Coed Y Brenin Gets into Gear for National Bike Week

Forestry Commission Wales is holding a Bike Day at its award-winning Coed y Brenin centre near Dolgellau on Saturday, June 23, as part of National Bike Week, which starts on 16 June 2007. There will be plenty to do for all the family with guided rides, cycling skills sessions and "Dr Bike" clinics. FC Wales staff and members of the Mawddach Rotary Club will also be on hand to put security codes on bikes, so that if your bike is ever retrieved after being stolen the police will be able to trace the bike's rightful owner. Doreen Lindsey, the Eryri secretary of the Cycle Touring Club, will lead a 16-mile, mostly traffic-free, ride through stunning scenery starting at 11am from the visitor centre. The group will head into Dolgellau along cycle route 8, part of a national route which has been recently diverted to run past the new centre at Coed y Brenin. Once in Dolgellau, there will be a short break before riders head back to the visitor centre. Cyclists will be required to sign up for the ride, which is completely free, in the morning before the start. A mountain bike skills day run by Stuart Wright of Forest Freeride will teach the basics of mountain biking and give riders a taster of what riding at Coed y Brenin is really like. To take part, you will need to be 14 or over and places are limited on a first come, first served basis. Signing up for the course will take place from 8.30am on the day of the event and you will need to bring your own bike and helmet. Bikes will be inspected before riding and any unsuitable bikes will not be able to participate in the course. Meanwhile, the knowledgeable staff at Beics Brenin will be offering a Dr Bike service, offering a free safety check and answering any bike-related questions. Richard Mostyn, FC Wales Recreation Assistant at Coed y Brenin, said, "We wanted to do something that reflects all the fantastic facilities we have at Coed y Brenin and promote all types of cycling. This is a world class centre for biking and it's fitting that Coed y Brenin plays a part in celebrating National Bike Week." The fun starts at 9.30am and for further information contact Richard on 01341 440 747 or e-mail [email protected]