Forestry Commission - News - glentress goes jumptastic

Bikers at Glentress are "jumping for joy" now that the new red route descent has been completed and is ready for action

The new fun packed section of trail was part funded from cash raised through the new car parking charges that were introduced in the summer.

Alex Maclennan of Forestry Commission Scotland says the red route is now better than ever:

"When the red route was designed the emphasis was on fun. We've turned up the heat now and produced a section of trail that is already getting bikers jumping for joy. I'd challenge anyone to ride this new section and not come out the other end with a big smile."

Flowing from the highest part of the red route, the section called Spooky Wood is nearly 1.5 km long and has 41 opportunities for air. Here's the run down of features:

18 assorted jumps
17 tabletops
4 rock drops
dirt doubles
12 180⁰ bermed bends
25 berms

Trail designer Pete Laing and downhill expert Dick Hamilton created the trail. Pete said

"We had so many positive comments about Cadonbank Descent on the Traquair XC route that we were keen to build a slightly toned down version for The Red Route at Glentress. We've taken the no-braking design concept a bit further with long berms on every corner and packed in as much action as possible. All the jumps and drops are 'rollable' so you can gradually introduce yourself to the idea of leaving the ground. Dick has been test pilot all the way through the project and he's done a superb job in making the jumps safe and the trail flow. I'd like to think that Glentress now has Britain's first Jump Academy!"

So popular is the new section that bikers are already cycling back up the climbs to do it again!

Glentress is the flagship centre for the Euro funded 7stanes project which is creating seven mountain bike centres across the south of Scotland. For more information log on to www.7stanes.gov.uk.

Glentress has been nominated for Singletrack Magazine's best trail award, along with The Hub for the best cafe. If you want to see Dick Hamilton in action, he's one of the pictures that has been shortlisted in the 'best picture' category taken by Andy McCandlish.

Media enquiries to Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Press Office