UCI Mountain Bike Cross-Country World Cup at Dalby Forest

Dalby Forest is the focus for the opening round of this year’s global competition which also takes in venues in Germany, Italy and the USA.

Key highlights of the event include an evening sprint road race around Pickering involving more than 100 riders, starting at 6pm on Friday, followed by the opening ceremony at 8pm and entertainment in the town centre.

Mayor Brian Baker has also organised a raffle in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care with a first prize of a Shogun mountain bike worth £170. Tickets for the raffle will be on sale from 4pm in Market Place.

Saturday sees the Junior World Cup from 1pm, followed by the Dalby Dare where members of the public will have the opportunity to challenge the World Cup course.

The weekend’s climax takes part on Sunday with the elite men’s and women’s events.

World Cup trophies have been made by Hutton-le-Hole wood turner Philip Greenwood who was commissioned by the Forestry Commission.

Each of the trophies has been handmade in a contemporary design using beech wood for the gold prize, ash for silver and oak for bronze.

Alan Eves, forest management director with the Forestry Commission, said: “The waiting is over and we are now on the verge of a sensational weekend of World Cup racing in the heart of the North York Moors.

“Pickering and Dalby will be the place to be whether you plan to watch high speed street racing, have a go at the Dalby Dare, or witness truly thrilling action in the forest provided by the world’s best riders.”

Tickets for the event are on sale at Dalby Forest Visitor Centre, www.ticketmaster.co.uk or phone 08448 472387.

Illustrator joins the Dalby fun

TIM BULMER, the Middleton-based artist behind the book Yorkshire Pudding ‘n’ All That Tripe will be signing copies of his work at Adderstone Park in Dalby Forest this weekend during the World Championships.

The illustrator has also created a limited edition print to commemorate the event, and these will be on sale at the venue.

Tim said: “With the World Championships being a huge Yorkshire event we thought it would be a great opportunity to celebrate all things Yorkshire by doing the signing at Dalby this weekend.”

And as Friday is St George’s Day, there will be a sneak preview of Tim Bulmer’s Map of England from a book due to be published later this year.

Published by Bog Books Ltd, ‘Yorkshire Pudding ‘n’ All That Tripe’ has sold just under 2,000 copies since its launch in October and is tipped for success in 2010 with Waterstones in Scarborough making it a ‘recommended read’.

Bog Books Ltd is run by Tim, his wife Sarah, Gary Davies and Cheryl-ann Taylor from Levisham.

The books and prints will be on sale from Friday – Sunday and Tim will sign each book and print sold.

Youngsters work on championship legacy

Youngsters work on championship legacy YOUNG biking enthusiasts are determined to build on this weekend’s World Mountain Bike Championships by developing their own outdoor activity area.

The Newbridge Park Group in Pickering has kick-started its plans to re-shape Jennison’s quarry behind Pickering Castle to create challenging runs and jumps for mountain and downhill bikers.

Formed as a sub-group of the Town Team, the group wants to turn the woods into a centre for outdoor activities including biking, climbing and abseiling walking, a ‘green’ gym, a woodland performance space, scupltures, picnic areas and seating, said William Oxley, town team chairman.

He said: “The young people are working very hard to ensure there is a tangible legacy from the champion ships.

“By demonstrating their commitment, effort and support there is for this project, we hope Pickering will be awarded one of the legacy programmes from the Mountain Bike World Cup.”

Group vice-chairman, Claire Bowes said: “We want to create space and activities that the whole community can use. For years the young people of Pickering have wanted this sort of facility but it needs to be part of a wider, fully-inclusive programme.”

Newbridge Group chairman Tim Thornton said: “The young people’s enthusiasm is infectious and we have a number of experienced and qualified adults providing support and guidance to prevent over exhuberance. We do need more volunteers and the group can be contacted through our Facebook page or on 07990 964112.”

Steve Bean, who is helping plan and guide the work, said: “We are working within the bounds of the quarry to avoid issues about land usage. The aim is to provide a specific area for bikers so that the rest of the woods can be easily used for other activities.”

Drivers warned of traffic restrictions

PARKING restrictions will be in effect from 6pm tomorrow (Thursday) until midnight on Friday as follows:

Smiddy Hill entire length

Birdgate entire length

Hall Garth entire length

Willowgate, from the junction with Market Place to a point 42 metres north

Burgate from the junction with the Market Place to the junction with Hatcase Lane

Market Place entire length

Park Street from the junction with The Ropery to the junction with Brant Hill

Whitby Road from the junction with the A169, High Back Side to the junction with Hatcase Lane

Hatcase Lane from the junction with Whitby Road to the junction with Castlegate

Castlegate from the junction with Hatcase Lane to the junction with Castle Bank

Traffic will not be allowed along the following roads between noon and midnight on Friday:

Smiddy Hill entire length

Birdgate entire length

Hall Garth entire length

Willowgate from the junction with Market Place to a point 42 metres north

Burgate from the junction with Market Place to the junction with Hatcase Lane

Market Place entire length

Park Street from the junction with The Ropery to the junction with Brant Hill

Champley’s Mews entire length, including prohibition of pedestrians except for access

Picture House Alley (Market Place to Hungate foot passage) including prohibition of pedestrians except for access

Access for pedestrians to premises will be maintained at all times and vehicular access to properties will be maintained whenever possible.

Alternative routes will be signed.