum have had lots of fun through this bit before, chasing each other. And today was just the same except I was a lot quicker now and made it even more fun as Tom was on our heels too.
A little more to ride and we took the short cut over to The Beast. I really like riding this,but today I took a different lead in as I normally head straight on but took the right hand entry from the gate. Tom was in front, then me, then mum behind. I felt a bit nervous about riding it as I had not done this one before. But it was really cool... instead of the trail being quite tight and not full flow, this one was like a roller coaster. It made my tummy tickle as I went up the steep ups and with no brakes on, dropped into the whoops to the next riser. There seemed to be loads of them... one after the other. I haven't ridden anything like this before and but I was enjoying it.
There is a crossover point about ¾ of the way down so you can choose which exit you want to do. Some are bermy single track, some have jumps built in them. I have seen people play on this bit a lot and have fun. I have before as well on my old bike, but today I wanted to ride up and do the whoops again a few times. We sessioned the Beast 3 times and each time was faster, more controlled and more fun than the one before. Loved it loads!
I did want to do more but my tummy was wanting our picnic and BBQ, so we made our way back to the car.
I have always loved this place to ride and today it was just made even more fun with my new bike... love that too more ...Thank you very, very much mum for my present. And thank you Tom for setting my bike up and coming for a brilliant ride.
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Phil
said:
 |
... Only ever been to Thetford once, but I loved it! Can't wait to go again one day, sounds like you had loads of fun!! Jealous  |
Daniel Mintz
said:
 |
... Excellent blog ickle_pops you have a bit of a knack there and I'm not just talking biking. The new bike sounds awesome  |
marcel warner
said:
 |
... Hey Pops...T'was a great day! Glad you enjoyed so much. Can't wait til the next time...Where next?!  |
tomks
said:
 |
... thanks for a top day ickle  was soo cool seein ya keepin up wiv ya mummy... and me me thinks it not long now for you to come see the hills of wales.... ya hav the bike, and the skills ... |
Gareth Clay
said:
 |
... Just stumbled across this whilst feeling a bit down (bike stuck in shop waiting for new bottom bracket not helping!) and reading this has cheered me right up! Awesome post - sounds like a great day. Wicked new bike too - jealous, ickle_pops!  |
wayne renshaw
said:
 |
... Hi poppy , excellent blog and fantastic bike looks really cool , think next year ibike members should all meet up there , what do you think ? |
Mark Appleyard
said:
 |
... Hi Pops - great write up of what sounds like a fantastic day. I'm on my 3rd Marin and they've all been great fun so hope your days on yours just get better and better. |
Daniel Mintz
said:
|
... By a landslide ickle_pops wins Blog of the month for October. Well done. Excellent post |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|