Biking enthusiasts are saddling up to try out a new section of the Drake's Trail cycle route in time for National Bike Week on Saturday. Drake's Trail is the name given to the Sustrans Route 27 network between Tavistock and Plymouth and is named in honour of the Tavistock-born adventurer Sir Francis Drake, the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe. A new section of the cycle route between Horrabridge and Clearbrook will be open just in time to celebrate the national week which runs from June 14 to 22. The new section starts at Horrabridge Station, travelling across the edge of Roborough Down to Yelverton and then onto Clearbrook. The smooth surface and shallow gradient makes it perfect for cycling. Devon Renaissance, West Devon Borough Council and Devon County Council have provided funding for a Drake's Trail project officer, who is working on creating a website and promotional material that will ensure the trail gains recognition across the region. Circular 'spur' routes will also be promoted around Yelverton to offer more links to local Drake sites for walkers and cyclists. These walking and cycling paths have been tested out over the last few months by a range of volunteers including councillors, business owners, school representatives, Dartmoor guides and Drake enthusiasts. When the final route is complete it will connect various points associated with Drake including his birthplace, his statue in Tavistock, and his house at Buckland Mona- chorum. It will also follow the leat he constructed, unwittingly helping to achieve a wonderfully gentle path towards Plymouth. Cllrs Margaret Garton and Philip Sanders from West Devon Borough Council, who both represent the Buckland Monachorum ward, are fully behind the new initiative which will help boost tourism in the area. There will be further opportunities for involvement as the project builds towards the launch of the trails in March 2009. Cllr Garton said: 'When completed this will be a great tourism attraction, not just for the summer, but all year round.' Cllr Sanders added: 'Drake has international appeal and by honouring Sir Francis in this way visitors will be able to discover more about the man while also finding out what this beautiful area has to offer. The route provides great views across Dartmoor and will appeal to walkers, cyclists and sightseers alike.' For further information about Drake's Trail, contact West Devon's Drake's Trail project officer Phil Baker on 01822 813659 or by emailing on [email protected]">[email protected].