New trails planned for Wharncliffe Wood!
17 March 2006 | By billy1979
The green light has been given for the creation of the first ever all-weather mountain bike trails in Wharncliffe Wood, near Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
The Forestry Commission has linked-up with independent local riders organisation, SingletrAction, to create a new surfaced cross country route in the 1,200 acre wood together with a tough downhill course.
Wharncliffe's rocky and steep terrain has made it a magnet for off-roaders since the mountain biking craze first started in the 1980s. It also provided the training ground for Wortley-based biker Steve Peat, who took the world championship downhill series in 2004 and 2002. Next week he flies out to Peru to compete in a race starting at an altitude of 4,000 metres! Before then, he took time out to back the new plans:
"One of the reasons I got so good on bikes was riding in Wharncliffe," said Steve. "I have been busting laps in there since the late eighties and to finally see some trail input going in from a well established trail building group is something that is needed. To have a new downhill route is going to be a major key to me going off and beating the world's fastest riders."
The re-vamp will be good news for those wanting to hit the saddle, but will also help resolve potential conflicts with other woodland users.
Chris Bray, Forestry Commission Recreation Manager with the Sherwood District, explained:
"Wharncliffe is known throughout the UK as a top venue, but its sheer popularity has caused some of the trails to spread out and get badly eroded, especially the downhill ones. Working with SingletrAction, we want to create routes that are well maintained and properly surfaced so they can be used all year round, while offering a terrific ride. We're keen to see more people biking as part of our Active Woods health-push, but this new plan will also help steer bikers away from walkers or horseriders. That will allow everybody to enjoy woodlands safely in their favourite way."
In addition to a new "black" rated downhill trail, a ten mile cross country route will be built, mostly from scratch, using the wood's natural contours. It will be aimed at intermediate level riders, but with enough technical features to test skills and keep fans coming back. SingletrAction will provide volunteer trailbuilders, fund raising and course design proposals, working with the Forestry Commission, who will additionally offer financial and engineering support. Work will start shortly.
Rob Gilligan, from SingletrAction, said:
"We have been given a fantastic opportunity to develop new mountain biking trails which will be a huge benefit to local riders, providing a year round alternative to the busy Peak District and hopefully get more people out enjoying the sport."
