Back in the Autumn of 2015, we asked riders at BikePark Wales what kind of trail they wanted us to build next. It was pretty clear from what we heard that a red trail needed to be the next addition. We got some great feedback and some really detailed input as to the kind of features, textures and shapes people wanted to ride on this new trail. We put our heads together and along with Back-On-Track, a line was plotted and a concept created. HotStepper was born!
An extremely challenging three-month build period that left trail crew members knee deep in mud for weeks on end was completed during March 2016. The trail has been allowed to bed in and settle and we are nearly ready to pop the cork! The team have done an incredible job, creating a red trail that mixes rock drops, amazing technical slab features, a hand-cut rooty section, jumps and flowing turns. HotStepper is the longest red trail in the park at 1.6KM and can be accessed via Terry’s Belly.
HotStepper will be open to the public to ride from Wednesday 30th March 2016. For more information and to book your place visit
www.bikeparkwales.comBikePark Wales: Built by riders, for riders
MENTIONS: @BikeParkWales
Last time I went the driver was getting pretty frustrated even to the point he turned around on the bus and said we're slowing them down, as they're having to re-do so many bikes.
The one time I used the uplift there was no instruction on how to attached bike-> van and I did it wrong. Some handy printed instructions is a good idea.
If punters are doing it wrong and causing delays, shouldn't the drivers do 100% of the loading and securing? I'm sure BPW are exempt from all damage to bikes if they were to fall off through their T&Cs that we all sign to ride there, but rightly so there should still be an onus on them for safe carriage of the bikes.
Whilst I would be extremely peed off if my bike fell off, especially if someone else were injured (pedestrian etc) by it falling off, there must be a happy medium somehow that means it can all be loaded safely but in a timely manner. But what I'm saying is if punters are doing it wrong then there should be a whacking great sign saying lift your bike on but don't do the straps for example.
I was just a bit miffed at spending £30+ on a days uplift, we were there for first run and I think we got 4 in before lunch with coming straight back down with minimal farting around and getting straight back to the queue. 4 runs in 3 or so hours was not great VFM in my books.
The staggered lunches have helped a lot and all the drivers were bang on to be making sure we were all loading them up properly.
Couldn't fault it, 7 runs was a good day, we could have got more in for sure!
Yes I have been there in the past where I have waited 20-30 minutes for a lift....but nothing but praise based on our last visit.
They had run out of ale though
A change to trailers similar to the Cwmcarn uplift design would be quicker, but I'm not sure if they carry as many bikes, definitely more efficient though.
Something needs clarification though, whether it's instructions on correct use of the straps so that like you say all the driver has to do is one quick check and away, something needs to be done.
It's definitely not the first time I've been there and felt I was a bit short changed by the number of runs I had. Granted the previous visit before last was before the staggered lunches. What didn't help a few weeks ago is that vicious valley and 470 were shut. I must admit I didn't check the closure notices on the day, however I'm sure when we booked yonks in advance they weren't...
Some of us want to do full runs ya know ? If your soft hands get tired pull over some where you are not a nuisance , at times it's just plain dangerous.
I tend to shower them with stones if I have to stop there, they still don't get the hint.
@RailingRuts, it's not moaning, just some positive critcism. Everytime on the way up it's great to chat to everyone else.