Cross Country

The cross-country (XC) loop is separated into two distinct halves with a combined length of approximately five miles/six and a half KM.

The first half starts off with an almost completely singletrack loop which undulates over the upper half of Aston Hill, swooping down and climbing up, all on a gently testing, rooty and fun trail. This leads back toward the start point where you can round the top loop again, or carry on into the Red Run downhill.

The second half starts following the start of the Red, Black and DH4 runs. As it wiggles along the upper edge of the Bike Park both DH4 and the Black Run veer off, leaving you on the Red Run. This is not as steep as the other tracks, but it does contain a few surprises to keep riders on their toes, with off-camber rooty sections and technical switchbacks. This run is used by riders getting used to the steeper, tighter riding of Aston Hill and is a great trail for trainee downhillers and cross-country riders to develop skills in an environment where you can safely push personal limits and build confidence.

Halfway down the Red Run you are offered two choices - to continue with the Red Run, through the bus stop and into the switchbacks before either dropping onto the fire road or rolling along the boardwalk, or to take the climb that leads into the new section, swooping back through some carving turns to join the boardwalk at the bottom of the hill.

After a brief fireroad interlude and a short but vicious climb on chalk (always fun in the wet!), it’s back onto some quick, non-technical singletrack, swishing and swooping alongside the golf course - keep your head down here and keep on moving - some of the players gracing the greens aren’t the best in the world! This leads into a steep switchback climb via a sharp right, past the infamous hut and up in an alpine-esque manner, guaranteed to have you digging into the energy reserves. Once back at top, either using the short of longer route, it’s back onto more swooping, undulating singletrack to finish off.

 

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2 Responses to “Cross Country”

  1. Simon says:

    That is some nutty riding! :D I remember when I took my Giant XTC down DH4 and stacked it :( still going strong tho lol

  2. Andy says:

    That looks like an excellent trail. Is there a bike club that goes out to ride at Aston Hill from London. If so please mail me. I would like to join.

    Cheers

    Andy

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