🚫 PLEASE STOP DIGGING UNAUTHORISED TRAILS 🚫
February 25th, 2021
Words by: GTA.
We all love riding new trails, but the recent increase in "out of remit" trails is jeopardising everyone's right to ride in the woods. Plenty of existing trails need your TLC before anyone makes new ones. Modifying an existing trail to make a "pro line" might result in the removal of the trail completely.
We know lockdown has been tough for many, and having local trails to ride can be a literal lifesaver. Let's work together to defend what's already there.
***Ride Covid-Safe!***
January 10th, 2021
Words by: GTA.
It's nice to see the trails running well, and being enjoyed by so many, but please remember the current COVID-19 restrictions while you're out.
You're allowed to take exercise outdoors with one other person. We're concerned that large groups could jepordise our ride to ride in the area.
The guidance is on the Gov.UK website as follows:
Exercising
You should minimise time spent outside your home, but you can leave your home to exercise. This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
You can exercise in a public outdoor place:
- by yourself
- with the people you live with
- with your support bubble (if you are legally permitted to form one)
- in a childcare bubble where providing childcare
- or, when on your own, with 1 person from another household.
This includes but is not limited to running, cycling, walking, and swimming. Personal training can continue one-on-one unless everyone is within the same household or support bubble.
Please stay safe, respect other people, keep at least 2m apart from each other especially if you're breathing hard - and we'll get through this together and get back to normal sooner.
Bring out the Maul!
January 5th, 2021
Words by: Mark.
With all you happy riders putting so much time in on the trails, there was always going to be some wear and tear. A tree stump was starting to emerge in the middle of a berm in one of the popular trails in the woods, which could pose a hazard if a rider were to make contact with it at speed.
With that in mind, one of our team brought out the big guns to get it safely removed. Here's the before and after pictures.
And here's what it looks like now. Happy shredding!
Dig Day
December 30th, 2020
Words by: Mark.
With the recent weather and increasing numbers of riders frequenting Watchwood, we knew that HANAH and NDNR were taking a hammering. After a brief recon the committee decided that the priorities were clearing the trail surface, sorting drainage, and rerouting the end of both trails to avoid the shared use path that was becoming a mudbath.
Wednesday morning came and the snow hadn't totally melted, but the work area was clear and the sun was breaking through... and so a hardy band of volunteers gathered and set to work bright and early. Tools were gathered, trailheads taped off and an audible notification of ongoing works was deployed (Aled put on some tunes).
Our inspection showed that the final berms on HANAH were past saving, and so construction of a new exit began, along with reshaping the stump jump and building a berm to help riders along the gently uphill slope to rejoin the fire road climb.
We were lucky enough to be joined by some junior helpers for moral support - a handy reminder that the trails are built for riders of all abilities, including our own kids. We're lucky to have a sport that's fun, healthy, and that can involve the whole family (well, maybe not every ride...)
With around 15 volunteers helping, progress was made and the trail was left safe and ridable. Work them began to reroute the end of NDNR to bring riders up the diagonal track parallel to the footpath - again separating riders from other user groups. This was achieved, however we think we can do a better job of signposting the change in route - as well as making the climb back up a bit more fun. Watch this space.
In the meantime, please don't climb over the berms or walk across other trails to access the fire road for the end of NDNR - instead use the diagonal path shown on the map below. Thanks and happy trails!
