Chicksands Bike Park is situated in the Forest of Rowney Warren, in Bedfordshire. It has 4X, Dual Slalom, Dirt Jumps, a Pump Track and XC (latter no longer maintained).
Lots of exciting new developments were launched on the 16th February 2014: a mini BMX track, another pump track, a skills area, flow line extension, progressive step down, trick step up, a beginner progressive jump area, a beginner progressive drop area, extensions on the current Dirt Jumps, changes to the 4X, the Dual Slalom and a new short XC loop as well as new signage for the park.
Chicksands ethos is based on progressive skill development.
The Bike Park
- This has a dual slalom, a 4X, pump tracks, 3 lines of progressive dirt jumps, a BMX track, a skills area, and numerous short downhill runs for all abilities. The shore that used to around have pretty much all but been dismantled.
Dual Slalom
- The Dual Slalom is the most fun you can have riding against your mates. It starts off with a starting ramp to a run into a kicker on the flat before you start descending around a sweeping corner to a large berm followed by a series of three of four tabletops.
Four Cross (4X)
- The four cross allows you to race four riders side by side. Again starting on a starting ramp (although this one is much higher than the Dual) it kicks off with doubles followed by a series of tabletops, round a large corner to more doubles, triples, step ups and berms.
Pump Track(s)
- A more recent addition around the other side of the bike park, the pump tracks are small but will quickly wear you out as you try to complete multiple circuits of continuous rollers and berms without pedaling using nothing more than you pumping your bike to drive momentum.
BMX Track
- New to the bike park launched also in Feb 2014 is a BMX track.
Skills Area
- Also new to the bike park in February 2014 is a new progressive skills area.
Dirt Jumps
- There are three lines of progressive dirt jumps where you will see some amazing skills taking place as the dirt jump community at Chicksands is well established.
Downhill Runs
- These are short as there is not much height but there is something for every level with kickers, doubles, medium sized drops, big drops, large gaps, steep descents and more. Recently progressive drops have been introduced.
The Cross Country (XC)
- The XC starts earlier down the road (look out for the Rowney Warren signs) and has two runs (one red and one blue) which are singletrack with multiple short ups and downs. It's poorly waymarked and maintained and although in the same area it is not part of the Bike Park. It is easy to get lost so best take a friend who knows it. They are also a bit beaten up. They are short and you meet the bike park about halfway around. NB these are not part of the bike park responsibility, they are separate.
Other info
- Day tickets cost £5 for any age (look out for guy walking around i.e. there isn't like a formal entrance post) and Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. The car park is paid for separately.
- Annual membership is: Senior (16 years old or over) - £60, Junior (15 years old or under) - £40 and Family (maximum 2 senior and 3 junior) - £120
- The trails are pretty much all weather so rides well all year.
- There is a sweet van kiosk with Thai food there on weekends and bank holidays
- They hold an annual winter 4x for all age groups if you are looking to kicking off your racing career or just fancy a race.
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