The DH race course at Innerleithen on the Scottish borders is already one of the best in the country, and now Red bull are sinking £30,000 into further development.
In a move aiming to mirror the success of the Red Bull trail in Wales – in terms of rider numbers and cash boosts to the local economy – Forest Enterprise and Red Bull will be re-modeling the trail with input from pro rider Rob Warner.
According to Forestry Commission recreation manager, Jeremy Thompson, Proposals for the future development of the course include permanent toilet facilities, car parking, signage and even level crossings for bikers racing across the forest roads half way down the track. There will also be a downhill track ‘office’ at the new car park where riders will be able to get regular lifts to the top of the course. Downhillers will also be able to secure bike lifts on the trailer via the internet. Thanks to the cash injection from the Red Bull folk, it’s hoped to get as much of this in place in time for the televised Red Bull Helter Skelter event in November. They even plan to introduce a membership arrangement which will include third party insurance for riders.
The commission are also looking to build a whole series of XC trails at Innerleithen so the whippets will have even more trails to play on (the Glentress forest trails are only 5 mins away by car) and the whole place looks set to become a geniune mountain bikers mecca.
Sounds damn good to us, and we’ll bring you more news as it happens.