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New Downhill Trails on the Horizon for Torbay Woodland

Posted: 18th January 2011 | Source: TQ3 Riders

Above: TQ3 riders on a recent dig day. If you'd like to volunteer to help dig the new trails get in touch with Dan Fisher at danfisher_faith@hotmail.co.uk

Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust have joined hands with local mountain biking group TQ3 Riders to set up a bike trail in an area of Torbay woodland.

Rangers from the Trust, who manage Scadson Woods in Paignton, have been working with Torbay mountain bikers for the last year to look at ways of managing uncontrolled biking in the area. Torbay currently has no recognised mountain bike trails, leading to the creation of illegal trails instead. It was decided that the best solution was to create a trail to a professional standard and for users to work with the landowners.

The new TQ3 Riders club has recently been established and affiliated with British Cycling. A license agreement has been signed for TQ3 Riders to use a 13 acre area of Scadson Woods and three downhill trails will be constructed this winter to International Mountain Bike standards. Important wildlife areas have been mapped by Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust and the trails will be excluded from these. The existing illegally created, dangerous trails and jumps in other parts of the woodland will be dismantled once the new trails are built and in use. Later the club hopes to build two intermediate trails to encourage beginners to take up mountain biking and coaching will be made available. Entry to the woodland for mountain biking will be encouraged from points near Occombe Farm, also managed by the Trust.

Estate Manager Steve Bradley said "Uncontrolled mountain biking has been a problem in Scadson Woods for a number of years and needed to be addressed as it was impacting on wildlife and other woodland users. TQ3 Riders are a responsible group with a professional approach and they will put the time and effort into building trails to a high standard. We're also hoping that a grant application to the Forestry Commission will come to fruition to improve access - allowing us to manage the woodland for biodiversity benefits and at the same time improving footpath surfaces for walkers."

Chairman of TQ3 Riders, Dan Fisher said "We have been in contact with other clubs in the South West that have started up riding areas to find out how they manage vandalism to the track and insurance costs. The answer we received from all of them is by running a membership-only policy on the site. This has been recognised by others as a way to make people take pride in the tracks. If we are all involved with its success then none of us will want it to fail."

"I'm really happy with the aspect of having our own local legal riding and training area. We have big plans to make this area as good, if not better, than the kind of trail centres you find in Wales. We have ample parking and with the nearby services at Occombe Farm too we can keep all users of the land happy and wanting to come back. It is going to cost more than we originally thought, so we are seeking sponsorship from local firms. It's going to be nice to see the woods being used and maintained to a high standard so it's easier for all kinds of outdoor people to use."

"Torbay Tool Hire have kindly offered to support the Bike Park for the next three years, supplying us with all the tools needed to build and maintain the site. This is a massive help to the club and shows that people are willing to get behind us and give local riders of all ages the chance to make a big difference to the community we all care about."

The trails will be for use by members of TQ3 Riders only and annual memberships will be available at £20 for over 16's and £15 for under 16's. Memberships will be available from Occombe Farm and online once the trail has been completed.

TQ3 Riders are seeking sponsorship from local businesses to help with building costs. In addition to financial sponsorship they are interested in hearing from companies that can donate materials such as timber, stone and tools. Space will be available for sponsor's logos on information boards and mountain bike trail signs. Interested sponsors or anyone available to lend a hand on dig days can contact Dan Fisher at danfisher_faith@hotmail.co.uk.