Cycling / Mountain biking
Charity has all their tools stolen
Thieves have stolen all of the equipment used by the charity that looks after Bristol’s mountain bike trails.
The tools owned by Ride Bristol and the horsebox storing them was taken from Ashton Court, leaving the charity appealing for donations in order to continue their work.
The charity look after the off-road cycling trails in Ashton Court, Leigh Wood and 50 Acre Wood, with volunteers protecting, maintaining and growing the trails.
Thousands of circuits of the cycling tracks are completed each year – photo: Ben Walton
“We’re simply left with nothing,” a Ride Bristol spokesperson told Bristol24/7, saying that “almost everything that we need to build and maintain Bristol’s MTB trails” was taken with the horsebox including spades, shovels, rakes, wheel barrows and even the first aid kit.
“Essentially, it’s our entire operation, except for the people and the pop-up shelter.”
Ride Bristol now need to raise £5,200 to replace everything “and buy some Fort-Knox-strength locks”.
RideBristol organise dig days at Ashton Court – photo: Jonathan Bowcott
“We’d prefer not to be asking for this,” spokesperson Jamie Edwards said.
“We’d prefer the money to go directly back into the trails. But without tools, we can’t build or maintain trails…
“The summer has given Bristol’s trails a hammering and winter is just round the corner, the time when the trails really need some love.
“If we can replace the tools, we can get back to doing what we do best.”
To donate, visit donorbox.org/help-ride-bristol-replace-its-tools
Main photo: Ride Bristol
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