Bristol mountain biking heaven in 2011
The Bristol area is set to become a celebrated destination for mountain bike riders of all abilities when new mountain bike trails are built at Ashton Court and Leigh Woods in 2011.
Bristol’s Cycling City project has teamed up with the Forestry Commission, National Trust and the 1 South West cycling initiative to secure the £200,000 in funding needed at each site to provide 11km of new or reconstructed cycle trails.
The trails should be open in the summer of 2011.
The work will create natural feeling single-track trails, way marked to assist people who are new to the area or off-road cycling.
Most of the trails will be on or close to the line of existing routes, but providing a robust surface and enjoyment throughout the year.
Sections of trail that encourage skills development will ensure that riders of all abilities have a great experience.
Trail designer Phil Saxena of Architrail has brought to the project an extensive international experience of building world-class mountain bike trails including the Beijing Olympics course.
He has also been a Bristol resident and ridden in the area for many years.
Phil said, “Having ridden my bike here it’s great to be such an integral part in raising Bristol’s offering in the sport that has given me so much pleasure. Designing the track has been a challenge due to the constraints on the sites but we’re planning trails that will get a wide range of riders coming back for more whilst the trails remain robust and sensitive to the landscape and other users.”
Work will also take place on a new trail centre on the site of the existing kiosk.
The centre is set to cost £500,000 and will include a café and public toilets, as well as bringing golf and cycle hire to Ashton Court visitors. Construction work should be complete by July 2011.
An artist's impression of the centre is shown below.
Councillor Dr Jon Rogers, Executive Member for Care and Health, said: “Bristol's reputation as a Cycling City is further enhanced by this great scheme! Having a quality mountain biking destination in our city will help beginners take their first steps in the sport and experienced teams develop their skills in readiness for international competition. Exciting stuff!”
Below you'll find a PDF with 10 questions and answers to help you understand the cycle trail works that will take place at Ashton Court and Leigh Woods in 2011.
Maps showing the new trails at Ashton Court and Leigh Woods are shown below.
More off-road cycling locations in the region can be found at: www.betterbybike.info/off-road-cycling and footage of Ashton Court's trails as they currently are can be found in our video gallery.
