St Johns Mountain Bike Trail
From St Johns follow the road south to the junction of the Patrick road (277 815). Turn right into the Patrick Road, over the hump bridge and turn immediate left onto the Slieau Whallian road. This is a short climb that that follows a section of the End to End course; it’s narrow so watch out for cars approaching from in front and from behind.
After about one mile, turn right up the right of way (276 807). The first 100 meters are a challenge with a steep rocky ascent. The track continues up the side of Slieau Whallian to the road at (252 798) that leads down to Glen Maye. Just after the exit to the track, turn right onto another track at (251 798) and follow it down to the Patrick Road. This is an interesting track that narrows as it descends although care should be taken, as there are many ruts and rocky slabs. The following picture shows the hills you will be descending.
When you reach the Patrick road (247 850), turn right and follow the road through to St Johns, about 2 miles (277 815). Here, turn left and follow the road until you reach the turning for the large car park in St Johns (276 817).
Upon reaching the car park, ride through the car park and join the main road heading towards Peel in a westerly direction, beware of traffic on this busy road. Continue over the river and a short distance up the straight until you get to the disused railway bridge and tracks (269 821). Turn right, off the road and through the gate. Follow the tracks again until you get to the bridge taking the path on the left side of the bridge to join the Poortown Road. Use caution when entering the road from the path as the road can be very busy. A suggestion would be to dismount and push your bike onto the road.
Turning right, cycle past the quarry at Poortown and continue until you reach the road turning off to your left (277 828). Turn left and follow this road up the short climb to the humped road junction known as The Kew (276 834). Turn right and follow the Staarvey Road. This is a narrow road and a popular rally stage for National, International and club rallies. When you arrive at the right of way at (292 856) proceed through the gate on the west side of the road. This track can be quite wet in the winter so caution is advised. Towards the end, the track descends to the switchback road opening a splendid panorama of Peel and the West coast.
Upon reaching the switchback road, turn left, watching out for cars and follow the road over the bumps back to The Kew, turn left and follow the road until you get to the first 90 degree left hand bend (280 835). To your right you will find a wide track known as the Staarvey white, this starts as a gentle climb but quickly turns into a ferocious downhill but care should be taken as the road is open to all traffic and the bottom can be very slippery where it joins the main road.
At the main road junction, ride straight on down the hill towards the Tynwald Mills. When you get to the small bridge you can either go straight on towards St Johns, or extend the route by a hundred meters or so by turning right and taking in the Glen Mooar Road which is by far a better option.
St Johns is just ahead with two pubs and a shop to stock up on supplies ready for the next lap!
