Wind Hill B1kepark

THE LOW DOWN - Wind Hill is the latest venue to join the B1KEPARK network. Previously known as 'The Allotment' and more recently as 'The Black Canon Trails', the site has been enjoyed over the years by many riders. Our aim is to develop the site to reach it's full riding potential. As well as reinvigorating some old established lines and extending them we have a plan to build a good deal more. The goal is to create a park that provides a 'progression pathway' so that riders with a range of abilities and from a range of disciplines will find terrain to suit both their current ability and riding aspirations.

What is planned? The trails will be graded using the recognised 'Lozenge' grading system and there will be a good mix of 1, 2 & 3 Lozenge trails. Features will range from small to extreme. As well as reworking and extending existing trails to utilise the space available there is plenty of room to incorporate new lines. Our plans include (but will not be limited to):

Top to bottom trails - currently many of the trails fade out towards the lower half of the site while others start part way down the hill. Subject to final approval from the landowner a start ramp will be installed at the highest point of the site and new corridors cut so that all the trails can be ridden from a single start point. All trails will be extended to maximise the length of runs and feed to a designated push up.

The Pro Line - From the proposed start ramp through to the iconic step up we have plans for some added features that will hopefully include a step up to whale tail to step down or ladder drop. From the current step up this trail fades out but soon to will continue on down the hill through a sizeable step down and on to a series of features to test the best.

Extending the Expert line - where the trail currently runs to a road gap which fades to not a lot, the extension will take riders across the hill through a series of Chris Smith designed features aimed to push the boundaries of expert riders. Something for the pro/expert riders out there to enjoy and for us mere mortals to aspire to / dream about.

The Downhill trails - there are three existing trails that are in the process of being bought back to their best. The aim is to retain the natural technicality of the trails whilst ensuring the hold up to both the weather and the increased use. Roots and natural features will remain but we’ll be adding some additional features and additional length to all. Once they are working to their full potential we have identified further corridors that can be developed. The aim is that all should be 1 minute+ descents and worthy of hosting races and events. Whether you are a racer in training or a trail rider looking to develop your skills there will be trails for you.

Flow trail - Although we all aspire to hit the big stuff until we are ready everyone (even the very best riders) enjoys a flowing feature packed (yet rollable) trail. The new Flow Line will be the longest trail on the hill and offer tables, rollers doubles and drops. The aim is to create a trail that can be ridden by a wide range of riders and a create a trail that you will get more and more out of as your skill and confidence rises.

Dual line - often overlooked by many parks and venues a dual line adds an extra dimension to any venue. Providing an opportunity to go elbow to elbow with your riding friends or make line choices if you are riding alone, the Dual Line that is planned will make use of a so far untracked section of the woods

Pro2 Line - This planned line will provide supersize features for pro riders to showcase their full repertoire of moves.

Progressive training zone - offering riders progressive features to develop and skills

Who can ride there? Anyone (but only those) who join/s the B1KEPARK network. The same policy applies to everyone from Pro rider to first timer. There are two membership types. Free Members - as a registered member you can ride subject to buying a day pass each time that you visit any of our pay-2-ride sites (£10). Your ‘Free Member’ status will cover all the other sites in the network so by joining one park you join all. Full Members - By paying an annual membership you can not only enjoy Wind Hill but the other sites (free & pay-2-ride) in the network. Currently this includes @TidworthFreeride & @S4PMilford but we are close to signing up a fourth venue working with @RodgateDownhill. As a ‘Full Member’ you wont have to buy a day pass at any of our venues, just show your card and hit the trails. Full member will also get priority places at races and events and discounts on race entry fees as well as special offers from our growing number of partners.

Do I have to be a member? Yes. Your membership amongst other things means you are covered by third party liability insurance. If you attempt to ride without joining as either a free or full member you put the park’s future at risk. Once it has been issued please bring your membership card every time you ride and be prepared to show it on request.

Can I get involved in trail build and maintenance? - Yes certainly. We will be getting some dates in the diary where those willing can come and play a part in the sites ongoing development and maintenance. Please be aware it wont be adding individual new random features or putting your own individual mark on a trail and there is much more to creating a successful site than building big booters. Build days will follow a set list of predetermined tasks that have been prioritised. Corridor clearance, making and maintaining drainage, dead hedging, maintaining site lines, repairing wear and tear and braking bumps etc all play a hugely important part in getting the most from the site. If this sounds a bit dull and not what you want to do, no problem, but we hope you will come and ride when we are open.

Can I just turn up an build? NO - The development of the park is structured and planned. Features and trails need to meet rigorous build standards in order to satisfy our insurance. Although volunteer trail build efforts are welcomed this will be through scheduled build days. The first of these will be organised in in the coming weeks and dates will be published here soon. We will offer potential trail crew members training so that efforts result in output that meets the terms of our lease and insurance. The park has defined limits and we can only build within these. Any trail building elsewhere on the estate is strictly prohibited by the landowner and any upsurge in this will threaten the parks future and be flattened by the landowner so please please refrain from doing it.

Is there parking? We have been allocated an area for B1KEPARK visitors. It is outside of the main entrance to the Longleat Estate and signs will guide you to the official entry point. The carpark is not monitored and we strongly advise you leave no valuables in your cars. We can take no responsibility for your vehicle or is contents while you are parked here.

When can I apply for membership? You will be able to join the B1KEPARK network from Thursday 15th September although you will have to wait to ride until the official opening date (TBC). In the meantime why not go check out @TidworthFreeride just 40 minutes East - your membership will cover you there too. Go to www.b1ke.com/membership/ fill out the form, add a passport type photo (not one of your bike, you doing a jump or in a full face helmet please).

I am under 16 can I join? Yes but you will need the consent of a parent or guardian - get them to fill out the online form.

Does the park have and age limit? No, but if your are under 14 you will need to be accompanied by an adult responsible for you.

I love the look of the park but don't have the skills to ride the features, can you help? Yes - we have an experienced team of qualified instructors to help you develop your skills. Skills training sessions will be available when we open.

I am an instructor, can in coach in the park? No. Sorry only our team are insured to coach at the park but if you want to join the team there may be opportunities so get in touch.

I want more information and it is not covered - Please get in touch via email info@b1ke.com