Dalby trails going global

The Forestry Commission, along with SingletrAction, an independent local riders' organisation, are working together to create 50 kilometres of new routes in the 8,600-acre wood near Pickering.

It is intended that the project will result in England's most extensive network of purpose-built and sustainable mountain bike trails.

Construction work is expected to take two-and-a-half years with a completion date set for December 2007.

Financial support has come from the European Union's Objective 2 funding programme, which has provided more than £140,000 towards the scheme.

The Forestry Commission will also contribute £200,000 with the remainder being drawn from private sponsorship.

Forest district manager Alan Eves said: "The creation of an all-weather and sustainable network is a central part of our vision for Dalby. Mountain biking is one of the nation's fastest growing pastimes and these new facilities will be a massive draw for people of all ages and abilities."

Eves also emphasised that the trails would avoid sensitive conservation areas.

Current bike routes in Dalby do exist but they have become increasingly difficult to maintain and can become very muddy in wet weather.

Adrian Carter, of Pace Cycles, Kirbymoorside, who has helped design the new trails, added: "To some extent they have become a victim of their own success.

"What's really needed is a completely new network, using natural materials to armour the track against wear and using the flow of the terrain and natural features to create a riding experience unique to Dalby."

The network has been designed in the shape of a clover leaf, allowing the route to be tackled in four sections and a fifth segment may be built if additional sponsorship can be secured.

Lee Owen-Stanford, of SingletrAction, said: "The project will put Dalby on the map and allow it to compete with the world-class routes created in Scotland and Wales."

Updated: 10:45 Wednesday, July 20, 2005