Plas Menai Skills Track

A near 1-km long Mountain Bike Skills track has been unveiled by Sports Minister Alun Pugh AM and a host of local school children. The £30,000 track, which has been christened 'Trac Jackson' in memory of intrepid mountaineer John Jackson, adds another string to our bow here at Plas Menai. Designed and built by world class designer Simon Williams from Ffestiniog, the mountain biking facility complements the already large range of watersports and mountain sports which draw outdoor enthusiasts from all over the UK and overseas. With loops of varying difficulty and a skills area, it is ideal for the avid biker as much as the first-time mountain biker. Sports Minister Alun Pugh - a keen cyclist himself - was impressed with the result. "This track is a marvellous addition to the existing attractions at Plas Menai which will attract a wide range of people from kids keen to have fun and try something new to more experienced cyclists. By providin gfacilities like this cycle track we will hopefully get young kids into the habit of exercising from a young age, and form a habit that will stay with them throughout their life". The designer was on hand to see the Minister, Chair of the Sports Council for Wales, Philip Carling and children from Ysgol Sir Huw Owen, Brynrefail, Tryfan and Anglesey schools unleash their cycle skills on the track which includes a boulder park and three loops. Mrs Eileen Jackson - wife of the late John Jackson - cut the ribbon as the cyclists entered the track. Mr Jackson was a previous Principal of the centre. Chair of the Sports Council for Wales, Philip Carling said: "Plas Menai continues to develop as a leisure facility that attracts families, fitness enthusiasts and sports stars alike. The Gwynedd area has a proud tradition of sporting success and the introduction of this new track will ensure that this can continue." www.plasmenai.co.uk