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YOUR FIRST VISIT
about THE PARK, AREAS AND TRAILS
At Phoenix, we love welcoming first-time riders, beginners, novices, and even the little rippers on balance bikes! We offer a huge selection of trails suitable for every level of rider and all types of bikes. While drop handlebar bikes are NOT permitted on the main tracks, they are allowed on the Phoenix Lap. Phoenix is divided into two parks, separated by the A14: Shop Side and North Side. You can easily travel between the two on foot, by bike, or by car, as parking is available on both sides. However, unless otherwise advertised, the sign-in kiosk is located on Shop Side only.
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Shop Side
Shop Side is further divided into two main areas: the Main Track and the Skills Area. This side primarily features green and blue-rated trails, with a few blue/red mixed trails. Here, you’ll find the Balance Bike Track and the Roller Track, both of which are ideal for beginners, young children, and balance bikes. Our infamous Skills Area is the perfect place to practice your jumping technique.
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North Side
North Side is made up of five main sections: Dirt Jumps, Mountain Bike (MTB) Side, Training Ground, Drop City, and Phoenix Lap.
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Phoenix Lap: This is a fun adventure lap suitable for all ages and skill levels. While we recommend pedal bikes for this lap, all features have B-line options, so there’s no need to worry. Along the lap, you’ll find fun Northshore features and two exciting jump loops: Forest Jump and Donald Jump, designed with a more traditional mountain bike style in mind.
Drop City: Located along the Phoenix Lap, Drop City is the ideal spot to learn and improve your drop technique. Always inspect the features before riding, start small, and work your way up.
Training Ground: This area features our Mulch Jumps and the Air Bag, which are very popular. These features are best suited for advanced riders. The Air Bag is included in your day pass but has separate opening times, which may change due to weather or technical issues.
MTB Side: Here, you’ll find our longest trails with the most incline, offering thrilling speed. Be aware that some trails merge on this side, so be mindful of other riders. Always stop at the side of the trail and never push back up on it, as these trails are one-way only. Any unavoidable drops or jumps will have warning signs. For trail gradings, please refer to our trail map. This side also features our infamous Pro Line, which is for elite-level riders only. Please note that weather conditions may force us to close this trail at short notice, though we do our best to notify visitors in advance.
Dirt Jumps: Dirt jumping is our speciality, making Phoenix one of the few public bike parks in the UK to focus on this style of riding. The Dirt Jump area features a network of lines with optional crossovers and transfers. We categorise them into Small Dirt Jumps, originating from the smaller roll-in, and Big Dirt Jumps, originating from the big roll-in. These include our famous Whale Tail Slopestyle feature.
We recommend performing an M-check on your bike before riding to ensure it’s in proper working order. Here’s a quick checklist of what to look out for:
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Bike Frame and Forks: Inspect the frame and forks for any cracks, damage, or dents.
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Brakes: We recommend you to have at least one fully functioning brake. We recommend disc brakes for improved control.
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Axles: Ensure the front and rear axles (whether quick-release or bolt-through) are tightened securely.
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Headset and Stem: Check that the headset and stem are secure, with no looseness or play.
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Handlebars and Grips: Handlebars and grips must be tight and unable to spin. Handlebar ends must have bar end plugs or grips that fully enclose the ends. Drop bars are not permitted due to the nature of our trails.
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Seat and Seatpost: Make sure the seat and seatpost are fastened securely, and check that dropper seatposts are functioning correctly.
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Pedals: Ensure pedals are securely attached and do not have excessive play. Pedals with toe strap fastenings are not permitted.
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Child Carriers: Fixed child carriers, such as shotgun seats, rear rack seats, or tag-a-long devices, are not permitted.
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E-Bikes: E-bikes are welcome at Phoenix Bike Park but must be classified as an EAPC (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle). The motor must not propel the bike beyond 15.5 mph. Bikes with throttle assist are not allowed.
Helmet & PROTECTION Guide
At Phoenix, safety is our top priority. To ensure all our riders are protected, we recommend using a correctly fitted helmet that is under 3 years old and meets the appropriate safety standards for the age and activity of the user. We will always recommend more protection, although not mandatory you may consider gloves, knee pads, elbow pads, shin pads and body armour.
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Helmet guide
EN1078 – For Adults and Older Children (7 years and over)
Helmets certified to the EN1078 standard are designed for cycling, skateboarding, and roller skating. They are suitable for adults and older children, offering protection through rigorous testing for shock absorption, effective chin straps, and a clear field of vision.
EN1080 – For Younger Children (7 years and under)
For younger riders, helmets meeting the EN1080 standard are recommended. These helmets are specifically designed with children’s safety in mind and include features such as a breakaway chin strap to reduce the risk of strangulation in case of entanglement.
ASTM F1952 – The Standard for Full-Face Helmets
For riders tackling downhill or extreme mountain biking, we recommend full-face helmets certified to the ASTM F1952 standard. These helmets are specifically designed for high-impact scenarios, offering enhanced protection for your head and face.
While not mandatory, full-face helmets provide a much higher level of protection compared to standard cycling helmets. This makes them an excellent choice for beginners and pros alike. Although they may feel bulkier, the added safety is well worth it.
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