Eastridge Promise

Shropshire’s trail network has been the backdrop for a multitude of legendary races and after 30 years it still delivers thrills by the bucketload.

- Sim Mainey

It’s taken me a long time to get round to riding at Eastridge Woods. The reasons are varied but at the core is the fact that I’m not a racer. It’s not that you need to be a racer to ride here, it’s just that if your weekends are spent in far flung fields in pursuit of podiums it’s almost guaranteed that at least some of your riding career will have been spent between the tapes in this small wood in Shropshire.

When it comes to the history of racing in the UK, Fort William with its World Cup DH track and perennially huge crowds might attract much of the limelight, but Eastridge Woods probably pips it for cultural significance. Competition has raged here for nearly three decades, playing host to everything from classic XC through to enduro with a healthy dose of DH in-between. Whatever your discipline, whatever your age, if you have a passion for racing bikes then chances are you’ll already know about Eastridge.

One of my highlights of last year was visiting Hopton Woods for this Trail Guide series (August 2016 issue), just 30km down the road from Eastridge. With its blend of well-built yet natural-feeling red route, along with more off-piste than you can shake a pair of goggles at, it managed to find its way to the top of my trail centre list. The map board in the car park had said, ‘Enjoyed Hopton? You will love Eastridge Woods’ Trail!’ It’s taken me a while to get here, and with high expectations I hope the wait has been worth it.