WALKERS using the recently opened new paths and trails through the deep forests of the Tamar Valley at Gawton, near Gulworthy will have noticed they share the patch with enthusiasts for a slightly faster way of life.

Probably not well known to the masses, the sport of downhill mountain biking is a hobby that is growing fast in the UK.

Hurtling downhill off road on two wheels as fast as you can, taking in a variety of challenging jumps along the way, isn't for the fainthearted. But for those who like life in the muddy fast lane, the mountain bike trails in the Tamar Valley are a magnetic draw which sparked the creation of the Woodland Riders club.

Simon Hubbard, spokesman for the club, said: 'The majority of the best tracks in the UK are for obvious reasons, in Wales and Scotland.

'So to have a top class facility on the outskirts of our town is big news. The club's sites already attracts riders from all over the country, which in turn can also boost our local economy.'

Woodland Riders was formed in 2005 after riders had already begun to use the old mining site at Devon Great Consols near Chipshop.

Keen to preserve the site and make it viable for safe usage by the riders, the Tamar Valley ANOB helped move the riders onto the Tavistock Woodland Estate and with proper insurance and site management, the club was born. Currently the Tavistock Woodland site has ten purpose-built downhill tracks, weaving down the steep valley side.

Natural obstacles such as trees, roots and rocks are mixed with man-made structures such as jumps and ladders to create a challenging series of 'runs' for riders of all abilities.

The club's winter race series is held here, the last round of which took place in May.

As the club grew, funding was sourced to find and build a second site.

Simon said: 'Again, Tamar Valley AONB helped to source nearly £80,000 funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and numerous other partners.

'A site near the old Gawton mine close to Morwellham was found,  ideal with steep-sided woodland going down to the River Tamar.

'Construction started in 2007 and three purpose-made tracks were built, with one entry level and two world class tracks.'

Simon said the tracks at Gawton had received substantial national advertising through a regular feature with specialist bike magazine 'Dirt'.

'World class riders come down to ride the flagship track called Super Tavy in the quickest time possible,' said Simon.

'The track has seen visits from current women's world champion Tracey Mosley, former men's world champion and current world cup winner Gee Atherton, along with a host of other stars of the sport.'

Currently, a fourth track is in the process of being built, as well as a set of facilities for the riders.

And now, in a big move forward for the club, Woodland Riders has been chosen to host this year's South West Championships, held over the weekend of August 20 and 21.

Simon said: 'This will be a major event held at the Gawton site, with all the riders able to use an uplift service, ferrying riders and bikes to the top of the track, rather than pushing uphill.

'Hopefully this will attract some of the country's top riders.'

Simon said the club has had 'huge support' from Dartmoor Cycles in Tavistock and Tavistock Round Table is also getting involved, with generous sponsorship to the tune of £2,000.

Simon said: 'They have arranged to help the club by funding a complete timing set up, which the club can use to time its own events — at the moment all the races are timed using leased equipment.'

The club's membership stands at about 300 with day tickets also available. Members are both male and female, with ages ranging from ten to 50.

As with any high risk sport, the rules are plenty and necessary. Helmets must be worn and other body protection is recommended. Riding alone is not recommended and riders must be a member to have a day pass, so that the insurance is valid.

 Anyone interested can visit http://www.woodlandriders.com">www.woodlandriders.com or call in to Dartmoor Cycles in Tavistock.

l In conjunction with Tavistock Round Table, Woodland Riders are hosting a summer jam event.

This will be held at the site on the weekend of June 25 and 26. Primarily a fun weekend, this is aimed at being a social event for club members as well as hoping to attract the general public to show them what the club and sport is about.

There will be trade stands, overnight camping, fun events and food and drink.

Tavistock Round Table will be running a drinks marquee.

On the Sunday the first annual club championships will be held to decide the best category riders within the club.