Trails/routes near thurrock, essex?

[ByronBlack]

Hey chaps/chapettes,

I'm a total newb, and recently bought a new bike, this:

I plan to just ride around my local area to get my fitness up and then find some more interesting routes/trails

Is there a good book/website or something that lists interesting places to go for beginners new to mountain biking?

TIA,
BB

 

[Banjo]

Like you Im new to cycling. I bought an ordnance survey map of our area from WH Smiths. It has paths and trails marked on,bit difficult to know how good the path is just from the map.

I also got some books from the library one Called The official guide to the National Cycle Network has maps and info about cycle paths all around the country.

The guys in your LBS would probably tell you where to go for mountain biking.

It will definitely help you get fit. Getting home from work up some steep hills left me completely wrecked at first but now I feel great and look forward to the ride.

 

[ByronBlack]

Hi Banjo, thank you for the suggestions. I'll order some local OS maps and have a look, I'm ashamed to say I've never had the need for a map so it didn't occur to me that bike trails would be marked on them.

I have to got back to the shop I got my bike from for a free adjustment (they give you a few weeks to ride it to determine what adjustments for fit need to be made) so i'll make a point of asking them.

I'm looking forward to getting out regularly. I was a gym fanatic (5 days a week) but quickly got bored with the same routine, so I bought the bike as my main cardio workout and have to say it's been great getting back in the saddle again, I just hope my sit-bones toughen up soon !