Yorkshire Dales based Dales Mountain Biking is nearing completion of their ambitious expansion plans. Situated in Fremington on the outskirts of Reeth, Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales they are developing a dedicated bike centre.
Dales Bike Centre as it is to be known will welcome road, touring and mountain bikers to the purpose built facility. The centre is to comprise of:-
Café
Bike shop and Repair centre
Bike hire – Trek hardtails, full suspension and hybrid bikes, tag-a-longs and child seats
14 bed, bunk accommodation in two and four bedded rooms
Self catering kitchen facilities for residents
Parking
Secure bike storage
Bike wash
Toilet and shower facilities for day visitors
Laundry and drying room
Information point
Continuation and expansion of Dales Mountain Biking skills courses, events and tours Building work eventually started in April of this year on the project costing nearly £500,000. Dales Bike Centre has attracted grant funding of £100,000 from Yorkshire Forward and £22,000 from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund which is managed by the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. Without which Stuart and Brenda Price from Dales Mountain Biking said “it would never have got off the ground, we are very fortunate the two organisation could see and believe in our vision”.
Stu and Brenda also said “We are really pleased to be getting towards the final stages of the project that we’ve been working on for nearly 5 years. Planning permission was difficult to get and raising the money in the current economic climate wasn’t easy but we got there. Dales Bike Centre is not just for clients on our courses and tours but is open to all road cyclist and mountain bikers visiting Swaledale and the Yorkshire Dales. Everyone come and see us but maybe not all at once!”
The green credentials of Dales Bike Centre have also been carefully considered and include Ground Source Heat pump under floor heating system, very well insulated buildings and water re-cycling bike wash amongst many energy saving features.
Mark Allum, Yorkshire Dales National Park’s Access Projects Officer said “Cycling and mountain biking are great ways to get out and enjoy the National Park, with a minimal impact on the environment. They are activities that take you closer to nature and take you onto trails with a real history, as well as being great fun. We welcome the development of Dales Mountain Biking’s cycle centre in Reeth, which will provide a real focus for cycling in Swaledale.”
Swaledale is a fantastic venue for mountain biking and road cycling alike. The abundance of bridleways in the area offer a nearly endless number of route options to the keen mountain biker, all in stunning Dales scenery. Classic road rides such as up Swaledale over Buttertubs pass or Tan Hill await the keen road cyclist to enjoy their challenges.
All the stops are being pulled out to have the centre open just before Christmas. A new website www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk is under construction. Accommodation bookings for Christmas and beyond are now being taken.
Check out their website www.dalesmountainbiking.co.uk for more information.
