Rik’s blazed a rolling trail that will take you back to the early days of mountain biking
“Are you riding here today?” Bike Shed owner Rik had cycled out from his shop and was hailing us from the saddle of his steel hardtail. “Pop into the shop for a map before you head out!”
It’s the first time I’ve ever been welcomed to trails by their maker, and it’s a sign of Rik’s personal investment in them.
Rik Allsop is a legend among British trail builders. As a master craftsman of his trade, he was much in demand during the growth spurt in commissioned trails throughout the noughties. The 7Stanes trail at Mabie, the downhill trails at Ae and the growing network at Comrie Croft all have Rik to thank, as do the rocky ridges of Balblair.
Although Balblair is all rock and Drumlanrig all root, you can see the same devious mind at work. Pre-dating the modern trend for easy ups and screaming downs, Rik’s trails keep you on your toes whether it’s heading up, along or down.
Technical cross-country that winds back and forth to eke out maximum mileage from sometimes meagre slithers of woodland, choosing lines carefully to maintain momentum will save you a lot of energy, so the first run will inevitably be the hardest. Mike was riding with me, and we were convinced we’d done twice the distance we had when we reached only seven kilometres in.
This black extension starts right from the car park, but there are red, blue and green options right out of the gate for everyone. Stopping in a woodland glade to refuel, we both felt nostalgic. For a youngish sport, we’re relative veterans. Mike used to race cross-country back when it involved haring around a taped-off field and I remember aluminium frames being “revolutionary”. Rolling, natural-feeling trails like this remind us of those early days. Way out at the far end of the red, any signs of Rik’s trail-building efforts have long since succumbed to the creep of nature, with the edges of the inches-wide single track, green with moss and undergrowth.
Drumlanrig’s trails may lack the elevation and gradient of the Tweed or Tay valleys, but if natural flow takes your mood, it’s a pilgrimage that needs to be made.
Top tip: The black route gives access to the best view of the castle, just up a right turn in Bogrie Wood on the trail map. Well worth a photo stop.