There may be slightly less riders on the trails during cold winter spells but there is plenty of action at the 7Stanes both in terms of new trails and new events for 2007.
Here's a snippet of what's in store, but for full information you can go straight to the horses mouth at www.7stanes.gov.uk
Dalbeattie
So far 2km of new trail of a planned 4.5km has been built, these are additions to the blue and red routes. Look out for 650m of boardwalk over a flooded boggy area at the beginning of the trails, and a fantastic new finish. The popular skills loop is due to get a new black-graded section. All these sections will be open by Spring, so Dalbeattie is one to note for your Easter Holidays.
On a social side, Dalbeattie has a new cycling club, the Hardrock Cycle Club, under the umbrella of the Hardrock Challenge,an events calendar will be published in January on www.dalbeattiehardrockchallenge.org
Mabie
?
Christmas sees some excellent new blue and green graded sections of swooping singletrack completed and ready to ride. Plus a fantastic new café has opened, so you can top up on cappuccinos and some tasty nosh to complement the great trails! Rumour has it there's a stove for a cosy feel in the winter months.
Ae
?
Areas of trail damaged through harvesting operations have been repaired, and other sections upgraded. Work planned for 2007 will solve the problems previously due to water damage and erosion and will add sections to the existing loop, taking out some forest roads too.
Glentress
The blue route now has 750m of extra singletrack: 'Blue Velvet'. Construction on a new blue-graded freeride track started in November, it's aimed at entry level 'freeriders'. The 'Essentials' Track will be a series of individual sections, each with different types of features, linked by push up paths, the track should be open by the end of February 2007.
The whole of the Freeride Area is getting an 'Extreme - Bike Park' grading, similar to that used in snowboard terrain parks. There will also be new signage going up in the freeride area over Christmas and if you have any feedback you can Email comments to andy.wardman@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or drop by the Ranger office at Glentress.
Innerleithen & Newcastleton
?
2007 will see 3km of trail extensions at Innerleithen, and 2km at Newcastleton. More details soon.
Kirroughtree
?
Yet more new trail is open! Almost 5km of singletrack has been added to the existing trails in recent times, mostly removing sections of forest road. The latest addition is to the black route. It's 1.4km long and takes out the drag of a road climb and descent immediately before 'Hissing Sid'.
For the last couple of years, event company 'No Fuss' has been running a race at Fort William called 10 Under The Ben.
The success of the format has led 'No Fuss' to run more 10s elsewhere in Scotland, including 10 At Kirroughtree in Newton Stewart on 14 July 2007. For further information, head for www.nofussevents.co.uk.
Glentrool
An 8km blue-graded route consisting of 6km of singletrack and 2km of forest road is being built at Glentrool, due for completion in mid-March 07. Starting and finishing at the visitor centre, it's aimed at entry-level mountain bikers and families looking to enjoy Glentrool's big views, with the added bonus of plenty of singletrack. The finish is an epic 2.5km fun-filled descent back to the visitor centre.
Trail diversions
Due to recent bad weather and ongoing tree felling, diversions are in place on a number of the 7stanes trails. Make sure to check the trail conditions page on the 7stanes site before you ride.
If you think you can help the patrol, or work for a company who could support the patrol, please get in touch. There are over 50 interested volunteers so far, and the more folk involved, the more people we can help in the Tweed Valley. See www.7stanes.gov.uk/tvbp for more info.
TransScotland is coming!
Don't forget the second TransUK event - the 2007 Chain Reaction Cycles TransScotland (powered by Merida Bikes).
The 2007 event will use the best of the 7stanes trails and follow the same concept as TransWales, with a mixture of linking and special stages. The event starts on 26 May 2007 in Selkirk and finishes in the same place the following Saturday, 2 June.
Further details and an entry form are available on
www.mtbtransuk.co.uk
old bird
