THRILL-SEEKING mountain bikers are in for a real adventure this summer with the opening of two new specially designed trails.

The new skills loops are the challenging Freeminer downhill trail, which aims to test the skills of the more experienced riders.

While the 7km Verderers' Trail is described as: "An exciting and adventurous trail for intermediate and experienced cyclists on mountain bikes. With different surfaces, narrow sections, moderate climbs and berms, this is the perfect experience for those wishing to get deeper into the Forest."

Both new singletrack trails, designed and built by Back on Track, are in the Sallowvallets section of the Forest behind Pedalabikeaway and close to Cannop. Full signposting is due to be completed shortly, to avoid any head-on collisions.

Meanwhile as part of a £500,000 1 South West Project largely funded from Europe, sections of the Family Cycle Trail have been made a little more challenging for youngsters, while work to construct a new bridge crossing the New Road will start in September.

Ian Officer, new owner of Pedalabikeaway Cycle Hire said: "We've all been looking forward to the opening of the Verderers' blue trail, having had a sneak preview we think this is one of the best new trails in Britain, let alone the local area.

"The final descent is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and we've already heard riders whooping loudly as they descend through the trees."

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CALLING ALL BUDDING RELAY RACERS

Team discounts with your Review

IF you can get together a Forest-based enduro relay team of mates, workmates, lads or lasses for the forthcoming Forest of Dean MTB Enduro relay race, you could get a discount on your entry fee.

The 6th Forest of Dean MTB Enduro, consisting of 10 mile, 20 mile and 40 mile races and a first ever relay is being organised by The Lions Clubs of The Forest of Dean, Royal Dean Forest Cycling Club and Black Sheep Sports with the support of the Forestry Commission.

Brian Griffin of the Lions Clubs who is helping organise the Enduro on September 25, says they're keen to encourage Forest based teams to enter.

"What we'd like are teams from companies, or mates who've got together as a team. They can be works teams, they can be lads or lasses and there's no age barrier.

"There should be four in each team and each member will do a lap of around 10 miles each. The course being laid out will be largely new single track with some very challenging sections to get your teeth into."

The Forest of Dean MTB Enduro is being held on Sunday September 25 with entrants meeting in the morning at Pedalabikeaway Cycle Centre in the Cannop Valley. Entry for the races can be done online via http://www.fodmbe.org.uk">www.fodmbe.org.uk

Apply for a team discount...

If you're local to Wyedean and want to apply for a team discount for the Forest of Dean MTB Enduro relay race go onto the website http://www.fodmbe.org.uk">www.fodmbe.org.uk and enter the code Review2011. You'll then be eligible for a 15 per cent discount for each individual in the team. Normal entry rate is £13.00 per team member, a total of £52 for a full team.