Mountain bikers in the Midlands are being urged by the Forestry Commission to pitch in and lend a hand at a series of dig days. The Forestry Commission is about to start work on a £300,000 project to create a National Centre of Excellence for Off-Roading in the 3,000-acre Sherwood Pines Forest Park.
Exciting new routes are planned for keen bikers and family cyclists, together with improved facilities, all aimed at reinforcing the forest park’s ranking as the East Midland’s pre-eminent off-road venue, currently attracting 250,000 bikers annually.
New trails will include a 13km cross-country route, a six-mile adventure trail, a three-mile surfaced family cycle route and a skills loop near the visitor centre. A bike park will also offer
some fun stuff for more experienced riders. Work has been backed by £147,500 from the Alliance SSP programme and the entire project will be completed by 2009.
Trail-building workshops will be held on January 26 and 27 and February 10, 23 and 24. For further information contact Rebecca Mayo on 01623 822447, or email rebecca.mayo@forestry.gsi.gov.uk,