BIKEPARK WALES
In the previous instalment of the Trailblazers series, we visited Innerleithen in Scotland to talk to the Tweed Valley Trails Association. One point that emerged from that conversation was that as a sport we need to consider investing financially in the trails we ride.
WE NEED TO CONSIDER INVESTING FINANCIALLY IN THE TRAILS WE RIDE
Money is always a tricky subject and unsurprisingly the idea of paying to ride your bike is a touchy one, especially when it comes to the trails on your doorstep or those built on land owned by public bodies. However, there are venues that are charging riders to access bike-specific trails and proving that, not only does the model work, but it’s also building better trails.
Like the Scottish Borders, South Wales has a long history with purpose-built riding destinations. The trail centres at Afan, Cwmcarn and Brechfa are all success stories and, along with other similar venues, they’ve played an important role in defining mountain biking in the UK. With easy access via the M4, these trails have drawn in riders from all over the country and helped them discover both the Welsh Valleys and the joys of riding trails built purely for
