MountainBikeNI Trails Team

Northern Ireland has experienced an unprecedented period of growth in recent years with over 100kms of purpose built mountain bike trails now open to the public. Further development is proposed but it is of paramount importance that the high standard of current trails is maintained. Each trail managing council will continue to significantly invest in maintenance but also realise there is great interest amongst the mountain biking community in Northern Ireland to assist. In order to embrace this wealth of enthusiasm and expertise the voluntary MountainBikeNI.com Trails Team scheme has been established.

Volunteer Support Required
MountainBikeNI.com is seeking to recruit enthusiastic mountain bikers to assist with volunteer maintenance days at the following trail centres for the relevant trail provider:

• Barnett Demesne Trails (XC Trails) - Belfast City Council
• Blessingbourne Estate Trails - Mid Ulster Council
• Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails - Newry, Mourne & Down District Council
• Davagh Forest Trails - Mid-Ulster District Council
• Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails - Newry, Mourne & Down District Council

Typical work will include:

• Repairing trail surfaces
• De-berming
• Raking & levelling
• Shaping & compacting
• Repairing trail features
• Cutting back vegetation
• Fixing waymarkers and signs
• Litter management

All trail maintenance materials and equipment will be provided however volunteers will NOT assist in the building of new trails and/or repairing trails that require significant construction work. Lunch will also be provided during full day sessions. Further support such as event marshalling may be requested from time to time. 

Reward Scheme
In return for your hard work and dedication all MountainBikeNI.com Trails Team will enjoy a generous reward scheme from sponsors, Chain Reaction Cycles, including:

• Branded MountainBikeNI.com/Chain Reaction Cycles Clothing
• Up to 25% discounts on Chain Reaction Cycles event entry
• Up to 10% discounts on Chain Reaction Cycles bike maintenance courses
• Invitations to specific MountainBikeNI.com Trails Team discount evenings at Chain Reaction Cycle’s flagship store, Boucher Road, Belfast.

MountainBikeNI.com will also run two incentive / social days throughout the year.  For example Chain Reaction Cycles production demo days and/or MTB coaching session followed by barbeque, further training courses etc. 

Commitment
In order to benefit from the 'Reward Scheme' you will be required to attend one training session with a specialist trail builder and a minimum of two maintenance days per annum. MountainBikeNI will provide a schedule of upcoming maintenance days every three months.  You can decide to help out at your local trail centre or choose to assist across the range of trail centres.

JOIN THE MOUNTAINBIKENI.COM TRAILS TEAM
If you are interested in joining the MountainBikeNI.com Trails Team please make yourself aware of the Volunteer Ranger Agreement. Please then complete the following forms and email these to info@mountainbikeni.com.

• MountainBikeNI.com Trails Team (Volunteer) Application Form
• MountainBikeNI.com Trails Team (Volunteer) Medical Form

ONGOING TRAIL RANGER SUPPORT
Despite doing a fantastic job, Mourne Heritage Trust's Trail Ranger in Castlewellan and Rostrevor comes under increased pressure during certain times of the year e.g. winter storms etc. As such we are asking for some of our MountainBikeNI.com Trails Team to assist the Trail Ranger at Rostrevor and Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails on an ongoing basis. 

These MountainBikeNI.com Trails Team members will be asked to carry out the following roles:

• Trail Inspections
  • Informal trail inspections on an ongoing basis 
  • Unscheduled inspection callouts e.g. following severe weather 
• Trail Work
  • Scheduled trail repairs
  • Unscheduled maintenance callouts e.g. following severe weather

Further Information
If you would like more information on the MountainBikeNI Trails Team scheme or how you can support the Trail Ranger in Castlewellan and Rostrevor on an ongoing basis you can join the MountainBikeNI Trails Team Facebook Group. Alternatively you can contact:

Ethan Loughrey

MountainBikeNI

ethan@outdoorrecreationni.com
02890 303 930