Just a heads up really…

From this morning significant sections of the singletrack are being temporarily closed. Despite a huge amount of work and investment in the last couple of years the exceptionally wet weather has caused some parts of some of the trails in literally just sink into the ground. This has caused significant safety issues in some areas and the trail has become very unpleasant to ride in others. The trails have been closed to prevent injury and to try and preserve what we have left!

The sections closed are: Genesis, Holby, Jurassic Park, Wanda, Kickstart, Three Chimneys, Bikea, Magic Carpet, Deliverance and Fibreglass trees. There are sign posted diversions utilising the surfaced forest roads.

This action has been agreed between the club, the FC and Quench the on site bike shop. The FC have, I have to say been brilliant with their response. The plan is to rebuild and re-open as soon as possible and significant resources have been made available as the FC recognise how important the trails are to the site.

If all goes to plan, Genesis to Kickstart will be re-opened in 6-8 weeks, with the section from Three Chimneys to Fibreglass Trees taking up to 6 months. If you have ridden any of these sections recently you will understand why these bits could take a while… We will be taking the opportunity to enhance rather than just rebuild the trails so hopefully when they re-open they will be even more fun!

What you can do to help

Firstly, PLEASE DON’T ride the closed trails. It just makes things worse and costs more time and money until it is opened again. Even if it looks complete don’t ride it until it’s opened. It is so demoralising to have to regrade a section of trail when tyre marks appear in uncompacted material.

If you can, help out with our trail builds on the second Saturday of the month from 10am onwards meeting at the bike wash. We have quite a part to play in the rebuild process and the more work we do, the sooner we can re-open and the better the trails will be.

Boris
Chairman http://www.boarsonbikes.co.uk

I think this is a good idea ,maybe a touch late – but all credit for those involved for making such a tough decision, im gonna hit it in the morning to session the trails that are open and work on the whips in the freeride section .

Right decision for sure, did 20miles yesterday, and had to head to the bike wash half way through to clear the crap off! Some of the mud was hub deep and really, really sloppy.

Do you do any trail maintenance in the week Boris? I work every Saturday, but would love to help out.

Cheers guys, it is SO depressing to have done so much work just to watch it sink without trace but we will rebuild!

Tom, yes it is possible! I frequently go up there during the week (I do weird hours) but I’m usually alone. However at the moment it’s all hands to the pumps. If you want to get involved give me a shout (email in profile) and we’ll go and have a dig.

Thanks

Boris

Boris, when’s the next building day? I’d like to help out. I’ve been riding there very regularly recently, so i’d like to give back.

That must have been a tough call, but probably the right one! Rode it this morning – added the blue trail to make it more interesting after riding what was left open. We saw nobody attempting to get around the barriers either, which is hopefully good news.

That’s good that there wasn’t anybody trying to ride the closed ones, it is so important that we don’t as things are teetering on the edge of destruction!
The next trail build is always the 2nd Saturday of the month, so you have just missed one unfortunately. We meet at the bike wash near Quench cycles at 10 am, please bring a packed lunch if staying for the afternoon as we could be working right on the other side of the forest and warm clothes/gloves, all tools are provided. Thanks for all the offers of help, they are really appreciated!

Ali

Leftygirl – I actually didn’t ride there through December because I felt like the trail was getting destroyed, so I’m actually glad you’ve decided to close it for repairs.

I’ll be there in feb!