IT'S the biggest thing to hit the cycle industry for years, according to a group named the Woodland Riders, who last weekend officially opened three new exhilarating mountain biking tracks in West Devon that are already building a reputation across the country.
The tracks, which weave through dense woodland near Gawton Mine at Gulworthy, dropping up to 500ft in less than a mile, are the biggest of their kind outside of Wales and Scotland and riders are flocking from all over the country to test their nerve.
They were completed as part of the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project with funding of £80,000. And while they are meeting the demand from hundreds of riders who get their thrills from speeding downhill at 30mph over roots and rocks, they also act as a decoy to save fragile habitats and valuable mining heritage sites elsewhere in the valley.
Important mine sites in the area like the Devon Great Consols have provided all too-tempting ready-made tracks and trails for mountain bikers to ride, but the only problem in doing so, said the Tamar Valley AONB, is that they can destroy much of the archaeology, flora and fauna in the process — and cause erosion problems on the contaminated waste tips.
Keen to make sure that everyone in the valley could use it the way they wanted, Tamar Valley AONB and its partners set about finding an alternative spot for the dare-devils to get their natural highs. Rather than just ban them from riding anywhere near these heritage spots, the AONB worked with Tavistock Woodlands Estate to find a low-impact location.
The tracks, which include the HSD (High Speed Descent) have been built over the last year by world cup mountain biker and track designer Rowan Sorrell.
Chairman of the Woodland Riders, Derek Heelis, said there was a massive amount of interest in the project already.
'This is the greatest thing since sliced bread in terms of cycling here in the Westcountry,' said Derek.
'The tracks are challenging and very highly thought of and people are coming from London and from all over the country to ride them.
'We had at least 200 riders here for the opening and I think it will go from strength to strength. We would like to think that it has potential for a national series event to be held here maybe next year.'
Gawton is only suitable for intermediate or experienced riders and benefits from having an uplift vehicle at the bottom, which will bring riders back up the course. The tracks can only be used by members of the Woodland Riders, who can use the facility for a day at the cost of £5 or take out an annual membership at £25 or £15 for under 16s. There are currently more than 150 members in the club.
To find out more contact Mr Heelis at Dartmoor Cycles on 01822 618178 or go to http://www.woodlandriders.com">www.woodlandriders.com