One Saturday morning, end of November in Afan Wales normally would very wet and damp. Not this one. Nine of us set out to challenge the 'Whites Level Trail', and a challenge it certainly was. As a group we were testing the new 2010 range of certain bikes. I was on the 2010 specialized epic comp which I'll be honest is a bike much more capable of things that i can throw at it. So we unloaded the vans and head off to start the white's level trail this is the most technical of all the trails in Afan Forest Park and is 90% purpose-built single-track..

A 6km climb gives amazing views of the Afan Valley. It's a good couple of hours of climbing but once you make the top it all the pain and exhaustion is forgotten. The dissent is definitely one to remember. The specialized epic I was riding was in its comfort zone, soaking up whatever the trail had for it. With the brain system on the rear of the epic it made things easier when climbing by locking out the suspension. Downhill was better to be turned off. Overall the white's level trail is up there with the best. Has to be tried!

John Male

AJ Bikes