BIKEPARK WALES

Since launching in 2013, BikePark Wales has proved beyond all doubt that the public will pay to ride; trail-builder-in-chief Rowan Sorrell tells us why this model is the future of mtb

- Sim Mainey

In the previous instalment of the Trailblazers series, we visited Innerleithen in Scotland to talk to the Tweed Valley Trails Association. One point that emerged from that conversation was that as a sport we need to consider investing financially in the trails we ride.

Money is always a tricky subject and unsurprisingly the idea of paying to ride your bike is a touchy one, especially when it comes to the trails on your doorstep or those built on land owned by public bodies. However, there are venues that are charging riders to access bike-specific trails and proving that, not only does the model work, but it’s also building better trails.

Like the Scottish Borders, South Wales has a long history with purpose-built riding destinations. The trail centres at Afan, Cwmcarn and Brechfa are all success stories and, along with other similar venues, they’ve played an important role in defining mountain biking in the UK. With easy access via the M4, these trails have drawn in riders from all over the country and helped them discover both the Welsh Valleys and the joys of riding trails built purely for mountain bikes. With no navigational nous or map needed, rideable whatever the weather, fun by design and with something for all abilities, it’s easy to see why we fully embraced the concept of the trail centre.

Trail centres are still hugely popular but there’s a feeling that mountain biking has moved on. The original trails, built some two decades ago, are very much of their time and have changed little while what we want out of our riding has evolved. Budget cuts to the agencies who look after the trails have seen them left to deteriorate with little hope of a refresh and no chance of any new trails being built. With the only revenue from the trails coming from parking (a mere £3.50 for a day’s parking at Afan) there’s no way of the trails paying their way either.