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| 5 MAY 2006 | NEWS RELEASE No: 8401 |
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STEER FOR THE HILLS AND TAKE-UP THE REIVER CHALLENGE!
FIRST TYNEDALE BIKE FESTIVAL – KIELDER FOREST - 20 MAY Woodland chiefs are urging bikers of all abilities to pump-up their tyres, tighten their sprockets and head for the hills!
The Forestry Commission and Trail Cyclists Association (TCA) are staging the 14th Kielder Reiver Challenge mountain bike event in 155,000 acre Kielder Forest on Saturday 20 May. Named after the fearless brigands who once roamed the area, the event combines stunning off-roading with orienteering. And, for the first time, riders will be able to stage their own cross border raid to plunder points in nearby Newcastleton Forest, Scotland, where one of the spectacular 7Stanes trails has been created.
But that’s not the only new development this year!
The spectacular competition is the centrepiece of the inaugural Tynedale Bike Festival being staged at Kielder Castle. An exciting day of activities has been laid on for bikers of all ages, bidding to get more folks geared-up for biking. There’ll be the chance to try out a new training loop built by the Kielder Reavers, test drive the latest machines and get bikes tweaked by a trained mechanic. Bikers can also off-load surplus gear or pick up a bargain at a “cycle boot sale”, and take kids on an off-road treasure hunt.
Alex MacLennan, Forestry Commission Recreation, Communities and Tourism Manager, said:
“The Reiver Challenge attracts novices, families and top athletes, creating a brilliant atmosphere. But this year we want to offer even more. The Bike Festival is a way of reaching out and encouraging more people to saddle up and experience what a superb venue Kielder Forest is for cycling. Biking is also a key activity we are promoting as part of our Active Woods health-drive. There’ll be something for everyone and a chance to find out about future trail creation plans by the Kielder Reavers.”
Riders taking part in the Reiver Challenge compete in various categories and get five hours to plot a route between 30 control stations. Each check-point carries a different score, which are tallied-up to produce a final ranking. The event forms part of the TCA's Trail Quest Regional Championships and the North East Mountain Bike Orienteering Series 2006. On-the-day event registration is between 8.30am and 9.30am at Kielder Castle. Entry fees are from £10 and registration forms are available by contacting 01434 220242, or faxing 01434 220756. E-mail : Nicola.swailes@forestry.gsi.gov.uk For more details on the Bike Festival contact Kielder Castle on 01434 250209.
NOTES TO EDITOR
Reiver Challenge categories include solo, teams, veteran and super veteran for both men and woman and mixed generation and veteran generation teams. Competition start times are from 9.30am to 10.30am.
Active Woods
Active Woods is a national drive being led by the Forestry Commision to promote the vast range of health and fitness opportunities offered by Britain's woodlands. Hundreds of events are being organised across the UK reflecting the campaign's three themes of naturally active, naturally stimulating and naturally relaxing. The campaign aims alert people to the link between trees, woodland and forests and human health and well-being. Research has shown that exercising in natural environments reduces stress levels and can speed recovery from illness. For more information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods
Media calls to Richard Darn on 01226 246351 / 0775 367 0038
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