Weekend Bike Festival at Learnie Red Rocks

The mountain bike trails of Learnie Red Rocks, Black Isle will be a hive of activity this weekend (Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 June) as young and old take part in a 'mountain bike festival. The two day festival will be packed with fun to entertain all the family. Enthusiastic riders will have the opportunity to try new demo bikes, or hire a bike and explore the trails. Complete novices will be encouraged to 'have a go' and will benefit from taking part in one of the taster sessions being held over the weekend. Other events on offer include child bike races, 'bike highland games', and the 'cycle the tallest tree in Great Britain tree' challenge. There will be something for everyone including master-classes on Sunday for those with some experience but want to improve. The event is being hosted by Forestry Commission Scotland and the Highland Mountain Biking Association (HIMBA). The fun starts at 1100hrs on both Saturday (16 June) and Sunday (17 June). Anyone interested in taking part should make there way to the Learnie Red Rock car park which is on the A832 four miles from Rosemarkie. Activities will be need to be pre-booked on the day. The weekend festival is a natural extension to what has been happening at Learnie over the last few months. The Commission have been working closely with HIMBA and the local Active Schools co-ordinator and have provided over 350 Black Isle Primary school-children with the opportunity to 'have a go' at mountain biking. Brian Duff, Forestry Commission Scotland; said "This weekend should give the children we've been working with and many others another flavour of the thrills of mountain biking. It'll be a great way to learn some new skills and develop the enthusiasm of these young riders. We hope that the festival will encourage lots of families to take up the sport on a more regular basis and raise their awareness of the fabulous Learnie Red Rock trails and support organisations available on their doorstep." Tim Meek, Chairman of HIMBA, added; "We have been really excited by the positive response we've received from the school children and their parents during our recent taster sessions. We are determined to see more local people become involved with the sport of mountain biking and use this magnificent Learnie Red Rock facility. Of course joining HIMBA and supporting the volunteer crews who keep the trails maintain is as rewarding and using them!" For further information about the weekend bike festival contact Brian Duff tel: 07747 761 345 For information and news from HIMBA visit www.himba.org.uk