Bikers find their voice in Sherwood Pines

The Forestry Commission is asking mountain bikers of all abilities to help create new facilities in Sherwood Pines Forest Park. The 1,200-hectare (3,000-acre) woodland, near Clipstone, Notts, is one of the region’s biggest off-roading venues, attracting over 200,000 enthusiasts and families each year. However, unlike many other large UK forests, it doesn’t have its own dedicated club to steer the sport forward and encourage more folk to saddle-up. But now all that has changed! Bikers are being invited to join the newly formed Sherwood Pines Cycle Club, which is launched today (Wednesday, 14 June). Working with the Forestry Commission, the group will have a major say in the design and construction of new trails and help organise practical workshops and rides. As recreation manager Chris Bray explained, it’s a way of giving the ordinary biker a say in the future: “We are committed to working with bikers on new routes, from the drawing board through to trail building sessions. By definition, the facilities created will be the ones people want to see developed. That will instil a real sense of ownership, ensuring they are well maintained. Biking is also a key activity in our Active Woods health-push, so we want to spread the message and get more folks involved.” The forest park currently has two way marked family trails, three and seven miles long, together with a “dual descender” downhill hill course for proficient bikers. As well as revamping these, new goals for the club could include the creation of a jump area, together with more park-style trails. Paul Harris, from Rainworth, one of the founders of the club, who also runs the Sherwood Pines Cycle Centre, said: “We want to see the forest developed for all bikers. That means creating facilities for experienced riders, but also spending time with families and kids teaching them how to ride safely. The club will give all mountain bikers a stake in the future.” Sherwood’s hard ground and undulating terrain offers plenty of scope for beginner and expert alike. Recently, the forest hosted a stage in the UK’s top cross country mountain bike competition, the National Points Series. To join the new club contact Paul Harris on 01623 822855 or e mail: [email protected] [email protected]