Haldon Forest Park

A trip out with No1 and Bonus for a day away riding bikes. Up early to load up the bus then over to the house of Bonus to pick up him, his bike and his new toy. Then it was down the M5 to not so sunny Devon for a ride at Haldon Forest Park near Exeter. No1 and I rode here last summer during the school holidays, fun but very busy. Today it was lovely and quiet with plenty of places to park. At the trail centre there is cafe, bike hire, loads of parking and a little skills area to hone your bike handling skills on. Apparently you can Go Ape nearby and there are places to park your horse.

Precious cargo......

We decided to hit the blue intermediate route first for a warm up. I didn't ride this last time and it made a pleasant surprise as we wound our way through the contours of the forest. We went slightly off route at the end as we didn't realise we had to ride back down a section of what we'd just ridden to get back to the trail centre. Will know for next time ! The only thing that disappointed me today was a young couple on bikes with young children on the back of each in kiddie seats. No helmets all round and setting off down a slightly technical cycle track after stopping to read the warning sign !

Bonus preparing his new toy...

After a stop to refuel we headed off to do the red trail which according to the official blurb is. "A highly technical trail for experienced riders with the right bikes and protective equipment." but we rode it anyway and it's bloody good fun. As we neared the end it started lashing down which was a bit of a shame because we wanted to play on the skills bit, next time.

Good old British summer......

We packed up the gear and headed home in the rain, smiles all round for a great day out. I'm waiting for the official film from Bonus now. The problem is Bonus and technology are notoriously incompatible so it might be a bit of a wait :) Only Kidding, I'm sure he pressed all the right buttons.


Not everybody likes these purpose built trail centres with their all weather tracks but I think anything that encourages people out into the great outdoors is a good thing. I personally really like places like Haldon and the Forest of Dean which also has excellent facilities. They really encourage people out on their bikes in a family friendly, traffic free environment. West Somerset really could do with something similar as its got all the ingredients, so here's hoping.