My friend and work acquaintance at Big Tree Campervans, Simon Yearsley, has put his money where his mouth to support a new mountain biking series for children.
Simon and his son are both leisure-time mountain bikers and they have been keen to see the mtb’ing scene in Perthshire where they live, and neighbouring Tayside and Fife, grow.
The offering for riders of all ages and abilities is now very comprehensive including such hotspots as Lochore Meadows in Fife, Comrie Croft and Alyth Hill in Perthshire, as well as Templeton Woods in Dundee.
Now Simon and Big Tree Campervans have given financial support to The Big Tree Campervans Tayside & Fife Regional Youth MTB Series 2013.
Youth MTB Series
Starting this autumn, with the launch event at Middleden in Kirkcaldy on September 22, young riders aged eight to 16 will be able to sign up to the race series and can ride on even the most basic of hard-tail mountain bikes.
The events have been organised by Tayside and Fife cycling clubs and are being supported by Scottish Cycling and Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland. The financial contribution by Big Tree Campervans has been matched through Scottish Cycling by sportscotland SPORTSMATCH funding.
The series winner of each age category (both boys and girls) will also win a two-day family hire of a Big Tree Campervan.
Simon said: “As a keen mountain biker I would love to see more people get involved in this fantastic sport. I am very happy to be sponsoring a series that encourages grassroots racing.
“As a business we promote the idea of adventure, and with a bike, a campervan and Scotland’s amazing scenery and trails you can create one of the best adventures ever!”
More about the kids mountain biking series
The series of five races will give young riders the chance to develop a range of MTB skills and try all disciplines of mountain biking. Participants will experience downhill riding, XC racing and endurance mountain biking.
September 22 – Dirt Crit at Middleden, Kirkcaldy
September 29 – Dirt Crit at Dundee, Templeton Woods
October 19 – Endurance Round at Hairy Coo, Comrie Croft
November 10 – Mini-DH at Kinnoull Hill, Perth
November 17 – Dirt Crit at Outdoor Education, Lochore Meadows Fife
The cost for each round is £10 per racer (in advance).
For more information and to enter the series visit www.scottishcycling.org.uk