Bikers Brave A Bashing At Knockmore

Moray mountain bikers are being given the chance to show off their skills at an event in a local forest on Sunday 2 September. The Knockmore Bash, arranged by Forestry Commission Scotland, will allow biking enthusiasts to take on three challenging downhill trails at Knockmore Forest on Ben Aigan near Elgin. The Bash is part of the Commission's national Active Woods campaign to encourage more people to enjoy activities in Scotland’s woods and forests. It is aimed at the more experienced mountain bike rider with each trail offering a different challenge which bikers are free to explore at their own pace or by taking part in trial competitions. The trail known as The Hammer winds around the summit of Ben Aigan, and bikers will face big earth features and boardwalk sections; the Mast Blast features fast downhill sections, and the deceptively-named Pink Fluffy Bunny is a fast and steep course for expert riders only. Commission rangers will be running an uplift system to the top of trails all day, allowing bikers who have made their way down the trails to rest and regain their breath before starting again. Rachael Jones, Forestry Commission Scotland, said: "The Knockmore Bash is a great day out for enthusiastic bikers and the ideal way to discover the wealth of world-class mountain trails local people have on their doorstep. "The Bash will be taking place on three of the eight courses that make up the Commission's Moray Monster Trails, and I hope that the riders who take part will keep coming back to explore the trails in the future." The Knockmore Bash is free, and open to all bikers over the age of 11. Places are limited however so booking in advance is recommended. The event will run from 1pm to 5pm. Each participant will need to bring their own front suspension-equipped mountain bike. For further information about the event and to register for a place, please telephone the Moray Forest District office on 01343 820223. Forestry Commission Scotland's Active Woods campaign aims to help improve the nation's health and well-being by encouraging more people to enjoy activities in Scotland’s national woods and forests. For more information, log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods or telephone 0845 FORESTS (0845 367 3787) Next week, 3-9 September, Forestry Commission Scotland's Leanachan Forest, Fort William will be the venue of the first ever UCI Mountain Bike & Trials World Championships to be staged in the UK. More than 700 of the World’s top riders from more than 50 nations, will compete across the four mountain bike disciplines of Cross Country, Downhill, 4-Cross and Trials for a total of 19 World Championship titles. For the latest Championship news and information as well as ticket sales visit www.fortwilliamworldchamps.co.uk www.forestry.gov.uk