Mountain Bike Skills

Sustainability and mountain biking

YOU CAN now sign up for the World Mountain Bike Conference on Sustainability being held on 12-15 May at Dumfries, Scotland.

This will be the first time visitors will be able to attend the conference outside North America, and it has already attracted interest from speakers and delegates from across the world.

The pricing policy is not clear, however. There are various combinations of pre-sessional evening and day activities. “The conference is shaping up to be a world beating event and we are really pleased to have so many interesting speakers coming to share their experiences," said Fiona Murray, Forestry Commission Scotland's tourism manager.

The commission added that they are keen to encourage anyone involved in mountain biking from all over the world to the conference and to enjoy the biking events planned around the event.

There will be the chance to put the owner's of land and other bodies under pressure to make sure the facilities that are in this country are up to speed.

On the list of events is the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) discussing environmental guidelines for bike parks; the Kona-collaboration Bikes for Africa; the United Nations Development Programme (Montenegro), on developing a poverty-stricken region for green adventure tourism; and Alta Rezia, private sector collaboration in Switzerland and Italy.

There will also be the Original Bicycle Festival happening at the same time, which aims to celebrate all kinds of bikes, providing a series of activities and events for locals and delegates alike to take part in. Register your place at www.worldmountainbikeconference.com - the first 100 names pulled out of the hat on 31 March will receive a £50 discount.

Mountain biking from your desktop

A few recommended reads before the nights get too light and we can all get back doing what we love even more regularly...

A bright and cheery read from the man who loves night riding from Footprints and Tyre tracks: http://julbags.blogspot.com/

Travels in Cumbria and Scotland is enough to make you want to get out there - right now: http://travelsinthelakesandscotland.blogspot.com/

Join others chatting about mountain biking in Cumbria at this Facebook forum: http://www.facebook.com/board.php?uid=2447990463

Singletrack report on the £3.8m development for Bury which will include mountain bike trails: http://www.singletrackworld.com/2009/02/38-million-to-develop-parkland-near-bury-with-mountain-bike-trails-included/

You can check out the exact site for the mountain bike trail development in Bury here http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=379950&Y=403380&A=Y&Z=120

Meet the guy who is learning to ride more after escaping from down south to the hills up north at: http://www.northernwalker.com/

Mountain bike holidays in the Lakes and Howgills

EVER fancied trying out some new mountain bike trails in the Howgills and Lakes? Well this could be your chance as two of the leading providers of accommodation and mountain bike instruction join forces. 

Mountain bike skills instructor Mike Stafford will be offering mountain bike guided rides, skills days out and weekends for groups in partnership with the first-class accommodation at Stonetrail near Sedbergh.

Mountain Bike Skills has teamed up with Stonetrail Holidays to provide top mountain biking holidays in the Howgills.

Alison Roper, of Stoneytrail, has been offering holidays in the Howgills for several years and specialises in mountain bike and horse riding facilities at Street Farm, Ravenstonedale - as featured in the Guardian.

Mike said: "This is about making sure that people have a great time when they come to the Howgills and really make the most of their stay. I have been running courses for more than a decade now so we really want people who might not otherwise have thought about mountain biking, to give it a go.

"Everyone knows that the exchange rate isn't great, so maybe this year people will think about what they can find closer to home. Alison's accommodation is really top, and it will be the perfect place for people to stay."

Alison added: "We have mountain bikes for hire and loads of local knowledge about the trails from horse riding, as well as private agreements for trails we can use so it is set to be a great summer.

"The Howgills remains quite undiscovered compared to the Lakes but it can offer what the Lakes could ten years ago: total peace and quiet with unspoilt fells and mountains."

Guided rides, day outings, beginners, intermediate and advanced courses are all on the agenda. Call Mike on 01539 623520 for more on mountain biking or call Alison on 015396 23444 for self catering accommodation for groups or individuals.

Climbing at Wilton quarry

The British Mountaineering Council has now completed the purchase of Wilton 1 from United Utilities.

 A Management Committee has been established and the Lancashire Mountaineering Club will be represented. Wiltons 2, 3 and 4 have been purchased by local gun clubs, but with a clause allowing climbing on non-shooting days.

Some immediate work is to be undertaken. A small section of fencing is needed where the pubic footpath goes close to the crag and around 70 new, galvanised, belay stakes are to be provided.

The BMC has purchased Wilton from its existing reserves. Les Ainsworth asked for pledges before the BMC had committed to the purchase. Several LMC members pledged £100.

These pledges are now being called in, to provide a fund to help with on-going management issues - the stakes, for example, are likely to cost over £2000. So if you made a pledge or indeed feel that you would like to contribute to the fund, please contact the LMC.

Mountain bike trails in Rivington: development

ROWAN Sorrell will join a team of volunteers this weekend building trails at Rivington.

The trail development has been part of an extensive consultation at Healy Nab - which is now coming into its final phase. Any volunteers can join Lancashire County Council workers, who will be providing the necessary tools, this weekend.

Mark Beaumont and the Original Bicycle Festival

WORLD RECORD cyclist Mark Beaumont will be meeting the inventor of the bicycle to launch The Original Bicycle Festival in Dumfries and Galloway. And it will be the perfect opportunity for fans to get a glimpse. Mark will saddle up to ride a replica of the world's first pedal bicycle invented by Dumfries' own Kirkpatrick MacMillan to celebrate the festival launch. There will be 19th Century period dress to look at as well as the two Scots legends in the breathtaking surroundings of Drumlanrig Castle (where Kirpatrick once worked as a blacksmith). The Original Bicycle Festival Project Director Ian Barr from Dumfries and Galloway Council will be present. Check out: The Visitor Centre, Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfries and Galloway (off A76, just north of Thornhill) On: Wednesday 18 February 2009 - Programme Launch announcement From 9 to 24 May 2009 Dumfries and Galloway www.originalbicyclefestival.co.uk