Cycling / News
Bristol bike charity unveils renovated cycle trail
It is thanks to a huge community effort that a once-rough and deteriorating cycle trail in Bristol has been given a new lease of life.
The 850-meter section in Ashton Court, unofficially known as the “Quarry Climb”, reopened over the weekend following two weeks of intensive work.
Spearheaded by Ride Bristol, the project has replaced what was once a potholed, rocky stretch with a sinuous, winding trail designed to be accessible for all.
The revamp was part of the charity’s ongoing mission to maintain our city’s off-road bike trails and protect the future of mountain biking in Bristol.
Ride Bristol held an official reopening event for the revamped trail on Saturday
For years, the Quarry Climb had been a barrier for less experienced riders.
“It was very rough and rocky and very unfriendly to families,” explained Chris Leeks, founding trustee of Ride Bristol.
“The only people playing on that bit of the trail were the mountain bikers, which is fine, but that’s not what the trails are there for.”
The trail’s new design balances inclusivity and challenge.
Chris said: “It’s built so that if you are a little tiny tot on your first bike, you can cycle up that path.
“And if you are an experienced mountain biker, you can belt up that trail as fast as you want and it will still challenge you.”
The trail has been transformed over two weeks into a smooth trail accessible for all skill levels
The transformation was made possible after Ride Bristol secured a £5,000 grant from Bristol City Council’s Active Travel team, plus funding from Tailfin and Pedal Premieres and help from Velosolutions.
However, the value of the work is estimated at closer to £30,000 which was bridged by an outpouring of community support.
Ride Bristol’s aim is “to help create a Bristol-wide network of trails that can be enjoyed by a diverse and passionate cycling community”
In 2022, an estimated 140,000 mountain bike circuits were completed at Ashton Court.
Asked what the reopening of the Quarry Climb means to the local cycling community, Chris said: “You’ll see a lot of mountain bikers who get a lot of pleasure and health benefits from it, but it’s more broad than that.
“What this repair has done has opened up the entire 7km trail to anybody who has a bike and a reasonable degree of confidence, which was not possible beforehand.”
For more information or to get involved with Ride Bristol, visit www.ridebristol.org or follow their Instagram: @ridebristol
All photos: Ride Bristol
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