Wee midweek skive to check out the new trails. Middle of nowhere but only took 90 minutes, so less than GT and not that much more than Dunkeld.
Very man made and bike parky and currently pump track smooth. Imagine Comrie blue or Bazza’s berms on steroids and you’re not too far off. Nothing very technical but red gets steep and tight and is a challenge to ride fast and smoothly.
Blue jump line is fun, despite me casing every landing. One very dark blue step up jump that seemed a bit out of place compared to the rest.
Need a few visits to get comfortable on the reds, some VERY fast sections.
Totally knackered. Only second time this year on the big bike and did nearly 17 miles and 3000ft climbing. Hoping I recover by Sunday
I think it would be even better in a group, chasing each other down. Would make a great double header with Heartbreak Ridge.
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Paid an early morning visit to Tarland yesterday, hoping to beat the crowds.
"The Early Bird Catches The Berm"
There were a few folk cooking breakfast in their campers when I arrived, but I think I was the first one up the trails.
The climb to the top is long but kept interesting by the switchbacks and the views, more interesting than a long slog up a fire road at any rate.
Stupidly I left my phone in the car, so thought I'd reached the top, only to later find I'd missed "High Pressure"
ah well, there's always next time .Still very new and manicured, but great fun.
My favourite bit I think was "Bermuda" into "Spine" going across the moorland, quite fast & flowy.
Also worth mentioning the sizable berms of "Snakes" just before you reach the car park. it's possible to downhill from the very top of the trails all the way to the car park, a good few Km's of fun.
I'll definitely be back sometime soon to ride the bits I missed, it's only 40 minutes from me too
