Any advice for a first timer?

[tylerjacobson]

I'm thinking I wanna try to hit up this Hillside ride this weekend or even tomorrow. Any pointers for a first timer? I'm new to the actual trail riding, I've mainly been exposed to light trail riding through woods and fields from when I recently lived up by Alexandria...Any help would be appreciated. THX!

-Also..any other good places to ride around the Albterville area? I'm relatively new to the area....

[stoneage]

Hillside is a touch advanced for a newbie, but as long as you know that going in, have fun and be careful. You'll make it around, but there are some cute little ups and downs out there.
There is a trail in Milaca that is fairly flat and long. It has some bumpy sections, but would be a better location for a beginner. Easier trails in the metro are Salem and Murphy-Hanrehan. Theo Wirth is twisty, but physically easy.

[soupboy]

What Ol' Bill said plus, is Elm Creek open?

[pseudosu]

Hi Tyler,
I learned (am learning) at Hillside because it's right by my house. I'd never even seen a trail before i headed over there with my no suspension "dork" bike the first time I rode it (i only made it through section 2 that time). Wrong ride-- big time, but it was fun enough that I went out and got a mountain bike and am now completely hooked!

I'd start out taking the beginner loop-- accessed at the left side of the lot as you face the street, up by the road. It skirts around sections 1 & 2 and gives you a lay of the land. It'll dump you out headed straight into the back lot, where you can take the dirt road back up to the front.

After that, sections 1 & 2 are the easiest (2 is the easiest of those) (the whole place runs counter-clockwise, a one-way trail), and 3 & 4 get progressively more technical and have more hills. At the end of each section there's a chance to exit, so you can ride any chunks you want out of sequence.

I'd say for your first time riding the whole thing, think of it as a recon mission. Scope stuff out before you hit it, , note the caution signs, walk whatever you don't feel comfortable with-- it'll still be there next time. Stay in pretty easy gears (middle ring) since you won't know where all the tough climbs are ahead of time, and keep your butt off the seat and back as you tackle rough stuff.

Most of all- have fun! :)

[Bikefreak]

Tyler,

Sue's advice is right on. Hillside is a perfect trail for a beginner because the skill needed varies with the different sections. If you want...let me know what time you will be riding this week end and I can meet you there and show you around the different sections, starting with the easiest and moving to more difficult if you are comfotable or just re-riding the easier parts to get a feel for it. I am free anytime Friday PM, anytime Saturday or early Sunday AM.


Tony

[RRasmussen]

Hillside was the first trail i rode when i decided to start mountain biking about 4 years ago. Obviously im still riding (and riding hillside quite a bit) but that first ride i wasnt ready for how tough this trail was going to be. So. . . just take it easy , dont get discouraged , and have a blast.

[tylerjacobson]

Thank you all for the great advice! I will probably test the waters out tomorrow...should do it today with the weather being awesome...but schedule wise tomorrow will be better. Is there a time of day that is best to go to avoid a rush of people on the weekends or is that not normally a problem?

That would be awesome if someone was able to show me the ropes, but I have no idea really when I will plan to go tomorrow.

I was thinking I may just purchase a season pass since I work like a mile from the park...but how do the fees work before I purchase this?

Again...Thank you all!!

[tylerjacobson]

Sue I agree on the location, I didn't even know this existed then I found it is maybe a mile from my work!!...I did buy a "beginner" mtn bike last and it at least has front shocks so hopefully it will be fine for anything I will be doing in the near future...I'm curious to know what other people ride out there?


Hi Tyler,
I learned (am learning) at Hillside because it's right by my house. I'd never even seen a trail before i headed over there with my no suspension "dork" bike the first time I rode it (i only made it through section 2 that time). Wrong ride-- big time, but it was fun enough that I went out and got a mountain bike and am now completely hooked!

I'd start out taking the beginner loop-- accessed at the left side of the lot as you face the street, up by the road. It skirts around sections 1 & 2 and gives you a lay of the land. It'll dump you out headed straight into the back lot, where you can take the dirt road back up to the front.

After that, sections 1 & 2 are the easiest (2 is the easiest of those) (the whole place runs counter-clockwise, a one-way trail), and 3 & 4 get progressively more technical and have more hills. At the end of each section there's a chance to exit, so you can ride any chunks you want out of sequence.

I'd say for your first time riding the whole thing, think of it as a recon mission. Scope stuff out before you hit it, , note the caution signs, walk whatever you don't feel comfortable with-- it'll still be there next time. Stay in pretty easy gears (middle ring) since you won't know where all the tough climbs are ahead of time, and keep your butt off the seat and back as you tackle rough stuff.

Most of all- have fun! :)

[RRasmussen]

there is a drop box right in the parking lot , its like 4 bucks a day

[Pam]

Don't worry about the trail being crowded-I've been there when the lot is full and not seen a soul once I've gotten on the trail. It's amazing how many people can be out there without tripping over each other.