Plans for a woodland mountain bike jumpspot offering an adrenaline rush for beginners and experts have been approved.
The Van Road Trails Group, made up of local biking enthusiasts, applied to build the “dirt jump” in the Assembly Government woodland at Coed Parc y Van, near Caerphilly.
With the help of Forestry Commission Wales, which manages the woodland, the group gained permission from Caerphilly County Borough Council to build a variety of jumps and loops suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders.
It marks a remarkable turnaround for the site, which had to be demolished over a year ago as it was operating without FC Wales permission and was deemed unsafe.
The group has signed a community management agreement with FC Wales to look after the site and ensure it meets industry safety standards.
FC Wales local area manager James Mak said: “The Van Road jumpspot is an exciting opportunity to create a unique recreation site in our woodlands.
“It will have a variety of trail gradings and so will be accessible for everyone, regardless of ability.”
The group is now seeking funding to build the site and hope to have it up and running again by the spring.
Steve Aicheler, owner of local cycle shop Castle Bikes and a member of the Van Road Trails Group, said: “We’re hopeful that the hard work and commitment we have shown so far will result in this great site being rebuilt.
“I’m constantly asked by local riders when the site will be reopened, and it will be great to finally be able to give them a definite answer. We’re in discussion with a number of bodies in regards to funding, but we are also seeking commercial funding or sponsorship.”
It's a fabulous idea and good luck to the bikers.
I do hope that it may encourage them to avoid cycling over Public Footpaths in the countryside though as they, unwittingly, cause immense erosion to these paths.
Please may we have dedicated cycle routes and further challenging 'dirt jumps' for our youth?