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For the last 2 years IMBA-UK affiliate club MTBrider has been seeking permission to develop mountain bike trails in Belvoir Forest Park, Belfast. A small city forest, Belvoir is a favourite area with city-based mountain bikers, although strictly speaking cycling has historically been prohibited in the Forest.
But on 1 November this year the “No Cycling” signs came down and a license agreement between MTBrider and Northern Ireland Forest Service came into effect.
The License Agreement allows MTBrider to develop a trail network that will be built to IMBA standards. This means we will have trails that are environmentally sound, will be sustainable all year round, and enhance conflict-free access for all forest users. Let’s not forget either that the new trails will provide a far better experience for all the mountain bikers who descend on Belvoir night and day all year round.
Now that the negotiations are over and the paperwork signed, attention for the MTBrider club members has turned to funding, and of course to trail building.
Our strategy for funding has kicked off already with the launch of an Internet raffle, Win a Light & Motion ARC Ultra light set for only £10! We’d appreciate your support and you can buy a ticket at:
http://www.pcgamesonline.com/mtbr/showthread.php?t=148
Trail building concentrates on weatherproofing the existing trails as quickly as we can – winter is upon us and there is no time to waste. In the background we are formalising the plans for the rest of the trail, which will see many interesting features using natural materials and even a few ‘special’ imports.
Hopefully it won’t be to long until we present the final version of “Concussion Alley”, “Joey’s Bench”, “The Willow”, and all the other features we have yet to name.
If you want to get involved with the trail building/designing or help the club raise funds, go to our website at www.mtbrider.com
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