For the last three years, in a bid to counteract my (initial) year of debauchery and total disregard for mind and body (when I was an Art Foundation student at UWE), I have been desperately trying to ‘Hurt’ myself (ie. get active) in a variety of ways in and around Bristol. I think I’ve finally made up for some of my wicked ways and hope the next few paragraphs will offer a flavour of some of the action and adventure available in Bristol and will excite you into doing something a little more hardcore than nursing a hangover on your weekends!

Mountain Biking:
If you scan your eyes over an open A-Z of Bristol, you should be pleased to notice a lot of contour lines and a wealth of green spaces, a few of which are big enough to make you feel that you are no longer in one for the country’s major cities and that can be explored by bike. The Blaise Castle Estate (Henbury), Oldbury Court Estate (Frenchay) and Ashton Court Estate (south Bristol) are great for picnicking, a spot of frisbee, walking/running, tree climbing and general frolicking…but if like me, you find yourself craving the odd bout of excitement/adrenaline kick, head to Aston Court. The Timberland Trail, a (flat) single track course, runs through the main woods of the park and is used in various predominant biking races held in the city; nothing too treacherous, just a lot of tree roots to negotiate and a few man made hits. Ashton Court is only a 15 minute ride from Park Street so it’s a close, more challenging alternative to a ride along the Bristol-Pill path (save the hair of the dog until later).

If you’re an intermediate-expert BMXer or mountain biker then you’re in for a treat up at Still Woods (Provedence Lane, off the B3128, above Long Ashton), which is a man-made (short, steep and sweet) down-hill park with a range of obstacles and jumps for varying competencies. This park is fun and can hurt bad as we found out on our first visit, arriving to some poor guy being stretchered out of the wood to a waiting ambulance.

Fifty Acre Wood (not to be confused with 100 Acre wood where Piglet and Tigger hang out), is another (flat) single track loop whose sharp twists and turns try and catch you out as you weave your way at speed through narrow, often gravelled tracks. So if like Winnie, you’ve eaten too much honey, this is a good place to burn off one too many gluttonous nights out! This place is slightly further out of town but easily accessed by bike through Ashton Court, so if you’re up to the challenge you could combine them both; I have tried and tested said duo hung-over, a combination I would not necessarily advocate!

My favourite spot to ride off a hangover however is in Leigh Woods, which stretch up to the Suspension Bridge on the south side. Accessed by bike from the Bristol-Pill path, you’ll have to push your bike up the majority of the way I’m afraid, but will be sufficiently rewarded by the profusion of trails that will whirl you through the trees, down dips and over natural and man-made hits, ruining your sense of direction before spitting you out at one of the many other ends, ready to enjoy a speedy downhill descent back to the river! There is nothing particularly knarly about the tracks in these woods but there are a few more technical options for the descent, one of which threw me over the handlebars! COME ON!!!

Skating/BMXing:
If skating is something you felt best to leave behind with your pubescent hormones then perhaps it’s time to take a hold of that kindred spirit and start rolling again as there are loads of places to get your stoke on around Bristol which attract the older shredder as much as the young!

The 70s bowl, spines, ramps (and vert ramp) and flat rails up at St Georges Park provides amusement to long-boarders (like me), short boarders and BMXers alike; this place is big, has a nice vibe and is well worth the effort visiting.

‘The Deaner’ (in the Dame Emily Park, next to the swimming pool) in Bedminster, is a sloping park whose recent, growing popularity with BMXers is matching that of the skaters; its slight downhill gradient makes it pretty unique and will challenge your speed checking skills! Despite local efforts made, it is in desperate need of a revamp but has a large burmed ramp, a selection of ramps, a platform and flat rail to ride and is the nearest park to the centre so is a fun alternative to a boozy lunch in town?!

The park up at the Hengrove Leisure Park is much more modern, is lit up until 10pm, and has two small but deep bowls (with coping), a sloping rail and a large ramp area which allows you cruise around and keep your flow going.

If mini ramps happen to rock your world, you may want to visit the far quieter and under-rated skate park in the Withywood suburbia on the outskirts of town. The large metal, double mini ramp has great transition and there are several other ramps, a flat box and flat rail to play on here too…

Surfing:
In addition to the Universities’ surf clubs, the local members of the Bristol Surf Club will make you wish you’d never left your board back at your folks place collecting dust. These guys are a laid back bunch, meet every Thursday evening at The Pump House (Hotwells Road) and welcome new members to join them and share in the delights of the sea and lifts to the surf on the weekend.

Climbing:
More often than not, thanks to the blessed latitude of our Queen’s country, if rock is what does it for you, you’ll probably find yourself making your way to the suburb of St Werburghs and heading straight for the church…No, not just to pray for sun, but to climb into the rafters, as this is where our city’s indoor climbing wall hides! The cost of a visit is £5.50 and climbing harnesses, shoes and belaying devices can be hired. And if the sun is shining…? The Bristol Gorge, holding up the Suspension Bridge, has a large bouldering area, sport and traditional climbing.

So get the hell out there! Get active, indulge in the challenge and learn a new skill. Just try not to hurt yourself…too much!

Fran McElhone