Wrekin Riders BMX club are branching out into mountain bike coaching at the brand new off-road ‘pump’ track in Arleston, off Ketley Brook Roundabout, Bennets Bank, Wellington.
The new cycle track is one of the first local authority managed hybrid mountain bike and BMX pump tracks in the country and is currently used for training by some local world ranking mountain bike (MTB) downhill racers as well as the general public.
MTB and BMX coaching and time trials by Wrekin Riders BMX club are now taking place on Sundays 11am to 12.30pm, twice a month at the track, and the club will also be carrying out time trials.
The next coaching session at the track will be on the May 23, followed by June 6 and 27, July 4 and 25, August 1 and 22, and September 5 and 12.
Local world ranking downhill racer Matt Simmonds recently held the track record at 52.9 seconds but it was beaten by current BMX National Series champion Mark Maddox with 52.6 seconds. The challenge has been set.
Participants are required to bring a helmet and bike and wear long sleeves and trousers. If you do not have a bike or helmet please contact the club as pool equipment is available. All ages welcome but some ‘off road’ experience is required.
The funded project has been put together by the Connecting Communities Programme.
Newly elected chairperson Craig Matthews said: “The track is fantastic and is a real challenge for cyclists.
“This is just the sort of facility that meets young people’s desire for challenging and fun experiences and together with our coaching aims to encourage more young people into positive activity.”
To find more information on the club contact Derek Owen on 07976 100 463 or look on the new club website www.wrekinriders.co.uk