Antur Stiniog - The Community Bike Park

Aug 27, 2012 at 12:52
by Matt Wragg  
If your town decided it was going to promote itself what would it do? A parade? Some pointless plaque above a door to celebrate a long-dead poet? When local businesses, local government and communities get together to give a boost to an area the results usually have little appeal to anyone without a senior citizen's bus pass. Blaenau Ffestiniog isn't like other places though. For a start most people can't even pronounce the name properly (it's bly-ny feth-tin-iog, sort of). The last few decades can't have been easy for the town, as the mines closed around it, work for the people living there got harder and harder to find. In 2009 a group of local people saw the way the world was heading for the town and clubbed together to form Antur Stiniog. The plan was simple: to promote the town as an outdoor centre. They had seen North Wales rise to prominence as one of the UK's most popular outdoor sports destinations, but Blaenau had missed that wave. They knew the town was surrounded by some of the best terrain in the UK and could see the benefits mountain biking could bring to an area. Eventually a plan was formed - a bike park...

photo
Slate.

They didn't aim small. The European Union has a fund for supporting developing areas (the European Regional Development Fund, ERDF) and Antur Stiniog successfully bid for £1.5 million. With that kind of investment they went big, even cutting in a new, direct access road to the summit of the mountain for the shuttle. Their very own Simon Williams got to work designing the trails, calling on the help of Mei Black of Xtreme Track and Phil Saxena of Architrail to bring them to life. What this adds up to is a bike park that is unmatched in the UK right now. Nowhere else has this combination of infrastructure and trails (yes Fort William has a chairlift, but they only have two tracks). That direct road means the shuttle is quick and you can easily manage fifteen runs in a day. Ranging from blue to double black, the trails have something for everyone and they are properly designed so they should stand up to traffic day-in, day-out. Ex-World Cup downhill racer Neil Donohue summed it up best - "I bought some of my coaching pupils here as the blue run is suitable for everyone, but that doesn't mean they have watered down the black runs. There's some big stuff up there if you want it."

What makes Antur Stiniog even more special is that fact that the town is behind all this. People seem to understand that bringing bikers into the area could be a good thing for them. The bike park park itself only employs people from the local area, it trains local people, and in a town with a past like Blaenau's, that is a great thing. And it's only just getting off the ground, standing at the top with manager, Bud, he proudly points out the lake out across the valley and sketches out with his finger where the cross-country loop will run. It looks like riders are going to need to figure out how to pronounce Blaenau Ffestiniog in the next few years...

Details of the car park 3.
Details of the car park 2.
Details of the car park 1.
Car park details 4.
  Even though it's only been open a few months, they are filling their minibuses every weekend and wondering whether they need to buy another one to keep up with the number of people wanting to ride here

photo
The top of the red run.
photo
Looking down on the new black run.
Boosting.
  At the top of the mountain it's surprising how far out from the world a minibus can take you in ten minutes. Although it's only a few hundred metres above the town, you feel like you're on at the summit of a wild, unforgiving mountain, which isn't too far from the truth.

Train.
Neil Dononhue coaching.
Railing the turns on the blue run.
  People overuse the phrase "suitable for riders of all levels." Here they mean it though, and the range of riders booked over the weekend was huge. Neil Donohue opted to bring his group here so he could choose a trail appropriate to the riders he was coaching. Just because less confident and experienced riders can have fun here, don't think that means the harder trails are soft. Open the gas on anything red-graded and up and you can get yourself into a lot of trouble very quickly. The new double black run was still in construction when we were there, but it's a big track with some seriously manly lines.

The series of turns at the top of the red run.
The slabs on the black run.
Above the marsh grass.
Flowing.
Getting loose.
Table.
  High speeds are the order of the day for all the tracks. Once he was done coaching, Neil Donohue cracked out the V-10 and full-facer to show us how to get loose on the hardpack corners, but it was local pinner Iwan Griffiths who was the surprise of the day. He rarely bothers to ride a mountain bike these days, but still pulled huge, flat moto-style tables out of the bag.

photo
Med and Nige.
  Bud (top), Med and Nige. Manager and drivers. They managed the classic Welsh trick of making us feel incredibly welcome by utterly ripping the piss out of us. Cheers guys.

www.anturstiniog.com

Author Info:
mattwragg avatar

Member since Oct 29, 2006
753 articles

79 Comments
  • 21 1
 Awesome new venue.. Props to the guys at Antur Stiniog for making it happen. I was there a few weeks ago and it is one slick operation.. well worth booking you and your mates in! Wales is slowly but surely turning into one big bike park. Look out for the new bike park at Merthyr coming next year and the new Van road dirt jump park at Caerphilly opening about now. Its all happening!!
  • 12 0
 don't forget revolution bike park in Llangynog! Some sick trails there, big features, gnarly rooty steepness, decent uplift and some new trails going in soon I think!
  • 4 0
 Yeah Revolution is amazing too!
  • 1 0
 i cant wait to go and ride there!... also cant wait for merthyr to get some awesome trails...
  • 3 0
 It's amazing to see this. Wales is really taking off and it makes me quite jealous Razz Yeah we have some proper stuff up here but all the really exciting trails are in the middle of nowhere, there is hills in the west of the central belt that could provide some really exciting trails but the Forestry Commission just pours all its money into Glentress Frown
  • 1 0
 @TrailGuruWales - re: Caerphilly and Merthyr - that's great news to hear. There such a variety of terrain in Wales (lived there for 35 years before moving to BC) that the trails should be amazing!!!!
  • 3 0
 Absolutely mint place. Was there 2 weekends ago, can't wait for the next trip! Campsite down the roads ok although the field now needs some of that £1.5 million spending on it!
  • 1 0
 How much are the uplift prices and can you push up. If so how long do you think it would take?
  • 4 0
 Just found it now

Pre-booked Price
All day: £26.00

On The Day Prices
All day: £26.00
Evening: £16.00
Single uplift: £3.00
  • 1 0
 pushing up isn't allowed. It's private land, and unless you're on an uplift, you're not allowed on it.
  • 1 0
 where abouts in the uk is it?
  • 1 0
 North Wales
  • 4 0
 I went went a few weeks ago, it's great fun, and the shuttle service is quick and regular. The only downside is that is it NEVER STOPS RAINING!
  • 1 0
 I've been twice and on both occasions it's absolutely pissed it down. Both myself and the bike caked in mud!
  • 2 0
 To those people questioning the apparent smooth looking gravel - don't be fooled! Whilst you can get 15 runs in a day I found my hands were slowly dying after 7 or 8 runs on Black Powder which is a true rock fest requiring good skill and ability to maintain your lines through the tricky rocky sections. Don't overlook the blue - hit that at full pelt and enjoy the smooth lines and berms, even if you're on a downhill bike you'll enjoy it. The harder black is tough in places and it's pretty darn steep too. For comparison purposes I'd rate the more difficult black as harder than cwmcarns black options. Black Powder has some gnarly rocky bits - try to maintain speed and flow and you'll be doing well ... .... Snowdonia was already a good place to ride - but this puts it on the map. My only problem is: do I take the AM or DH bike... heck, take both !?!! I can see a summers day spent riding at Antur before driving down to the stunning beach at Fairbourne. OOOO
  • 1 0
 I went a couple of weeks ago and it was fantastic. The riding was great fun, nothing insane, all rollable (if new, tired, unsure..) or even more fun at speed (the latest Black run wasn't open so I can't comment on this one), some really cool and tricky bits you could session and the tracks allow a great opportunity for bike handling skills progression. Highly recommended. I used a Nukeproof Mega but equally a DH bike or hardtail would mean huge fun! You really do get 14+ runs which, for an uplift in the UK on biggish tracks, is amazing and awesome VFM. Do it!
  • 1 0
 i came here a couple of weeks after it opened, great place had a really good time, josh bryceland turned up out of the blue and got a few runs in down the unopened black route, pulling some big whips for the cameras! nice guy aswell!
  • 1 0
 we went on bank holiday weekend in august few weeks back, first uk uplift, and the guy's that run it were great, managed 12 runs after turning up late. there supposed to be building a trail centre there with a pump track and some xc bits, brilliant day riding defo recommend to any1.
  • 1 0
 Went there on Saturday 14th Sept, have never done anything like this and I have to say it was amazing. The helpfulness and friendliness of the guys running the uplift, the quality of the downhill runs, the organization, everything was there to make it a great day out and a return visit is definitely on the cards, the blue trail has something for everyone, the red needs a little bit more experience but easily enjoyable by all if a little caution is exercised, the red black route is quite challenging for an average joe rider like myself and I never attempted the full on black. Well done to the guys and good luck with the plans to expand with XC routes linking up to Penmachno etc. Would recommend Antur Stiniog to anyone that fancies a fun packed day of downhill riding of any skill level. Keep up the good work.
  • 2 0
 awesome! could you tell me what bikes are the ones in the photo with the guy pumping up the tires and theres a red bike and a green bike? thanks! Smile
  • 2 0
 The bike with the tire being pumped up looks like an old style giant glory with the hole in the downtube, 08 or 09 i think. Not sure about the red and green bikes.
  • 4 0
 red one is a giant reign and the green one is an orange just not sure of the model
  • 2 0
 I agree! Giant is the red one, and Orange the green!
  • 1 0
 thanks guys! yeah i thought the one being pumped was a giant glory Smile thanks for the help guys!! Smile
  • 1 1
 It looks like the red one could be a big hit 10+ model and the green one an orange patriot or 222?! Hard to tell from the pic!
  • 2 0
 Red bike is definitely the new style Reign X www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ca/bikes/model/reign.x.2/8089/45678
  • 2 1
 would be good to get some pics of the harder lines, from what i can see it just looks like a single line bmx/4x track - great for the all mountain enduro masses but w need another proper downhill track like cwmcarn
  • 1 0
 look for my comment, got a few video links
  • 2 0
 cwmcarn is having another DH track built & should be finished by late summer of 2013. new longer XC trail too Smile
  • 1 0
 Yeah it all looks very ' trail centre ' style to me from the pics I have seen , anyone got any footage of the meaner stuff they have there ?
  • 5 0
 ^^Just checked on youtube and it's definately not all trail centre stype stuff Big Grin
Looks bad ass man ! rocky as f*ck , good job boys n gals !
  • 2 0
 Holy moly what an amazing job done with that park! Awesome work, so creative as well - that double line is one of the best things I've seen! Hats off gentlemen
  • 1 1
 No glasses or goggles on that shingle... good idea. Not. Looks like a sick track though, I'd love to give it a shot. Trail centres seem to be taking over the UK now. I wish I was still there sometimes... then I look at the weather, tax and price of bikes and quickly change my mind. Get out while you still can!
  • 3 0
 too right my friend!
  • 2 0
 Stoked on this being an hour and a half away from home and 45 minutes away from uni!
  • 1 0
 Absolutely fantastic place to ride, made all the better by the people running the project! Heading back over tomorrow in fact.....
  • 3 0
 I think i found my next holiday destination.
  • 1 0
 Fantastic trails, been twice already and planning another two trips over the next four weeks. Can't wait to hit the double black up!
  • 1 0
 I've been twice, it's an awesome spot and your knackered by the end of the day! there's an awesome chippy in the middle of the village too.
  • 1 0
 I rode there for two days a couple of weeks ago. Its totally awesome! Im so glad its only 2 hours away from me too! Luckkyyyyy.
  • 2 0
 Those trails look superb! No wonder you're work is successfull! And yes: buy another van!
  • 2 0
 Does anyone have contact details of how to book? Please don't say it's another Facebook job, 'cos I aint on it!
  • 1 0
 Awesome, cheers buddy!
  • 1 0
 Ive ridden here twice all day and it is absolutely amazing! The staff are friendly, the trails are very well built and its well woth £26 for the day!
  • 2 0
 Red bike - Giant Reign Green bike - Orange Patriot I reckon.
  • 1 0
 righto awesome thanks man! Smile
  • 1 0
 All trails, commencal meta Smile thats all i have! Razz
  • 2 0
 I've Been its shit hot, good laugh for a few of you to go dick around
  • 1 0
 This place is not far from my house at all! So excited to ride it once my arm is healed up! Looks amazing..!
  • 1 0
 great place to go and for the money its terrific value. best uplift and service in the UK !!
  • 1 0
 Get outta here! , I bought my current frame from Bud a month or so ago without even realising who it was!
  • 1 0
 brilliant uplift service off back up there on the 23rd sept! big up th Gogs
  • 1 0
 I'm definitely gonna be checking this out, looks cool as fuck, I remember reading about it a couple of month back in MBUK..
  • 1 0
 One for the full body armour, by the looks of the sharp slate surface. Looks ace though
  • 1 0
 I agree, even the tiny pieces like to cut through skin like glass. Take spare innertubes too as its common to get punctures at 'stiniog.
  • 1 0
 Man I want my bike done right now !! That place is next on my list of " to do " it looks awesome
  • 1 0
 can't wait to ride here! was meant to be riding here in 2 weeks but the uplift is full. I can definitely see why now!
  • 1 0
 Love the default language of the site being Welsh! They will definitely be getting some of my money.
  • 1 0
 i cant wait for something like this where i live...oh wait i live in the bay area
  • 1 0
 The red ones a Giant Reign X
  • 2 0
 ok thanks mate! Smile
  • 2 0
 Utopia in PRC
  • 1 0
 The look on the rider with the tabletop (Iwan Griffiths) - priceless Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Amazing news for UK MTB! I'll definitely be paying a few visits this year!
  • 1 0
 Heading there Saturday cant wait yeoooooooooooooo !!
  • 1 0
 Awesome. I think I like it
  • 1 0
 I think I might move to Wales!!!
  • 1 0
 Yeah but does it ever stop raining there? Smile
  • 1 0
 yeah!!!!! im going there in a few weeks!!!! cant wait!
  • 2 0
 damn
  • 1 0
 Awesome, I'm hoping to get up there in the next couple of weeks!
  • 1 0
 So this must be what part of Heaven looks like....


**drool**
  • 2 0
 Nice one, UK!
  • 1 1
 thats not downhill its more trail center tracks,xc riding
  • 1 0
 i'm going!
  • 1 0
 Same. Already been looking at the (very slick it must be said) website, looking at the accommodation around (very cheap). Just seems like an ideal and well made place the the UK needs
  • 1 0
 and not to far away for once
  • 1 3
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