Tredegar is the latest town to get a new BMX Track

The BMX Track currently under construction at Parc Bryn Bach, Tredegar, is only days away from completion and will soon be open for public use.

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council is working with the Welsh Cycling Union, to create a National Standard BMX track at Parc Bryn Bach that is the first of its kind in Wales. The Sports Council of Wales Sportlot Scheme and the Welsh Assembly Government are also funding the project.

The new BMX track is nearly complete and an official launch is expected in September with some high-profile names from the BMX world and beyond. The track will be open for use from Monday 1st August 2005.

The new BMX track will provide a great opportunity for both local people and tourists to enjoy the thrill and excitement of BMX on a high-quality, purpose-built track in a beautiful setting, with a host of other leisure facilities available. BMXing will provide a chance for people of all ages to have fun, improve their skills and improve their health and fitness at the same time.

Over the Summer Holiday period, the track will be open from 12pm to 7pm, seven days a week. Staff experienced in BMX riding will oversee the track and tickets will cost £2.50 per person, per day. Safety will be a high priority and the track will operate a "No Helmet, No Ride" policy. All riders will also be strongly encouraged to wear arm and knee protection when riding. The track will not be available for use outside the official opening hours.

The new BMX track has been designed and built in collaboration with the BMX Co-Coordinator for the Welsh Cycling Union. This makes sure for a track that meets the BMX requirements of everyone – from beginners right through to experienced and professional riders. BMX will be a full Olympic sport from Beijing 2008 and in London 2012 for both men and women so the new track offers our Olympic stars of the future a chance to get practising!

With various other developments in the pipeline, Parc Bryn Bach is also set to become the premier attraction in the region. A "North Shore" Mountain Bike circuit is planned, which will challenge riders of all abilities and from different riding disciplines with various obstacles as they make their way through the forested areas of the park. A Cyclo-Cross circuit will offer a recreational trail approximately 10 kilometres long through the park’s scenic forestry areas but will also double up as a racing circuit for major events. There’s also a two-and-a-half mile closed road circuit in the park for cyclists, which was established two years ago.

Parc Bryn Bach is also extremely well-placed for other cycling attractions and makes a great base for a cycling holiday. The park is within twenty minutes of all Dragon Downhill BMX tracks and is close to other cross country cycling trails. It is also conveniently located near to the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Black Mountains, both of which offer cycling trails amidst spectacular scenery and natural beauty.

The 25th Junior Tour of Wales will race on Parc Bryn Bach’s closed road circuit on the afternoon of their second day of competition on the August Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 27th to Sunday 28th August 2005).

Set in 240 acres of woodland and with a beautiful 36-acre lake at the centre, Parc Bryn Bach has something for everyone. Activities range from fishing and birdwatching to adventure activities such as hill walking, gorge walking, orienteering, mountain biking, kayaking, caving, climbing, abseiling and team-building activities. A nine-hole, par 3 golf course, complete with 250 metre driving range, is also currently under construction.

The park is also a perfect location simply for a relaxing stroll or a day out with the family. The Visitors Centre has recently been completely refurbished and now boasts a fully licensed bar and 3-star restaurant. For those staying longer, Parc Bryn Bach has a range of accommodation available including a 3-star Caravan Site and 3-star Bunkhouse facility.

Councillor Steve Thomas, Executive Member for Health and Well Being – Healthy Living, said: "The new facilities at Parc Bryn Bach will add to the already wide variety of sporting and physical activities available at the site. There is something for everyone, whether it is orienteering, walking or BMXing, maximising the opportunity to undertake physical activity that can help to improve their health and well being. The new BMX track will not only encourage more riders into the area, but gives local people a first class local BMX facility, that will hopefully encourage more people to take up the sport."