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The Minchmoor Loop
May 12, 2012 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
FreeI’ve been wanting to do this ride again for a while and the weather looks good for Saturday. The route takes in big chunks of the Selkirk Mountain Marathon course (of previous year’s at least) if anyone is wanting to pre-ride it to get a feel.
- Meet point: Innerleithen trail centre car park
- Departure/Duration: 10am / 5-6 hours including refueling, photos & faff
- Distance: approx 40-45km
- Notes: no facilities en route so pack plenty of water and food. It’s exposed in places so pack appropriate clothing. Planning on a bite to eat at the Traquair Arms afterwards.
- Logistics: I’d love to offer a lift but it looks like I’ll be heading down the day before to ride at GT with a mate and staying over – if that changes I’ll post up.
The terrain is a real mixed bag to keep you entertained – starts and finishes at Innerleithen trail centre with open moorland double track, narrow forest singletrack, fireroads, some quiet B road and cycle paths. Technically nothing too difficult, maybe a couple of tricky singletrack descents (rooty, off camber) in the forests and the final descent of the day is Caddon Bank at Innerliethen but it’s a red and there’s chicken runs for those who just want to roll down.
The scenery is ace, wide views out around Selkirk and towards the Eildons. I did the ride back in September – here’s a taster and a link to some photos. I can’t promise the same weather! Post up if you’re interested.
Descending Minchmoor
The googlemap plonked the pin in for Innerleithen, here’s some better directions if you’re not sure where the meet point is:
http://www.7stanesmountainbiking.com/Glentress—Innerleithen/How-To-Get-There-Innerleithen
Gutted. Really wanted to do this ride… as don’t know many routes down there other than the trail centres… maybe we can do it again later in the year?
I’m up for this but my car has been commandeered for this weekend. Anyone else going willing to offer a lift for a share of petrol?
Robin,
I think that this looks good and would hope to be heading down. If so will be taking the car and will have room for another. I will confirm later today.
Stuart,
That sounds good. Are you going? Can I take you up on that offer?
Robin,
My wife isn’t too well just now so cannot commit just yet. Should be able to confirm by tonight.
Stuart,
Ok, no problem. Hope your wife gets better soon.
Robin,
At the moment it looks like I will not be able to make it. Hope you are able to make other arrangements.
If I don’t have to work on Saturday (which is, quite literally, up in the air at the moment!), I’d love to join in on this. However, I would need to blag a lift from somebody, obviously sharing fuel costs.
Hi Ryszard. My plans have changed. I’m now driving down. I’m taking Ieva and have space for x1 more – you have first refusal on that space. Let me know what happens with your work vs riding plans.
Fantastic, thanks! I’m hoping that I’ll just need to be available on the phone. Will let you know as soon as I do.
Count me in! I’m planning on bringing a mate, so I don’t have any space. I’ll post up if an offer of a lift if he fails to attend.
My mate has confirmed, so unfortunately I can’t offer a lift.
Stuart: no worries, hope things are ok.
Any one else going able to share a lift? Else it will be the road for me on saturday. Zero 7 nine 8 one 8 one 5 zero 8 two is my number.
Barry’s asked me about the terrain vs knee pads etc. It’s not really necessary, there’s nothing massively technical or rocky. People ride this as part of the Mountain Marathon and don’t wear pads. Down through some of the forests it will be a bit muddy and rooty and we finish on the final part of Innerliethen red route (Cadon Bank) which you can get some speed up on. Overall I’d say the route is red, but the final descent could feel like a black after a long ride.
That said, the normal disclaimers apply, it’s a sport with a degree of risk attached, what you’re prepared to accept is up to you and it’s your body, to protect how you see fit.