TRAIL BLAZERS - DAVE EVANS BIKE CORRIS

Thanks to Dave Evans’s tireless advocacy, Wales’s rich network of trails is in rude health and the future looks even brighter

- Sim Mainey

Dave Evans jokingly describes himself as the most boring man in mountain biking. Even a brief chat with him would reveal that this is patently untrue, and is more of an acknowledgment that his ability to deal with bureaucratic processes and a familiarity with operating a clipboard have given him a unique range of skills and perspectives within mountain biking.

Based in the Dyfi valley that divides north and mid-Wales, Dave’s company, Bike Corris, offers trail consultancy and mountain bike development services along with guiding and accommodation. With a broad spread of talents, his work is varied and far-ranging, but his latest work for Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is possibly some of the most interesting, with the potential to make hundreds of rider-built trails in Wales official. The most boring man in mountain biking? Hardly.

Wild trails, that is trails built without the land owners’ permission, have existed as long as bikes have been ridden off-road. In the last couple of years, the number of these trails has grown rapidly, with the primary reason being convenience. Riders want trails that are accessible from their doorstep without having to put their bike in a car and travel. The last year has only reinforced the desire – and necessity – for local trails. With a low population density, good topography and plenty of quiet forests, it’s not surprising that Welsh riders have been building almost as much as they have been riding.

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One of the most exciting things about mountain biking is that it’s always changing. From the bikes we ride to how and where we ride them, things never stand still for long. And here at mbr we’re convinced things are getting better.