Dalby Bike Barn ready for launch event (From Gazette & Herald)

Dalby Bike Barn ready for launch event

12:13pm Wednesday 10th October 2012 in News

A DRIVE to bring biking to all ages and abilities is gearing up with the official opening of the Dalby Bike Barn on Saturday.

The new facility will provide a base for a National Centre of Excellence for the CTC, the national cycling charity, which will run a range of courses to get more people to saddle up.

The launch will include the staging of a Dalby 13 Expo event featuring free cycling taster sessions, an exhibition of the latest bikes and gear, together with guest appearances by biking celebrities.

Becky Mayo, from the Forestry Commission, said: “Biking is for everyone and the CTC will be running courses aimed at women, youngsters and the over 50s, together with a host of other skills sessions.

The Dalby Bike Barn is operated on the Forestry Commission’s behalf by the CTC and Pace Cycles, which has been manufacturing bikes and components for 25 years in North Yorkshire. A full bike hire service is already in operation, with some machines adapted for use by people with special needs.

Mike Hawtin, from Pickering, has also been recruited as a new full-time CTC cycling development officer.

He said: “Sometimes people get a bit fearful when they hear the word ‘mountain’ in mountain biking, but in reality if you can ride a bike you can ride in the forest.”

To find out more visit www.dalbybikebarn.co.uk or phone 01751 460049.