The plan behind Surface to Air was to create a little piece of Whistler in the home counties. Fortunately we had our own Cannuck-wannabe - freshly returned from seasoning and trail-building in Canada - to inspire us, and after some initial napkin sketches, Surface to Air started to take shape.
A year of manual earth moving and several tonnes of surfacing material later, there was an amazing new trail at Aston Hill - Surface to Air had been born.
Moving away from the Hill’s trademark steep, rooty, natural trails, Surface to Air is the first all-weather track on the Hill; it takes the cutting edge of global freeride mountain biking and brings it to the trail-hungry rippers of the home counties.
Surface to Air is steep, fast and fun; getting air is the main dish on the menu, and it’s served red hot. It really is the most fun you can have with your shorts on.
Is this the trail for you?
Surface to Air is suitable for riders aspiring to an elite level of technical ability and incorporates everything from full on downhill riding to optional big-air jumps.
Trail surface types
Severe constructed trails and/or natural features. All sections will be challenging. Includes extreme levels of exposure and/or risk. Jumping ability obligatory.
Gradients and technical trail features (TTFs)
Will include a range of small medium and large TTFs including downhill trails, freeride sections and mandatory jumps.
Suggested fitness level
A good standard of fitness but technical skills are more important.
What we recommend
- We advise a full face helmet, gloves and body armour and recommend you familiarise yourself with the track before attacking at full speed.
- For your own safety, do not push back up the trail! Use the push path provided.
Can I do this on a hard tail bike, I am an intermediate rider, and I am 14 years of age ?
Hi Aaron,
There are riders that do it, but it is a lot tougher on a hardtail. If you’re unsure then you may want to get some practice in first on the Red Run, Ricochet and the 4X track before tackling Surface to Air.
Neil
Okay Neil thank you for you’re help, yes I think it would be a better idea
I should be coming tomorrow with my dad yay =)
Hi, I’m riding an evil uprising with 150 of travel on the front, I’m an experienced rider, would my evil with stand the drops etc.
Thanks,
Dean
Hi Dean,
Take a look at http://www.rideastonhill.co.uk/about/faqs/#bike
Cheers,
Neil
hi guys just wondering what aggregate you’ve used to surface your trails , thinking about armouring a trail i’ve made
Hi There,
I would like to come down on sunday but heard that the surface to air is close is this true?
look forward to a reply, Thanks
Nath.
hey i am 14 years old and im coming down tuesday with my mate and he rides a hardtail but is comfortable with.
i am woundering if there is a hired bike shop to hire full suspension for us to ride surface to air on ???
also do u sell aston hill clothing aka jumpers or t-shirts
Hey
I ride a lot of more enduro i also do downhill eg Swinley Forrest, Leith hill etc, but was wondering if my bike, being an enduro / XC bike would properly be up to the job
I know it has 160 mm travel and has a cross kinda DH Enduro frame, i just dont want to damage the carbon composite frame with the big hits.
I Ride a Cube Stereo 160 HPC Race
Thanks