A DOWNHILL mountain bike trails centre in West Devon, fast gaining a reputation as the best of its type in the country, is set to become even better, with the inclusion of a new uplift service and expansion plans for the future.

Gawton Gravity Hub, run by a dedicated crew of volunteers, is teaming up with the country's uplift service, Flyup Downhill, to provide a fantastic downhill mountain experience for all.

The site at Gawton near Tavistock offers something for everyone, from fast, ?owing, downhill single tracks to steep, natural, gnarly downhill trails.

With the recent addition of a fourth bike park style track, Proper Job, and the chance to get up to 12 uplift runs in a day with FlyUp Downhill's ef?cient minibus service, riders can make the progression from downhill novice to ?at out expert more quickly than ever before.

A spokesman for Gawton Gravity Hub said: 'Simon Ruskin, founder and owner of Flyup Downhill mountain bike uplift service, has established a solid reputation for a friendly and reliable service at the Forest of Dean.

'He now brings that expertise and ethos to Gawton, resulting in another amazing opportunity for anyone who wants to experience the thrill of gravity-fed riding.'

Jay Williamson, team rider for Wideopen Magazine and English expert champion, is one of a very select few to have experienced the service on a recent, secret test event.

Jay said it had been 'a top day'.

'I could not think of any improvements myself — great work!' said Jay.

The uplift service will run from Friday to Monday and with the distance by road to the top at just under two miles, riders can expect to get plenty of runs in, with a smooth run to the top, knowing their bikes are being looked after just as well on a purpose built trailer.

The basic toilet, changing facilities and car park at Gawton will soon be expanded to Include a small café, shop with parts and accessories and a bike wash.

This investment in the centre is thanks to welcome grant funding from Tamar Valley AONB, Devon Renaissance and West Devon Borough Council.

Flyup DH Uplift service will start on Friday, February 1. A new Flyup website is currently under construction, this will enable riders to book online for a full day's uplift at Gawton.

The website should be ready any day now, in the meantime if you want to book on to the uplift for Gawton then give Flyup Downhill a call on 07730 217779.

Timings will be 10am until dusk, with a break for lunch.

The service will initially run Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, costing £27 for members, £32 for non-members. Parking at Gawton is free.

To learn more about the tracks and facilities at Gawton Gravity Hub, have a look at http://www.gawtongravityhub.co.uk">www.gawtongravityhub.co.uk and keep up to date with all the news at http://www.facebook.com/gawtongravityhub">www.facebook.com/gawtongravityhub.

l You must be a day or year member to ride at Gawton Gravity Hub and Tavistock Woodlands.

The tracks are open dawn until dusk, 365 days a year. Membership can be purchased online at http://www.gawtongravityhub.co.uk">www.gawtongravityhub.co.uk or from Dartmoor Cycles in Tavistock (http://www.dartmoorcycles.co.uk">www.dartmoorcycles.co.uk), Cogs Bikes in Plymouth (http://www.cogs">www.cogs bikes.com) and The Bike Shed, Exeter (http://www.bikeshed.uk.com">www.bikeshed.uk.com). You must be able to produce proof of valid membership if asked.

For more information, terms and conditions, check out the website, http://www.gawtongravityhub.co.uk/rules.php">www.gawtongravityhub.co.uk/rules.php.