New Singletrack in Manchester

[middleagecyclist]

Dan Bo - what's that building just to the south of South Wood? Looks like a prison to me with the fences but I reckon it could be a loony-bin for young folk.

It is a young persons psychiatric hospital which is on the site of the old Prestwich Hospital 'Loony Bin'.

 

[middleagecyclist]

Glad you posted these pics' MAC. I was planning on heading out to this new track on Sunday with Mrs ILS and kids in tow but it looks as though the track is so new it isn't finished yet??? The kids wouldn't mind much but Mrs ILS would not be happy at having to scrabble across the muddy unfinished bits (or is it not as bad as it looks?). Quite surprised they let you into a live working area, what with elf'n'safety being what it is nowadays.

The North section is complete but not signed yet and that is much faster with some decent jumps.Be wary letting any 'recreational' rider tackle it without viewing it first. Its needs taking at a decent pace or you will come a cropper!

The section nr the digger is short but is quite precarious in parts with lots of loose rubble. There are loads of other cycleable trails around the area though - some dedicated MTB trails - although none as long and fast as these two sections.

The first time I went down I spoke to two workmen who were more than happy to tell all about trail and let me proceed. The next day there was more work done but just the equipment and no workers. There are also no signs restricting access!

 

[I like Skol]

Be wary letting any 'recreational' rider tackle it without viewing it first. Its needs taking at a decent pace or you will come a cropper!

LOL. Me and the kids rode around the red trail at Sherwood Forest Pines a couple of weeks ago. Description states "... a physical and mental challenge..... suitable for better quality offroad mountain bikes only...... requires a high level of skill and fitness"
I reckon I could have easily piloted my road tyre shod hybrid around apart from the odd muddy spot and my 6yr old son loved it with nothing too challenging for him. They have an 'easier' blue trail too

I expect our northern trails to be a bit more.... red?

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Dan Bo - what's that building just to the south of South Wood? Looks like a prison to me with the fences but I reckon it could be a loony-bin for young folk.

I expect better from you Ben.

 

[Globalti]

Sorry, my Dad existed miserably for some years in a mental hospital so I feel qualified to use the term.

Went down there yesterday in the car and once I'd found my way round the back of the school and the rugby club and over the M60 bridge I discovered a network of old driveways dating from the time when there was a big estate there belonging to the Phillips family. Couldn't get my car down the cycle track sadly, but it looks as if work is nearly complete and a fair bit of lolly has been spent on it too.

I also went round the back of the Prestwich ASDA and tried to find my way onto Tottington Lane but was thwarted by barriers at the main hospital entrance. I used to ride down in the valley with the Leisure Lakes crew in the bad old days.

 

[fossyant]

Any news on progress from the locals.

 

[middleagecyclist]

I went a couple of weeks ago and it was all fenced off. Haven't had chance to go back since. Might get there next week and will post then.

 

[I like Skol]

Glad you bumped this Fossy, I'd forgotten all about it. I'm working odd shifts and the kids are on holiday so a visit here could well be on the cards this week or next, midweek. We went back to Sherwood Pines forest last week and did the whole red route plus about an hour playing in the Dirt Jump Zone (see thread in family cycling). I don't think me and kids have anything to fear on this track?

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Still not officially open and they've put barricade fencing across parts of it.

 

[Gaz Vickers]

 

[Gaz Vickers]

 

[Cubist]

Awesome. 3.5km may not be long, but I bet you could put some right thrashing laps on that! @Gaz Vickers I take it it's up and running then? It might be the ideal place to try and get my hip working again....

Edit
Just checked and it's just over 20 miles from my house. What's the forecast for next weekend?

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Hi Darrell

Looks interesting with my children. I take it it's not Phillips Park near the velodrome ?

Could be a little out of my way if its Bury

Anyone got a map link ? Maybe a train station is close by ?

Speaking of near the velodrome. Clayton Vale is having a MTB track cut into it now too . The Vale isn't massive, maybe a mile end to end so it won't be huge, I'll have a look if there's any maps or plans, its a place I commute through so don't get the local mailshots

 

[Gaz Vickers]

Awesome. 3.5km may not be long, but I bet you could put some right thrashing laps on that! @Gaz Vickers I take it it's up and running then? It might be the ideal place to try and get my hip working again....

Edit
Just checked and it's just over 20 miles from my house. What's the forecast for next weekend?

From what I can gather its due open any time now. I think there are Some very tricky parts and Some easy parts. Im sure someone will know more than me.

 

[Cubist]

From what I can gather its due open any time now. I think there are Some very tricky parts and Some easy parts. Im sure someone will know more than me.

Thanks, I'll do a bit of checking.