Trail e-xplorer episode 1

London Surrey, uk

Follow Holger Meyer on his quest for the best E-MTB trails on earth. More than good riding, Holger looks for the best place to eat, sleep and have a good time on and off the bike. On his search for rider's heaven, Holger enlisted some of SCOTT's most renown ambassadors and athletes. Check out who joined his journey below!

HOLGER MEYER

The explorer

BRENDAN FAIRCLOUGH

The local

On the bike

Back in January 2020, it’s winter and Covid hasn’t hit Europe yet. For the first stop of the series, I decided to go to England and meet the style master Brendan Fairclough. England is a great escape from the snow in the alps at that time of the year, and everybody said, England is best when it rains. Nevertheless, when I arrived, the sun was out, and Brendan was ready to show me around. It’s quite a long drive, and parts of it you are on the wrong side of the road, but once you are there, it is all worth it, conditions were perfect for riding. Great if you know somebody to show you around, if not, just hop into the next bike shop and ask for some info. Honestly, people are very kind, and they are proud of their secret trail stash, so trust them, it’s going to be great.
– Holger M

SPOT 1

ROGATE BIKEPARK, WEST SUSSEX, UK

A 2-hour drive from London towards the south, Rogate Bikepark is a well-known Bike park in this region. You can find about 15 different trails on this little hill. From easy to hardcore to huge jumps, you have everything to make a rider happy! No shuttle, so you must pedal up, our 150mm E-MTB’s were the perfect choice for tons of runs. The pedal up the hill is nice and easy and you will find nice berms together with smooth jumps on your way down: I really got hooked on the trail combination called Bottle Rocket to Bikini Bottom. A 625Wh Bosch battery will ensure you a great day of riding of runs, check-out the Bosch website for more info on the autonomy.
- Holger M.

SPOT 2

HASLEMERE, SURREY, UK

Haslemere is a little town 1h south of London with some lovely hills around. Brendan was so kind to show me his backyard and I was impressed. The riding is fun with a lot of natural trails mixed with some hand-built features here and there. If you like deep ruts, loam, and tight corners, you should love that place as much I did. The descents are not that long, but they are super-fast, it makes sense to do a couple of laps on every trail so you get used to terrain, which can be quite slippery. Actually, with some rain the trails get even better. One more time, I wouldn’t go on that trail with any other bike, the E-MTB is the perfect choice for tons of fun up and down. Tips: Don’t forget your chain lube, you will need it at the end of the day!
- Holger M.

WHO TO MEET WITH IN HASLEMERE, UK

MIKE AND BEN FROM MB CYCLERY

Mike and Ben started this bike shop 3 years ago, they organize local rides, and are Brendan’s world cup mechanics.
More info: @mbcyclery

FRANCIE ARTHUR FROM DUET RIDING GUIDE

From Surrey to the Hampshire, Francie sure knows the area. Regardless if you are an expert or a beginner, she will find the right trail and will give you local tips.
More info: Duet-Cycling

Off the bike

There is a great bike community in Haslemere, talks are all about Mountain bikes, trails and where to go for a ride. Whether you hang out in the bike shop, sit at the coffee shop or enjoy the fire at the local pub later in the day, you meet the same people.
- Holger M.

HOW TO GO TO HASLEMERE?

FERRY OR TRAIN?

A Train that goes underneath a sea is kind of spooky, but obviously it’s the fastest way to get to England. About 30 minutes, you drive in, stay in your car, and drive out. Nice! The ferry is a little more scenic because you actually see the sea, on the other hand it takes longer, 1 hour more. But the good thing is, you can get a Fish and chips on the deck, and it’s cheaper than the train.
- Holger M.

WHERE TO SLEEP?

HOTEL OR CAMPING?

You have few spots to park your van with electricity and water, but I preferred to stay in the hotel nearby, you get proper breakfast, you can dry your clothes (Remember the British riding conditions, it can rain!) and you can talk the locals. For the full England experience, I suggest the hotel stay.
- Holger M.

WHERE TO GO FOR APRES BIKE?

BEER OR GIN?

The Après Bike is my kind of thing: It seems that every ride ends in a local pub, people are super friendly, love to ride and love their beer. You can get a Pint, and most pubs have a couple local beers from the tap. It comes freshly out of the keg, with no carbonation, so the barkeeper must pump it up. So cool. – everything is local. You can get really good Gin-Tonic as well. The hardest is to choose, but I always stick to the local productions and I was never disappointed. The pubs feel warm and welcoming, with the open chimney to heat you up after the ride and after a couple of drinks you feel like home.
- Holger M.

WHERE to eat?

I never starved on that trip. England has a surprisingly good quality of food at reasonable pricing. For lunch Brendan and I went to Café Hemingway which served delicious Sandwiches and Salads and incredibly good Chocolate cake. In the evening we went to a local Pub and had nice meals with a duck & potatoes and a slice of pie. The curry is kind of a national food as well, unfortunately I missed out on the fish and chips, though, in the end I got it on the ferry.
- Holger M.

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Trail e-xplorer

Episode 1 - London - Surrey, uk