A Long Winding Blue Disappointment - Blue Doon Trail - Fort William

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McTrail Rider

McTrail Rider

2 жыл бұрын

Here's a very quickly put together video from my first ride at the new blue trail in Fort William, known as the "Blue Doon".
I did ride this trail a second time, but it didn't go that much better than this one. I'm honestly pretty disappointed in this trail in it's current state and I'm sure I will probably get some backlash for what I say in the video, but after speaking to many people on the day that also rode the trail, I realised that many others feel the same way.
All that being said, it has huge potential and it's still early days of course. It's also very very long.
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Пікірлер: 289
@BarrySomerville
@BarrySomerville 2 жыл бұрын
I have to agree 100%. We were up there for the opening Saturday and the trail was very highly anticipated. I was there (me being a once competent rider, now 48 with a serious back injury behind me and admittedly get less competent, but no less confident which can be a bad combination as the years go on!) with just my 11 year old son (building his confidence but not yet a ‘truly ‘competent’ rider, but not a noob by any means). First run down was very underwhelming……first impression was that the top quarter had been cobbled together quickly and without enough thought and planning going into it. Poorly constructed corners, some borderline dangerous, no features, no flow…….2nd quarter where it joined the top chief is an already well established trail, so it’s a given it was great, and for a little while after the Blue Doon split off from the Top Chief, it ran very well down to the new bridge. 3rd quarter, from the new bridge down to the forest section is awful……no grip, poor cambers/flat corners, a few tight bends which have been built so tight that my XL Mondraker Level RR was a real handful just to get round, a lot of places where being just a few inches to the left or right of the path and you were into super soft sand or mud and likely to have a face plant if you were carrying any real speed, just all round badly thought out and not particularly enjoyable to ride. Final quarter in the forest is admittedly excellent……super well built, flow is silky smooth, few nice techy bits for those that was a bit more challenge and a real showcase for how a blue trail should be…..and a credit to the guys building it……shows what they are really capable of. For me, @mctrailrider has got it spot on - great concept sadly spoilt by poor execution and more than a little greed by the Nevis Range to get it open before it was truly ready. My son did enjoy it, but even he felt it was a bit of a slog with too much pedalling for a downhill flow trail and not enough ‘interesting’ features. We paid for the day pass uplift and as we have a motorhome, decided to accept being fleeced to stay in the car park overnight (an extra tenner for absolutely nothing as there are no facilities at all!) and get an early start. First run was right at opening time…..think we were in the first 10 gondolas to go up…..so waited no time at all. 2nd run, we had to queue for about 15 mins to get on a gondola, which is fairly acceptable. We then stopped for a quick bite to eat and when we rejoined the queue, it now stretched from the back entrance to the gondola station, all the way round the building, passed the end of the WC downhill trail, right back to where the bottom red jump line finishes as the stairs….It took us 1hr 15mins to get to the gondolas (felt like forever with a very bored 11 year old!), only to be told then, they it would be the last trip up for us (this was 2 hours before our ‘day uplift ticket’ ended!!) because the queue was so long now that they had closed it as they were already going to struggle to get it cleared before closing time……very poor show and just a display of complete and utter greed by the @NevisRange - way oversold on the tickets in sheer greed rather than restricting numbers and letting you get in a fair number of runs for your money. Personally, £35 for an adult day uplift only to get 3 runs in and be told ‘that’s it’ is just not good enough. My son was bitterly disappointed and we were both left feeling very short changed. A 2 and a half hour drive in the motorhome to get there, a full day pass which only got us up the hill 3 times, and a big let down of a trail left us both wishing we had just not bothered and had gone to Glentress instead.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
You emulate my thoughts almost completely mate, with a couple of exceptions. Above the wooded lower section every thing is new, even the bit where the two trails merge is a completely different layout to what it used to be. You raise a very good point on the parking and value for money for an uplift at the moment. I only got three runs on the day of this video, but I expected it to be busy. To her that it’s still the same is crazy. I honestly think NR are not doing themselves any favours at the moment. I don’t know their financial situation, but if they could have held off opening this year and limited ticket sales to avoid people being disappointed, less people would be angry.
@BarrySomerville
@BarrySomerville 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider I had never ridden at Nevis Range before this, so didn’t realises they had changed the section where the Top Chief and Blue Doon merge….it just appeared that it was a more established part of the trail…..certainly one of the better sections above the forest section. What possibly disappointed me more than anything was that all the advance promo videos concentrated more on the flowing section in the forest……certainly suggesting that the majority of the trail was flowing like that, which is clearly not the case. As for the cost versus number of rides, it’s enough to put me off regardless, even supposing the trail was excellent (which we all seem agreed on, it is not!). £35 for 3 trips up the gondola is too much….either sell less tickets and be less greedy to let people get a fair number of runs in, or cut the price….one or the other, but keeping it as it is will just kill their chances of having a high number of returning customers and it will also scare off the existing regulars from the WC Downhill/TopChief trails if they know they are going to get way less runs in for their money.
@alaninman4474
@alaninman4474 2 жыл бұрын
I've not rode it yet but was expecting a 9km Berm Baby Berm based on what I seen on the bottom trails earlier in the year. I didn't realise it was only 2 guys though so fair play to what they've produced, especially on that terrain. Hopefully the 2 guys get the investment and support needed to improve the trail
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I was hoping for the same, but it’s still early days. I believe it was just two guys, but I may be wrong.
@Ryan-gd4sb
@Ryan-gd4sb 2 жыл бұрын
i love berm baby its such a nice and smooth trail that you can send full speed. love glen tress
@DrFaroon
@DrFaroon Жыл бұрын
Not sure if you check these comments a year on, Andrew, but I was up there last Friday on opening day for the 2023 season - they've done a ton of work on the top of Blue Doon. All those sketchy flat turns have been converted into massive berms. They're still very tight in places and some high consequences to spilling off the top of them, but 100% better than it was, and worth a revisit. Also, you can cut across from Blue Doon to just above the WC XC course, essentially allowing you to 'uplift' the WC XC, which cuts out that horrendous climb! Kudos to the trail builders for listening to feedback, like yours here. We got in 5 trips, with a 30 minute lunch break, and could have done a 6th, but my faithful companion was a bit broken by that point. So pretty slick. Also nice to see the youth squad out ripping down the WC DH trail.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider Жыл бұрын
That is great to hear! They definitely needed to do something as I feel the first draft of the trail was not very good at all. I’m actually heading there tomorrow so will have a good look, thanks for the heads up.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
While I stick by everything that I said in the video, I wish Nevis Range all the best and I’m sure that this trail will be running much better for next year. Did any of you ride it? What did you think?
@ceriway380
@ceriway380 2 жыл бұрын
I agree with you ,same I know it's a blue but there will be a lot people in the ditch with those rubbish corner even dangerous.
@streetpigeonmtb
@streetpigeonmtb 2 жыл бұрын
Hey mate. You are just being honest about how you feel. I am still pretty ambivalent about it. I had fun on it but not for the reasons I was hoping for. I was enjoying trying to use technique to find speed on the flat turns - however I was hoping for loads of switchback berms. I also enjoyed having that length of trail, however there were some bits that probably didn't need to be there. Sometimes less is more. I think part of the issue is that expectations were so high and it kind of wasn't quite there. On a final positive, I do like the whole concept. I saw a couple of kids with their dad at the end of the day and they had a total blast. That inclusive part of MTB is golden. I'm hopeful the trail will develop into the masterpiece we know it can be 👍
@RocketMagnetUK
@RocketMagnetUK 2 жыл бұрын
Rode it opening day and seen a couple of people wash out over the edges near the top due to the numerous "challenging" flat loose corners (4:22 was one i recall a rider in the mud/water below it). I assumed they were like that to keep rider speeds down but it's actually more dangerous for both new and experienced riders if this is the intention IMO. Yep 4:16 nearly got me also.. there was another very similar and i found it hard to remember it coming up as it all looks the same up the top. Personally we started riding the Top section of Top Chief if we decided to run the Blue to miss out the first section as it gets better lower down. Still give it time to bed in and for them to tune the course.. the lower sections were really fun though and we have to keep in mind it's a trail aimed at everyone... there were a fair few small children on it when we were there so you do need take some extra care.
@MrMrmcgooo
@MrMrmcgooo 2 жыл бұрын
We spend all saturday there. Truck need rain. At some section are no grip at all. But think all idea is that track is for entry level riders. Not for fast speed riding. Was a lot kids riding at saturday and i think they love it. I think is most imlortant to bring something for every one there. Hope blu get upgrade with time and this is not last track build there for next ten years .
@camrivers3122
@camrivers3122 2 жыл бұрын
I very much share your disappointment. I thought the trail was utterly dull. "Bland Doon". I think people are making too many excuses for Nevis Range really. Consider the utter world class blue trails at Bike Park Wales as the bar and that really highlights just how badly the new blue has been built. At the end of the day though Nevis Range are a business. They can build what they want and we can suck it up and ride it or not. That's how capitalism works. By the same token though, if you build something nobody wants to ride then that's a bad business model in the long run. If they had built something awesome many of us would be heading up there for a few extra weekends a year perhaps. Doubt that's the case now. An even bigger issue is the overnight parking fee. Campsite charges for no facilities is a total shameless joke. Again they might regret that as the carpark fills with poop 💩. Let's see what happens next year I guess...
@LukeMegBiking
@LukeMegBiking 2 жыл бұрын
Great riding with you again dude, we made the most of it hey. Top Chief and Top Chiefs Angry goat was mega fun. People truly want to listen to what you have to say, that’s why your honesty is so important to the MTB community. I know you really wanted to like it, so did we, but as it is at the moment, that wasn’t possible. For sure we have visited places following your suggestions and have never been disappointed, but we’d have been mega disappointed had you not of being honest about this trail and we made that 6 hour journey to ride it 🤪🙌👊
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
That’s exactly it, imagine someone had went on my false recommendation and then got massively disappointed in it or worse, got hurt. I couldn’t do that in good Conscience.
@LukeMegBiking
@LukeMegBiking 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider Exactly mate, and why would you be anything other than honest right. It’s so awesome you are keeping it real 👊
@stellasqueak
@stellasqueak 2 жыл бұрын
Personally I think they should have went for more of a freeride trail with tabletops and drops, Scotland is massively lacking compared to Wales yet it has so much potential, I feel the forestry commission and other people continually push back on releasing Scotland’s potential to stamp its mark, it’s into matter off time before Wales steals the World Cup
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I think they’re intentions were correct, build something that will appeal to the lower end of ability and make it as accessible as possible. In is current form though, it’s just too awkward and inconsistent for meet those requirements. I would love to see them build a red trail from the top though, that would be my hope.
@MtbTrailHub
@MtbTrailHub 2 жыл бұрын
This looks to be more of a green trail? Perfect for holiday makers wanting to try a bit of biking the day after hiking Nevis! Good to hear that this is the start of future plans to build more under the gondola though🤩
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Definitely an easier option than the other two.
@pmacfto
@pmacfto 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider Too long for kids, too expensive to use Gondola just to do the trail once and I worry a lot of beginners are going to get hurt on that loose a trail with too many flat corners - it needs some berms! Thanks for the vid and honest feedback - I also agree we should give it some time
@mjs-1446
@mjs-1446 2 жыл бұрын
Love the look of the bottom section through the trees, that top section looks thrown in like you said, great riding as usual 👍🏻
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
The bottom section is excellent 👍
@jezwardman9949
@jezwardman9949 2 жыл бұрын
Can only agree completely. We did it a couple of weeks later and if anything some sections looked like they had got worse rather than better. Some of the berms had broken down so couldn't be relied on if you went high and if you took a low line there was often a surprise. It was the inconsistency more than anything, two or three 'good' corners give you some confidence then the next one catches you out. At one point I was very close to getting my front wheel under a fence when the edge of the berm ran out halfway round and turned into crumbly scree. If nothing else all the dangerous corners need fixing, it's not difficult to find them just go and look where everyone has ended up in the mud. Not going to rush back, maybe give it a year or so to see if they can improve it.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Inconsistency and dangerous are the two words that jump out at me from your comment, those are the reasons that I don’t rate the trail and why I’ve been so critical of it.
@kevinwood8021
@kevinwood8021 2 жыл бұрын
Andrew, respect the honestly and hope the trail builders will develop it further in the future 👊
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Kevin
@baxtermtb769
@baxtermtb769 2 жыл бұрын
I’m heading to fort William in 4 days from now, I will definitely be doing this for a warm up
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Definitely a good warm up 👍
@georgemacdonald6805
@georgemacdonald6805 2 жыл бұрын
Was up there on Saturday (yesterday). The trail has had a lot of use in a short space of time and a fair number of accidents. Starting to show signs of wear and braking bumps into some of the corners. Given time and more work it will be excellent. Great that it links into Blue Steel and Wild Goat. If it all gets to the same consistency and surface as Blue Steel it will be a contender for best Blue in the Uk. Love the content - keep it going. Slainte
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Time and a bit more work should see it right 🤞
@andrewwhite3457
@andrewwhite3457 2 жыл бұрын
Question is, with the difficulty of flat bends and folks binning it is it safe to call it a blue flow trail?
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Not right now, but with a few simple tweaks I think it’ll be fine.
@andrewwhite3457
@andrewwhite3457 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider hopefully it will continue to improve as more time can be spent on it
@ElectricMountainBiker
@ElectricMountainBiker 2 жыл бұрын
All this video did was give me more respect for you, have to be honest and if you didn't like it then good on you for saying so. Backlash always happens, but only from those that don't pay attention to the video and points raised. Enjoyed that 👍 views were still stunning at least 😀
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks dude. It’s the forum and Facebook comments that annoy me. I don’t respond to any of them though. 95% of people seem to understand thankfully👍
@ElectricMountainBiker
@ElectricMountainBiker 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider had the exact same reaction to my Tarw Du video, always from those that never bothered to watch it, just assumed. FB had become quite a challenging place to post links to videos recently as well. Any way keep up the good work, and hopefully when you're down this way we can take you on one of our Lake District adventures. You have ridden with a few of the guys as well before 👍🏼
@rhettetherington1351
@rhettetherington1351 2 жыл бұрын
Good video. Nice to see an open and honest opinion. It looks neither one thing or the other. Looks too dangerous for a family trail and not flowing enough for decent riders.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I’d say your description is about accurate.
@auldmtbgeezer3016
@auldmtbgeezer3016 2 жыл бұрын
Bang on. I've only ridden the last and best section, Blue Steel, in the woods last year and we were SO!!! excited when we imagined a trail similar to that, with maybe even bigger tabletops and berms, all the way from the top!!! You're hoping for a Morzine type blue, with huge tabletops (rollable if you want) and even red gaps next to them, clearly signed etc., and you get that!!! If you allocate limited resources and do things on a shoestring, that's what you get. Folk are trying there hardest with what they have got, absolutely fair play to the folks, but it's disappointing. It's ultimately a trail to get families and loads more beginners on the Gondola to make money. I kind of get that, but now there is a huge chasm between the Blue and the TC/DH tracks!! Hopefully with the money they make they will do a proper red flow/jump/berm trail. Ahh well, just have to happy with bike Park Wales in November to see how it CAN be done, with investment.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
You spray the truth. I’ve heard they are planning a red trail in the future which would be great👍
@MTB_George
@MTB_George 2 жыл бұрын
Cracking vid and honest opinion 👍. I didn’t get a chance to ride it, was up a week to early😏. One thing I have noticed on all the vids is experienced guys like yourself saying about lack of berms 😟 personally like you I would of loved to see a very flowing berm fest of a 9k trail 🤙🏻. I will still probably have a go next time I’m up as it would be rude not to 😂. However I didn’t know it was only 2 guys that built this 😳 so massive hats off for the task done and ahead of them. Still looks like a family fun kinda trail and definitely suits complete beginner to advanced riders 👌
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Definitely a great effort just getting a trail there in the first place 👍
@davepaton8999
@davepaton8999 6 ай бұрын
It's a blue, of course it's going to be boring compared to the DH course, but that's like comparing apples with oranges.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 6 ай бұрын
Did I say that it was boring at any point?
@mrruaridhblack
@mrruaridhblack 2 жыл бұрын
I rode it on opening day and it was pretty sketchy and found it hard to get the corners right as the berms are pretty flat. Hoping that over time it will ride in and get quicker and few tweaks here and there should sort it out
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Apparently it rode better on the second day. First day was very fresh.
@benbackes3301
@benbackes3301 2 жыл бұрын
Have seen this being built while up there doing the Top Chief and the DH route.Was looking forward to a flowing blue trail akin to the Blues and greens you get at Morzine and Tignes but its ended up as a glorified fire road. Very disappointed.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Thankfully it can be fix, but it’s a shame that it needs to be.
@A_AAA232
@A_AAA232 2 жыл бұрын
fair play Andrew, appreciate the honest opinion! im sure given time it'll bed down and the trail builders can sort it out, but its still great to have a new trail built (or at least started in this case!). its probably aimed at riders who are a lot less skillful and experienced than you! like you said, it will be running better next year :)
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I’m not the target demographic but I can still assess the trail based on experience and knowledge.
@wakeboardwobin
@wakeboardwobin 2 жыл бұрын
Wow. 9km of trail! Epic potential 👌 At least your video could see the potential of the trail and acknowledged the work of the builders and potentially some limitations of the project. After a winter of snow sat on the trail it should be more settled and will be a great time for improvements such as adding more support in corners etc. I saw another video that was 100% negative which was a little short sighted 😬
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
There are definitely some positives to take away 👍
@cb6866
@cb6866 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Andrew..all 3 of you . Looked a bit hairy , and you are a great rider... Peace
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks buddy
@thebarofclay6100
@thebarofclay6100 2 жыл бұрын
We are going in next couple weeks.. primarily for top chief but wanted to test the blue Doon to see if it's suitable for my girls... I'd watched a few videos and well looked meh but not the whole run (editing out bits)... Man I feel whelmed by it haha top section just looks rushed to get it out there and that's never a good sign... Will give it a go but enthusiasm has definitely been curbed... Braw honest assessment as I'd expected from you good sir... Cheers
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
It’s had some rain now, and it will have settled more by the time you get there 👍 Maybe do a run yourself first and then decide if I’d suitable for your girls ability.
@FiretrailMtb
@FiretrailMtb 2 жыл бұрын
Feel like it was just a huge money grab for the tail end of the season the end as u said was great best but by a mile. It was something different to ride but not my thing. Good to see an unbiased opinion 🤘🏻🔥
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I feel it was maybe a financial decision, can’t blame them to be honest, they are a business at the end of the day.
@jeremyc1861
@jeremyc1861 2 жыл бұрын
I rode it yesterday and was disappointed, I was expecting it to be better. I know Glencoe was hiring some trail builders so hopefully they'll be adding some good flow trails there.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
More trails at Glen Coe would be very welcome 👍
@archiesgmarshall
@archiesgmarshall 2 жыл бұрын
I’ll sound like such a wanker and might be wrong but it just looks like the people who built it didn’t even test ride sections. It’s like they just dug up the ground with a digger and then couldn’t be arsed to rebuild it
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
To be fair, the work to get it to the stage that it is currently at is huge. That being said, there are definitely a few bits that should have been amended before opening day.
@ab_mtb
@ab_mtb 2 жыл бұрын
Unfortunately, I have to agree with u about the trail. I'm sure they will tweak it in the months ahead. Was great to meet u in the car park. Keep up the great work 👍
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks dude, God you meet you too 👍
@mha1978dent
@mha1978dent 2 жыл бұрын
I was there that day and didn’t actually do the top bit. Stuck to the blacks as gondala queue was so long glad I didn’t now!
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Still worth trying just to know for sure.
@Stopadoodledoo
@Stopadoodledoo 2 жыл бұрын
Good man, you spoke your mind and at the end of the day, that's your opinion and you shouldn't say anything different regardless of whether others like that opinion or not. For what it's worth, I've not ridden it and would never do as it looks gash 👍
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
You’d be surprised at how many people will have a go at me for my opinion 😢 It is what it is.
@Stopadoodledoo
@Stopadoodledoo 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider Unfortunately I wouldn't be surprised at all mate. Some people don't seem to get that we all have opinions; when we say them on YT, it's like committing a cardinal sin. You keep speaking your mind mate, I for one appreciate it and respect you for it 👍
@Neveking
@Neveking 2 жыл бұрын
Good honest review ride it on Saturday it’s good for a rest after the World Cup track hope it gets tweeked up top blue steel and wild goat were good though 🤘🏿
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Looking forward to it getting to that level 👍
@taffycymroukmtb9073
@taffycymroukmtb9073 2 жыл бұрын
Enjoyed the Video buddy 😉 I'm sure they will Sort it out the trail 👍🚴🏿‍♂️🚴🏿‍♂️
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
They will mate 👍
@GrahamStorr
@GrahamStorr 2 жыл бұрын
That's going to be one hell of a trail once it gets some rain on it and gets compacted in 👍I may have commented too soon its got loads of potential at the top won't take much to scrape them perms in
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I agree, it should get a good bit better naturally with a bit of time. Although I do feel that the reading effort won’t be small.
@wayneemslie8904
@wayneemslie8904 2 жыл бұрын
Good on ye for being honest and calling out ye didn't like it. Its great they've tried to open out the gondola accessed trails but if its not that good then people need to say so. On another note I think its interesting how mountain biking is developing with flow trails. Personally I don't like them and there aren't many of them in Scotland, but recently I've moved back to Wellington in NZ and flow sections have been added to some of my favourite trails taking away a bit of character IMO. It'll be interesting to see if this is done in Scotland over time.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I’d rather I was raving on about how good it was tbh. I quite enjoy a good flow trail that’s done right myself, can be a whole load of fun. Generally though, I tend to go for the more natural trails.
@MountainBikePete
@MountainBikePete 2 жыл бұрын
It does look very bland and tame apart from the bottom. I do hope they add some progressive tables that would complement the trail for next year. Who doesn’t like getting air?! They have them in trails all over the world, why are we so lacking behind? Fingers crossed for the future. Definitely need proper berms too. So as it stands it’s not making me want to ride it for such a distance away. Come on Nevis range start adding more features and trails and it could be up there with the best! Good honest video Andrew. 👍
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Ultimately, I don’t think this trail is complete.
@MountainBikePete
@MountainBikePete 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider I do hope that’s the case.
@bananas700
@bananas700 2 жыл бұрын
its an awesome trail got to ride it myself at the weekend going to be amazing for new riders to experience the top and get used to the long laps
@bananas700
@bananas700 2 жыл бұрын
the only bad thing id say about it is that it still needs bedding in as the top coners are loose and flat but other than that it was good fun could do with a couple jumps in the sense for people who know what they are doing but can be jumped by more experience riders
@bananas700
@bananas700 2 жыл бұрын
that is one thing iforgot some of those turns make no sense like there is no way to ride the berm to berm as you need to cut it on the inside for the next one to line up
@bananas700
@bananas700 2 жыл бұрын
i will sya out of the whole trail the last part when you enter the woods was amazing off the brakes for a lot of it and very flowy
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Seems like you had a good time on it 👍
@bananas700
@bananas700 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider yeh had only been to fort william once and only rode the lower trails so nice to ride the upper the second lap on the blue was much better and then got one on top chief that i was happy with j think the blue will turn into a good trail over time
@PuffinPass
@PuffinPass 2 жыл бұрын
At least the berms on the sweep turns should be deep by default, the smaller turns along the straights can vary a bit more but coming into those big turns with any speed is going to be sketchy. Looks like it has a lot of potential though, just needs some more time put in on it.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Potential is the word 👍
@Mugtree
@Mugtree 2 жыл бұрын
Very much appreciate your honest opinion and yes I’m sure it’ll get better with time. Just a shame they didn’t have the time to do a quality job 🤷‍♂️
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I genuinely think they should have just waited to open until next season. That being said, I have no idea of their financial situation, but that was probably a deciding factor.
@Mugtree
@Mugtree 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider agree and yes it must be difficult for them. But with things like this. If they can it’s always better to wait 👍
@Iggysport1
@Iggysport1 Жыл бұрын
I agree with you on this one, like you @mctrailrider I also rode the Blue Doon when it was fresh (possibly the same day!) and i thought it was dangerous in places and generally a pish trail. Definitely a waste of a days uplift tickets!! Could have all changed now though a year later!
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider Жыл бұрын
A year on now, and it’s not that different. They’ve definitely made an effort to fix some parts, but the worst parts in my opinion are still just as bad as they always were.
@BlackBikes
@BlackBikes 2 жыл бұрын
am i crazy or this really not a blue? looks rather green in my book, not that i've ridden it (and the gopro always lies) but i really don't see any features, jumps, rock gardens or whatnot that would make it not a beginner trail?
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
A green in places and a blue in others I’d say.
@adriankelly_edinburgh
@adriankelly_edinburgh 2 жыл бұрын
I won't be rushing up any time soon (not least because Jacky is still recovering from a broken/dislocated ankle). I'd secretly hoped Blue Doon would be like a scaled down version of the green route at Les Gets but it's got a way to go yet it seems. Here's hoping they listen to feedback and make the necessary improvements soon.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I think by this time next year, it will be much improved Adrian 👍🤞😬
@pdpcycling248
@pdpcycling248 2 жыл бұрын
Top section looks not that fun and I kinda understand why you were disappointed. Lower section where they put gravel on looks good fun. They could use Bike Park Wales as benchmark to improve the trail.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
If it can develop into someone like Terrys Belly, then I’d be very happy indeed.
@jonnysnakes5417
@jonnysnakes5417 2 жыл бұрын
Totally agree, i wasn't impressed but it has potential and hopefully it was just a rush to open before the end o the season and will get improvements. I nearly ate it a few times, every time i found a little gap or something it would shoot u off the side o the trail. Also was speaking to a guy in the carpark who got taken out by the flat loose corners on his first rune and totally messed up his shoulder.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Potential for sure. I know a few competent riders that crashed on it to be honest.
@dons4europe
@dons4europe 2 жыл бұрын
I rode it twice on saturday and was pretty dissapointed as well tbh. It will obviously bed in with some rain and wind and there is plenty material lying around so hopefully some corners are built and maybe wee lips etc. It just seems way to long and on the second run we all kinda sat down as we were bored. I think it does seem a bit unsafe for beginners and just not interesting for intermediates. Also there us nothing between 'Blue doon' and 'top cheif' which are worlds apart in skills required. The WC and top cheif are pretty similiar and if you can ride one you will manage the other. Whilst its a shame I think it will be so different at the beginning of next season , Also Blue steel and the little orange jump line are brilliant so theres no reason blue doon cant go the same way.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Can’t argue with any of that, fully agree.
@MTBScotland
@MTBScotland 2 жыл бұрын
It is shockingly bad. Like you I rode it twice and that was enough. Would be a waste of money to take the kids to it IMO as well. Hopefully they spend some time on it between now and next year to make it fun and a lot safer. That bit before the bridge is not nice at all. Blue steel is fun.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
The good news is that we know that they can build very good trails 👍
@stewartjackson1821
@stewartjackson1821 2 жыл бұрын
That you going for starva King on the blue, watched a few videos now and your not alone in your views. Shame as was really looking forward to some super flow like berm baby berm but longer
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Didn’t even switch Strava on unusually. It’s maybe still worth a visit though.
@DrFaroon
@DrFaroon 2 жыл бұрын
What a shame - Top Chief is great, if you know what you’re doing; WC is gnarly as, and not for everyone; this was meant to be *the* trail for everyone to have a great ride. Such a lot of effort put into building it, too. There’s time for more work to be done on it, as you say. The last bit looks great, though.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely, still early days.
@jamespaterson6550
@jamespaterson6550 2 жыл бұрын
Haven't ridden it yet but from what I have seen in yours and other vids it looks like a wee bit of fine tuning section by section would see it right?,thanks for your brutally honest opinion, maybe as you say just rushed on in a bid to offset a shite year as most businesses have had with a last minute money grab..🤔. Wont right it off yet though🙂
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Fine tuning can definitely happen, although I do think it will need a good bit of work.
@Mtnboarder
@Mtnboarder 2 жыл бұрын
Rode it on Friday and agree 100%- that bit at 4:15 was me getting a twitchy ringpiece on the first run.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
That’s the first bit I would fix 😬
@Mtnboarder
@Mtnboarder 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider kzfaq.info/get/bejne/o7iqYL2rybeZZZc.html
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
@@Mtnboarder “nearly died!” Indeed😬
@Mtnboarder
@Mtnboarder 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider Channelling my inner Street Pigeon...
@jamble7k
@jamble7k Жыл бұрын
looks like a walking trail on the open section, oh well maybe it can be improved later
@PeteMac69
@PeteMac69 2 жыл бұрын
Looks more green than blue? No features/rollable table tops etc until the last third. Maybe it'll improve over time, but those berms need a lot of work to get them right. I guess it will get a wider range of people/abilities riding the gondola...$$
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Green in places for sure
@mjbbell
@mjbbell 2 жыл бұрын
They know it’s still needs work in areas, plus they had to work with that material was there once getting the layer of peat off and only air lifted in some more material in in a couple of spots. Is what I learned when I went up to lend a hand last month, plus they need to see how it’s going to cope over winter. It’s not the easiest or cheapest location to build trails…
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I fully understand, and credit is due for the shear effort involved. I just think they (Nevis Range) opened it before it’s fully finished.
@thatbikedad8252
@thatbikedad8252 2 жыл бұрын
Glad I watched this vid , the top section just looks rushed and like you say very flat . Hopefully over time they will see some the issues and improve
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I’ve no doubt they will.
@HankBizzle
@HankBizzle 2 жыл бұрын
Having never ridden it myself I can't really comment on it directly, but from your vid it defo looks like the berms need building up quite a bit 🤔
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Your eyes don’t deceive you
@keithratcliff7896
@keithratcliff7896 2 жыл бұрын
Just doesn't look featured enough to be fun and flowy. some undulation but it'd be nice to have clear tabletops you can ride either slow/fast like Laggan's orange has. I want to carry speed out of berms and this looks quite pedally. Fort Bill WC DH is too intense for me but Top Chief, Glencoe red and the blues over in New Zealand bike parks are a lot more fun than this one looks. Hope it gets a few mods over time or optional features as it'll be great addition then.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I’m sure they’ll add more features over the coming weeks and months to bring it more inline with what you’d expect elsewhere🤞
@Monkey_slapping_keys
@Monkey_slapping_keys 2 жыл бұрын
Looks a green. The bottom looks wicked, so hopefully they get to be more creative, assuming that's their goal of course.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, green in places and almost red in others IMO
@youngbairn
@youngbairn 2 жыл бұрын
Well had my first go on the Blue Doon yesterday and feel some of the criticism is harsh. It's a great run for those just getting into downhill trails. Yes there is some sketchy turns but generally it's well done and will improve alot of beginners braking and trail reading. It's a mammoth effort from the trail builders.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
For a trail that should have mass appeal and will most likely attract many beginners and intermediates, I don’t there is any excuse for any “sketchy turns” at all. Those sketchy turns have led to people being airlifted off the hill.
@youngbairn
@youngbairn 2 жыл бұрын
I agree these need to be sorted 👍
@flippy66
@flippy66 2 жыл бұрын
It's actually really awful for those just getting into DH - but if you're just getting into it you have no frame of reference. Suggest you head to the Alps and ride some beginner trails there to see what a big mountain trail should be like. Beginners need the best made, most secure, most predictable trails possible. This trail just falls away in numerous places, creates fast sections without anything to slow you down or catch you, has corners which make no sense or which only provide support for half the turn. It's a very badly made trail from top to bottom.
@albanomadarts
@albanomadarts 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider I think you should pull yer heid in sunshine. This was yer first run down it the day after the trail opened. The bottom is fantastic. These guys were under enormous pressure with limited resources to get the trail open before the end of the season and youre essentially slagging them off for all their hard work. Guaranteed its a far better trail now theyve had more time to sort the trial and errors. Its down to management and a miracle they got it done that quick. Dont slag the grafters. They did a terrific job with what they had in the time they had. You being an experienced rider should no far better than to just call it shite after one run. Im disappointed at you attitude far more than the lack of berms at the top of the trail
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
@@albanomadarts there’s not one mitigation that you’ve made here that I didn’t in the video. My issue is with the end result, not the people that put in the work. This was my first run, but I did more runs that day. None of them changed my opinion on the trail. Unfortunately, from what I’ve heard from others who have ridden it this year, it’s not improved a great deal over winter. I really want it to be a great trail, and it can be in the future, but right note it’s a bad example of s blue trail. The worst I’ve ridden actually.
@clum84
@clum84 2 жыл бұрын
Yeah after a couple of runs, i feel about the same. big opportunity they had to do something special, especially considering the backing and infrastructure behind it, but it's just plain. When you think of all the incredible, exciting trails built by guys in their spare time, you'd hope a big outfit like this would have done a bit better. Also, calling it right now....someone is going to snap themselves in those fences lol
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
An opportunity missed for the moment. The hardest and most expensive part is done already thankfully.
@middleagedmtber2164
@middleagedmtber2164 2 жыл бұрын
It will improve,give it time .They'll listen to what the public say and think .Remember, it's fixable. If just 2 guys built this 9km themselves in such a short period, then Fecken well done .It a hard enough place to get access too at the best of times lol.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Good effort for sure.
@mcyoon77
@mcyoon77 2 жыл бұрын
Appreciate the straight forward assessment. It’s the unsugarcoated version I’ve seen from others. I don’t think you’ll put people off but I’m sure over time they will tweak it and improve it no end. Would your opinion change if you were new to MTB and didn’t have the speed to carry you into the dodgy corners?
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
My opinion remains the same regardless of ability. If someone is going very steady the whole way down, they may very well enjoy it, but there are definitely s couple of sections that can catch you out at moderate speeds.
@mcyoon77
@mcyoon77 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider from the videos I’ve seen from trusted sources (yourself and Street pigeon to name 2) I can see a few lines out of corners leading a rider straight at some meaty boulders. I think some fairly simple tweaks will improve it 100%. Will find out soon enough for myself.
@jamesmilner4123
@jamesmilner4123 2 жыл бұрын
This unfortunately looks disappointing. I can never understand why blue trails in the UK are so tame and less flowy than blue trails in Europe yet they are apparently using the same grading system. The last blue I rode in Europe was the Steinberg line in leogang (also a WC and family riding destination) and funnily enough it's also around 9km and meant to be a "blue downhill flow trail" it has loads of tabletop jumps, big berms, And a few light rocky or rooty bits, everything rollable and nothing steep and generally amazing fun for a complete amateur or experienced racer however in comparison the blue doon looks extremely disappointing, hopefully this will improve before next summer.
@richardambler8629
@richardambler8629 2 жыл бұрын
Totally agree I’ve never understood why official trails in the uk are always so mundane. Our blues are like European greens and are reds are like euro blues etc... you rarely see green trails here because anyone who has even looked at a bike would have no problem making it down our blues.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I think it may be down to public liability. Trail centres in Scotland are almost all on forestry land, which is technically public land. You also can’t be asked to pay to ride on them or be asked to sign a Weaver form. This means they really don’t want any injuries when you ride the trails.
@jamesmilner4123
@jamesmilner4123 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider That's also what I thought but most European trails in the big bike parks are free to ride by anyone, there's no fee to ride, just a fee for a lift pass, however you are not required to buy a lift pass to ride the trails. There's also no waiver forms. Also if this was the case then there would be no red/black trails as they would need to be just as easy I would have thought?
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
@@jamesmilner4123 after speaking to one of the owners of Revolution bike park, he told me that they can only have trails as full on as theirs because they own the land that it’s on. You can’t do that in Scotland as is technically public land. I believe the forestry commission pays out around 180k per year from people suing them for accidents on thier land.
@jamesmilner4123
@jamesmilner4123 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider They do pay an awful lot due to people claiming off them, as do all the big bike centres, however they get an awfull lot of income too, and I would think that continued building of world class trails would gain more income, however somewhere there seems to be a problem which I have no idea about 😅 A little off topic but hopefully a way around the problem can be found as I also cannot see the world cup continuing to visit fort William if it doesn't keep up with the changes happening at other world cup venues.
@Sam._.santacruz
@Sam._.santacruz 2 жыл бұрын
Totally agree the bottom 3rd is a pretty good flow trail the top 2 3rds are awful should be so much better to match the hype
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
At least we can see what the full trail can be like 👍
@MTB_FPV
@MTB_FPV 2 жыл бұрын
It looks like most fire roads , shame really as there was so much potential to make it more challenging for Blue riders.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Thankfully the potential is still there, just needs a bit more work 👍
@HallMarc_Trails
@HallMarc_Trails 2 жыл бұрын
Sections of it look ok but it's not what you would associate your usual riding with, it's good to be true to yourself, no point saying what people want to hear, just say it as it is, after all it's only an opinion 👍
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
It is only an opinion, but it seems to have angered quite a few people already 😳🤷🏼‍♂️
@Sam._.santacruz
@Sam._.santacruz 2 жыл бұрын
A bit off topic stayed in my van in the car park overnight recently asked in the morning at the reception if the toilets were open the women I spoke to said not yet it’s not a camp site you know even though they charged me £20 for overnight parking 🤔
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I understand and appreciate the overnight parking fee being introduced, but your right, at full campsite price, you’d expect toilet facilities at a minimum.
@markswinney3821
@markswinney3821 2 жыл бұрын
Kudos to Nevis for the undertaking to make the trail. I thought it was pants though. Too many corners and no flow. Hopefully they take on board the comments
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
It’s definitely a good things that I’d there and I’m sure it will improve over time.
@LaingCooper
@LaingCooper 2 жыл бұрын
Rode this on the friday, loved the trail, you just need to work harder to get speed and flow which as an ex-mtb coach is a good thing. Flat turns r where u build core bike skills, the surface is really drifty and it is hard to carry speed, but it is possible.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I’m happy you enjoyed it 👍 I totally understand your points and agree. However, I feel that a good blue should be fairly easy and care free to ride as a beginner. I don’t feel that this trail offers that in its current form. I did do a second run, and definitely improved on my own flat cornering technique.
@lwadjproductions4756
@lwadjproductions4756 2 жыл бұрын
Yeah that’s exactly what you want from a blue flow trail, really difficult flat loose corners that you need to work really hard on so to make it round the corner 🤦🏻‍♂️
@_I.M.T.B_
@_I.M.T.B_ 2 жыл бұрын
Like I said on your Patreon video Andy, let's hope this is a turd that can be polished! Hopefully the money being made from the gondola tickets will bring in the cash that's needed. I don't for one minute think that this is what the trail builders envisaged given their work on the other ones at the range but being a business they've probably had to go along with the early opening for now so that much needed funds can be brought in.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
But what Polish to use 🤔😜 I get it, they are a business first and foremost, they need to do what they need to do to keep afloat, especially after last years lockdowns.
@_I.M.T.B_
@_I.M.T.B_ 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider we can only wait and hope. Judging by some reactions on here and Facebook you'll need to wear a disguise next time you visit 🤣😂
@dirkjordy9point714
@dirkjordy9point714 2 жыл бұрын
I really struggle physically on this sort of trail. It just kills my legs....the burn not sure why? Technique I guess. I know they are limited up there, but much prefer Golfie/ Inners stuff. Can ride that all day long and much more enjoyable me thinks.Still, can't knock any new trails at all.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
A new trail is definitely always a good thing 👍
@CameronKinvig
@CameronKinvig 2 жыл бұрын
I think it's because its such a drawn long out descent. I find the same issue on the blue at comrie croft, yes its easy but god am I tired at the bottom
@pungarehu
@pungarehu 2 жыл бұрын
So all the comments on the trail are pretty much spot on, but what I didn’t notice till I watched this vid was the quality (if you can call it that) of the work by the digger driver(s) on the finishing. It is pretty poor right across the board. A lot of materiel just chucked over the bank, no thought as to slope angles or finishings. They should have at least used vegetation to cover the peat edges to prevent drying out (carbon loss prevention) and put a better slope on the rest. I spend my working days on peatland restoration and the techniques are similar and we just wouldn’t accept work at this level. Sadly, as mactrailrider says, it’s s**t, but with a wee bit of effort and time it can still give its full potential. The trail in the forest however, is on another level altogether - it’s fantastic.
@flippy66
@flippy66 2 жыл бұрын
Completely agree with you, the finishing level of this trail is non-existent. It wouldn't be acceptable in Canada or the Alps, so why here? Well I know why, it was built by a couple of guys who don't ride MTB, and evidently had no frame of reference. Tbh I think it's a long way off from being good. I have it on good authority that they've had an actual trail builder up to look at his conclusion was that everything above Blue Steel (the forest part, which already existed) needs completely rebuilt. Just look at how blue trails are built in other places, watch from 2 mins on this latest Ben Deakin video at Les Gets kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fZqUd5Z4162pYJs.html&ab_channel=BenDeakin
@kieranbarry8193
@kieranbarry8193 10 ай бұрын
Surprisingly disappointing! Thankfully the black and the WC are decent. But really, for the 40 quid uplift ticket they really need to build some more trails
@alexfotheringham7939
@alexfotheringham7939 2 жыл бұрын
Watched a couple of videos now of Blue Doon now, must say a bit disappointed in it and your right it looks dangerous especially if like me you were planning on taking your speed demon 12 year old who was so looking forward to it. Oh well look at again next year. Cheers
@MTBScotland
@MTBScotland 2 жыл бұрын
The dangerous sides of the trail puts me off taking my kids.
@niseach
@niseach 2 жыл бұрын
Take him to Dyfi and get him on Super Swooper - that must be up there with the best flow trails in the UK. With it being a blue, I was hoping for a slightly tamer version of Super Swooper, but I guess not to be. There is huge potential for the future in building up the berms and adding some red detours.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Maybe go and try a run yourself, see how you feel after said run. There are a good free order trails in the range that will cater to your 12 year old 👍
@alanblurr1265
@alanblurr1265 2 жыл бұрын
Funny that though that would be your opinion on seeing pictures, but can be improved! But a lot of work for 2 guys, why no more help?
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Not sure on the full story of the builders, but I believe it was just the usual guys that do all the building at Nevis range that done this one.
@ElectricCrotchRocket
@ElectricCrotchRocket 2 жыл бұрын
Honest opinion.. top looked totally unfinished! I’m sure they’ll sort it 👍
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I’m sure they will too 👍
@stuartmclaren7285
@stuartmclaren7285 2 жыл бұрын
I was up on Sunday the bottom section was pretty good but the top was as u said was shit keep up the great content
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Cheers Stuart
@flippy66
@flippy66 2 жыл бұрын
Completely agree with you, this trail is a huge missed opportunity. It's actually a really badly made trail from a technical point of view - no catch berms, full of flat corners, berms which stop half way round turns, fences on corners, the list goes on. They should have sent someone to Whistler or the Alps for a week to see what real flow trails are actually like. From comments it looks like a lot of other people don't seem to be able to grasp that beginner friendly trails can still be great fun for everyone and should still be made to a standard which enables this - just look at Crank it Up in Whistler. 3:28 - classic example of WTF trail design. I mean did they even ride that?
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I’ve been getting a few comments telling me that I can’t judge the trail as I’m not the target biker for the trail. I’d argue that I’m more qualified to judge it over a beginner or intermediate rider as I’ve ridden many trails and have a fair amount of experience. The actual sharing of the trail needs changed in places and there’s a couple of sections that should never have been left the way they are.
@flippy66
@flippy66 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider Absolutely. I find the notion that beginner trails shouldn't be well made totally condescending - and if anything, beginners need even better made trails than more experienced riders. But tbh, people progress pretty quickly and beginners want fun, well-made trails. You need experience of riding other places in order to judge any given trail, and it comes across like the guys who built this haven't got that experience - though tbh I reckon it's mostly down to time/resources. If NR properly invested in this it could be phenomenal, but at the moment it's 30% of a trail.
@barrygriffin5668
@barrygriffin5668 Жыл бұрын
Rode this trail a few days ago. Save yourself the £38 and ride somewhere more enjoyable.
@jonboy1066
@jonboy1066 2 жыл бұрын
A very honest review… I was really looking forward to this trail opening and had high hopes of it being a great way to warm up before tackling Top Chief. But it looks like all they’ve created is a path down the hill and in places looks bloody dangerous to be on a bike Almost as disappointing as Bike Park Wales attempt at a green trail with Kermit. I took a friend who was a newcomer to bike parks down there last year and vowed never to ride it again. Just a dicey ride with sketchy flat gravelly turns waiting to take you out. Instead of flowy, confidence inspiring fun. I appreciate that a lot of hard work, time and money has gone into this trail and I’m sure they didn’t set out to do a poor job, but it looks like it’s turned out that way. Hopefully they can make some moves to fix it, but it won’t be an easy fix.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I’m not familiar with the green trail at bike park Wales, they usually do a great job in fairness……then again, so do Nevis range.
@rideitpodcast
@rideitpodcast 2 жыл бұрын
The biggest disappointment of the year ☹️
@MTBScotland
@MTBScotland 2 жыл бұрын
Scotland at the euros was pretty big too lol
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Kind of agree, but I’m sure it will improve over time 🤞
@rideitpodcast
@rideitpodcast 2 жыл бұрын
Feedback is pretty negative so I'm sure it'll bring about improvements. I'm sure it'll be transformed eventually and be pretty epic.
@WheezyandtheBanditMTB
@WheezyandtheBanditMTB 2 жыл бұрын
role on next Aug :)
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
It’ll be much improved by then I’m sure
@ffjim
@ffjim 7 ай бұрын
Its a Blue trail, is it a good idea for people who want a Red trail to be on this with newcomers? Not sure what the answer is and not rode this one yet so my opinion does not count at this point..... Perhaps riders should be saying to themselves should I be on a novice trail...
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 7 ай бұрын
A blue tail is actually aimed at intermediate riders primarily. Beginners trails are generally green. These aren’t strict rules though. A really good blue can appeal to all levels though, if done correctly. Having hugely different levels of riders on the same trail isn’t ideal to be fair, but this trail in particular is in a very open hillside, which helps everyone see each other in good time.
@gaford581
@gaford581 2 жыл бұрын
I'm not going to knock it just yet, afterall we're still living in the strange times. Give it a year or two to bed in and let the lads and lassies that build/ maintain it get rid of the value engineering at the upper stages and build it up to be more in line with the quality that was at the latter part of the run ;-)
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I’d definitely going to get better with time.
@chazhood3820
@chazhood3820 2 жыл бұрын
Its brilliant, I rode it on the same day and chatted to you in the que, for someone of my ability its amazing. We can go as a family and while my teenage boys ride the big stuff I can do this with my wife.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it mate 👍
@RicardoPetrazzi
@RicardoPetrazzi 2 жыл бұрын
Ach, c'est la vie, it is was it is....🙄. I'm still going to give it go myself anyway before the end of the season....
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Quick right, and if you don’t like it, there’s another two excellent trails next to it 👌
@puppet-head
@puppet-head 2 жыл бұрын
You seem to be approaching it from the viewpoint that everything should work for you at your skill level, that is never going to be the case. Sometimes trails are for other people.
@MTBScotland
@MTBScotland 2 жыл бұрын
I thought it was crap too as have a load of people just like some people have enjoyed it. It has nothing to do with the skill of the rider. I ride quite a lot of blues with my kids and I enjoy them.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
My opinion of the trail is the same for all abilities. For instance, when a berm flattens out early when you still need the support, that’s a problem for all abilities.
@flippy66
@flippy66 2 жыл бұрын
"everything should work for you at your skill level" - a beginner trail should be easier, not harder. Good beginner trails work for everyone, that's the point. He's not complaining that there aren't drops or massive jumps, functioning berms are a basic and the bare minimum for a flow trail.
@glenblackman7503
@glenblackman7503 2 жыл бұрын
Can someone write a review taking into account who the trail was built for…. Blue/moderate - Intermediate cyclist/mountain bikers with basic off-road riding skills. Mountain bikes or hybrids. Not just with the perspective for people who regularly ride blacks/oranges to try and ride a blue full send.
@aaronmtb
@aaronmtb 2 жыл бұрын
Even still I’d say it wouldn’t work because the trail requires a lot of skill. Flat berms, berms don’t lead to where you think they would and the fact it being so long beginners will tire quickly due to the length of the trail and how many berms there are.
@MTBScotland
@MTBScotland 2 жыл бұрын
still boring. my kids looked at the vids and didn't have any interest in trying it. The other thing is the danger risk of coming off the track with big boulders or a significant drop onto boulders. I enjoy blue trails ( blue steel is good fun) but this is just awful.
@smelge
@smelge 2 жыл бұрын
Backing up what some of the others are saying. The best blue trails are the ones which are suitable for most people, but allow you to improve and go faster to build up your skills. At the moment, you have a lot of sections that get fast then fire the rider into a ditch over a flat corner, or a few berms that stop a meter or two too early and aim you off the side. Having proper berms and proper support around the corners is going to keep the less experienced riders on the track and in the right direction. They'll never learn if they've ploughed straight into a ditch.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
The guys have done a great job in responding to you, I don’t think that there is anything more that I could add.
@smelge
@smelge 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider I feel that shrieking like a pterodactyl is an ideal thing to add.
@stevee4467
@stevee4467 2 жыл бұрын
Looks like 3 folks from Nevis Range don't like your honest opinion 😁😁
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
That number will definitely grow 😜😢
@Itsthejourneynotthedestination
@Itsthejourneynotthedestination 2 жыл бұрын
Appreciate your honest assessment however as someone who has a large following maybe being slightly less brutal with your assessment may have been fairer given it's brand new.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
My following hasn’t, and won’t ever have an influence on my feelings or opinions. I meant what I said in the video, including that I think it will get better over time👍
@CameronKinvig
@CameronKinvig 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider I think there are some caveats to your statement. Yes, it's shit atm *for the experienced mountain biker* but it provides great opportunity for the novices to give MTB a go. And while the berms should be higher, I doubt those it were intended for are going fast enough to find it a problem
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
@@CameronKinvig the things that detract from it being good for an advanced rider are largely the same things for a beginner. A berm fading away early and where you need support. Going steeply down hill faced with a 90 degree corner with little or no support to assist you. When the trail opens up and encourages speed, and then turn sharply behind a blind crest etc etc
@benbackes3301
@benbackes3301 2 жыл бұрын
I absolutly rely on the reviews on big mountain days from Andrew, Scotty Laughland, Street Pigeon and many others. I've found all their reviews and guides to be absolutely spot on. The last thing i'd like these guys to do is dumb their comments down to satisfy trail centres etc. Keep up the good work McTrail rider.
@bigalsbash
@bigalsbash 2 жыл бұрын
Got 10 runs in, faster everytime. Hated my first run, but by the end I just wanted to ride it more. Yes there are awkward flat corners, sometimes even off camber. To me this is what makes it an all round track, begginers will be hard pushed to get enough speed up to endanger themselves and competent riders have to work at it to go fast. Only reasons I didn't ride it more, I put my back out and Scottish downhill was on so uplifts were limited.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I ride it a few days later and it was a bit better surface wise. For me though, a blue should be effortless and care free for a beginner and it should be far and flowing for an advanced rider. I don’t think this trail does either tbh.
@albanomadarts
@albanomadarts 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider Honestly. The more I read the comments and your replies. the issue really is you and your attitude. Theres literally hundreds of you at every trail centre. Moan moan moan, thinking youre the grand oracle of trail riding, shouting at those less capable to get out of your way so you can blast to the bottom then complain how shite it was. If yer nae happy, bugger off to the orange and leave folks that are happy with these trails to it
@DaveLivesey
@DaveLivesey 2 жыл бұрын
Honestly, that feels harsh. I went up and rode it 3 times with my wife who is solidly, by preference, a blue rider and she loved it. Was it the best flowy blue ever? No - but that takes time, development, and riding it in. You and I are not really the primary audience for this trail, nor are the heroes that were yelling at people all the way down on their full DH rigs. People like my better half who was totally stoked to be out on a big hill, are. My biggest issue with it was the girl selling the lift tickets who put the fear of god into my wife for the first run because she said it wasn't safe without a full face, knee and elbow pads.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I’m genuinely happy that your better half enjoyed the trail 👍 I still feel that it’s dangerous in a few key sections, regardless of ability and that is one of the main reasons I’ve been so critical of it. Something that has been proven by a few people having to be air lifted off the hill, and is probably the reason the girl at the ticket office was reiterating the safety precautions to you.
@protarget1
@protarget1 2 жыл бұрын
Looking for some vids on the new Blue, I've just come across this vid Don't I think your comments are little unfair. Are you comparing the berms to what you expect a red trail's berms to be like??. It's a Blue trail, and wasn't it designed to attract beginners, who wouldn't be riding anywhere near the speed you were. So the the berms don't need as banked, They might have designed like that to keep the faster riders off ;-) LOL.
@_I.M.T.B_
@_I.M.T.B_ 2 жыл бұрын
So why are all other blues full of berms and line options including the other blues at the very same bike park? Blues are for intermediate riders, green is for beginners last I checked. The main issue here is that surface and the boulders in the ditches. Any 'beginner' who feels they're going too fast and snatches a handful of brake is going to wash out straight into that lot. Hopefully it'll improve before I let my kids near it.
@protarget1
@protarget1 2 жыл бұрын
@@_I.M.T.B_ The problem at Fort Bill, is there's no other options except the Top Chief & the WC Downhill Looking at this this vid. Anyone could ride this trail if they took their time. BTW you can ride any berms at any speed you want on the Blue trails I've ridden. But Berms on some of the Reds you have to ride them at a decent speed.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I’m judging the trail based on its grading and against other blue trails that I’ve ridden at various locations. My main criticism of this trail is the lack of consistency. One corner will be have a nice supportive berm but then the very next corner won’t have a been at all, followed by a Ben that looks supportive but no where nearly as much as the last one. Through in some blind sections that many had already run off on, on only the second day. Ditches full of boulders and a loose surface. I really wanted to love this trail, but in its current form, it simply doesn’t work for any level of mountain biker.
@cavegod1
@cavegod1 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider I think Scotland needs a Bike park Wales, I think I'd rather drive the 8 hrs there than the 2 to Fort bill
@craighynd5815
@craighynd5815 2 жыл бұрын
My mate is the trail builder or one of them at the Nevis Range, I know they've put an awful lot of work in on the trails, I probably won't point him in the direction of this video :)
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I don’t doubt their edit or ability, I’ve seen and rode some of the great trails they’ve made. I realise that they need more time for this one. My main criticism is that they opened it before it was fully ready.
@mickeyc5355
@mickeyc5355 2 жыл бұрын
Looks like a decent beginner, younger riders trail to me. Maybe you are expecting too much from it ? Looks to me like it actually it does what it says on the tin for its target ordinance.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
At very low speeds, maybe it’s fine. Please look at some of my other responses to see my reasoning as I’ve repeated myself a fair amount already. I do think it will get better though.
@BarrySomerville
@BarrySomerville 2 жыл бұрын
I agree that it will get better with time (and a lot more rain over winter to help bed it down……it’s way too loose just now), and I have no doubt the builders will put in a lot of improvements and alternative features over the coming months, but being brutally honest, it is just not a good trail just now. Even my 11 year old son didn’t enjoy it much, and he is what I would class as the absolute stereotype ‘target audience’ - it’s a BLUE trail for intermediate riders…that’s what blue trails are supposed to be….this has little flow and certainly no features as you would expect on any blue trail….yet it’s so badly conceived in places that it’s not a green either as it’s downright dangerous in places for anyone who has no MTB experience…..way too many badly constructed corners/berms/cambers to be safe for beginners. My son was bored with it after the 2nd run….and was demented with the wait of over an hour to get on the gondola too…..needs major improvements to get us to make the trip again.
@CD-ow2rm
@CD-ow2rm 2 жыл бұрын
That is a very harsh criticism, do you genuinely feel it’s that bad?
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
In its current form, absolutely. I spoke to many people on the day, and they all shared my sentiment.
@snud6737
@snud6737 2 жыл бұрын
Looks pretty boring to ride…
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, pretty featureless at the moment.
@llove-electrical
@llove-electrical 2 жыл бұрын
It is good for peoples first time riding the gondola so the don't have to do a world cup down hill track or a gnarly black straight away
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
100% 👍
@markymark8364
@markymark8364 2 жыл бұрын
Rode this 4 or 5 times on opening day. Not it's not perfect but it's best part of 10k on an exposed North facing mountain. Every run on opening day it got better and better. Yes there's some bits that need work, if was never going to be perfect when box fresh. When you consider who this trail is aimed at and the future aspirations of Nevis Range I think this trail is nothing short of a triumph. To say the trail is shit after one ride down is a slap on the face to not just the builders but the people who have strived to build a world class fully inclusive uplift facility in Scotland.
@CameronKinvig
@CameronKinvig 2 жыл бұрын
You're spot on. The people complaining about this trail aren't who it was designed for
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I fully appreciate the work and investment that went into this trail and what it will do for the sport in Scotland. But it’s clearly been opened before the season has finished to get done money in, and I kind of don’t blame them. However, I don’t feel that it’s finished properly, with a few sections that I genuinely feel are unsafe. That’s my criticism.
@markymark8364
@markymark8364 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider I understand that and agree to some extent. So why not say that rather than "it's shit" 🤷🏻‍♂️
@archiesgmarshall
@archiesgmarshall 2 жыл бұрын
@@markymark8364 because it is shit
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
@@markymark8364 right now, as it is, that’s exactly how a feel about it. I do say in the video that it will get better over time and that the bottom section is good and shows what the builders can and have done.
@louisestephenson1295
@louisestephenson1295 2 жыл бұрын
Its a blue trail, for us mere mortals, going no where near as fast as you with no where near the skill of you - it looks great to me!
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
I understand what your saying, but I feel that it’s still not a great trail by design at the moment, even for beginners and intermediates. It will improve though.
@albanomadarts
@albanomadarts 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider Course it will. So why write it off as shite on yer first run?
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
@@albanomadarts you want me to give it a good review because it could be good in the future?
@calummacarthur1149
@calummacarthur1149 2 жыл бұрын
@@McTrailRider well said
@sw6738
@sw6738 2 жыл бұрын
Anything is fun if you ride it fast enough 😆
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
To a certain extent
@Ryan-gd4sb
@Ryan-gd4sb 2 жыл бұрын
This is a crap trail for experience riders and its just not interesting but I guess it gives beginners a chance in the sport so they don't have to do all the pedal trails. I think im just going to stick with world dh and top cheif.
@McTrailRider
@McTrailRider 2 жыл бұрын
Always great to have options 👍
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