Learn how to jump

Riders are being invited to learn mountain biking skills at an event being held at a popular forest on the outskirts of Aberdeen.

The Bike Bash, being held at Kirkhill Woods, on Sunday, June 25, is a free event aimed at both children and adults, teaching the different skills needed to ride the mountain bike trails in forests. The day has been organised by Forestry Commission Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council’s Active Lifestyles Team as part of National Bike Week which encourages people to enjoy the benefits of cycling.

People participating on the day will be give a great introduction to off-road biking as they learn how to tackle a range of technically challenging obstacles, including jumps, berms, and bumps. The popular track, only five miles from Aberdeen city centre, opened in January 2005 and attracts up to 4,000 visitors every month. It is one of the many new biking developments that the Commission has been driving forward across the country allowing more people to give it a go.

The Commission’s Active Woods campaign aims to help improve Scotland’s health and well-being by encouraging more people to enjoy activities in Scotland’s national woods and forests. Commenting on Bike Bash,

Aberdeenshire Forest District community ranger Dan Cadle said: “A family day out to the trails is a fantastic way for kids to burn off all that energy whilst mums and dads follow on behind, and we would urge people to come along this weekend and give it a go. “If we can get the kids interested in the outdoors at an early age, we can entice them off the computer games and get them out to the forest to get active. “Children seem to love mountain biking, and it's a hobby we hope they'll keep doing, or at least come back to at a later age. It is great fun and also a superb way to improve fitness levels for people of all ages. “Scotland is recognised as leading the way in mountain bike trails and Bike Bash is just one of the many events which the Forestry Commission Scotland is organising in forests across Scotland.” People attending Bike Bash will also receive general safety advice, such as always wearing a helmet, reading the signs and trail information before setting off, and how they can make use of the Commission’s many biking trails available throughout the country.

Bike Bash will be held between 10am and 4pm and is suitable for anyone over the age of 10, although children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Kirkhill Forest is on the A96 at Tyrebagger, about one mile north of the airport roundabout. People can just turn up on the day and either bring along their own bikes and helmet or use those available at the event.