Annual Report 2005-2006

Phase One - New trails

In January 2005, with help and funding from CDENT, One North East, Leader Plus, Barclays Spaces for Sport, Living Spaces, Countryside Agency,Teesdale and Wear Valley District Council, the Co-op, Teesdale Marketing and the Forestry Commission we started work on the construction of the new Skills Area (The Loop) and the Grove Link Trail.

Roughing out The Loop

Quarrying for stone

Trail construction

Construction of the Table Top

Volunteers

Volunteers played a key role in the construction of The Loop and the Grove Link. So a special thanks should be given to all who helped out. The volunteers constructed bridges, built North Shore features, planted trees and completed a whole host of other tasks.

Volunteers in action

Phase one new trails

As you can see a lot of work was done through 2005. This culminated in us opening the new trails in October 2005 with help from partners Teesdale Marketing, Teesdale Council, Groundwork West Durham and the Forestry Commission.

We had a really well attended press day with good coverage from local T.V ,Radio and newspapers. A fantastic BBQ lunch was provided by the Unicorn pub, Bowes.

The Loop

The Grove Link

The Mushroom Man

A review of the year would not be complete without a mention of the now infamous Mushroom Man who took it upon himself to try and destroy our newly created trails. Thankfully some dedicated members staked out the Forest overnight and successfully caught him in the act.

GMsR

Once again the Hamsterley Trailblazers played a vital role in the continuing success of this annual event. The GMSR has now raised over £12,000 for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Teesdale Family Fun Day

The trailblazers provided a display and an obstacle course for this day.

Summer Skills

The Trailblazers worked with Teesdale Leisure Services to provide coaching sessions for local children during the school holidays.

Parish Paths Funding

The Trailblazers have successfully secured a grant from this fund. We have matched this money with some from the A.O.N.B and we are planning to upgrade the infamous Hamsterley Bog before it claims any new victims:-

Club Development

Thanks to a sterling effort from Bill we are now a registered charity and have developed a whole new set of policies and documents including a child protection policy.

Beyond Hamsterley

The Trailblazers helped Neil Gander secure funding to publish this book that has over 20 rides all within an hour’s drive of Hamsterley Forest (www.beyond-hamsterley.co.uk/)

Bike Bowes

Trailblazers were asked by Durham County Council to test ride this new cycle route across Bowes Moor. This was possibly the hardest 16 miles I have ever riden so unfortunately we had no energy to take any pictures.

Other Club Activities

Trailblazers have organised many regular rides and events at Hamsterley, Glentress and beyond….

New Year Ride to Eggleston, 2006

Website

The Trailblazers website continues to develop with the addition of new articles, links to other organisations and, of course, the popular member discussion forum.

The Future

Trailblazers are now working with partners to secure funding to realise the dream of creating 30 – 40 miles of new sensational and scintillating singletrack at Hamsterley Forest.

Cycling 4 Life

Trailblazers will continue to encourage and develop cycling as a healthy, fun activity for adults and children alike.

© Copyright 2005 Hamsterley Trailblazers
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