UK MOUNTAIN BIKE CONFERENCE 2015

In 2006 the first UK national mountain bike conference took place at Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland. The event was hailed a success and is still talked about today. A lot has changed in nine years in mountain biking and where better to host the next England national conference than Kielder Water & Forest Park?Since 2006 local mountain bikers have worked closely with Forestry Commission to develop the largest network of off-road cycling in England within the forest, currently covering a staggering 62,000 hectares. Today there is a grade of trail for everyone including the scenic 26 mile multi-user Lakeside Way.The highlight over the 2 days of the event is without doubt the Mountain Biking’s role in Health, the Environment and Economic Development conference on Friday 16th October. The content of this day provides unique opportunity to network with other land and trail managers, volunteer trail-building crews and mountain bikers from across the UK and further afield.The International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) Europe will also be key note speakers, as well as well-respected European MTB travel writer Ralf Glaser, www.trails.de  There is lot crammed into the 2 days including great Northumbrian food on Friday evening at the Boat Inn overlooking Kielder Water. Chef Kevin Mulraney’s menu features local, seasonal produce complemented by a great range of local ales. Of course there’s plenty of opportunity to get on your bike and enjoy Kielder Water & Forest Park, starting with a night ride to the award-winning Kielder Observatory on the evening of Thursday 15th October.On the afternoon of Saturday 17th October there will be a repeat of the 2006 ride from the Scottish village of Newcastleton back over the border to Kielder Castle where the day will end with a social event to celebrate the local volunteer MTB group’s 10th anniversary building trails at Kielder. There will also be a number of events throughout Northumberland during the week of the conference to get you out on your bike – more details soon.Tickets can be purchased for individual conference days, but we believe you won’t want to miss a thing, so full conference tickets are discounted. You can also take advantage of our early-bird rates by booking before the 15th September. If you’d like to enjoy the organised rides do bring your mountain-bike, or you can hire a bike on site from The Bike Place at Kielder and also some demo bikes will be available to ride for free from Start Cycles Newcastle.Program infoBooking