It hardly has a reputation for being a mountain bike destination, but the flatlands of Northamptonshire might just be about to deliver a dose of trail excitement.
Proposals currently at planning permission stage seek to turn a former golf course into a mountain bike park – just like the hugely successful project in Leeds that’s created Leeds Urban Bike Park. For those frustrated mountain bikers in the area, this could be a real asset – no more shlepping to the Peak District for your weekend thrills. And of course, having trails on their doorstep might just attract a whole new cohort of riders. The immediate area contains almost no bridleways, and the wider area is sorely lacking in connected off road routes. This facility will be free to access and is designed to connect in to some of the cycling infrastructure in the area so that riders can ride to the park instead of driving there.
The trails proposed are:
- Green – 0.794km
- Blue – 3.023km
- Red – 0.335km
- Black – 0.422km
- Yellow – 337m
The green trail will be a multiuser trail ‘providing a dual directional to aid flow and connections within the site and existing cycle infrastructure outside the side.’ there will be ‘opt-in sections from the multiuser green trail proving the first step towards specific MTB trail features on a controlled area’
Two blue grade trails will ‘create a staked trail system allowing users to choose loop lengths and difficulty to aid interest and progression.’
Red and black mountain bike trails will ‘make best use of the topography of the site to deliver intermediate and advance descending sections for continuing progression.’
Dual tracks will allow for head to head racing in a safe controlled area.
There will be specific connecting climb sections and push ups to cover a range of rider styles.
There will be a skills area, and five collection areas where riders can meet and discuss the next bit of the route.
If you’d like to comment on the application, head to the Northamptonshire Planning Portal.
