New bike park open for business

Andrew Cowie • Published 7 Apr 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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Our picture shows the tape cutting ceremony.

A NEW bike park in Lochore Meadows Country Park has been opened.

A special ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Whitewood Bike Park, which features a range of different cycle runs and jumps for Fifers who want to hone their advanced biking skills.

The new facility is a 10 minute walk from the main park centre and features a choice of descents including the medium grade 'fun blue run' and the difficult 'rocky red run'.

Councillors Douglas Chapman, chair of Fife Council's children's services; and and Lochs member Willie Clarke attended the launch along with youngsters, volunteers and park staff who all worked together on the project.

Brian Gonsales, chairman of the newly formed Meedies Mountain Bike Club and Kevin Whyte, who has been involved with mountain biking developments at Lochore Meadows for over two years, also went along and helped cut the ribbon.

After the ceremony around 20 young people from Benarty Primary School, Sandybrae Centre and the local area cycled to the start of the trails and showed off their skills on two wheels. Outdoor Learning Officer, Ali Dreyer, explained although the opening of the bike park is exciting for biking enthusiasts, safety is paramount, "Whitewood Bike Park is not a play area but a facility for people to enjoy while improving their biking skills.

"It is important to ride within your capabilities, starting with the easier runs and building up to the more difficult features like the jumps. I'd like to remind riders of the importance of having a suitable bike and correct safety gear like helmet and gloves."

Councillor Willie Clarke, chairman of the Lochore Meadows Country Park Advisory Group, welcomed the facility, "This is an excellent example of what can be achieved when local groups work together with the community. This project has attracted some very positive input from all ages, especially local youngsters.

"This is a welcome addition to the facilities in the Park and a demonstration of the Council's wider commitment to the development of Lochore Meadows."

Councillor Douglas Chapman added, "This is an additional attraction and another good reason for children in this area to get out and about and use these bike facilities to help them become healthier, fitter and more skilled in this sport."

Our pictures show Kevin Whyte, Councillor Douglas Chapman, Councillor Willie Clarke and Brian Gonsales cutting the ribbon and the track being tried out.

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