The Forestry Commission has officially declared its partnership with Singletraction, a mountain bike trailbuilding group based in North Yorkshire.

The formation of the group followed pioneering trail design work by local rider and Pace Cycles headman Adrian Carter, and an IMBA trailbuilding school last September. Singletraction has since been concentrating on the rebuilding of the existing mountain bike routes at Dalby forest to fully weatherproof standard developed by IMBA but refined by the trail crews of Dafydd Davis at Coed Y Brenin in North Wales.

Chief recreation ranger Brian Walker said:

“Dalby is one of Yorkshire’s pre-eminent off road venues, attracting
thousands of riders each week. It’s a great place to visit, hone biking
skills or simply keep in trim. But ensuring trails remain in good condition and new ones built is a major task. This new initiative will give enthusiasts a chance to get involved and improve access for riders of all abilities.”

The Forestry Commission and Singletraction are also involved in a possible 84 kilometre “three towns trail”, connecting Pickering, Scarborough and Whitby, working with other partners such as the national park and local councils.

Adrian Carter, of Pace Cycles in Kirkbymoorside, also the group’s main sponsor, said: “Mountain biking has boomed in popularity and that puts pressure on forest routes. Our aim is to work with land managers like the Forestry Commission to develop sustainable trails and help maintain North Yorkshire’s reputation for having the coolest trails in the UK.’

Singletraction welcomes new members and further information is available on-line
at www.singletraction.org.uk
Further details on cycle routes at Dalby can be found at
www.forestry.gov.uk or by contacting Andrew Orland on 01751 460378.