11:49pm Tuesday 15th April 2008
By Jim Jack
Mountain bikers preparing for one of the North's toughest off-road challenges are celebrating the opening of a new trail in woodland.
The Forestry Commission has worked with independent rider's organisation, SingletrAction, to create an 800-metre detour on the 550 acre Stainburn Forest's two kilometre "red route" between Otley and Harrogate.
The section, complete with twists and turns, has cost £20,000 to build and is aimed at intermediate level bikers.
Stainburn is already home to a 3.8-kilometre "double black" route, dubbed the "Boulder Trail", which is rated one of the most difficult in England.
The new section is intended to provide a stepping stone for riders who want to eventually tackle the boulder trail.
Forester Nick Short said: "It's important we create a mix of trails suitable for all abilities and give people chance to take their skills to the next level.
"Creating more recreational opportunities at Stainburn is also a priority under our Active Woods health push."
The trail has been surfaced with crushed local stone, making it all-weather and suitable for use even in the wettest conditions.
The forest's single track trails were recently featured in What Mountain Bike magazine and two years ago were rated as amongst the best in England by Mountain Biking UK.
Tim Sellors, from SingletrAction, said: "This section is a fantastic addition to the trails at Stainburn. It's accessible to the intermediate rider but constructed in such a way that advanced riders will also find features to challenge their bike handling skills.
"It's been a great pleasure to work with our colleagues at the Forestry Commission, the contractor Clixby's and our volunteers to deliver something that really adds to the experience for bikers in these woods."
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