Off Beat Downhill Track - Orange Extreme
- Location: Nevis Range and Leanachan Forest
- Starting Point: Nevis Range Gondola Top Station
- Trail Length: 2.82km
- Time Required: 4 to 30 minutes
- Route Type:
- Downhill
- Difficulty:
- Advanced
- Grade: Orange Ext
- O.S. Map:
- Parking: At Nevis Range Carpark
Trail Description:
The Off Beat Downhill is a World renowned venue, hosting World Cups from 2002 - 2009, and the World Championships in 2007.
Fast, loose and rocky is the best description of the course, and at 2.82km long with a vertical drop of 525 metres, it is very long and physical. Good riders take 4-5 minutes, though most competent riders can ride the course in their own time, as it is not too technical. Speed and the physical punishment of the course is what makes it a fun, challenging run.
From the start, the course traverses along the side of the hill and is fast and rough, before dropping down a series of rock drops and bus stops designed to slow riders down. From here it gets faster, steeper and rougher, coming quickly into several smooth berms, broken up with rock gardens and rock slabs.
Getting faster and rougher again, the course drops down rollable rock steps that fast riders can clear. Into the trees, the course gets more twisty and natural, with some surprises thrown in - watch out for 2005's new feature, a wall ride. The course then gradually flattens out to a section that is accessible to more riders, regardless of bike type.
The final stretch, know as the motorway is very fast, with big step downs and gap jumps, before dropping into the wall to finish.
The course is best suited to advanced downhillers, though most capable riders will still enjoy it! Likewise, a full downhill bike will get the most out of the track, but any decent mountain bike will get you down, just take it easy!
The track is open daily between mid May and mid September, 10.15am until 3.45pm, (except race and some maintenance days).
Prices for gondola uplift for the 2010 summer season will be published shortly.
Before you ride the track you must complete and sign a rider participation form - track users under 16 years must get the signature of a parent or guardian.
Off Beat Bikes have a hire shop at the bottom station during June, July and August, hiring different grade downhill and cross country bikes, from basic hardtails to full suspension downhill models.
Combined bike/armour/gondola pass packages are available.
Useful Links:
Nevis Range mountain bike website
