Businesses Invited To Join Kielder's Biking Revolution

A unique business opportunity has emerged in Kielder Water & Forest Park – and bike fans and entrepreneurs will be on 'tender hooks' awaiting its outcome. The 62,000-hectare (155,000-acre) Northumberland wilderness is undergoing a £850,000 investment in mountain bike facilities which will give it one of the UK's most extensive networks of purpose-built single track trails. Plans include a stunning new £250,000 bike hire centre, made from timber and with 200 square metres of floor space, which is nearing completion. Dynamic individuals and businesses are now being invited to tender to run this state-of-the-art facility. Alex MacLennan, Recreation and Tourism Manager with the Forestry Commission, commented: "This is a fantastic opportunity to join a biking revolution in one of Britain's most breathtaking corners. We will be looking for a compelling business plan and a clear vision for the future. The hire centre is located at the hub of the new trails near Kielder Castle and so will be a major focal point. It's key that the successful applicant is capable of taking the mountain bike scene forward for all levels of cyclists. They will need to share our drive to make Kielder the nation's pre-eminent off-road venue." It is hoped to have the hire centre operational by July. According to the latest figures, Kielder Water & Forest Park attracts 300,000 people very year and a growing proportion of these are off road bikers. Just a few years ago Kielder was dubbed a sleeping giant in biking circles, but now the leviathan has stirred. Routes unveiled recently include the Deadwater Trail, which peaks at 2,000 feet, making it the highest of its kind in England, and which includes a "black" rated detour guaranteed to get pulses racing. This year another 33 kilometres of routes will be added. They include a spectacular cross-Border red trail, complete with a one kilometre North Shore section, and a family friendly blue trail – the longest of its kind in England. The 27 mile multi-use Lakeside Way, which circumnavigates Kielder Water, will also be completed, along with a Trials Area, the first in the region, and with technical features like jumps and man-sized rocks. These developments will offer a massive year-round draw, bringing new visitors to the area. Tender documents will available online at www.forestry.gov.uk/northeastengland from 24 February or by contacting the Forestry Commission on 01434 220242, email [email protected] . The deadline for submissions is 15 April 2009