“Deeply embracing the iconically recognisable Derby forests, low knee hugging foliage, deep native loam, shoulder slapping man ferns and endless sunset squints.”
A UNIQUE hand cut trail will be built for the ten-year anniversary of Blue Derby after the global mountain biking destination was successful in obtaining a $125,000 trail building funding allocation by global component brand Shimano.
The new 1.37km trail is an intermediate design aiming to deliver a unique experience for its users, combining a state of the art sustainable build and the performance of single track.
The “Blended Earth” formula allows users to embrace Derby’s unique terrain and forest with a slim construction style that is challenging yet minimalistic.
This will deliver a ride experience completely different to a machine forged trail.
The Blue Derby Foundation secured the exciting build through application of Shimano’s new Trail Born initiative aimed at helping increase and sustain mountain bike trails and trail access around the world.
Shimano Marketing Manager Toby Shingleton said Derby was the first global announcement in the unprecedented funding stream.
“Shimano will deliver industry support through the donation of ten million USD dollars over the next decade across the world.
“We are proud to support the hard work of dedicated and passionate people.
“Building and maintaining great trails is expensive. Really expensive.
“Cost typically ranges from $15,000 to $80,000 per kilometer, which includes everything from permitting and impact studies to tools, materials, and labour. But Shimano believes the return on investment is priceless.
“Supporting trail building and trail advocacy helps protect and expand trail access. And that means more places for all of us to ride—and more opportunities for new riders, like kids, to discover this amazing sport,” he said.
As part of the funding announcement for Blue Derby Shimano have committed to an extra three year $10,000 per annum maintenance fund to ensure the continued premium standard of trail connected to the Blue Derby Network and the Shimano brand.
Blue Derby Foundation (BDF) chair Chris Cafe said the outcome will see an age old trail which is challenging, sustainable and fun in equal parts.
“We are really proud to see the BDF community group come together and be able to deliver a project of this scale for the Derby township.
“This is the next stage in the evolution of Derby and its trail network,” he said.
“A recent visitor survey showed statistics that introducing new trails on a regular basis encourages riders to come back and ride Derby again and again.
“This new slimline build will add extra feel to the wide range of trail options available in the region and is situated next door to popular descent trail Flickity Sticks running almost parallel and accessed via shuttles from Black Stump or the existing climbing track.”
This project will see local trail builders construct the new trail with a planned opening as part of the towns 10 year trail anniversary in April 2025.
The build will be in partnership with the Blue Derby Foundation and Dorset Council.