Sheffield CITY OF SHRED

With a dizzying array of natural and sculpted trails, and a diverse community of passionate, friendly riders, Sheffield is a true pinner’s paradise

- Hanna Jonsson

Sheffield is a city that lives and breathes mountain bikes. Small enough that you quickly feel part of the scene, yet big enough that you never get bored of the riding. In the past 10 years I’ve witnessed both the scene and the trail network grow bigger and more diverse, and have discovered a community that is friendly, motivated, fast and talented. It’s a city that has managed to preserve its core riding scene whilst enjoying an explosion of new trails and riders. Where old trails – that go back to the Steve Peat era – are just as relevant and engaging as the ones being created by younger trail builders today. To really understand the magic of Sheffield from a mountain biker’s perspective, you have to experience it first-hand. Let me tell you why.

WHARNCLIFFE VIBES

The first time I rode in Sheffield I was pretty much a mountain bike newbie and most of the trails I was introduced to seemed impossible. But looking back, that feeling seems unavoidable, because I was introduced to the reality of Wharncliffe’s steep, technical trails.

Wharny, as it is known locally, is one of the main hotspots for mountain bikers in Sheffield, with trails that are both technical yet flowing, steep but rideable. In these woods exist some of the rockiest, most challenging tracks that I can only dream about getting down, as well as some of the most fun and rewarding trails I’ve ever ridden. It’s got that perfect balance between tech and flow, fear and fun.