We have recently agreed an informal partnership with another bunch of cool (but crazy) mountain bikers known as The Northern Munkies.
Duncan was using cycling routes in the Lake District way before the majority of people, and has a thirst for fast downhills, the rougher the terrain the better. Shane is another biker who hammers his bike down the roughest terrain possible. Ben prefers mountainous tracks, more windy trails than downhills. He is very much at home on the North Face Trail in Grizedale Forest. Then there is Rob, the main downhill expert among them. He thrives on downhills and big airtime, especially since getting his new bike. He can ride with the best, as proved by becoming an SDA competition entrant this year!
An established and experienced team such as this will help us gain extra exposure, making the UK MTB community more aware and treat us as equals. In turn, this could also promote the construction of new trails and/or minor adaptions to existing trails, to improve access. The sharing of knowledge and information we have will also be very useful to all concerned� our overall intentions in forming this alliance is to help benefit both clubs, and the many enthusiasts in the UK mountain biking scene.
The club has contacted the Forestry Commission, in an effort to get
involved in any future dialogue about the various downhill mountain
bike trails across the country.
We have succeeded in this, by being invited to help advise
them on any improvements to the current facilities available, and to discuss possible venues available for building new sites. We also hope to negotiate an agreement on improving uplift services (or tow vehicle access) to the best trails. All of this will then make the 4-wheel sport much more accessible.
In a BBC interview, Karl Bartlett, a project manager for Forestry Commission Scotland, explained how they are already helping to roll back the boundaries of physical activity for disabled people: �getting people into mountain biking at all levels is really important for us... we need to make our region as accessible as possible to everyone... it is important that disabled people get a real experience of mountain biking�.
British Cycling. This is the internationally recognised governing body of
cycling in the UK.
It administers the sport in the following disciplines: BMX, Cycle Speedway, Cyclo-Cross, Mountain Bike, Road and Track. It�s members have access to an extensive events programme, racing licences and a range of benefits. The organisation underpins cycling with programmes focusing on facilities, major events, coaching, volunteers, club development and grass-roots participation.
British Cycling has a vibrant membership of cyclists, who join the organisation to race and to access a range of cycling-focused membership benefits. These include liability insurance cover for cyclists at fault in accidents and featuring "no excess", a unique British Cycling benefit. There is free legal advice from dedicated specialists in working with cyclists' cases. Discounts are available on some travel, equipment, holidays, event tickets, etc.
British Cycling is also committed to bringing the biggest cycling events to the UK. Along with several World Championships due to visit the country in the next few years, they have also been supporting a large number of regional and club facility development and re-development projects.
