March 2023 Archive – What Happened in the North Bristol MTB Scene

March was a busy month for mountain bikers in North Bristol. We posted several articles that kept riders up to speed with the latest rides, trail changes, gear tips and community stories. Below is a quick walk‑through of the highlights you might have missed.

Ride Recap: The March Group Ride

Early March we organized a group ride that started at the St. Andrews Trailhead and tackled the new single‑track on the Rookery. The ride attracted about 30 riders, from beginners to seasoned racers. We shared photos, a short video, and a list of the biggest climbs and descents. The post also gave a quick weather summary – a chilly but dry day that made the mud stay off the tires.

If you missed the event, the recap page still has a map of the route, suggested alt‑routes for different skill levels, and a few tips on where to stop for a coffee break. The community comments section was full of personal stories, which you can read for a feel of the local vibe.

New Trail Guide: Mangotsfield Loop

One of the most popular posts in March introduced the brand‑new Mangotsfield Loop. This 8‑kilometre circuit we designed for intermediate riders, combines flowy sections with a few technical rock gardens. The guide includes a printable GPX file, elevation charts and a short video demo of each feature.

We also listed the best places to park, where to find water, and a quick checklist of gear you’ll need – a sturdy front tyre, a dropper post and plenty of spare tubes. Feedback from riders who tried the loop in the first week was overwhelmingly positive, so we added a “what to watch out for” box with extra caution points for the steep drop‑off after the third jump.

Beyond the guide, we posted a short interview with the local trail builder who helped shape the loop. He explained why we chose the natural terrain and how volunteers can get involved in future projects.

Gear Review: 2023 Carbon Hardtail

March also featured a hands‑on review of the newest 2023 carbon hardtail model. We rode it on the Rookery trails and compared it with our 2022 aluminium sibling. The review covers frame geometry, weight, suspension performance and price‑to‑value ratio.

Key takeaways: the carbon frame feels lighter on climbs, the new fork offers smoother travel on rough sections, and the integrated dropper makes descents less intimidating. The cons list is short – the price is still a bit high for casual riders, and the stock seat post could be stronger.

We added a simple table that lets you see how each spec measures up against other popular models, plus a quick buying guide for anyone thinking about upgrading this season.

Community Spotlight: Junior Riders Programme

Another March post highlighted the launch of our Junior Riders Programme. The article explains how the club partnered with a local school to give kids a safe introduction to mountain biking. We detailed the weekly training sessions, the basic skills taught, and the upcoming family ride that will let kids show off what they’ve learned.

Parents who signed up praised the friendly coaches and the affordable bike hire scheme. We also shared a short “how to get started” checklist for families wanting to join – everything from helmet fitting to bike maintenance basics.

All of these posts are still live in our March archive, ready for you to explore whenever you need a quick tip, a new trail idea, or a glimpse into the local bike community. Bookmark the page, and come back each month for fresh updates that keep your rides fun and safe.

What are some stationary bike exercise tips?

7.03.2023 By: Zander Calloway

Stationary bikes are a great way to get a cardio workout without having to go outside. This article offers some tips on how to get the most out of a stationary bike workout. Firstly, setting a goal and tracking progress is key. Secondly, it’s important to adjust the bike settings to fit your body type. Thirdly, vary intensity and resistance levels throughout the workout. Fourthly, use a timer to ensure you stay focused and motivated. Finally, end with a cool-down period to help your body recover. Following these tips will ensure you get the most out of your stationary bike workout.

Is it possible to bike across America?

3.03.2023 By: Zander Calloway

It is possible to bike across America! Many people have completed the journey from coast to coast, sometimes alone and sometimes in groups. Biking across the country is a huge undertaking and requires a lot of preparation and determination. You'll need to plan ahead, think through logistics, and be prepared to deal with unexpected challenges. You'll also need to be sure to take plenty of rest days and enjoy the journey. With the right preparation and mindset, biking across America can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience.

What is the key for the bicycle route markings on Google Maps?

3.03.2023 By: Zander Calloway

Google Maps has recently added a feature that helps cyclists identify the best bike routes to take. The feature uses green dotted lines to mark the most bike-friendly roads and paths, and blue dashed lines to indicate less bike-friendly routes. The green lines are typically the most direct route, and the blue lines are usually roads and paths with more traffic. Additionally, solid green lines indicate routes that have dedicated bike lanes, while a green line with an arrow indicates a route with a one-way bike lane. This feature helps cyclists identify the safest and most direct routes to take, making it easier to plan a bike ride.