Wylde

With COVID restrictions eased, the kids back at school, but not needing to be in the office all the time yet, I logged in to work really early today. But there was method to my madness.

After dropping the kids at school, this time I put the MTB in the back of the car and headed to the Wylde Mountain Bike Park. As far as I know, this is the closest park to me for riding. And it had been a long time since I’ve been there. It turns out it was just a few days short of six years.

I really enjoyed myself. The trails are so much smoother than the ones behind Glenbrook, so it was a pleasure to ride. I found a lot of the confidence I had been missing on my previous outing to Glenbrook. Even to the point I was getting air and railing along the banked turns.

Of course, there is always the slog up the hill, but Wylde is not a straight climb (like Stromlo!). There were also some nice wide bits to pull off the trail and catch my breath. Like Stromlo, but not Sparrow Hill (where I used to ride) it is one way, and mostly well signposted. There are some changes occurring at the moment, so some trails seem to be shut off or modifications have occurred since the maps were created.

I set out to do the 12km loop, then decided that I would do a 6km loop and then I could repeat it if I felt up to it or enjoyed it. In the end, with the changes, and possibly me linking trails together incorrectly, my 6km loop turned into a 8.5km loop and I went the length of the park. I think some of the 12km is closed off for the time being.

Overall, I was really happy. Nice smooth tracks, friendly riders, pleasant weather. And most certainly NOT an epic skills fail like last time. Only drag is that it is about 30mins drive from home.

I hope to get out there before another 6 years goes past.