Olympic Dream as Dalby unveils £400,000 bike network

England's most extensive network of mountain bike trails opened today in 8,600-acre Dalby Forest, with forest chiefs promising a unique riding experience and a major boost to the region's economy. The Forestry Commission, working with SingletrAction, an independent local riders' organisation, has unveiled 55 kilometres (34 miles) of purpose-built and sustainable routes in North Yorkshire’s biggest wood, near Pickering. The £405,000 scheme has been backed by £141,000 from the European Union's Objective 2 programme and has taken two years to complete. Hopes are also high that the all-weather network could become part of the training facilities for mountain biking events at the 2012 London Olympics. The Forestry Commission is working with Games organisers to identify suitable sites, which include Dalby. Alan Eves, Forest District Manager, said: "“Scotland and Wales have created major off-road trails in recent years, reaping rich rewards in terms of luring visitors and stimulating the economy. Here in Dalby we have gone a step further and created a truly distinctive experience for riders of varying abilities." The network is the final element in the £4.1m Dalby Project, which was launched in 2004. Last month a new £2.6m eco-friendly visitor centre was opened by Forestry Commission Chairman Lord Clark and previously a £1.1m courtyard area was developed featuring bike hire centre, café, workshops, offices and community room. Designed in the shape of a clover leaf, the mountain bike routes allow riders to tackle the network in four sections, giving maximum flexibility to users. A fifth section will be built subject to funding. Fast undulating sections are mixed with long straight single tracks, complete with twists and turns. Both ardent and casual bikers will find a challenge to match their capabilities. Martin Ovastar, Civil Engineer with the Forestry Commission, said: "We are extremely pleased with the results and the way the partnership has worked. The standard of work carried out by the trail building contractor, Hugh Clixby, has been excellent, working closely with us throughout the build process." Adrian Carter, from Kirkbymoorside, one of the chief designers and owner of Pace Cycles, added: "We’ve shied away from building the type of trails you’ll find elsewhere in the UK. We wanted to offer a different riding experience with trails appropriate to local soils and topography. By using the natural contours of the dale and rigg terrain, we’ve created a natural flow to the ride. Local surfacing materials have also been used rather than stone armouring, which means routes remain well drained. But they are also more yielding than hard stone like granite." The trailhead is located at the Pace Bike Park, Dixon’s Hollow at Adderstone, where car parking and route information has been provided. The Forestry Commission is inviting sponsors to back the trails, giving businesses chance to promote themselves to over 300,000 visitors annually. For more information contact Alan Eves on 01751 472771. www.forestry.gov.uk