Bike Park Wales, 6th February 2018
Having never visited a 'bike park' before I knew that BPW would be more intense than my local trail centre (Swinley) and have a far bigger range and variety of trails to ride. I'd wanted to go for ages but had never got round to it. Today though was a good day. Wife abroad, kids at school, random Tuesday off mid week. The stars had aligned and I had a free day and had just got a Turbo Levo Expert to shakedown.
I'd looked at going last year before I got into the EMTB scene but the uplift was always totally booked out. But now with my turbo powered bike I thought that wouldn't matter. I'd just pedal to the top instead of the uplift. That thought turned into a non reality though! When I arrived there was not a soul to be seen, other than the staff that work there. It was about 2 degrees, a slight flurry of snowflakes were falling and I was offered the priority uplift. £34 sir. Yes please! In hindsight I'm glad I did take the uplift option. I could have definitely peddled to the top but it was such a cold day, my hands were totally freezing (note: need better winter gloves). This also gave me time to sort out the GoPro / Chest strap etc and prepare for some footage.
The first time I got to the top I had no idea what trail to take. I hadn't done any research before or even looked at their free map that was given to me at reception. I chatted briefly to the only other guy on the uplift who gave me a few tips and off I went. I think I did a red trail first. What a blast! Complete fun, technical terrain with some nice flow sections too. Favourite was hitting A470 (think thats what its called) with the tabletops. Whilst I'm a crap jumper this section gave me a bit of confidence as there were few trees and other obstacles to take me down hard if I came into contact with them.
Second run of the day I travelled in the uplift with the staff that work in the shop there. They were a really good group of guys and were talking about the park, bikes and took an interest in where I'd come from and how I was finding the park. By this time I was a little more confident (although cold) and took another blue then red combo.
After about 6 uplifts I was totally trashed. Legs had no stamina left and I was fatigued. I could have got another run or 2 maybe but I knew that there was risk here of stacking it and getting injured so I packed my bags and hit the road home about 4pm for the 2 and a half hour journey home.
All in, a fantastic day. The Levo handled it brilliantly.
I will be back. Next time to hit Black.
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