Bike Glenlivet in the Cairngorms National Park has announced work has begun on a two-year investment to bring in three new trails to Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trail Centre. It's interesting to note that car parking fees are a significant income source to make this possible.
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The diggers have hit the ground already, and the first trail will be a top section for Mini DH, starting next to Keiran’s line.
Bikescape is doing the work. It will be a blend of machine built, and hand dug trail sections to give as natural a feel as possible, while at the same time constructed to stand up to the volume of riders expected to use it. This style of construction tries to minimise the impact on the environment and ensure the trail rides differently in the wet compared to dry conditions, with some roots and mud still evident.
How we commercially sustain our trails is a topic that is often confusing to riders so it always catches my eye when mentioned. Specifically, riders can be unsure where the car parking fees end up going at many trail spots. Personally, I think whether car park fees go directly to the trails or indirectly to the trail centre facilities which without, the trail would have no existence it is a positive use of a rider's cash to fork out. More transparency is needed though to avoid rider uncertainty at best and avoidance at worst.
In terms of the team at Bike Glenlivet here is the core funding model over the next few years:
- Car park money, all of which is ring fenced for trail maintenance and development. They charge £5 for a day’s parking, with the trails and toilet facilities free to use.
- Grant funding ; local windfarm etc
- Contribution from Crown Estate Scotland who they lease the land from.
- Contribution from their own company: Bike Glenlivet Ltd.
This first section of trail is being 80% funded from the carpark money.
I have written about the subject of commercial trail sustainability previously if interested (see article here) I
It's great to see trail centres like Bike Glenlivet putting this message front and centre i.e. "Your car parking fees go directly back into trail development", so kudos. The trails are free to ride at Glenlivet and the car parking fees and season tickets income are invested back in the trails.
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