Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, in Gloucestershire, has shared a cluster of updates this week covering trail works on two of its most-used lines, alongside developments around the Pedalabikeaway hub at the trailhead. Forestry England has confirmed planned work on both GBU and Launchpad, while Pedalabikeaway has posted separate updates on its shop build and the launch of a new podcast.

The trail update focuses on wear in high-traffic areas. In a post about GBU, Forestry England said improvement works are planned in the coming weeks, described as a general refresh that includes filling holes around the jumps and reshaping features that have become worn through use and weathering. In a follow-up update, Forestry England said resurfacing work is also planned for Launchpad, noting that several sections have become worn and eroded.

Forestry England also highlighted Launchpad’s role as a key accessible route, stating that the resurfacing is intended to help keep the trail smooth, safe, and fully accessible, particularly for riders using adaptive bikes. The same update said Launchpad remains one of the most popular trails at the Cycle Centre, with an average of around 7,500 rides per month. Forestry England said it will keep riders updated via its social channels as work dates are confirmed and as the projects progress.

Pedalabikeaway also announced the first episode of its new podcast, titled “Pedal Pod, EP: 1 Evolution of the trail centre”. The post describes the episode as a look at the history, and future evolution of the Forest of Dean bike trails, and it is available to watch on YouTube as well as listen via podcast platforms. More episodes to follow. 

Pedal Syndicate has shared a construction update linked to the new on-site shop build at Pedalabikeaway, saying large stone pieces (each over a ton) were dropped off from Barnhill Quarry and will be installed around the building, including two larger stones planned either side of the entrance. The “why” behind the project is explained by Pedalabikeaway in its recent podcast: it describes the Cycle Centre as an older industrial site with limited shop space, and says the new build (on leased land in the main car park) is intended to create a larger retail offer on site, with more consumables and riding kit, plus demo-bike use and on-trail setup tweaks.

Context

The Forest of Dean Cycle Centre is a purpose-built riding destination with a wide mix of XC and Downhill trail grades and riding styles, including green, blue, red, black and double black options, with additional facilities and supporting services based around the trailhead. iBikeRide’s listing also links through to events and dig days, including opportunities to get involved with local volunteer trail work.

Pedalabikeaway podcast

Over to the community

• Once this round of work is done, where would you like to see attention focused next at the Forest of Dean?
• If you have volunteered with the Dean Trail Volunteers, what was it like, and what should first-timers expect?
• What topics would you like to hear covered in future Pedal Pod episodes about the Forest of Dean?