Oak Valley - Beginner Advice

[CrimsonWolf]

Hi People. I am thinking of making a trip to Oak Valley with all these lovely public holiday. The thing I would like to know is if my wife would be able to do the single track there? She is really knew to MTB but would love to take her along and willing to go slow so she can also enjoy it?

 

What would you guy say? Really would love to hear your comments.

 

Thanks

[NicoBoshoff]

Totally. Tale her along. Trails are safe and well marked. Nothing terrifying, only terrifyingly good!

[lerouc]

I have taken my wife there a few times in the past couple of months and she is new to mountain biking. There is one or two scary spots in the second half of the red route route after you passed the big dam but otherwise it is all good.

[LazyTrailRider]

The cool thing about Oak Valley's singletrack is how safe and easy it is at a relaxed pace. There's nothing really scary, it only becomes challenging if you decide to up the pace quite drastically. Take her along! We're heading out there ourselves on Saturday morning...

[Kranky]

There is the odd spot on the red route that some very beginner riders might feel more comfortable walking but otherwise it's a great place to learn to ride. Some people really struggle with confidence on the raised fence crossings though.

Edited April 15, 2014 by Nick.

[camelman]

I reckon the bridges/raised fence crossings are probably the most dangerous/scary for a beginner. Just make sure you go first so she knows the speed to go at, and tell her to commit and not try getting of the bike while on the bridge.

[flymango]

I echo what others have said, but will add that there are one or two A-frame wooden bridges which can be intimidating for a beginner, so rather dismount if unsure and walk them. Remember you need a bit of momentum (not reckless speed!) and an easy gear to get over the bridges confidently. A very special place to cycle.

[flymango]

I reckon the bridges/raised fence crossings are probably the most dangerous/scary for a beginner. Just make sure you go first so she knows the speed to go at, and tell her to commit and not try getting of the bike while on the bridge.

 

Seems our replies crossed on the interwebs ...

[CrimsonWolf]

Thank you all very much for the feedback! Any other feedback is still welcome! But we will head out there end April.

[CleatsnCleavage]

I took friends who dont MTB at all to Oak Valley in December and they managed. There will be bridges over fences that she will feel more comfortable walking and also you cannot be scared of cows as you ride into the herd occasionally. Also...cow poop. Try roll your eyes less than I did as the newbies pushed their bikes up the hills