Developments at Dalby Forest, North Yorks continue apace. Latest news it the imminent opening of a new bike shop/café to coincide with the unveiling of the first 7km of the planned 45km of new singletrack being constructed.

As of 1 April (no, really), the centre will be known as the Purple Mountain Bike Centre, run by Purple Mountain. This represents something of a diversion by Purple, which up until now has specialised in MTB breaks, guided rides and skills training. Owners Vicky Griffin and Chris Flintoft say, “We see the Dalby Project as a great opportunity to expand our business even further and offer more people a quality mountain bike experience.”

The shop will be stocking bikes from Kona, Cove and Santa Cruz, with a wide range of demo bikes available for a razz round the forest. Guided rides, skill instruction and maintenance courses will continue to run, while the new café aims to provide “good
wholesome, locally sourced food” and a friendly atmosphere. We don’t mind admitting that Purple has immediately endeared itself to us simply by including the words “big fat slice of homemade cake” in its press release. Mmmmm, cake.