Extra 9K For Laggan Red Route

Mountain bikers are having their skill and nerve tested by two new trails at Laggan Wolftrax that offer more choice and challenge to riders keen to take on the terrain across Forestry Commission Scotland’s Strathmashie Forest.

A new ‘green’ grade circular trail also offers beginners an opportunity to hone their skills across 4km of less difficult ground – and more experienced bikers an excellent warm-up before tackling harder graded routes.

Jack Mackay, Forestry Commission Scotland, said: "Laggan Wolftrax is one of the best places in Scotland to go mountain biking. It's a great reputation to have and we will do what we can to make sure that we've got what it takes to keep mountain bikers coming back.

“The exciting extension of the Wolftrax red route makes maximum use of the site's natural features. It also links up to parts of the black trail and lets red-grade riders try out some of the rock features that were previously only available to expert bikers.

"From the new green route, the big-and-bermy orange grade Fun Park, the extended red route and one of the toughest black trails in the country, we can now offer a high quality experience to riders of all levels of ability."

Jim Langley of Laggan Forest Trust said: "The Commission and Laggan Forest Trust have been working together to deliver these new routes, which are sure to attract more mountain bikers to the area to test their skills. It's an excellent example of how forest recreation can maximise the benefits from tourism to the local economy and I am confident that the new trails will boost Laggan Wolftrax's strong reputation as one of the top places in Scotland for mountain biking"

More information about Laggan Wolftrax and other Forestry Commission Scotland mountain biking sites and routes can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk/mtbscotland

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

How 'NOT' to do it!!!

With stylish crashes like these who needs to get any 'Air'???



Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

Scottish SXC - Final Round - Glentress

The Scottish XC series comprised of seven rounds in 2007, beginning in Laggan and, via Dalbeattie, Fort William, Gleniffer Braes, Contin and Drumlanrig, finishing proceedings in Glentress. The series has been hotly contested all season, with the racing for the title going right to the final round. Taking his second 2nd place overall, Whyte Racing UK's Andy Barlow reports:

The final round of the Scottish XC series moved to Glentress - a place that is renowned for its hard-packed, all weather tracks. This time, however, we were in for quite a surprise.

The course was totally different than anything we've been given before. And it rocked. Long fire road climbs and BMX style descents were replaced with steep natural climbs, rooty and off-camber singletrack, with a long rooty muddy descent that twisted its way down over multiple lines. The lap finished with a trip down the new 'Blue Free Ride' section. The best Glentress track I've ever done.


www.colinrobinsonimaging.com (Thanks Colin)

I felt fast on the course in practice, so I just focused on getting a good start. Well rested from my mountain biking holiday to the Alps recently, I blasted away from the gun; confident that I was on good form. The race settled to a comfortable pace (180bpm) and I got in to a rhythm.

The first two laps were fine - apart from having a lucky escape on the long downhill on the back straight - so I thought I'd turn up the pace and drop the guy I could see in second place behind me on the switchback climb. I was in the lead by just under a minute, so I cooled things down a bit so as not to blow up.

And here the problems started. I thought I'd try a new hydration method at this round, as for the last two months I've been training without energy drink or bars. The thought being I could mimic the same benefits from affordable food - such as fruit juice and water in my bottle, oat cakes and muesli bars in my pockets.

It's all been good - so much so, in fact, that I was starting to wonder why I'd been spending so much on all this 'hocus pocus' all these years. So when it came to making my bottles up for the race I just added a squirt of 'Elite' to stop the cramp (the only thing I've found to work), and thought I'd be fine.

Half way round the fourth lap and “BANG!” I hit the wall harder than I've ever experienced before. The guy in second place caught me and passed me with ease. "Oh oh,” I thought, "this is bad". Sure enough, by the time I was at the top of the climb I knew I was in trouble. I was already starting to sway, and my vision was going. Somehow I managed to get round another lap and only got passed by another two competitors. I took some major chances on the downhill's, luckily I never came off. But by the time I finished I could hardly walk.

I crossed the line and could hardly stand. I freewheeled down to my van and, after crawling in to the back, promptly fell asleep - still in all my kit. I woke up twenty minutes later; freezing.

I think I learned a lesson: energy drinks are worth the extra cash. But despite my lack of common sense, I placed second overall in the series. So another year in the number two board.

Once again I'd like to thank everyone that's supported my racing this season. My Dad for being my 'bottle bitch', James at Fine A.D.C for finally solving the riddle to my cramp with 'Elite', and of course Whyte Bikes (ATB Sales) for giving me the sweetest bike to ride. Thanks guys.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

Whyte 19 Trail

Whyte's high-end 19 hardtail has already been a cult success with singletrack aficionados and speed demons, but 2007's line-up has had a complete makeover.
The Trail spec takes the tried-and-tested 19 chassis and adds a long travel fork, chunky tyres and a bigger front disc rotor to the mix. It promises pace with a big-hit edge.



A state of the art hardtail platform that mixes sublime handling, beautiful frame detailing, light weight construction and a unique and innovative dropout system that allows geometry adjustment and easy conversion to a singlespeed setup.
Fundamental to the design is the exceptional quality of the frameset - custom fabricated from AN6, an advanced aluminium alloy that helps us create riding characteristics that are reminiscent of a top quality steel frame with its all day comfort and rapid acceleration, but without the weight penalty.
So now you don’t have to decide whether you want a latest generation performance hardtail, or a simple and elegant singlespeed. With the Whyte 19 you get both.
And at £1995 it has all the equipment you'll need, to have fun going downhill and making it easier going up!!!
See WHYTE BIKES WEBSITE for more details.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

New Mountain bike Speed World Record

In the time it takes to say “new mountain bike speed world record,” the extreme biker Markus Stöckl can cover 120 meters. His highest speed reached on September 14 on the basic, no-frills mountain bike: 210.4 km/h (130.7 mph)


At a mountain bike downhill world cup race he would be three times as fast as his competition. He would have won the average Tour de France stage with a good four-and-a-half hours’ advantage. And as a Red Bull Air Race pilot he would have already have lifted off with his plane. Ample absurd comparisons one endeavors to make in order to aptly describe Max Stöckl’s mountain bike record trip in La Parva, Chile.

But the facts are quickly listed: On September 13 the Austrian rode his “Intense M6” faster than any person before him on a basic, no-frills mountain bike. On a 1.6 kilometer long ski slope with a decline of up to 45 degrees he reached the speed of 210.4 km/h (130.74 mph) – and thus broke his own eight-year-old record by 23 km/h.



Top speed despite bad preparation

“But the circumstances were anything but ideal,” said the 190 centimeter, 100 kilo giant from Tyrol self-effacingly. Preparation for the event took a modest seven days. The prepared slopes were narrower and softer than he had hoped - and the visor on the aerodynamic helmet fogged up in the practice runs, so that during the 40-second record run Stöckl had to hold his breath. But the speed chase was fun anyway: “I was very calm. At the end of the course I had the feeling that I was watching myself riding.”

Next record in sight

Instead of wet pants Stöckl, came home with his head overflowing with ambitious plans: He now wants to break the Eric Baronès’ 222km/h record for prototypes – with better preparation and top material. The new record try is supposed to take place in 2008 on the same route as the current record was broken.



Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

New Look Site

After much deliberation we have updated the site to allow faster publishing of news, photos, videos and reviews.
There has been a lull in our coverage of the SXC Series due to other commitments, but hope to make it to the final round at Glentress on the 23rd of September.
But for now here are a few pix from Fort William to keep you keen.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

UCI World Mountain Biking Championships 2007

Mountain Biking Scotland has been at the BIGGEST Mountain Biking event in the World.......
In FORT WILLIAM! Yes, that's right it is finally here all of he glitz and glamour of the Mountain Biking circuit are upon our shores. As this is THE WORLDS the number of media in attendance is huge. Expecting over 40,000 people to attend this is the 'other' event happening in Scotland other than the national teams playing football and rugby. We will be bringing you the results and photos of the 4X, XCountry and of course the crowd's favourite the Downhill.

USA certainly made their mark in the 4X with Brian Lopes taking 1st place in the Men's and Jill Kintner taking the Gold for the Women. It was certainly an eventful evening with he racing starting at 8.00pm to comply with live TV, the Men's 4X got off to a great start with Gee Atherton setting a blistering start from the gate, taking the lead and jumping with style into the next round.
His luck never held out though and was knocked out in the quarter finals, but Scott Beaumont of Team GB made it through to the Small Final taking 3rd place. Cedric Gracia was not so lucky taking a crash in the bomb hole in the quarter finals, he was led away by emergency crew limping and dusty, but still in one piece. Lets hope he will be ok for the Downhill on Sunday.

In the Elite Men's XC Julin Absalon of France took the win by more than one minute in a field of over 100 riders.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

TransScotland Solo Winner Tells His Tale

Five hundred kilometres of some of the most beautiful trails Scotland has to offer, back to back, every day for seven days straight. Fantastic. The guys at MTB Events Ltd did an amazing job of organizing the first ever TransScotland race.
The format was simple: seven 'Linking Stages' (to get the miles in) that would take us around a variety of natural and man made trails. And four 'Special Stages' where you could make up time on the competition. Kind of like MTB Time Trials if you like. Everybody got the same times for the Linking Stages, as long as you didn't go over the allowed time, and tried to save their legs for the 'Specials', where they could go for it.
It was a format that meant you could actually stop and take in the amazing views. Instead of having to race through the county side, staring at the wheel in front with sweat dripping off your chin. It also meant you could get to know some of the other competitors - some of which had come from places like South Africa, Hong Kong, Germany, Belgium and even sunny old England.
The first stage was a link from Selkirk to Moffat, and the scene was set almost immediately when after less than ten minutes on the road, we turned off and on to some sweet singletrack that wound it's way down through the woods and over the odd 'skinny' here and there. The smiles on every ones faces were infectious as we all realized that this was going to be a different kind of event.
After a damp night in a tent, we all packed up our kit and set off at nine o'clock. I think most people were trying to save themselves for the afternoon's Special Stage, but we pressed on to get a good camping spot, and to avoid any ques for the showers.
The first Special was to be held in the grounds of Drumlanrig Castle, and after over a hundred kilometers in our legs so far, the event was already starting to take it's toll.
I know the grounds of Drumlanrig pretty well, or at least the kind of things to expect, so I just pointed the Whyte 19 along the single track, and went for it. You had to keep your eyes peeled for arrows pointing you down the right track, as the woods have hundreds of trails crossing each other, but as long as you were careful you could follow them well.
After thirty five minutes I crossed the line fifteen seconds ahead of the closest solo, and took the win. And my Mum, who had come down from Edinburgh as my race support, was rewarded by seeing her 'wee laddie' receiving the leader's jersey (Thanks Mum).
The third day was the long one. Over one hundred kilometers, and almost all off road. Some of the trails through Ae forest were so bumpy that for the first time in ages I was wishing for a full sus. This stage was all about damage limitation, but I couldn't help nailing some of the amazing tracks on offer. I was rewarded at the end of the day by a leg massage and an early night. The miles were starting to add up.
Wednesday morning was the second Special Stage, this time in Dalbeattie. As I was seeded well, I was off at thirty seconds past nine - so no lie in for me. The track was hard packed and fast with long fire road stretches - totally different than Drumlanrig, and the sun had come out as well. A quick last minute tyre change for a pair of Razors, and I was away. Ben, the guy in second, was setting off thirty seconds behind me. But with only a fifteen second lead I knew that if he caught me, my lead was gone. I absolutely buried myself on the pedally sections and after thirty minutes or so, crossed the line with the fastest time of the day - managing to beat all the teams as well. A Whyte 19 race with a pair of Razors is a combination that's hard to beat. And as it turned out, a good tyre for the rest of the day as well: with lots of fire roads and stretches of road.
After some atrocious weather in New Abbey during the night, we awoke on Thursday morning to relatively clear skies. Once again we were racing first thing. A quick tyre change on the front for a Tubeless Fire XC, and I was once again away. The tyre choice was perfect, but my legs were really starting to feel the K's. Second place on the Special, but I kept my lead by over two minutes. After a spot of lunch we were off again to Moffat Rugby Club for another comfortable evening on their pitch.
Friday's weather was just great. Blue skies and warm winds once again had us arrive in Peebles with a tail wind. There was a bit of a panic near the end of the stage as everyone started to feel the cut off time looming, but after a quick chat to some of the local 7Stanes riders, they assured us that there wasn't far to go. Sure enough, in no time we were plummeting down the Gypsy Glen and down in to Peebles for the Special Night Time Stage at Glentress.
After pre-riding the course and fitting my Lupine light we were off. This was my first time using the Lupine, and I was blown away with just how bright it was. I had no problems seeing where I was going so just rode as I would during the day. Going into the event I had a two and a half minute lead on Ben, but was only twelve seconds down on the leading Team. I knew that even if Ben caught me all I had to do was stick on his wheel and he would never make up enough time. But instead I decided to try and catch the pair that set off in front of me. I overtook one of them after about ten minutes, but started to feel the pace on the climb to the top and he got past me again. I just went for it on the natural downhill section they had included and almost came a cropper when I lost control on some slippery roots. I composed myself and decided to just play it safe. After all: to finish first, first you have to finish. I crossed the line and had a look around for the timing board. Ben came in behind: eleven seconds up on me - but I still had the win overall by over two minutes.
The final day was all about just finishing the event. After all we still had to actually cross the line in Selkirk to complete the race. But Ben and I couldn't help leading the pack through the well practiced Black trail round Glentress. I stopped at one point to talk to my pal, Iain, who was marshaling on one of the gates near the end, and pretty much just coasted in to Selkirk with a couple of hours to spare.
This was one of the best events I've ever competed in. Thoroughly well organized, great trails and good people. After a shower and a bite to eat at the local chippie, we settled in to the evenings celebrations. Job done.
A HUGE thank you has to go to the guys at Whyte Bikes for the 19 Race and all the support. It truly was a joy to pilot the Whyte around for the whole week. The Fi'zi:k saddle kept me going with a minimum of discomfort despite the gnarly terrain and the excessive mileage. and the Panaracer tyres were perfect in their respective environments. Thank you also to my parents for all their support and encouragement, especially my Mum's endless supply of pasta.
I will definitely be competing in the Trans Wales next year.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

Barlow Wins TransScotland

The final day of the Chain Reaction Cycles TransScotland (Powered by Merida Bikes) brought Britain’s toughest mountain bike challenge full circle and home to Selkirk after seven full days in the saddle and almost 498km (310 miles) and 14,100m of climbing (46,300ft). Course designer Pete Laing brought to bear the big singletrack guns together with more open country riding and vistas, to make the final linking stage from Glentress to Selkirk one to truly savour.

The riders clipped in by The Hub café and bike shop and got on with the business of climbing upwards on a mix of singletrack and fire roads into the heart of Glentress forest to 602m. The hard work and effort of forcing reluctant legs and depleted muscles into action for the final push was more than rewarded once the summit had been crested: the trail dropped down on curvaceous singletrack, broiling downwards with an unmitigated intent to deliver a turbo-charged, endorphin shot straight to the frontal lobes that, for the smooth singletrackeers in particular, was simply seventh heaven.

Then after 21km, the riders were eventually spat out to refuel at Cardrona from where they snaked down into the Cardrona Valley and upwards once more to 400m up Wallace’s Hill. The trail dropped via the Glen Estate and onto Innerleithen’s Traquair trail, where riders steeled themselves one final time for some serious gravity gains up to 500m on the singletrack climb up Minch Moor and out onto the Southern Upland Way. A descent and 230m climb back up Broomy Law to the Southern Upland Way had to be cut out at the last minute, so the riders were left with a final chance to savour Scotland’s scenery from the back bone of the Borders before a fast skittering descent swept them finally, gratefully, and for the last time back into Selkirk to complete the course and to receive their finishers’ jerseys.

With What Mountain Bike magazine hosting the finisher party, providing copious amounts of free drink and a choice selection of good time tunes for the well deserving and saddle sore riders, the final prize presentations were made: For some, the spoils of victory, for others the commiserations of coming so far and yet so close; yet all could lay claim to a share in the proud knowledge that they had completed and survived Britain’s toughest mountain bike challenge, the Chain Reaction Cycles TransScotland (Powered by Merida Bikes).

Meggie Bichard (Extreme Endurance) took the Scottish Tourism Women’s Solo Open Category competition, whilst her male counterpart was the popular Andy Barlow (Whyte Bikes), who had a winning time of 47:13:13.

The Scottish Borders Veteran Women’s race was claimed by Julie Dinsdale ahead of Tatjana Troll. In the men’s, Rob Waller (ERC One Week Younger) clinched the title and led the thanks and praise for the organisers and support teams from the podium. The High5 Mixed Category was a runaway win for the pairing of Maddie and Jay Horton (XC Racer.com/Trek) who finished almost 20 minutes up on second placed Alice Crook and Neil Hamblin (Cakemonsters).

Elsewhere, the Gore Veteran’s Category was sewn up by Bryan Singleton and Peter Strong (Global/Torq/Buff), whilst Robert Barker and Mark Langdon (Sportstest.co.uk) took second, with the charismatic and ever playful Police Team Italia pairing of Mario Brunello and Fulvio Damian rounding out the podium in third. The winners of the Buff Female Category were the strong and fearless pairing of Julie Cartner and Renel Brennan riding for the 7Stanes. And finally, Keith Bontrager finished the event himself to claim ninth overall in the Scottish Borders Veteran’s Men’s Solo race.

Thanks to Matt Skinner of TransScotland for the words and pictures.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

Scotsman Leads The First TransScotland Mountain Bike Race

On the final day of the first ever TransScotland Mountain Bike Race (Sponsored by Chain Reacion and Meridian Bikes), from over 100 competitors, Scotsman Andy Barlow, of Wyte Bikes and MountainBikingScotland.com guest writer, is currently leading the Mens Solo Category.




The route covers an overall distance of approximately 498km (310 miles) with a cumulative total climbing tally of 14,100m (46,300ft), split over seven linking stages and four special stages, including one night time-trial, in just seven days. Beginning and ending in Selkirk, the route comes full circle via Moffat, Drumlanrig Castle, Dalbeattie, New Abbey, Moffat once more, Peebles and finally Selkirk. The special stages take place at Drumlanrig, Dalbeattie, on the New Abbey to Moffat Linking Stage, and finally at Glentress.

I spoke to him breifly last night as he prepared his bike for the next days riding.
‘How are you doing?’ I asked as the signal faded in and out.
‘I’m bleeding…….’ He said.
Oh no, hope is is Ok.. the signal came back.
‘What?’ with a hiont of concern in my voice.
‘I’m bleedin my brakes!’ he replied ‘then I’m off to bed. The signal wavered and crackled.
‘We have ridden some fantastic trails, all kinds. Road, paths, mud,roots and rocks.’ He added.
‘Some of the route has been extremly difficult, but I am enjoying it all the same. Some great views!’

So onward they go snaking their way across the Scottish Borders, a great line of athletes, hopefuls, trail riders and their entorage of trucks, tents and supplies. Probably the most picturesque of the link stages, day 6 starts with a partial retracing of steps to the source of the Ettrick near Overpawhop.
Climbing over to the Yarrow Valley on the S.U.Way will raise a ‘dab’ but the view down to St Mary’s Loch from will make the slog worthwhile. After a quality section of trail along the south shore of the loch, some hill tracks and a huge climb to the top of Birkscairn Hill, the Trans’ riders will be rewarded with one of the all time classic descents in the south of Scotland.
6km of open hill drove road which follows a long ridge north to the edge of Peebles. After that rush there is a short but tough climb up Janets Brae into Glentress forest and a fun blast down the new blue route to The Hub.


Tonight is the ‘Special Night Stage’
The night stage will start at around 9.00pm. The 12k course will take in a selection of trails from the Black, Red and Blue routes plus a couple of hand-cut descents normally used for XC racing. Afterwards, The Hub café should be buzzing with stories of night-time near misses.
Knowing that Andy has riden Glentress trails for many years he must be quietly confident. I asked him.
‘We will have to see. After the night stage there is a linking stage in the morning.
I still have to make it to Selkirk!!’

MountainBikingScotland.com would like to wish Andy all the best.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

Fort William SXC Round 3

Post event is possibly the worst I have felt later in the week for a long time. Maybe it was the course, maybe it was the food or maybe I did actually push myself for once.... but I didn't do this.....

OWCH!!

I hope he is OK..he did get up and ride on...

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

The Cool-ist Rider at Dalbeattie

The pic is of Elite Mens rider Paul McInally for East Kilbride who finished in 10th place, but in 1st place for style!!

Read all about the race of an Elite Rider, Andy Barlow, Whyte Bikes Team Rider and guest writer for MountainBikingScotland.com here.



Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

Dalbeattie SXC - The thirst

The SXC Round 2 at Dalbeattie was a fantastic weekend. I have ridden in previous years in the 'fun' catergory I was looking forward to a clear and hot day on Sunday for the race. I arrived on Saturday afternoon in time to go for a quick loop around the course. After the first 5 minutes of smiling riding the boardwalk section it was head down for the 2k singletrack climb....sweaty nightmare!!!

Having succesfully negotiated the steep on-the-shoulder-carry-section in was mostly downhill, some very steep and gnarly with a few drops, one large one in particular that I managed to avoid, many didn't. Watch ou for the chain ring on a few bits or jump them.There was plenty of time to enjoy the hard work of the 'Trail Faries' at the end of the course on the built up sections which included the infamous Log Ride,avoiding the deep mud, which I managed to clean twice!!

During the race on Sunday I ran out of water 10 minutes into the second lap and was dying for a drink but just had to keep going. I treated myself to two cups of sweet, milky tea and a double bacon roll to make up for it.

All in all a great course and a fun filled weekend, including staying in a great B&B 2 miles north of Dumfries called South Park House, who have given us a great deal for all Mountain Biking Scotland members. Watch out for the offer in the forthcoming newsletter. Not a member?? Sign up now here!

**SIGN UP NOW for you free 2 Day Scottish Epic Route to download NOW**

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

Ski Jump on a Mountain Bike

Things get very strange when you have had enough of riding around the woods and hills...what to do next...????
Check this out....

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

Dalbeattie SXC

Looking forward to the 2nd Scottish Cross Country Series taking place at Dalbeattie on Sunday. Time for Pasta!!

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

Mountain Bikes To Invade Ski Resort

Scotland’s Newest Mountain Bike Resort

In a desperate bid to stay in business, Scotland's largest ski resort is being turned into a mountain bike centre, after the worst winter season in living memory.
The Glenshee Ski Centre, Britain's greatest ski field, with 21 lifts, is being forced to consider the future of the company as global warming decimates snow levels.
Milder winters have meant lower snow fall and and has now signalled the end of the once lucrative business.
One of the directors of Glenshee Ski Centre, Stewart Davidson, said that they are now planning to carve a mountain bike track into the barren and rocky hillside in a bid to diversify and offer thrill seekers an alternative to snow sports.
In continental Europe, ski lifts are already used , especially France, Switzerland, and Italy during the summer months to save people pedalling uphill so they can complete more routes in a day.
Mountain bikers can hook their heavy downhill bikes to the underside of the chair lift and sit back and relax as they are whisked up the steep slopes.
Proposals are currently underway for the track, which will stretch from the car park to the top of the 3,100ft Cairnwell mountain.
"There will be a large track winding across the hill that will take them all the way down to behind the main buildings at the bottom. "It is based on the model from Europe, where some of the big resorts have turned their ski fields into mountain bike tracks. It's been extremely popular and we think it would be a great thing for Scotland.
"We will approach Scottish Enterprise and VisitScotland in the hope of securing funding to make sure this goes ahead. We are hoping to get the plans finalised very soon and get them approved by the council.
"We also need permission from Invercauld estate as the lease we have only relates to winter sports." said Mr Davidson.
IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association) rates Scotland as a "global superstar" and is fast becoming a hotspot for mountain biking enthusiasts from across the Globe.
Cycle tourism, which is largely made up by mountain biking, represents eight per cent of all trips to Scotland. In 2003, revenue from cycle tourism was calculated at £219 million.
Every year, more than 40,000 spectators flock to Fort William for the World Mountain Biking Championships, contributing £2 million to the local economy.
Mr Davidson, who was part of a management buyout of the ski centre in September 2003, added: "We hope to have it up and running for next summer. The sooner the better, from our point of view.
"We need to diversify, there's no way we can rely on our winters. The future of skiing in Scotland, not just at Glenshee, is in very grave danger of being wiped out altogether."
Glenshee currently only employs seven staff during the summer months, but with a fully-operative mountain bike trail, that figure could treble.
VisitScotland welcomed the proposals, with adventure spokesman Steve Duncan describing Scotland's mountain bike industry as "thriving".
He said: "Mountain biking is an important part of our adventure tourism offering, attracting visitors from far and wide.>.
"It is great to hear that Glenshee will be providing even more facilities for mountain bikers in Scotland."
Mr Duncan added: "We aim to promote Scotland as Europe's number one mountain biking destination underpinning the overall adventure campaign aim of being Europe's adventure capital."
Skiers, and latterly, snowboarders from across Britain once flocked to Glenshee to enjoy immaculate powder conditions for around 90 days during the season, which peaked during the Easter break, and often lasted well into late spring.
But this year, after only 30 "decidedly average" days skiing and recording the mildest conditions in recent history, Glenshee officials were forced to close the season on March 25.
David Stewart, chairman of the local tourism association, admitted: "The winters have been diabolical for skiing, especially this last season. It certainly was the worst that we've seen in a long while and we can't continue to rely on it. "The snow just isn't there, simply as that."
The Glenshee Tourism Association is re-branding itself, and plans to attract a new breed of tourist to the 'The Glen of the Fairies', including ramblers, cyclists, and sightseers.
One of the glen's best-known hotels has already been abandoned and another turned into housing as the skiing season vanishes.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

Mountain Biking Videos

Check out the mountain biking video below...



That has got to hurt......

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

NEWS * NEWS *NEWS *

Single Speed World Championships 2007 in Avimore, Scotland, UK.
1st & 2nd September 2007 is now FULL!!!!!!!!
See here
Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

SXC Mountain Bike Race Series - Round 1 - Laggan

After a long drive up to Kingussie late on the Friday night I managed to get a good sleep in the Tipsy Laird Bothy.
After turning up on the Saturday, checking out the superbly stocked cafe and the bike shop, I took two loops around the course, which had a few small puddles but all the rocks seemed fairly dry.
Somehow I managed to miss the 'natural' section, which came as a great suprise when I hit it on the first lap. Total mudfest!! See the videos.

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The Saturday night was a little different. There was a live band playing in the Tipsy Laird Pub (right next to the Tipsy Laird Bothy) which finished at about 12.30 and a group of women arguing and shouting until about 1.15am. Eventually got to sleep at about 1.30am!!
As the sun came up and started to melt the frost on Sunday morning I loaded up my Orange Sub 3 mountain bike onto the car and put on my 'bonnett' and headed from my bunk house down to the first Scottish Cross Counry (XC) Race at Laggan.
There was a great turn out. New model of 'this' and improved versions of 'that', new cycling tops, shorter racing carbon bars and squeaky clean mountain bikes. As a seasoned entrant in the 'fun' section I was well prepared to take on the all comers... by making sure I had loaded with carbs by having a Chinese take away the night before and was ready for some FUN!!
The sun warmer everyone in time for the start of the races at 11 am. The Juniors race was well attended as was the Fun with 20+ entrants. Then it wa time for the 'serious' mountain bikers of the XC world to come out to play, after the Vets and Grad Vets had done their blinding segment of trail. The Elite men stepped up to the line.........

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

New SXC Season Begins

Well I am looking forward to the first SXC Mountain Bike Race, at Laggan Wolftrax Mountain Bike Centre, on Sunday.
I normally do the Fun Race, 2 laps is normally enough to warrant a 'bacon buttie' and a 'cup-0-tea'. I have been doing a small amount of training and keeping up the commute speeds to add some extra zip to my legs.
As ever there will be the usual shouts in my ear of 'rider' as one of the more elite riders pass by, but I just enjoy the event and the atmosphere, leaving me trembling in their wake.
You should be able to read a report of the event along with some photos of the hard riders and mud covered mountain bikes.
PS. Look out for the Mountain Biking Scotland FLYERS at the event.
Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"