chicksands bike park sign
I came across Chicksands Bike Park a couple of weeks ago while I was having a run after work and thought it was worth a blog post.
Rowney Warren
It is in a woodland area and although I’ve only seen it in the summer months, it’s really beautiful and with the right conditions there’s a lovely smell from the pine trees. It is also a little hilly with quite a few trails criss-crossing around. The larger woodland area is called Rowney Warren and managed by the Forestry Commission.
I came across it by chance and initially I thought it was an unlikely place to find a bike park. The site itself is a fenced off area within the larger woodland area with a notice explaining the land is owned by Southall Estate who allow the local cycling club to use it.
It is clearly for mountain bikers only. While I was catching my breath and taking a couple of photos one cyclist came along. He was inside the fenced area, in bottom gear grinding his way up to the top of the hill and slowly carried on to my right, possibly to have another downhill blast. While I say “he” I cannot be sure it wasn’t a woman. Dressed on full protective cycling gear, which looked like there was some body armour underneath, there was a full face helmet and mirror finish shades. It could almost have been the Stig from Top Gear!
I took a look at the Chicksands Bike Park website. It’s quite informative and also has a strict tone about it, in my view. You’ll just have to take a look and see if you agree.
And what do I think?
Rowney Warren trails
Well it wasn’t what I expected to find while I was on a run after work one day. I’ve been passed there a number of times since and I’ve only once seen anyone cycling there (the Stig!) but I’m sure weekends etc get pretty busy if events are taking place.
It is certainly a lovely area, sure there’ll be lots of challenging rides with jumps, obstacles and all kinds of perils to make it skilful. I guess it’ll certainly challenge the most nimble of off road cyclists.
I did wonder if it kind of spoilt such a nice woodland area. No, I don’t think it does. I would be surprised if any trees had to be felled, more a case of clearing undergrowth for the different paths. It means the woodland is opened up to a wider range of people. Not just cyclists but their families and supporters too. If the club withdrew, took down the signs and fences, a year later there would probably be no trace of it. So that’s fine.
Me? I’m sticking to running around that woodland.
“Evening Sa!”
Worth mentioning there is a nearby military base. Quite a few times I have come across other runners and cyclists who are probably connected with the base. I always like to say “hi” or “hello” to other runners and cyclists. In response I’ve had a very army style “Evening Sa!” greetings coming back, once with a salute (they must have been thinking I worked on the base). Nothing is further from the truth!
Chicksands Bike Park is on the A600, just outside Shefford
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