Helensburgh mountain bikers strike deal over woodland trail use

HELENSBURGH’S mountain bike neighborhood have spoken of their delight after agreeing phrases with native landowners over using newly constructed bike trails within the space.

The close-knit group of cyclists who incessantly use the hills close to to the Highlandman’s Street, simply exterior Helensburgh and Rhu, have been anxious that landowner objections to them constructing pathways would put a halt to their mountain biking days there, as reported in the Advertiser final month.

Nonetheless after talks with Scottish Woodlands – who handle the forest on behalf of the homeowners – phrases have been agreed for using the realm, and the bikers can proceed to benefit from the hills.

Jacqueline Hood of Helensburgh Mountain Bike Meet-up informed the Advertiser: “Scottish Woodlands are completely happy for mountain bikers to proceed to make use of and benefit from the forest.

READ MORE: Helensburgh’s mountain bikers share passion for getting out on the trails

“They have been initially involved in regards to the jumps in case folks injured themselves on them resulting in potential legal responsibility points for them.

“Nonetheless, they’ve checked their insurance coverage and have been informed that they’re coated.

“Which means the paths which can be in place can stay as they’re with no adjustments to the jumps or bridges which have already been constructed, which is unbelievable information.

“They’ve requested that we don’t construct any extra new trails within the areas which have been felled not too long ago and replanted, as they need to permit the small bushes to determine themselves and develop a bit.

“However that looks as if a small value to pay for being allowed to maintain the paths that we now have already.”

Mountain bikers from throughout Helensburgh and the encircling space are glad with the information, even because the summer time begins to fade and colder climate begins to return.

“It’s completely unbelievable given the hours and hours of exhausting graft and tonnes of earth shifted that went into constructing them throughout lockdown.” Jacqueline continued.

READ MORE: Rhu campaigners’ petition calls for ancient woodlands protection

“Planning after which executing a rideable path is an actual problem, however immensely satisfying as soon as it’s completed and you’ll experience it and the obstacles run as you deliberate.

“The brand new trails have huge hole jumps with hen runs being added as obligatory, together with drop offs, berms, hips, bridges and kickers.

“Everybody does their bit to enhance them every time they experience.

“The Scottish Woodlands consultant couldn’t have been extra useful or approachable and we look ahead to working with them sooner or later to safe and enhance mountain biking entry within the space.

“It’s such a aid and I’m actually happy for all of the youngsters who put a lot exhausting work into creating all the brand new trails and options.

“They’re nice ambassadors for his or her age group and the city.”

Particulars of the brand new trails can be found on the Trailforks app for Apple and Android telephones.

Read all the latest headlines from across Helensburgh and Lomond here