TRAILCREW SOUTHAMPTON BIKE PARK

This unassuming field nestled near England's South Coast has hits for all abilities

- Rachel Bennet 

Having found my way to Southampton's Coxford Road, I bag some on-street parking and set off to find the bike park. Running fashionably late due to traffic, when I reach the top of the drop-in, I find there's a big crew already hanging out there, which is honestly a little intimidating. But that feeling is soon shrugged off once legendary snapper Steve Behr introduces me to today's riders.

Steve has gathered an impressive group for my first Trail Crew - four legends of the sport, in the shape of Steve 'Gilly Geall, Chris Smith, Ben 'Deakinator' Deakin and Grant 'Chopper' Fielder together with upcoming rider Fran Dawson, who's recently moved to the area. It looks like we've lucked out with the weather, too - the light isn't perfect for pictures, but it's T-shirt weather in February and the trails look spot-on.

From what I can gather, a lot has changed since MBUK were last here. Luis - the brains and brawn behind Southampton Bike Park - informs me of the recent resurfacing work and that the park reopened in November 2022 after a summer of groundwork. He's buzzing that this addition allows the park to be ridden in all weathers (within reason, of course). There are eight runs in total, with a mix of blue, red and black grading - Table Top Line, Dual Track, Jungle, Big Kids, Daisy Cutter, Bermingham, Quads and Shakira.

Toys at the table

The first line I drop into is the aptly-named Table Top Line - a series of tables with a fast, swooping berm halfway down. I won't pretend that I stick any of the landings, but that doesn't matter what's great about this run is that anyone can ride it. You can just as easily roll up, over and down as you can pull a slick, stylish no-hander.