Trail Offers Bikers Chance To Gear Up For The Ultimate Challenge

Mountain bikers wanting to prepare themselves for one of the north's toughest off-road challenges are celebrating the opening of a new section of trail in Stainburn Forest, between Otley and Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The Forestry Commission has worked with independent rider's organisation, SingletrAction, to create an 800 metre detour on the 550 acre wood's two kilometre "red route". The section, complete with twists and turns, has cost £20,000 to build and will offer intermediate level bikers a chance to hone their abilities. Stainburn is already home to a 3.8 kilometre "double black" route, dubbed the "Boulder Trail", rated as one of the most difficult in England. The new development will provide a stepping stone for riders who eventually want to get to grips with its technical features, whilst also providing added spice to a day's biking in the spectacular wood. Forester Nick Short said: "It's important we create a mix of trails suitable for all abilities and give people chance to take their skills to the next level. Creating more recreational opportunities at Stainburn is also a priority under our Active Woods health-push." The trail has been surfaced with crushed local stone, making it all weather and suitable for use even in the wettest conditions. It has also been designed to be sustainable in the wider woodland context, avoiding sensitive conservation sites and footpaths. Stainburn's single track trails were recently featured in What Mountain Bike magazine and two years ago they were rated as amongst the best in England by the influential Mountain Biking UK (July 2006). Tim Sellors, from SingletrAction, said: "This section is a fantastic addition to the trails at Stainburn. It's accessible to the intermediate rider but constructed in such a way that advanced riders will also find features to challenge their bike handling skills. It's been a great pleasure to work with our colleagues at the Forestry Commission, the contractor Clixby's and our volunteers to deliver something that really adds to the experience for bikers in these woods." www.singletraction.org.uk www.forestry.gov.uk