Blaze a trail in Glentress

Sep 24 2008 by Graham Mann, East Kilbride News

THE summer may have been a complete washout but for those of us determined not to let the wet weather bring us down there are a million and one good reasons to get off the couch this autumn.

Indeed, as East Kilbride folk know only too well, if we waited for the rain to stop we could be waiting a lifetime.

So, no matter what the conditions are like outside your door, this new outdoor column will always advocate a breath of fresh air above a mind-numbing dose of celebrity-infested TV trash.

And those of you already familiar with the joys of mountain biking will know all about the kicks on offer at Scotland’s brilliant 7Stanes trails.

The Forestry Commission operate not seven but eight trails (Glentress and Innerleithan count as one) dotted across the southern section of the country and every location offers a unique challenge for all ability levels.

Whether you are new to the sport or an mtb maniac with the scars and sores to prove it, the 7Stanes trails are an ideal location to burn off bags of energy while pushing your stamina to the limit.

The trails closest to East Kilbride are Glentress and Innerleithan, near Peebles, and the Forest of Ae, about an hour’s drive down the M74 towards Dumfries.

But possibly the best place to go for your first taste of action is Glentress, which is widely recognised as one of the best facilities of its kind in the UK.

Bikers from all over Britain make there way to this diverse and exciting mountain bike Mecca every weekend and although it has been established for several years, the trail builders are refusing to rest on their laurels.

New trails, suitable for a wide range of abilities have recently been constructed, giving experienced riders a fresh challenge and beginners the perfect opportunity to sample the thrills and spills of downhill singletrack without having to face the gut-wrenching climbs many dread.

Once you find your feet, and your lungs get used to being inflated beyond normal capacity then you’ll definitely be drawn to the more awesome routes further up the hillside.

The more you commit yourself to this sport, the more you begin to revel in the masochistic thrill that comes with a gruelling uphill slog. As your mind goes numb and nausea threatens to overwhelm there is always the thought that there is something joyous awaiting over the next distant summit.

Of course, no one need find themselves out of their depth as every trail is clearly graded so you know what’s in store before you take the plunge.

Green grade trails are suitable for beginners or novice cyclists and most bikes and mountain bike hybrids are suitable.

Blue grade trails are suitable for intermediate cyclists or mountain bikers with basic off-road riding skills and again basic mountain bike or mountain bike hybrid will do the job.

Moving up a level, red grade trails are suitable for proficient mountain bikers with good off-roading skills and it’s fair to say that a quality off-road mountain bike is required.

Finally, black grade trails are suitable for expert mountain bike users, used to physically demanding routes and who have a good quality off-road mountain bike.

Remember, though, that bike hire is available at the trail head in Glentress where there is an excellent cycle shop with knowledgeable staff. You should always get in touch the day before you are due to visit in order to make sure a suitable bike is ready for you. Contact details for all the trails are listed on the superb and informative website: www.7stanes.gov.uk.

If you have any suggestions for outdoor sports or pastimes you would like to see featured in this column then send an e-mail to gmann@s-un.co.uk

BIKING HEAVEN: Glentress is the ideal location for mountain bikers of all ability levels.