£38,000 mountain bike trail created at hamsterley Forest

A NEW new section of single track mountain bike trail has been created at Hamsterley Forest thanks to the work of the Hamsterley Trailblazers, supported by the local Forestry Commission team.
The new section replaces a forest road section on the red graded “Transmission Line” trail, adding a new dimension to test the skills of Hamsterley’s mountain bikers.
 Oliver Graham, from the Hamsterley Trailblazers, said: “This is the first section of trail that will hopefully create a continuous single track from 5 Lane Ends to The Grove, forming one of the longest sections of single track in the UK. 
“The trail will be full of features and will be a great addition to the network at Hamsterley.  It has been made possible by generous donations and thousands of hours of volunteer time.”
 Alex MacLennan, Forestry Commission recreation manager, added: “We are delighted to continue to work alongside so many local people committed to making Hamsterley Forest one of the must ride mountain bike centres in the UK.
“Here at Hamsterley, the riders really do understand the importance of putting something back directly into the development and upkeep of the trail network. What makes this even more amazing is that this approach has been in place now for over 10 years.”
Mr MacLennan added: “We are already looking at the next development and as part of this, the Forestry Commission is working to submit a planning application for a blue graded trail which is more aimed at moderate or beginner level, to widen the offer to help ensure everyone can enjoy the largest forest within County Durham.”
Funding for the new trail section has come from a variety of sources. 
Some £14,000 was given from the Teesdale Area Action Partnership neighbourhood budgets of local councillors Andy Turner and Heather Smith.
Cllr Smith said: “Cllr Andy Turner and I are delighted to be able to use some of our neighbourhood fund to help with the building of new mountain bike trails in Hamsterley Forest. 
“Mountain biking is a great way to enjoy the forest, keeps people fit and attracts more visitors to Hamsterley so we are really pleased to play our part in enhancing the visitors’ experience.”
A further £14,000 came from donations for the Neil Polson Fund, in memory of a local mountain biker who passed away unexpectedly last year.
Finally, £10,000 has come from a local Tesco’s Bags of Help Grant.
 In addition to the funding already given, The Hamsterley Trailblazers have commissioned a t-shirt that the club is selling to help raise funds to build more trails – go to www.hamsterley-trailblazers .co.uk/ridehamsterleytshirts for more details.
The club is always looking for new volunteers to help with development work.
Anyone interested should go along to the forest on the third Saturday of each month.
For more details go to www.hamsterley-trailblazers. co.uk.