One of the best BPW videos I've watched, I had been put off going because, even BPW's own promotion, seems to push the high speed gap jump trails... you've proved that there is so much more to there and it really is worth making a trip, brilliant, thanks! My own Aeris would love it too.
Was actually there the other day with a friend and we were commenting on the difference of what we ride now compared to 5 years ago when visiting and just shows the progression. Always trying to ascertain the best place to ride in the uk and hands down still has to be here
@@pauldevlin6382 In Wales, I like Nant yr Arian, less well known I guess but has a great woodland section, although followed by a long fire road climb and the final hillside decent back to the café is good too.
I love bike park wales. It’s a place for everyone one to ride at any level of riding, something for every1. Highly recommended, you will definitely leave with a big smile on your face 👍
When you get to the top of the uplift, Bike Park Wales have a map of the various different runs, which grades them in ascending order of difficulty, from easy to hard. The way they manage the progression from the green through the blues is very clever (some blues are harder than others). Taken in order, each new run gradually introduces something a little bit harder or more challenging than the run before, but it always feels manageable. After each run, you find yourself buzzing with excitement, claiming that this run was the best yet and your new favourite. I have not yet graduated to red runs, but I can spend a whole weekend at BPW running just the blues without ever getting bored and without ever finding myself out of my depth. The other thing I would mention after watching the video is that the runs are fast, but only as fast as you want them to be. There is no pressure on you to go faster than you are comfortable. Your bike has brakes, you control the speed. And falling off hurts.
Similar level rider here, I did BPW for the first time this week! I absolutely loved it, similar to yourself I warmed up on the blues before attempting some reds and found the ramp-up pretty fierce. Great challenge though, and the trails are beautifully built. The bottom section where the blues link up is so fast!
Looks like you had an absolute ball. Bike park wales never fails to impress anyone. Incredible progression like you said and they have the “whistler style” progression chart suggesting next step trails to ride. Also love how they split the trials into tech and flow and then tech/flow hybrids. Glad you liked roots manoeuvre, always causes a bit of fear but leaves me buzzing! Epic edit! ❤
Some useful info if you are heading to BPW (I was there a month ago): EV drivers - there are two DC fast chargers behind a pub and adjacent a Travelodge in the retail park one roundabout back from BPW (and you can pop across to McDonalds whilst you're at it). There some roadworks on just up from BPW if you are coming down from north Wales but they weren't causing too much of a problem. Uplift is about the same price as Dyfi BUT you can just rock up and get a one day pass that allows you full access but you have to peddle yourself up. I think it's £15 compared to £46 for the uplift so an option for the tight of pocket. Likewise the on site catering is good but pricey. There are a suite of food options just up the road from BPW (inc that aforementioned McDs and a KFC) and a supermarket (and a cinema, if that's useful info) so again there are options. In some ways the location of BPW for having alternate and easy reach facilities is way better than Dyfi BUT it is 80 miles south of the Nant Y Arian, Dyfi, Brenin triangle around Machynlleth so you lose out there. As an alt though - you are less than an hour away from Forest of Dean AND 417 so if you're after a week of falling off a mountain in style, you have options.
I love FOD , that place is so good 😊 ( except when they close the launchpad) that’s so annoying but when it’s open it’s an absolute blast 💥 IN THE DRY THAT IS , when it’s wet it’s a nasty mess to ride!😂
No mention that BPW doesn't take cash. Booked online for my trip but went elsewhere for food as I prefer to pay in cash. I enjoyed my trip but it was an expensive day out.
Too fast for my liking. Thank you for a great report. I am more of a technical flats and climbs trail biker. The downhills speed scares me, since an error can mean impacts with consequences.
looks like you had a blast Jamie! BPW is better over 2 days as you get so much quicker on the second day. AC/DC is a lot of fun and Bonneville is steep with a real kicker of a quali! Cole not Dole is a great black to start on as its got a bit of everything. Best thing about Bike park Wales is how much it pushes you to go bigger and harder through the progression from the blues, reds and onto the blacks if you're brave enough 😎. I get down every year for a few days in august and its definitely a great place for new MTB'rs to learn quickly. Rim Dinger defo lives up to its name. It claimed a wheel and a tyre last time 🤣🤣
Rim dinger just isn't worth riding for the amount of damage it puts on your bike. Used to love that trail but as I've ridden harder and faster it just gets more deadly on the bikes wheels everytime we go.
I was terrified on my first trip and only went on the green the entire day and felt like I'd wasted a day but was too nervous for what any of the other trails would be like as mentioned by a few others it was just everyones huge sends etc my second trip I went with a couple of friends and we hit the blues and it was the most fun I'd had! to anyone doubting it, I'd recommend trying it but read the signs and stick within your limits
Thing with BPW is that there's trails for all abilities. I had the same first impressions, seeing huge gap jumps, which put me off initially, but so long as you don't exceed your capabilities you'll be fine and have a blast. 😊😊
Gee wizz, your language is positively atrocious! Jokes aside this is the perfect video to show my 9 year old son some progression and myself. Well done mate!
Ha ha. I work in a primary school buddy and I know some of the kids there watch these videos. I have to be very careful with my language... Which can be difficult at times 😂
Yh thanx mate ir looks sweet to do but haven't done bpw yet. Would love to do it now I've seen this video some of them drops don't look to bad to do as I've done some at forest of dean 😎👌
Plenty ace trails with a lot of drop features, a good mix of defferent trail types interesting to see how red trails at different bike parks compare - thanks for sharing Jamie! 😁😁
Super fun place BPW... We hit it up when we were there on our bike trip 2yrs ago... Loved it as well... So thanx ofr the memories.... And some of those trails are DEFFO ZOOTY! Nice vid Jammie!
I did it last year the only thing I didn't like was how long the runs were half way through my hands were numb and I couldn't let go of handle bars at the end my fingers were gripped on still..I prefer smaller runs if I'm honest
Newish and oldish MTB rider here. Your video inspired me to try BPW, and I have to say, it was excellent, even for this newbie. The Green and Blue trails kept me entertained all day. next time I'll try a couple of the easier reds. There are a LOT of extremely experienced riders there too - they have their fun on the blacks and Pro lines - so plenty of room for all abilities!
Wait, those are BLUE trails?? 😯 I'd consider myself a normal (but now very rusty below average) rider and they'd be challenging. Once upon a time in the 90's (when I was young & less creaky) I'd have pointed the bike downhill & gone for it, but now coming back to mtb mid 50's after 20 years away... Anyway. Massive kudos to you for 1. An awesome vid- BP Wales looks epic! 2. Not swearing once. 😂
Ha ha. Cheers man. Really appreciated that. The blue trails were very straightforward but they do get a bit wild when you get faster. Also, I work in a school so have to be very careful with the words!
@streetpigeonmtb ah that makes sense with the language- kept well in check & the patience of a saint 😂 The more I watch it, the more this vid has made me REALLY want to visit Wales!
Ye food an coffee were lovely…. Went with my son who’s 40….. I’d just had a hip replacement 😉so I just hung around while he tested the trails…….will I be doing it?….. I’m 75…..might try the easy stuff…but for the other……?….as Clint Eastwood mentions……”ya gotta know ya limitations “ 😎👌🏽
Ive been wanting to get dowmn to BPW for a couple of years now but due to the appauling weather this summer sadly im not gonna make it this year which leads me into my question . . . as a "normal" rider do you find the trails run better in the wet as so many have said? i have a full sus with Magic Mary up front and Hans dampf on the rear they are grteat tyres never let go on me once so im just wondering how they will cope with the trails soaking wet?
I haven't ridden it in the dry but I would not be surprised if they run better damp or wet. Because the trails have so much traffic you don't have any thick mud to get loose on and the damp hard mud is a lot tackier than dry and loose. So in short, don't let weather put you off 👌
If you want to know how to torture yourself at BPW, don't use the uplift. I must have ridden up that mountain about 30 times on all my visits. My brother is an ex-terra triathlete and a tight git who refuses to pay for transport.
This is awesome to see you hitting BPW. Its one of my fav places to ride. I'd also class you as a way better rider than me so to hear your commentary on Root Manoeuvres (my favourite trail) fills me with even more confidence. If you are ever down again then try Watts Occurring, AC/DC and Hot Stepper trails. All super awesome too.
Haha that rock chute at around 22:30 "oh my god oh my god" ... yeah, that seems sketchy in those conditions! Btw hoping its gonna be less wet in Scotland in June! 🤩
I am acquainted with a 'normal rider' who last year broke his back and subsequently died in hospital after crashing on a red trail at BPW. Left a wife and two young children. Even the 'warm up' blues, while smooth, are extremely fast. You don't want to come off. Be careful out there.
Great video mate 👍 love BPW and i agree there's trails for everyone there, the blues are so much fun also loving the DJI in low light best footage I've seen 👌puts the GoPro to shame.
This video has honestly been the best at giving the right perspective on what bpw is to an average rider on their first time. My friend is coming for his first time on Sunday, I've already been a few times, and he's completely shitting himself thinking that it's all gonna be super hard tech, but this video has really helped him. Thank you mate for this video, super valuable!
Hey Sam. That's awesome. Really appreciate the comment! I honestly think your mate will love it. There is so much on offer and I've know doubt their confidence will grow through the day. Have a great one this weekend 👌😁
Going down again in April next year with my son and a few biker pals and staying in James place cottage nearby. Can’t wait. 4th time there. Annual pilgrimage bar 2023 and 24 where I done Inverness and fort bill. Jamie it’s an amazing place and from a mediocre rider of 50 years old I love it.
I'm very much an average mountain biker and don't like gap jumps, and I absolutely love BPW. Yes there are big jump lines like A470 which I never do, but there are some fantastic rooty technical reds like Root Manoeuvres, and fun rollable jump lines like Popty Ping where you can try to clear them but it doesn't matter if you come up short.
BPW has anything and everything for all level of rider. I mainly ride reds and blacks, but some of the blues are just sheer speedy fun. If you look closely in this video, some of the blues have little rocks or mounds side of the tracks where you can pop off for some air! If you new to this place, wear a full face.
I love that place, the staff are so friendly and helpful, I heard some people saying that the Welsh are a bit racist but I don’t give a shit about that that’s their problem not mine. But yeah the trails are so good and the shop has some really nice stuff, need to try Dyfi cos they have the Atherton Bikes and I’m dying to try one 👍🏾
I never recorded any rides or made commentary when I used to go there … but if I did it would exactly like yours 😂 nowadays I feel exhausted just watching yours! It’s a great place for sure
Cheers mate. I really appreciate that. I love that this video is still bringing in some new folks to the videos. It also reminds me that I need to visit here again!
Hey man, firstly I just want to thank you for replying to every comment, you're a legend. I have a question: How long do GoPro batteries last? I have a hero10 with one normal battery and two endura white batteries, if they're fully charged, is that enough for recording a full day of riding af BPW? And if so, what resolution and stuff should I go with? Thank you again. Youre also my favourite mtb channel now, I've decided I prefer your videos over Remy metallier's haha. Thanks man.
Ha ha! Cheers Sam. Really pleased you are enjoying the vids. I'd say normally 2 Enduro batteries should see you through. Where you might be limited is by your SD card. You may well find 64gb is too small, and you need 128gb just to be on the safe side. For the best footage I'd recommend the following settings. 4K 30fps Superview. White balance 5500k. High bitrate. Sharpness medium or high. Max ISO 1600, or if it's really dark you could try 3200. Shutter auto. If the trails are really dark and the footage is looking a bit crap consider changing to 24fps with the above settings. It'll look a bit jerky but it will maximise the light getting to the sensor. Hope that helps 👌
There are so many trails at BPW it's always interesting to see what different people choose and what they find difficult. Definitely not a wasted trip for anyone IMO, it's quite beginner-friendly (especially compared to Dyfi). You’re right about the blues though - fast flow trails are great fun but if you do make a mistake you'll probably come off worse than you would on a slow techy black.
Have been going there regularly since it opened. The jumps have grown over the years but so have the options for fast or technical trails. It's always improving
Top marks you made me watch longer than 10 minutes ( that's when I go rather be riding, grab the helmet and go)! BPW is great brilliant grading system on their leaflet. Bit geared towards heavier bikes. Though you can do them all on a hardtail, I use a dirt jump bike. I buzzed when you said deep navigation, I tack this one on to loads of other trails, short and testing. Keeps me awake. Always see loads of wipe outs on those blues at the berms. It's also a good place to loop back up on a double track.
Such a good video. Love watching someone who is riding BPW for the first time, the place is just an insane amount of fun. I've been quite a few times now over the past 4 years, and I'm going on Friday for some jump training.
Looks so much fun that, not been but think I'd stick to the blue trails and maybe a not so gnarly red with my Ragley HT. Budget won't stretch to a FS yet
Simple answer no. A few years ago I was a complete novice and did most the blues and a few reds. Reds at the time were scary but there is more than enough for someone new to enjoy
2:50 Great point about trail centres and getting up to speed. I ride natural stuff 90% most of the time, so it does take a few runs to get acclimatised. On paper, the natural trails I'm riding are more difficult but it's not always that simple. Would love to get down to Wales but it's quite a trek from the NW of Scotland.
I must ride way above average 😅. Never thought bpw was above a average rider. Does take a few times to get akin to it though. Yes root mavs is probably the best, its my fav 😍
I've been to BPW a few times and there really is something for everyone, all abilities etc. One word of advice though, avoid the big truck uplift in the Summer unless you like hanging out in a sweaty greenhouse 😜 Edit: Also worth mentioning, the local Travelodge has a pub and is bike friendly 👍
I have some foam covers over the mics. The next video on the channel should actually be a video about the camera setup I use so it might be something you'd be interested in 👌
Really enjoyed this video as I feel like I’ve been through the thought process if BPW is for me. I was quite nervous first visit but I’ve been lots now and I am definitely a very average (but improving!) rider. The colour grading - plus the flow/tech definition really helps with knowing what to expect and aid in confidence and progression. I would encourage everyone to take a trip - ride what you feel comfortable on and expect to get the heart pumping - despite the uplift!
I must have just missed you - was there last Monday & Tuesday 16/17 April. Came down from Antur Stiniol and DYFI the week before :) FELL IN LOVE with AC/DC and Coal Not Dole. 100% agree with your commentary. Great for progression. SO much to learn and the trails gradually pull you upwards and onwards. Great video !!!
Glad you posted this. Going in May as a solo rider! Did have some nerves about it being "too much" but it seems alright. I think we are similar skill level so its nice to see!
Best advice if riding solo is to take your phone with you on the uplift. Don’t ride when tired as the place really encourages you to ride fast, it’s so well built. The flip side is it can catch you out when tired. We were there a a week or two after a local guy was paralysed. Whilst there my mate got caught out on last run of the day just after the blue qualifier that Jamie points out doing nearly 30mph and didn’t hit the table properly breaking multiple bones. That said the place is epic and the Brecons offers so much natural riding too for some chiller rides in between or before if you go for a couple of days - a week.
@@streetpigeonmtb Yeah we will make it one day, especially for Jr (13) who rips like a pro. We have an office in Aberdeenshire (Banchory) so plenty of reason to jump the pond anyway. Cheers.
Enjoyed the video, thanks Jamie. Really think BPW is so well built - the trails all add to confidence and amplify skills -whenever I go I end up riding features I would not feel confident on at the local. Root Manoeuvres is an all time great trail.
Really useful video. I am at that point of wondering if I could cope with a bike park like this one and it is good to know that at least the blues look doable and that they are great fun. Your advice on taking it steady and getting a good feel of the speed and the type of terrain is really helpful. I appreciate your live commentary. You give a great picture of what is happening and how, when you moved on to the reds, the challenges go up several degrees. Excellent video and well worth a second or third detailed viewing. Thank you for sharing.
@@kevinhart1667 To get the most runs in would it be better to shuttle or E bike it? Some places are better to take the e bike as elevation not great and shuttle slow, others the reverse.
Deffo worth a trip Kevin. So many trails. I'd recommend a couple if days if you could. So much to explore, we barely scratched the surface. Aye, weather wasn't amazing! 🤣
Interesting video - I've seen you do steep stuff that I would find scary, but I've never thought of BPW as having especially tough tracks (it's not like Dyfi) - I guess everyone has different levels of confidence for different types of track, based on what they are used to.
Yeah, that's so funny. I can honestly say I found BPW a bit scarier than the stuff I did at Dyfi. Maybe similar. I'm not sure. Strange how certain trail types can just freak you out a bit 🤔
For sure, I also find that some days I'm feeling super-confident (usually just before I crash 🤣) & other days not so much, regardless of the trail or weather. The two official places that always get me nervous are Dyfi & Gawton in Devon.
Thanks for this. As a kid I used to run or ride up there, riding on an early mountain bike - no suspension but I did fit a Girvin flexstem. A couple of the trails are familar from the vid. You would see the odd dog walker or motorbike and that was it back then.
BPW is probably the most varied bike park i’ve been to (inc whistler etc) I think as long as you can physically ride a mountain bike and have a few months of local xc rides etc then there are trails at bpw for you with progression all the way up to pro level training and jumps with great stepping stones to allow you to progress safely
If the average rider is used to riding off piste trails...a blue flow trail at a trail centre shouldn't be off putting. Off piste trails are normally harder than trail centre's blue graded trails 🤔
I mostly ride off piste. However the thing that I found challenging was adjusting to the speed potential off the trails. Even the 'blue' trails are savagely fast of you can ride a bike. Deffo blue-graded 'dh' trails as opposed to basic 'trail centre' trails. Have you ridden there?
@@streetpigeonmtb The grading of the single track is far far better than any other trail I've ever used - almost too good because I found myself going faster than my ability can handle
One of the best BPW videos I've watched, I had been put off going because, even BPW's own promotion, seems to push the high speed gap jump trails... you've proved that there is so much more to there and it really is worth making a trip, brilliant, thanks!
My own Aeris would love it too.
Mate, kind words indeed. Really appreciate it. Hope you get there and hope you enjoy it!
Was actually there the other day with a friend and we were commenting on the difference of what we ride now compared to 5 years ago when visiting and just shows the progression. Always trying to ascertain the best place to ride in the uk and hands down still has to be here
@@pauldevlin6382 In Wales, I like Nant yr Arian, less well known I guess but has a great woodland section, although followed by a long fire road climb and the final hillside decent back to the café is good too.
I love bike park wales. It’s a place for everyone one to ride at any level of riding, something for every1. Highly recommended, you will definitely leave with a big smile on your face 👍
@@Andrew-su9rk My favourite is Coed y Brenin, if you like "natural" rocky and rooty stuff it's superb.
When you get to the top of the uplift, Bike Park Wales have a map of the various different runs, which grades them in ascending order of difficulty, from easy to hard. The way they manage the progression from the green through the blues is very clever (some blues are harder than others).
Taken in order, each new run gradually introduces something a little bit harder or more challenging than the run before, but it always feels manageable. After each run, you find yourself buzzing with excitement, claiming that this run was the best yet and your new favourite.
I have not yet graduated to red runs, but I can spend a whole weekend at BPW running just the blues without ever getting bored and without ever finding myself out of my depth.
The other thing I would mention after watching the video is that the runs are fast, but only as fast as you want them to be. There is no pressure on you to go faster than you are comfortable. Your bike has brakes, you control the speed. And falling off hurts.
Thanks mate. I feel this is a really useful comment and I agree with you completely 👍
“Is bike park wales a wasted trip for a normal mountain biker?” Er no! Its probably the best thing a normal mountain biker could do 👍🏻
Yup. It's class.
I’ve lost count of times riding trails elsewhere where I have thought “oh yeah, Bikepark Wales has prepared me for this”
Such a great place 😁👌
@ambroseneville5453 What do you mean? As in, its a great place to improve?
@@logitechgamingmouse3985100% Think about it, its descend after descend all day long
Similar level rider here, I did BPW for the first time this week! I absolutely loved it, similar to yourself I warmed up on the blues before attempting some reds and found the ramp-up pretty fierce. Great challenge though, and the trails are beautifully built. The bottom section where the blues link up is so fast!
Absolutely. Now I just want to get back there!
Looks like you had an absolute ball. Bike park wales never fails to impress anyone. Incredible progression like you said and they have the “whistler style” progression chart suggesting next step trails to ride. Also love how they split the trials into tech and flow and then tech/flow hybrids.
Glad you liked roots manoeuvre, always causes a bit of fear but leaves me buzzing! Epic edit! ❤
Thanks buddy. Deffo wanted to visit it after your recommendation. It didn't dissapoint!
Some useful info if you are heading to BPW (I was there a month ago): EV drivers - there are two DC fast chargers behind a pub and adjacent a Travelodge in the retail park one roundabout back from BPW (and you can pop across to McDonalds whilst you're at it). There some roadworks on just up from BPW if you are coming down from north Wales but they weren't causing too much of a problem. Uplift is about the same price as Dyfi BUT you can just rock up and get a one day pass that allows you full access but you have to peddle yourself up. I think it's £15 compared to £46 for the uplift so an option for the tight of pocket. Likewise the on site catering is good but pricey. There are a suite of food options just up the road from BPW (inc that aforementioned McDs and a KFC) and a supermarket (and a cinema, if that's useful info) so again there are options. In some ways the location of BPW for having alternate and easy reach facilities is way better than Dyfi BUT it is 80 miles south of the Nant Y Arian, Dyfi, Brenin triangle around Machynlleth so you lose out there. As an alt though - you are less than an hour away from Forest of Dean AND 417 so if you're after a week of falling off a mountain in style, you have options.
Thanks for sharing this info. It's helpful 👍
I love FOD , that place is so good 😊 ( except when they close the launchpad) that’s so annoying but when it’s open it’s an absolute blast 💥 IN THE DRY THAT IS , when it’s wet it’s a nasty mess to ride!😂
No mention that BPW doesn't take cash. Booked online for my trip but went elsewhere for food as I prefer to pay in cash. I enjoyed my trip but it was an expensive day out.
Too fast for my liking. Thank you for a great report. I am more of a technical flats and climbs trail biker. The downhills speed scares me, since an error can mean impacts with consequences.
Yeah, I can understand that 👍
looks like you had a blast Jamie! BPW is better over 2 days as you get so much quicker on the second day. AC/DC is a lot of fun and Bonneville is steep with a real kicker of a quali! Cole not Dole is a great black to start on as its got a bit of everything. Best thing about Bike park Wales is how much it pushes you to go bigger and harder through the progression from the blues, reds and onto the blacks if you're brave enough 😎. I get down every year for a few days in august and its definitely a great place for new MTB'rs to learn quickly. Rim Dinger defo lives up to its name. It claimed a wheel and a tyre last time 🤣🤣
I bet! Yup, I wish I'd done a few days. I think I'll deffo organise a longer trip there in the future 👌😁
Rim dinger just isn't worth riding for the amount of damage it puts on your bike. Used to love that trail but as I've ridden harder and faster it just gets more deadly on the bikes wheels everytime we go.
@MattDavisDH good to know. We actually rode it but it didn't make the edit. I wasn't a massive fan. And agree, it's an easy place to wreck a wheel 🙈
I was terrified on my first trip and only went on the green the entire day and felt like I'd wasted a day but was too nervous for what any of the other trails would be like as mentioned by a few others it was just everyones huge sends etc
my second trip I went with a couple of friends and we hit the blues and it was the most fun I'd had!
to anyone doubting it, I'd recommend trying it but read the signs and stick within your limits
Great advice buddy 👍
Thing with BPW is that there's trails for all abilities. I had the same first impressions, seeing huge gap jumps, which put me off initially, but so long as you don't exceed your capabilities you'll be fine and have a blast. 😊😊
Definitely! It's a really awesome venue 👍
Is Bike Park Wales a wasted trip for a 'normal' mountain biker?
Absolutely not, no. The green run and the blues are fine for anybody.
Yup. It's a great place 👍
Gee wizz, your language is positively atrocious! Jokes aside this is the perfect video to show my 9 year old son some progression and myself. Well done mate!
Ha ha. I work in a primary school buddy and I know some of the kids there watch these videos. I have to be very careful with my language... Which can be difficult at times 😂
Yeah….I can do all that….at 5mph 😂
😂 5mph is better than not doing it!
The place is so big and varied you can pick and choose the difficultly level that you feel comfortable with so deffo not a wasted trip
Absolutely
I reckon the best trail combo is AC/DC-cole not dole-insufficient funds
That was a really good review, great video footage which didn’t make the trails look easy as with some good pro style footage.
Thanks man. Appreciate that. I've spent a lot of time to get the footage as close to the experience as possible 🙏
Yh thanx mate ir looks sweet to do but haven't done bpw yet. Would love to do it now I've seen this video some of them drops don't look to bad to do as I've done some at forest of dean 😎👌
Hope you make it there. Bet you'd love it 👌
Plenty ace trails with a lot of drop features, a good mix of defferent trail types interesting to see how red trails at different bike parks compare - thanks for sharing Jamie! 😁😁
My pleasure buddy. It was a great wee adventure!
A 'Normal' mountain biker you aren't Sir... Id have been off about 30 seconds into that first blue...
😆👍
Super fun place BPW... We hit it up when we were there on our bike trip 2yrs ago... Loved it as well... So thanx ofr the memories.... And some of those trails are DEFFO ZOOTY!
Nice vid Jammie!
Cheers man. Really appreciate that 🙏
Funnily enough, my mate suffered a flat in exactly the same place a few months ago when we were there.
I think one of the drops has a really sharp rock on the landing 👍
Surfin Bird is super fun but the first time you ride it those rock lips look much worse than they are as some of them are blind.
Agreed. I was struggling with the blind stuff!
I did it last year the only thing I didn't like was how long the runs were half way through my hands were numb and I couldn't let go of handle bars at the end my fingers were gripped on still..I prefer smaller runs if I'm honest
Newish and oldish MTB rider here. Your video inspired me to try BPW, and I have to say, it was excellent, even for this newbie. The Green and Blue trails kept me entertained all day. next time I'll try a couple of the easier reds. There are a LOT of extremely experienced riders there too - they have their fun on the blacks and Pro lines - so plenty of room for all abilities!
That's awesome to here. So pleased you enjoyed it buddy! Like you say, there is something there for everybody 👌
I wouldn’t describe you as “normal”!
That can be taken a few ways 🤪👍
You gone from oh boy to yeh boy so im guessing you enjoyed it?? hopefully going this year
Loved it mate. Was great to lose some of the fear through the day. It's just an awesome place.
that looked fun, i went there a few weeks ago with a hardtail group did all the blues and most of the reds "legs hurt" but it was so much fun
Brilliant mate. Hardtail hero 🙌
First ever time off road biking and I went to bike park Wales! Managed all beginners routes plus 3 reds! It's an incredible place
It really is. Fantastic for sure 👏
Wait, those are BLUE trails?? 😯
I'd consider myself a normal (but now very rusty below average) rider and they'd be challenging. Once upon a time in the 90's (when I was young & less creaky) I'd have pointed the bike downhill & gone for it, but now coming back to mtb mid 50's after 20 years away...
Anyway.
Massive kudos to you for
1. An awesome vid- BP Wales looks epic!
2. Not swearing once. 😂
Ha ha. Cheers man. Really appreciated that. The blue trails were very straightforward but they do get a bit wild when you get faster. Also, I work in a school so have to be very careful with the words!
@streetpigeonmtb ah that makes sense with the language- kept well in check & the patience of a saint 😂
The more I watch it, the more this vid has made me REALLY want to visit Wales!
@BarnsleyBob ha ha. That's amazing buddy. Deffo get there!
They're blue, but based on bike park grading. They'd be reds in most trail centres, however they are *very* rideable by anyone.
Ye food an coffee were lovely…. Went with my son who’s 40….. I’d just had a hip replacement 😉so I just hung around while he tested the trails…….will I be doing it?….. I’m 75…..might try the easy stuff…but for the other……?….as Clint Eastwood mentions……”ya gotta know ya limitations “ 😎👌🏽
Fair play! Hope the hip is doing OK for you Colin 🙏
@@streetpigeonmtb hips fine…. Just my nerve😂😂
@colinblick8946 🤣😁👍
love this place!
So good!
Ive been wanting to get dowmn to BPW for a couple of years now but due to the appauling weather this summer sadly im not gonna make it this year which leads me into my question . . . as a "normal" rider do you find the trails run better in the wet as so many have said? i have a full sus with Magic Mary up front and Hans dampf on the rear they are grteat tyres never let go on me once so im just wondering how they will cope with the trails soaking wet?
I haven't ridden it in the dry but I would not be surprised if they run better damp or wet. Because the trails have so much traffic you don't have any thick mud to get loose on and the damp hard mud is a lot tackier than dry and loose. So in short, don't let weather put you off 👌
@@streetpigeonmtb thank you mate
@michaelreynolds6543 let me know how you get on 😁
Well done excellent video. My son took me to Surrey hills for my first taste of a track. Really enjoyed it even though I went over the handlebars 😂😂😂
😆 We've all done that! Cheers man 👌
If you want to know how to torture yourself at BPW, don't use the uplift. I must have ridden up that mountain about 30 times on all my visits. My brother is an ex-terra triathlete and a tight git who refuses to pay for transport.
Aw mate. That sounds horrific!
@@streetpigeonmtb It is on a wet day, which is every day in Wales. lol
@jjhatch69 😆 Up here too!
This is awesome to see you hitting BPW. Its one of my fav places to ride. I'd also class you as a way better rider than me so to hear your commentary on Root Manoeuvres (my favourite trail) fills me with even more confidence. If you are ever down again then try Watts Occurring, AC/DC and Hot Stepper trails. All super awesome too.
Cheers man. It's a challenging place for sure. Super rewarding though. I'll deffo get back there at some point.
Haha that rock chute at around 22:30 "oh my god oh my god" ... yeah, that seems sketchy in those conditions!
Btw hoping its gonna be less wet in Scotland in June! 🤩
Ha ha. Me too buddy!
I am acquainted with a 'normal rider' who last year broke his back and subsequently died in hospital after crashing on a red trail at BPW. Left a wife and two young children. Even the 'warm up' blues, while smooth, are extremely fast. You don't want to come off.
Be careful out there.
Jees. That's absolutely horrific. Traumatic for all involved. An amazing sport for sure but never forget the risks it possesses ❤️
Great video mate 👍 love BPW and i agree there's trails for everyone there, the blues are so much fun also loving the DJI in low light best footage I've seen 👌puts the GoPro to shame.
Thanks mate. Yup, just a fantastic place to ride. And glad you spotted the DJI. Just about to do a review video on it. GoPro are in trouble!
This video has honestly been the best at giving the right perspective on what bpw is to an average rider on their first time. My friend is coming for his first time on Sunday, I've already been a few times, and he's completely shitting himself thinking that it's all gonna be super hard tech, but this video has really helped him.
Thank you mate for this video, super valuable!
Hey Sam. That's awesome. Really appreciate the comment! I honestly think your mate will love it. There is so much on offer and I've know doubt their confidence will grow through the day. Have a great one this weekend 👌😁
Going down again in April next year with my son and a few biker pals and staying in James place cottage nearby. Can’t wait. 4th time there. Annual pilgrimage bar 2023 and 24 where I done Inverness and fort bill. Jamie it’s an amazing place and from a mediocre rider of 50 years old I love it.
Brilliant mate! Have the best time 👌
I'm very much an average mountain biker and don't like gap jumps, and I absolutely love BPW. Yes there are big jump lines like A470 which I never do, but there are some fantastic rooty technical reds like Root Manoeuvres, and fun rollable jump lines like Popty Ping where you can try to clear them but it doesn't matter if you come up short.
Yeah. Such a good place. Something for everyone.
BPW has anything and everything for all level of rider. I mainly ride reds and blacks, but some of the blues are just sheer speedy fun. If you look closely in this video, some of the blues have little rocks or mounds side of the tracks where you can pop off for some air! If you new to this place, wear a full face.
Thanks Chris 👍
I love that place, the staff are so friendly and helpful, I heard some people saying that the Welsh are a bit racist but I don’t give a shit about that that’s their problem not mine. But yeah the trails are so good and the shop has some really nice stuff, need to try Dyfi cos they have the Atherton Bikes and I’m dying to try one 👍🏾
Dyfi is really good also mate 👌
Don't get giddy with your trail choices and most bike parks have something for everyone. Apart from dyfi, awesome but super f*cking scary 😂
Ha ha. Yeah, it's quite committing!
I never recorded any rides or made commentary when I used to go there … but if I did it would exactly like yours 😂 nowadays I feel exhausted just watching yours! It’s a great place for sure
Cheers mate. I really appreciate that. I love that this video is still bringing in some new folks to the videos. It also reminds me that I need to visit here again!
What speeds are you hitting here?
Maybe around 30mph max? Not sure buddy.
Plenty of easy trails
Hey man, firstly I just want to thank you for replying to every comment, you're a legend.
I have a question: How long do GoPro batteries last? I have a hero10 with one normal battery and two endura white batteries, if they're fully charged, is that enough for recording a full day of riding af BPW? And if so, what resolution and stuff should I go with?
Thank you again. Youre also my favourite mtb channel now, I've decided I prefer your videos over Remy metallier's haha. Thanks man.
Ha ha! Cheers Sam. Really pleased you are enjoying the vids.
I'd say normally 2 Enduro batteries should see you through. Where you might be limited is by your SD card. You may well find 64gb is too small, and you need 128gb just to be on the safe side.
For the best footage I'd recommend the following settings.
4K 30fps Superview.
White balance 5500k.
High bitrate.
Sharpness medium or high.
Max ISO 1600, or if it's really dark you could try 3200.
Shutter auto.
If the trails are really dark and the footage is looking a bit crap consider changing to 24fps with the above settings. It'll look a bit jerky but it will maximise the light getting to the sensor.
Hope that helps 👌
@@streetpigeonmtb Really appreciate it! We're going tomorrow, thanks!
@SamMillison have a great time buddy 👍
@SamMillison oh yes, one more thing... Standard Hypersmooth! Don't go for the other options as they crop in way too much!
@@streetpigeonmtb Alright thanks loads for your help! I really really appreciate it! I'll let you know how it goes!
There are so many trails at BPW it's always interesting to see what different people choose and what they find difficult. Definitely not a wasted trip for anyone IMO, it's quite beginner-friendly (especially compared to Dyfi). You’re right about the blues though - fast flow trails are great fun but if you do make a mistake you'll probably come off worse than you would on a slow techy black.
Absolutely mate. I'd agree with that. Definitely a brilliant place though. I'd like to spend a couple of days there next time I reckon.
WOW that seems great great fun!! Wanna go there one day ;P
Do it! Fantastic place 😀
Great video, loads of fun and information to plan for our ride.
Brilliant. I'm pleased it's turned out to be a useful one mate. Thank you 👍
Have been going there regularly since it opened. The jumps have grown over the years but so have the options for fast or technical trails. It's always improving
I love that they keep maintaining/improving. Wish there were a few more places like it across the UK 👍
That was the beginner tracks?
Yeah. Fast!
@Street Pigion MTB Very nice footage! How old are you, if I may ask?
You may. 42 🙈
@@streetpigeonmtb Thank you very much. You are a bit older than my wife, so she has no excuses any more.
@kevinschaluppke3223 😂😁👌
Top marks you made me watch longer than 10 minutes ( that's when I go rather be riding, grab the helmet and go)!
BPW is great brilliant grading system on their leaflet. Bit geared towards heavier bikes. Though you can do them all on a hardtail, I use a dirt jump bike.
I buzzed when you said deep navigation, I tack this one on to loads of other trails, short and testing. Keeps me awake.
Always see loads of wipe outs on those blues at the berms. It's also a good place to loop back up on a double track.
Cheers man! That's good going indeed. Thanks for tuning in.
Totally agree with your BPW comments 👌
It's great to finally see some of the less talked about stuff at BPW. I'll actually consider the trek over there now!
Do it mate. You won't be dissapointed 👍
Great place to ride, you made me want to go back this year, plenty for all levels, next time you should try ACDC, great flowy red
Yeah, I wanna go back now as well!
Right about the speeds. Hard to keep wheels on the ground. I’m usually frazzled at the end of the day, just processing the adrenaline.
Yeah, I get that! As tiring on the brain as it is on the body! 👍
Such a good video. Love watching someone who is riding BPW for the first time, the place is just an insane amount of fun. I've been quite a few times now over the past 4 years, and I'm going on Friday for some jump training.
Cheers man. I really appreciate the kind words. Such a good place. Good luck with the jumping 👌
you do though don't you... start laughing when you going down the trail's..... because you are obviously enjoying it.... ❤
Yeah, I loved it. Hope that came across in the video 👍
Looks so much fun that, not been but think I'd stick to the blue trails and maybe a not so gnarly red with my Ragley HT. Budget won't stretch to a FS yet
Deffo get yourself there. I bet you'll love it 👌
Simple answer no. A few years ago I was a complete novice and did most the blues and a few reds. Reds at the time were scary but there is more than enough for someone new to enjoy
Totally agree mate 👍
2:50 Great point about trail centres and getting up to speed. I ride natural stuff 90% most of the time, so it does take a few runs to get acclimatised. On paper, the natural trails I'm riding are more difficult but it's not always that simple. Would love to get down to Wales but it's quite a trek from the NW of Scotland.
I agree with you. Speed can be pretty risky in itself. For sure, the only downside is the distance you have to travel. It's a LONG journey 🙈
I must ride way above average 😅. Never thought bpw was above a average rider.
Does take a few times to get akin to it though.
Yes root mavs is probably the best, its my fav 😍
Yeah, absolutely amazing trail. I loved that one. What a place!
I've been to BPW a few times and there really is something for everyone, all abilities etc. One word of advice though, avoid the big truck uplift in the Summer unless you like hanging out in a sweaty greenhouse 😜
Edit: Also worth mentioning, the local Travelodge has a pub and is bike friendly 👍
Ah brilliant! Cheers for the advice. I can imagine that truck gets a wee bit warm!
Great video mate! Love it up BPW. Quick question on your camera set up..do you do anything special to avoid wind noise?
I have some foam covers over the mics. The next video on the channel should actually be a video about the camera setup I use so it might be something you'd be interested in 👌
Really enjoyed your discovery rides, there. You’ve got an honest style to your videos, that’s very authentic. Subscribing for more. Thank you! ♥
Thank you. Really appreciate the kind words 🙏
Really enjoyed this video as I feel like I’ve been through the thought process if BPW is for me. I was quite nervous first visit but I’ve been lots now and I am definitely a very average (but improving!) rider. The colour grading - plus the flow/tech definition really helps with knowing what to expect and aid in confidence and progression. I would encourage everyone to take a trip - ride what you feel comfortable on and expect to get the heart pumping - despite the uplift!
Cheers man. This is a great comment with great advice for those thinking about it. A brilliant place to progress for sure.
I must have just missed you - was there last Monday & Tuesday 16/17 April. Came down from Antur Stiniol and DYFI the week before :) FELL IN LOVE with AC/DC and Coal Not Dole. 100% agree with your commentary. Great for progression. SO much to learn and the trails gradually pull you upwards and onwards. Great video !!!
Cheers mate. I really want to go back now and spend a couple of days focusing on progression. What a place 👏
Glad you posted this. Going in May as a solo rider!
Did have some nerves about it being "too much" but it seems alright. I think we are similar skill level so its nice to see!
Nice man. Have an amazing time and let me know how you get on 👌
Mate it’s an epic place, I did enter the dragon 🐉 on my first trip 😂!! You can basically roll anything you don’t like the look of 😂
Best advice if riding solo is to take your phone with you on the uplift. Don’t ride when tired as the place really encourages you to ride fast, it’s so well built. The flip side is it can catch you out when tired. We were there a a week or two after a local guy was paralysed. Whilst there my mate got caught out on last run of the day just after the blue qualifier that Jamie points out doing nearly 30mph and didn’t hit the table properly breaking multiple bones.
That said the place is epic and the Brecons offers so much natural riding too for some chiller rides in between or before if you go for a couple of days - a week.
Your on the right bike though! Just got myself an Aether 9 last month.
Ive booked a trip up to BPW in June and I can not wait!
Nice! Bet you'll love riding it there 👌
All those overly groomed marble tracks for sure should not be the base line. This is more like it. Hell yeah.
It's an awesome place 👌
@@streetpigeonmtb Definitely on our bucketlist !!
Hope you make it there mate. I don't think you will be dissapointed 🙏
@@streetpigeonmtb Yeah we will make it one day, especially for Jr (13) who rips like a pro. We have an office in Aberdeenshire (Banchory) so plenty of reason to jump the pond anyway. Cheers.
Enjoyed the video, thanks Jamie. Really think BPW is so well built - the trails all add to confidence and amplify skills -whenever I go I end up riding features I would not feel confident on at the local. Root Manoeuvres is an all time great trail.
Yeah, it's an awesome place. Just wish I'd had a few days there. Would be cool to learn a few of the trails 👌
Really useful video. I am at that point of wondering if I could cope with a bike park like this one and it is good to know that at least the blues look doable and that they are great fun. Your advice on taking it steady and getting a good feel of the speed and the type of terrain is really helpful. I appreciate your live commentary. You give a great picture of what is happening and how, when you moved on to the reds, the challenges go up several degrees. Excellent video and well worth a second or third detailed viewing. Thank you for sharing.
Cheers so much mate. Really appreciate the time you've taken to share some positive feedback. Thank you 👍
Looks brilliant. Tho why anyone fancies the black runs I’ll never know !
Yeah, I was too scared to look at them 😆
I think if i went just for the blues, i would be really happy and have a great time.
You would. The blues alone are fantastic 💙
Insufficient funds is a great red trail
Hoping to get down to Bike Park Wales. Hopefully sunny by then. Will hire a bike there. Do you know if they have descent bikes to hire there?
I'm sure they had a fleet of Trek. I reckon they will be good. Seemed like a really professional setup 👌
they have Trek trail bikes & Trek DH bikes for hire.
@smv9338 thanks buddy
And e bikes they hire ...pedal pass is £21 @day
@@kevinhart1667 To get the most runs in would it be better to shuttle or E bike it? Some places are better to take the e bike as elevation not great and shuttle slow, others the reverse.
You can have multiple days worth of fun smashing just the reds and blues
Absolutely. I really want to get back there 👌
Great VLOG Jamie, ive never been but fancy a trip now. Pity it wzs so dreach😀
Deffo worth a trip Kevin. So many trails. I'd recommend a couple if days if you could. So much to explore, we barely scratched the surface. Aye, weather wasn't amazing! 🤣
No loads for everyone some of the flowy blues are just as class as the extremes start somewhere see where you endup
Definitely 👍
Interesting video - I've seen you do steep stuff that I would find scary, but I've never thought of BPW as having especially tough tracks (it's not like Dyfi) - I guess everyone has different levels of confidence for different types of track, based on what they are used to.
Yeah, that's so funny. I can honestly say I found BPW a bit scarier than the stuff I did at Dyfi. Maybe similar. I'm not sure. Strange how certain trail types can just freak you out a bit 🤔
For sure, I also find that some days I'm feeling super-confident (usually just before I crash 🤣) & other days not so much, regardless of the trail or weather. The two official places that always get me nervous are Dyfi & Gawton in Devon.
Thanks for this. As a kid I used to run or ride up there, riding on an early mountain bike - no suspension but I did fit a Girvin flexstem. A couple of the trails are familar from the vid. You would see the odd dog walker or motorbike and that was it back then.
Sound like it has changed a lot! Do you still ride?
I do, road riding mostly. I might give BPW a go sometime followimg your video tho. Thanks
awesome video! made me wanna get back down to BPW! loved the POVs as well as the little vlogs. goos stuff
Thanks so much man! Really appreciate that. I just wanna get back now as well! 👌
pretty WILD STUFF! fast good fun in the mountains does not get any better than this
Yeah, it's a really great place. Wales is so good right now 👌
Went with a mate 10 years ago, great fun and I cant even jump.
Yeah, it's such a good place 👌
Brilliant video - thanks - can’t wait to go there for an induction, as I’m a total beginner!
You'll love it. There are helpful signs that will direct you to the trails and help you work out how to progress. Enjoy!
BPW is probably the most varied bike park i’ve been to (inc whistler etc) I think as long as you can physically ride a mountain bike and have a few months of local xc rides etc then there are trails at bpw for you with progression all the way up to pro level training and jumps with great stepping stones to allow you to progress safely
Yeah, it's a fantastic place. I wish there were a few more like it across the UK 👌
Great vid! Thanks for all the effort filming and editing 👍
No worries at all. Thanks for the positive comment 👌
Average rider ..wowsy looked pretty decent !!!
Mate, I'm sure you would love it. What a place!
great vid,thank you,,thinking about going there from ireland ,,,
Do it. I'd recommend at least 2 days there if you can manage it. Dyfi is great also.
Well this place isn't family friendly. We're in north west of England and it would cost us £300+ to go and ride there so no for us
I feel like it was fairly family friendly 👍
If the average rider is used to riding off piste trails...a blue flow trail at a trail centre shouldn't be off putting.
Off piste trails are normally harder than trail centre's blue graded trails 🤔
I mostly ride off piste. However the thing that I found challenging was adjusting to the speed potential off the trails. Even the 'blue' trails are savagely fast of you can ride a bike. Deffo blue-graded 'dh' trails as opposed to basic 'trail centre' trails.
Have you ridden there?
Heading there in August - can’t wait. Thanks for the trail tips 😁
No problem at all. Hope you have an awesome time 👌
It’s not a wasted trip for anyone, you make your own enjoyment :)
Yup. It's a really good place to ride.
Coed y Brenin is good
Haven't been in years. Would like to get back there 👌
Terrys belly is a dreadful boring pointless trail
It'll depend on the rider. I think some folks will still get plenty fun from TB 👍
No is the answer - I'm an old bad MTN bike rider and the blues are insanely fun
Agreed 👌
@@streetpigeonmtb The grading of the single track is far far better than any other trail I've ever used - almost too good because I found myself going faster than my ability can handle
great video, clear footage and really good commentary. well done
Thanks mate 🙌
As an average rider I would say no, it's great for everyone
There are deffo trails there for everyone. It's a really great place 👌