New Downhill Trails at the Forest of Dean (Countdown and Launchpad)

[@MultiPlew]

Rode this at the weekend for the first time. The most fun I've had on two wheels.

[@bikeandbeyond]

Yeah they are good trails

[@roof30]

Going on Sunday to FoD (my local trails), can't wait!

[@thomashutchinson1]

Look brilliant!

[@alrandall5264]

Up to your usual high standards. It was nice to meet you the other day while you were filming, I'm glad to see that my distracting you didn't spoil your efforts too much. I have to say that I think I preferred the more natural feel of the old Countdown but it is still very good and the surface at least will make it rideable in any conditions. I don't think the resurfacing changed the character of Launchpad but simply smoothed out some of the rough patches. I note that you haven't mentioned your slick every day shoes in your kit list. :-)

[@bikeandbeyond]

Yeah it was good to chat to you. I agree that countdown has changed its character a bit (from a more natural), but like you say, at least it will be rideable in the winter. Haha, yeah I think the shoes might catch on 😂

[@andrewholloway9226]

Went down last Friday and total agree with your video! Great work.

[@Alan-75]

When you come out of countdown ride past launch pad and right on the corner thiers an entrance in the trees that is great, it runs to the left of launch pad.

[@bikeandbeyond]

Nice tip, cheers Alan 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Alan-75]

Was told It's called worm hole Narrow in places, drops, lots of rooty tech ,one of my favourite tracks their. B careful on the first drop, u can catch a peddle on roots.

[@FortySomethingRider]

Great video, loads of work has gone in those 2 favourites of mine to blow of steam. Cannot wait to be hitting them in 3 weeks time!

[@bikeandbeyond]

They are great trails. You will have an awesome time!

[@lifeinlotus1143]

Looks amazing!

[@AdventureTrailsMTB]

Flip flops 🤣🤣🤣🤣 trail looks epic

[@bikeandbeyond]

Yeah it could have been really sketchy with those on. :)

[@Lewyhill1]

Even move fun on the gravel bike

[@buggs9950]

How did the trainers work out? I hopped on my bike for a test ride wearing my steely work trainers the other day and they were brilliant for grip and support. Heavier than 510 hi-tops mind..

[@bikeandbeyond]

The trainers actually worked out to be pretty grippy. They were a bit too floppy to ride in though. I am not planning on making a habit out of it.😅😂

[@rektchord]

Awesome video mate. I'm fairly new to mtb, ben riding for a few months. I mainly ride at the nova trail which I'm pretty confident with now. Do you think these trails would be alright for someone fairly new to the sport? Also, is it fairly straightforward to get to countdown and launchpad from the site entrance, I'm struggling to find a decent trail map for FOD? I'm a solo rider at the moment so just always looking for advice from more experienced riders, I've found loads of your videos super helpful. Thanks!

[@bikeandbeyond]

Hello mate. The Nova trail is great fun. Especially on a hardtail. Countdown and Launchpad are brilliant entry level downhill trails. They are fast, but completely rollable. They are easy enough to find. They start from the same place as the other downhill trails, but the guys in the shop can point you in the right direction. 👍🏻

[@rektchord]

@@bikeandbeyond thanks for the reply. Yes, loving the nova trail though these berms and flows looks buttery smooth after the work they've done. Keen for some rollercoaster vibes :) I spend a lot of time riding natural lines and features on a hardtail so I fancy trying something a little less bone Shakey (though I do love it). Cheers!

[@sockmower8392]

i broke my collarbone on this

[@bikeandbeyond]

Sorry to hear that buddy

[@samueleverington1560]

Not going to lie these so called ‘jumps’ along the trails look a lot more like rollers🤔…