A TOUCH of Canada has come to West Devon thanks to a triumph of understanding. Raised wooden switchback trails in Canada make up an incredible off-road cycling facility, such as Vancouver?s ?North Shore?. But when Forestry Commission officer Martin Webb discovered some unknown riders were trying to create their own version of the switchback trail in Abbeyford Woods near Okehampton he had to act. After trying in vain to contact the organisers he decided to break up their handiwork to make the woodland safe and to try to catch their attention ? it worked a treat. When the riders came out of the woods to query his actions, both sides realised they had shared ambitions. Now they both point with pride to the mini ?North Shore? that is attracting more and more mountain bikers to the woodland. Beat Forester Martin said: ?The woods we manage with public access are all about getting people active and enjoying healthy outdoor activities. ?But the obstacles and tracks appearing in the woods did not meet the safety standards we have to abide by and simply had to go. ?I was absolutely delighted when the riders got in touch to talk about their trails and their efforts to develop their sport. They showed enormous responsibility in coming up with a plan for building a North Shore-style track that was properly designed, built and maintained. ?It enables us to keep mountain biking away from walkers visiting this popular wood.? Mountain bike organiser Ian Robinson, of Okehampton, said he and his fellow riders had formed a club and were now planning to extend the facility. He said it was important for bikers using the track to join the Okefreeriders so their money could go towards buying the timber for new track extensions. He added: ?I wasn?t sure what sort of reception we would get when we went to Martin at first, but the support he has given us has turned out to be fantastic. ?We now have a superb cycle-track and the orgnisation to make it even better. We?ve also been able to manage our activities so they do not conflict with other woodland users.? Ian said the new track was graded as a ?black/severe? route and was suitable for experienced riders with good techinical skills. He added that there were other routes in Abbeyford suitable for novice riders or people wanting the thrill of going ?downhill?. Okefreeriders organises regular training days to help riders at all levels and of all ages to improve their skills. Anyone wanting to find out more about mountain biking in Abbeyford Woods should visit the website http://www.okefreeriders.co.uk">www.okefreeriders.co.uk
