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Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards 2008: On the trail to becoming a top cycling destination
DAYTRIPPERS have found another reason to go to Dalby Forest since it introduced mountain bike trails.
Mountain bikers make more than 10 million visits a year to the Forestry Commission-managed site, near Pickering, and it has worked to attract more people who haven't traditionally pursued the sport – women, people living in cities and young people.
The popularity of Dalby Forest, as well as its contribution to the economy in the North York Moors, helped it win the prize for the best project.
Alan Eves, forest management director for the Forestry Commission at North York Moors said: "We were very pleased to win the award. It's a fantastic recognition of the team's dedication that has made Dalby one of the top destinations for mountain biking in England, attracting a diverse range of people to the region throughout the year, increasing broad participation, overnight stays and tourism spend in the local economy."
But pedalling up a hill in a forest is not everyone's idea of a nice afternoon out, so the 8,600- acre Dalby Forest has a four-level grading system, running from easier to severe.
The longest trail is 55km and takes about three-and-a-half hours to go round, but it's possible to come off earlier, and the shortest trail is 4km.
The four were designed to form a clover leaf pattern and it is this freedom to choose, as well as its 2.1m visitor centre and its status as a regional centre of excellence for mountain biking, the first of its kind in the Yorkshire and Humber, which has helped make it a success. Earlier this year, Dalby Forest was named the best trail in England by Mountain Bike Rider magazine.
Dalby Forest has been funded by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and the European Regional Development Fund. The Forestry Commission is "constantly working" with Yorkshire Forward and its other partners to develop Dalby Forest, which also has a courtyard with a workshop and a caf, Mr Eves added.
One such development could see an international cycling event come to Dalby Forest. Earlier this month, the Yorkshire Post reported that British Cycling, Yorkshire Forward and the Forestry Commission had teamed up to persuade organisers to host the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Cross-Country Mountain Bike World Cup in the region for the first time.
The aim is to make Dalby Forest the setting for the 2010 competition, as well as subsequent events in 2012 and 2013.
If the bid was successful, it would create significant economic and tourism opportunities for the area.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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