Kielder Forest is one of the biggest mountain bike trail centres in the UK, and it’s about to get bigger with the opening of new trail sections as part of the Kielder Big Bike Weekend.
Located in Northumberland, slap bang on the border between England and Scotland, the trails wind their way through the largest man-made forest in England.
The Big Bike Weekend takes place on the 18th and 19th of October, and it’s your chance to ride the already well known Deadwater Trail, a stunning Red and Black graded trail that takes you to the summit of Deadwater Fell, 1,900 feet above sea level. From there you’ll be able to relax, enjoy a stunning coast to coast view of both England and Scotland (so long as it’s not raining), and gather your breath before some epic downhill action.
With several new sections, plus a the brand new Forest Drive downhill section, there’s plenty to entice you back if you’ve ridden here before.
The trails have been supported and developed by the Forestry Commission who are responsible for the Kielder Water and Forest area, and the Kielder Castle Visitor Centre.
Alex MacLennan, Recreation and Public Affairs Manager for the Forestry Commission in the north east, explains:
“This has been a fantastic partnership project, from the funding coming through the Northern Lands project to the invaluable support from the Kielder Trail Reavers and Northern Downhill as well as other volunteer parties. We have also have held a number of corporate volunteer days with staff from local companies joining the Forestry Commission rangers to work on the trail improvements.”
“The new sections add a new dimension to the trail network and having mountain bikers involved in the build has really made it a trail for mountain bike enthusiasts. We are already planning a whole new set of exciting events on these trails later this winter and into 2015.
Over the weekend, there’ll also be the chance to demo bikes from Kona and Orange, and give electric bikes a go with the Raleigh Motus hybrid and the Haibike full suspension mountain bike.
On the Saturday, sign up for one of the guided rides which will run from 10am ’till sundown. On Sunday push your riding (or just watch!) at the Northern Downhill Race Series event.
Find out more about the Big Bike Weekend at the Forestry Commission Kielder website, and if you want to book a slot on a demo bike, give the Kielder Cycle Centre a call on 01434 250457.
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