Section Two

Right, onto the good stuff!

Section Two sets the tone for a lot of Follow the Dog - tight and twisty singletrack through the trees.  Most of this section is fairly flat, or gently descending.  Although it starts off very tight and narrow, it opens up a little more as you go on, allowing you to pick up a fair amount of speed.  It ends with a series of very tight berms, and exits on a right-hand turn onto some rock steps.

HOW IT RIDES: The trail surface is fairly hard-wearing and pebbly, particularly further in, so it doesn’t suffer too badly with bad weather.  The pebbly surface can sometimes be a bit slippy in places if it’s wet.

Newer riders should take it easy on the start section until they’re familiar with the trail, as it’s easy to clip your handlebars on a tree if you don’t quite turn quick enough!

HAZARDS: There’s nothing too tricky on this section - the main risk is from misjuding speed/turning, and clipping a tree, or coming a cropper on the final set of berms (which, as I’ve mentioned, are very tight!).  I’ve seen it happen to other people, so it’s not just me!

The most technical element of this section, which might throw newer riders, is the exit.  It took me a couple of weeks to get the nerve to ride it - given that it’s a) a tight turn, b) narrow, and c) rocky steps, it looks quite intimidating.  But it’s genuinely not too tough - just keep it steady and controlled.

Despite the close proximity to Birches Valley, I’ve never seen that many walkers on section two.  Remember that this section exits onto the Heritage Trail though, so for the sake of Bikeless Ones and other riders, don’t block the trail or section exit/entrances if you’re taking a breather, or waiting for other people.

Onto Section Six!