Pensioner Helps Launch New Trail At Kielder

From pensioners to fresh faced youngsters and mums and dads – bikers of all ages are set to hit the trail in even greater numbers in Kielder Water & Forest Park! The Kielder Partnership has today (Monday, 24 May) opened the longest 'blue' graded mountain bike trail in England – stretching across 20 kilometres of stunning Border landscape – and built at a cost of £330,000. Unveiling the route – which is aimed at family and causal bikers – was Carl Poulter from Hexham. The 35 year old been appointed to an exciting new role to get more folk to saddle up in Kielder under an initiative by the Forestry Commission, Hoseasons and CTC (Cycling Touring Club) in partnership with Purple Mountain Bike Centre and Northumbrian Water. He was joined by local bikers, including 81 year old Hexham pensioner, Harry Manuel, who is possibly the oldest off-roader in the Upper North Tyne and training for a John O'Groats to Lands End marathon ride. It's yet another amazing challenge for a man who has been a jockey and a cowboy and who took up biking to help recover from a hip replacement operation. Trail builders are hailing the new blue route as a massive step forward in encouraging more people to take up biking and improve their riding skills. Alex MacLennan, Recreation, Tourism and Communities Manager with the Forestry Commission, explained: "We have created world class facilities at Kielder, including the Deadwater trail with its demanding black rated section and England's longest red route for intermediate bikers keen on pulse quickening action. But the blue route is the missing piece in the jigsaw. It will open up the sport for those wanting to progress from all ability trails like Kielder's Lakeside Way and take on a wee bit more off road action. It's a tremendous new asset to the area and will attract leisure riders from far and wide." The opening of the new blue route coincides with Carl Poulter's appointment as the first bike and leisure officer in Kielder Water & Forest Park. It's a dream job for the keen outdoor fan who took up mountain biking only four years ago, but whose rapid progress has seen him become a qualified guide. Carl said: "I want to share my passion for both Kielder and biking. It's a terrific way to experience one of Britain's truly great landscapes and also a fantastic way to keep fit. I'll be running events and leading rides at Kielder, Hawkhope and Leaplish, all with the beginner and leisure biker very much in mind." Kielder Water & Forest Park was recently voted the most tranquil place in England by the Campaign to Protect Rural England. For more go to www.visitkielder.com

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