F O R G E T  T H E  U P H I L L  S T R U G G L E
V 
BikePark Wales just opened. oward Calvert checks out aUK first am on a hill in Wales waiting at the bottom of a trail known as Rim Dinger for the first rider to come down. He appears, grinning under his full-face helmet. “That was awesome." The second rider is more vocal: “Absolutely incredible!” The third rider is yelling before he has even arrived: “I’M IN LOVE!” To say these riders are excited is an understatement. They are part of a special launch day preview at the all-new BikePark Wales, so are the first to test the downhill trails at the new centre in Gethin Forest, just outside Merthyr Tydfil, that has been four years in the making. And ShortList was among the first to test it ahead of its opening this week. BUSH WACKER The idea originated from the minds of Martin Astley and Rowan Sorrell, directors of BikePark Wales, who teamed up with Welsh trail – development experts Cognation, and took inspiration from trails across the world, particularly Whistler in Canada. “They noticed there isn’t a bike park like Whistler in the UK, where there’s a range of trails for all abilities," says Anna Walters, finance and operations director for BikePark Wales. "Creating one themselves became something of an obsession." Trails are graded like ski runs based on difficulty: green for beginners, blue for intermediate, red for advanced and black for experts. And also like skiing, it’s all about getting down the hill rather than up it. The team looked into chairlifts, but after finding they would cost £4m to install, went for a more cash-friendly van-based uplift service – minibuses transport you and your bike to the top, or you can cycle a 5km trail. “It was difficult, as it was on such a huge scale," says Sorrell, who has been building trails for more than 10 years. “The infrastructure logistics made it more complex – how to link the uplift road, visitor centre and trails together. Initially, I had to walk the hill and learn where everything was, then map it all out and fit it together like a jigsaw. But, over the years I’ve been building trails, I’ve developed an understanding of what works and what people like to ride." Other problems included soil composure (rocks and sticky clay), mechanical excavator malfunctions and cows breaking in and trampling the berms (raised corners). DAI HARD l'm riding a full-suspension Trek Slash 8 from the hire centre. It's a thing of beauty, and I calculate how uplift. Ten minutes later we're 491m above sea level atop Mynydd Gethin at the start of the trails. Signs show the names of the routes (each has a story behind it, for example ‘Sixtapod’ was named after the machine that helped dig it), and riders waste no time in tearing down. I start with the blue Willy Waver – the opening section takes you through twisting berms, double dips and without a puncture do (tip: bring spare tubes with you, as a quarter of riders punctured on the first run). If you’re a beginner and feel Intimidated by the technical-looking bikes and layers of padding, don't be. The idea behind the project is that you don’t have to be an expert to tackle the trails: there is nothing that would seriously challenge someone who was new to mountain “THERE ARE HARDER SECTONS, RUT ALL INSROMENSILE ATEVERYOUR . core weight between the front and back of the bike, stand up, bend your knees and elbows and be ready to absorb bumps. Also, drop your saddle – it won't give you the most pedal-efficient ride but it will give you more control of the bike, and transfer your weight back when you s ride over the steeper rolls and drops. And always try to look further ahead on the trail rather than just in front of your wheel so you can anticipate what’s ahead.” I ask him about riding the berms, as I keep misjudging them and nearly flying off the edge. %The best way to tackle them is to look ahead at the exit, then ride the bike up to the top of the berm and lean over. Brake on entry, then release as you ride through." He makes it sound easy. The day is coming to a close, but local rider Matt Powell of Aberdare MTB Group can still barely contain his elation. “We’ve been waiting for this for such a long time. It’s off the scale – way beyond what we were expecting. Pure adrenaline from top to bottom." I ask him if he has any advice for ShortList readers. His response is simple: “You’ve got to come here." Prices: 25 for a day pass, 230 withu com. For acc visit The Mount Pleasant Inn leasantinn.co.uk) （themountoi biking, and that, says Waters, is key to attracting new people to the sport. “There are harder sections, but all of it is rideable, whatever your skill level. You can take it slower if you’re less confident. But you’ll be hooked once you hit the fast sections." Sorrell is equally keen on attracting new riders: “It’s an exciting sport and people shouldn't have any fear – the equipment is now very advanced and you can progress over time at your own rate." There’s even a family trail for parents with small children to introduce them to mountain biking. And if you are new to downhill mountain biking, Sorrell has some tips to help you descend without leaving the skin from your arm on a rock halfway down. “The important thing is your posture. Balance your YOU DON’T NEED THIS KIT TO HIT THE TRAILS. BUT IT WILL HELP Urge Down-O-Matic Brat Helmet Features light composite fibre construction and two Vader-like air vents. £150, chainreactioncycles.co.uk Oakley Airbrake Goggles The Plutonite lenses offer protection from errant stones and you can swap lenses to match your outfit. £119, racespec.co.uk Kona Tanuki Ideal for entry level, this looks great, handles superbly and will make you feel like a pro. £1,300, evanscycles.co.uk