We are really proud of the trails we have built in Manchester and hope they are enjoyed by all, a little taster of the trails in the description below;
Clayton Vale MTB Trails
Welcome to Clayton Vale MTB Trails & Skills Zone Urban MTB trails in the heart of the city, accessible, fun, demanding and will definitely put a great big grin on your face whether you are a beginner or more advanced rider. The MTB trails are for riders of all levels of ability & if you’re not too sure what you are capable of, then have a play on the skills area that features a lovely pump track followed by lots of technical trail features (TTF’s) ranging from easy to difficult, so you can test your skills before hitting the trail.
Newton Heath Sidewinder – dark blue trail – moderate
Welcome to the trail, with the trailhead start on Bank Bridge St, gently climbing before descending on a cheeky little off camber introduction that drops you into the Vale, before climbing onto the main ‘Sidewinder’ section, and it does exactly what it says on the tin, winding along the vale with Red Rock-it options along the way. The ‘Sidewinder’ keeps you focussed with short, sharp berms, interesting, short, punchy climbs and a twisting trail that will catch you out if you try to carry too much speed. After dropping into the bike skills zone by Clayton Vale Visitor Centre, you can either have a play in the bike park or gently climb the Clayton Vale Easy Rider.
Clayton Vale Easy Rider – light blue trail
The ‘Easy rider’ is a unique concept in disability inclusion, the first MTB trail in the country to have been built to accommodate a range of accessible bikes used by disabled riders. This section of trail is suited for all riders from beginners to expert riders. ‘Easy rider’ gently skirts through Clayton Vale and incorporates a fun, rythym and pump section in the open bowl area of the Vale. You can take this section really easy and relaxed or pump as much as your body will allow!
Urban Red Rock-it – Red – Difficult
The ‘Urban red rock-it’ is designed for the more experienced rider with lots of different rock features along the way. You will encounter rock gardens, technical climbs, drop offs and rock steps on all sections of red trail.
So make sure you have the skills to be able to tackle the more demanding red rock-it. Scorpions Tale – Black – Expert This short section of trail is not for the faint hearted with a real sting in the tale if you get it wrong. Scorpions tale feature sharp, off camber, gnarly rock sections only to be attempted by those with lots of MTB skill and a sense of adventure
MTB Skills Zone – Orange
Philips Park MTB skills area is located at the rear of NCC & feature all the technical trail features (TTF’s) that you will encounter on the trail. Get onto the skills zone and practice, practice, practice before you hit the trail, then you can nail those TTF’s and keep going back for more.
Technical Trail Features
Each level of TTF is graded by dots, 1 dot easy, 2 dots moderate & 3 dots difficult, so watch out for these graded dots in both the skills area and out on the trail.
After the ride
When you’ve burned off all that energy and packed as much MTB fun into the time you have available then don’t forget to give your trusty steed the VIB treatment and give it a good wash at the on site bike wash. For you and your hungry MTB crew, reward yourself with the delights of the Velopark Cafe, coffee & cake a must for every MTB rider. If that doesn’t take your fancy then theres a whole host of culinary delights to choose from – mmm….yummy!
