Mountain Biking UK

Our annual trail guide is an MBUK institution that’s been introducing mountain bikers to great new riding spots for well over a decade. In that time, the number of locations worthy of inclusion has exploded. From 50 trail centres in 2011, we’re now up to more than 120 UK trailheads and bike parks. So, this year we’ve tweaked the guide, to make it easier to find the best riding near you. We’ve also included some natural spots, because there’s more to MTBing than just manmade trails. It’s still perfectly sized to pop in your glovebox, though, so wherever you and your bike end up, you’re sure to find something worth riding. Included in the guide since 2019, Southampton Bike Park has just reopened after a big investment, so we tasked a…

RACHEL ATHERTON DOWNHILL SUPERSTAR She stepped out of the limelight to become a mum but now Rach is back, with big plans for 2023. Find out more on p15 GREG WILLIAMSON REIGNING BRITISH CHAMP Another DH ace, with a decade in the game and three World Cup podiums to his name, Greg joins Tom for his epic night ride on p44 VICKY BALFOUR MECHANIC, WRITER & GUIDE Working away uncredited on our Grimetime guides (p104) and this issue’s multi-tool test (p73), Vicky deserves a turn in the spotlight! STEVE GEALL GODFATHER OF DIRT Our cover star was joined by fellow UK MTB legends Ben Deakin, Chris Smith and Grant ‘Chopper’ Fielder for this month’s Trail Crew. Check it out on p106…

It’s been a long time coming, but we now have our own dedicated MBUK video team, who’ll be posting unmissable MTB content on BikeRadar’s YouTube channel every Wednesday. Our former staff writer and noted whip fanatic Will Soffe will be heading things up, accompanied by pro videographer Max Wilman, who’s as handy on a bike as he is behind the lens. You can expect to see regular appearances from the rest of the team, too, along with some big names from the world of MTBing. By the time you read this, you’ll hopefully already have been blown away by the teasers (if not, check them out now at MBUK.com) and the first full-length video should be live. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect over the next few weeks... PRESENTER WILL SOFFE Moustachioed…

The mountains have a way of putting things in perspective. Here, Brian Langlois appears humbled by his epic surroundings as he rides the Mackenzie Ridge Trail at sunset. This earn-your-turns affair at Revelstoke Mountain Resort in British Columbia starts 2,200m above sea level, yet is overshadowed by the surrounding peaks. “Take the gondola up to 1,676m and then the real climbing begins,” explains snapper Ryan Creary. “Almost 7km of it, switchback after switchback, through subalpine forest and meadows, and eventually to the top, where the ridge trail begins. This out-and-back takes in breathtaking spires, peaks and bowls, which make for serious backcountry ski terrain once winter hits. After you reach the end, the summer version of gravity-fed fun begins. Under warm afternoon skies, take the singletrack back to where the…

Californian style-mongers TLD have released two new open-face helmets, the Flowline and Flowline SE (pictured). These extended-coverage trail lids replace the A1 and A2, respectively, and offer more features at a lower price. Both feature MIPS slip-plane tech, designed to help protect against rotational impact forces, along with an adjustable peak and 14 vents, which should keep your noggin at a comfortable temperature even when you’re pushing hard. Internally, a 360-degree cradle with three height settings ought to make it easy to dial in the fit. The SE model has a few upgrades, including a Fidlock magnetic buckle, a dual-density EPS foam liner and premium antimicrobial pads. They’re available in multiple colours and three sizes (XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL). Flowline £99.99, Flowline SE £139.99 https://saddleback.co.uk Say what!? “WITH CLOUD HAMPERING OUR VISION, IT’S POT…

Write to: MBUK Send it! Eagle House, Bristol, BS1 4ST Email: mbuk@immediate.co.uk Visit: www.mbuk.com STAR LETTER WINS... Lezyne Pocket Torque Drive torque wrench kit & Alloy Drive (M) mini pump worth £105 THAT’S GOTTA HURT WINS... 661 Recon Advance knee pads (M) & Rail Classic gloves (L) worth £125 SHOT OF THE MONTH WINS... DMR OiOi saddle, Deathgrip (Thin) grips & V11 pedals worth £123 INSTA-BANGERS WINS... Lezyne Super Drive 1600XXL & KTV Pro Smart lights worth £160 STAR LETTER AGE IS JUST A NUMBER When I opened the February issue I noticed on the welcome page the small box that states “mountain biking is for everyone” and your mission to seek meaningful change in the diversity of our sport. At 66 years old, my competitive nature makes me refuse to accept that I might be over the hill, and I believe I…