Silver lining from Storm Arwen inspires cross-country Mountain Bike course
Crombie Country Park hosts an inaugural Mountain Bike event on a newly formed cross-country course on Sunday 28 July.
Carnoustie man, Chris Golightly, saw a silver lining with the damage caused by Storm Arwen, and fashioned a four-mile course using the fallen trees and new routes that had to be taken as people made their way around the park. Along with Dundee Thistle Cycling Club, the Crombie XC course was developed over 6 months.
Chris said: ““It was a shame what Storm Arwen did to the park. I was out running and thought it was a great opportunity to develop an MTB course.”
“It’s a pretty brand-new trail and there’s been a lot of work to build bridges over bogs and ditches. After six months of trail building and collaboration with park operator ANGUSalive and Scottish XC cycling, the course is ready to go.
“I did manage to pull a few folk in to give a hand, but I enjoyed being creative in the forest with my dogs for the greater good of the community.”
“ANGUSalive have been so pro-active with the whole thing – really helpful, and Scottish XC have been great with collaborating and getting it signed off for an event.” added Chris.
“The aspiration was always to have an inaugural event this year and then hopefully have Crombie on the national series next year.
“Clubs have already come up and ridden it and they’ve really enjoyed it. Crombie is relatively flat but it’s arduous enough to make it a good test around the perimeter of the park.
“I hope people will enjoy coming up to ride the trail for fun.”
Nicola Barbour, ANGUSalive Countryside Adventure Lead said: “We are extremely pleased to work with Chris who has been influential in bringing this to fruition.
“As we all know, Crombie suffered enormously at the hands of Storm Arwen back in 2021 and the impact was felt by all. We are very excited to be hosting this British Cycling XC MTB event. It is amazing to see something like this happening in Crombie and we can’t wait to see it take place.”
Crombie Country Park will be open to the public on Sunday 28 July, but due to the nature of the event, some of trails will not be passable. Marshalls will be in place to guide visitors in the right direction and to ensure everyone is kept safe.
Visitors can spectate free of charge at the event on Sunday, or can try the course for themselves by signing up at Events – British Cycling