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A multi-use 6.5 mile mountain bike trail has been constructed in the Clayton Vale Local Nature Reserve, adjoining the Manchester Velodome, home to British Cycling.
The loop has sections for novice riders and sections for experienced mountain bike riders. The trail also include a run designed specifically for disabled people, thought to be a UK first.
The skills area and pump track, situated in Philips Park, adjacent to the National Cycling Centre, allow riders to perfect their off-road skills before exploring the trails at Clayton Vale. Use of the pump track and MTB trails is free.
British Cycling, through Sport England, has invested over £320,000 in the project, with additional funding from Manchester City Council and other sources.
British Cycling’s local Go-Ride coaches have been working with young people in surrounding schools in the build up to the facility opening with pupils from nearby St Willibroads RC Primary School amongst the first to experience the trails.
British Cycling’s Chief Executive Ian Drake said: “The MTB trail will be a brilliant addition to both the BMX track and the indoor velodrome at the National Cycling Centre. It’s a great example of how our strategy for facility development and effective coaching at Go-Ride level can inspire and develop the next generation.”
The Newton Heath Sidewinder is a dark blue trail with short, sharp berms; short, punchy climbs and a twisting trail. The Clayton Vale Easy Rider light blue trail is the first MTB trail in the country to have been built to accommodate a range of accessible bikes used by disabled riders. This section of trail is suited for all riders from beginners to expert riders.
THe Urban Red Rock-it trail is designated as a red route for experienced riders: it features rock gardens, technical climbs, drop offs and rock steps. THe Scorpions Tale is a black graded trail for expert riders only, and features sharp, off-camber, rock sections.
