Llangollen - The future of UK Downhill racing??
Cheese on toast, Rugby and Charlotte Church may be what comes to your mind when you think of Wales. But after last year's NPS series, one track left many UK riders shocked, scared and wondering - where on earth did this track from hell come from in Llangollen? And yes the rumors are true - a new track has appeared on the rugged welsh hillside.
Find out more from the owner and new course builder Martin inside...
Hi Martin, Llangollen has really appeared from nowhere on the downhill scene - how did it all start for you?
It did literally appear from nothing, when Steve Parr and Matt Symonds turned up at the farm with a ridiculous idea of holding a mountain bike race through the steepest woodland on earth. Since then I think it is fair to say that I have caught the bug. Since the NPS last year I have had the idea of building an open track down the mountain burning inside. After meeting Alan, Tom and Leo Houseman in the strangest sort of way, a meeting of minds turned into a deadly combination of dedication skill and determination.
![photo]()
Who has been building this NEW track and what key features does it have to challenge riders?
A group marked out the track while I was away at a meeting with my other job. I was really miffed I couldn’t be there but with hindsight it was a good thing because the lads did their own thing and it seems to have worked. Since then I have dug the vast majority of the track on my own. It has been really hard work and may sound a rough deal, but to be honest I have enjoyed every bit of it. I am not a rider so can’t have any technical input, I have focused on what I can do to make it happen. I have relied on the input from the gang testing the track being frank and honest with me on how the track is shaping up.
As for key features, it is more varied than the other Llangollen track. There are long, fast sections joined together with some super steep technical turns with big berms and catchment areas. Towards the end of the track there is a series of three jumps, the first being the largest into a deep ravine where the landing area is short before launching off a smaller less technical jump. The last jump is off a ramshackle retaining wall into the same finishing field as last year’s NPS race.
![photo]()
When do you wish to open and how much will the uplift cost and how many do you hope to have riding on the day?
Many people are keen to know when we are ready to start uplifts. Whilst my uplift trailer is working well, it is very much a prototype and not really big enough. With the Welsh Champs being at the beginning of May, I have a fair bit to do before then. I would really like to do an uplift event to preview the track for the Welsh Champs, but will be very busy with my sheep lambing for March. If I do manage the uplift before the Welsh Champs it will be the only one, my target launch date is sometime after that and more details will follow.
![photo]()
Are you hoping that the track serves locals as well as traveling riders?
It would be nice to keep the locals happy, although I am not allowing people to simply help themselves as it is unfair to all the guys who have put in so much effort, in addition to that there is the public liability issue. Currently the track is hard and inaccessible to many riders. I am planning on building an easier track for training purposes and to give the fun element of riding, which will allow more riders to take part. Many of the locals are really keen on what is happening here and it would be great to enjoy support and success from local riders.
![photo]()
How can people contact you and hear more about the launch of onegiantleap uplifts?
The best way to keep in touch is through my web site www.onegiantleap.llangollen.co.uk or by e-mailing me direct on martin@onegiantleap.llangollen.co.uk
Are there plans for more tracks, 4x etc?
As mentioned before, there are plans for a longer and easier track. There are also plans for the steepest, most technical track on a different part of the mountain. This is an ambitious project, but will be the most spectacular track at Llangollen. As for 4x, there are possibilities, but I need a 4x expert to discuss it with.
What are you most looking forward to this year at LLangollen?
I am trying to take things one step at a time. Initially the Welsh Champs on a track that I have dug will be amazing. I was awestruck at Steve’s race last year, but I had very little input on track digging, this time it's personal and I will need a few quiet moments the first time I see bikes running my track in anger. After that the BDS will once again be spectacular. It will be great to meet all the dedicated riders and followers that left such an impact on me last year.
![photo]()
People you would like to thank?
Firstly Steve Parr for starting the whole mad experience off. The two of us went through the roller coaster ride of setting up the race together and celebrated together when it worked so well. Since then Si Paton has been a wealth of patience, advice and support. Mike Marsden was there right at the start of designing this track and has great faith in us ever since. The Houseman family have contributed in so many ways with unquestionable loyalty and integrity. Alex Bond has demonstrated his ability as a first class track designer, rider and gentleman of the highest caliber. Also all of the other guys who have helped with testing and reshaping the track and all the support I have received on e-mail.
![photo]()
Rider Quotes from the Pinkbike Private Uplift:
What can I say, I'm still speechless! Martin, the Farmer from Llangollen from someone who has been involved in the sport for less than a year certainly knows his onions. The uplift trailer he has personally built is awesome, 15 bikes on there with no problems and not one scratch. Easy loading and unloading, even for the girls! Picked up directly from the finish field and dropped off a stone's throw from the start, could this be the fastest uplift in the U.K? Straight up the public and tarmac road, you will travel in style in a nice mini bus, no getting wet or your hair messed up here.
What about the course? I don't want to scare you, but this is steep, think Moelfre on "Crack Cocaine", not a tree insight, well only a big one at the bottom. The course carves naturally down the open Welsh hillside with views to die for. Loose and fresh, no roots but plenty of ruts, Llangollen will take you to a new level of riding never seen before in the U.K. Want more? Then lookout for the big step down at the finish into two kickers that will float you into the field.
Lunch break is a casual affair as everyone congregates in the cabin for some hot soup and a sliver of cake, supplied courtesy of Martin.
How many uplifts in a day? More than your arms and legs can handle.
-Si Paton
The uplift service at Llangollen is great. I'm impressed with the trailer they have, so I don't need to worry about the uplift damaging my bike. The turn around is really quick as well, so I'm not waiting long to get the runs in. The new track itself reminds me of a steep version of Meolfre as it's all open! I enjoyed riding the new track once I got over the initial fear of the steepness!
-Jess stone
Steep and muddy - pretty tough. Don't actually think I managed one run without crashing somewhere - that's not a good sign, is it!? Lol...Some parts were real tricky as you just couldn't slow down and then a bizarrely out-of-character (but super fun!) jump would greet you at the bottom of the hill! My general feeling after each run was of elation (as it was actually wicked when you got it right) with just a hint of dread at having to go up and survive it again! (Kind of what it's all about, I s'pose...) -Emma Wareham
Simply, Llangollen is bloody steep and bloody fun!
-Andy Hughes
I thought the uplift at Llangollen was awesome, Martin has put some serious work in with the help of some rapid local riders which has resulted in two awesome tracks and an efficient uplift with plenty of craic and even a cuppa coffee in the porta cabin. Good job!
- Liam Little
Find out more from the owner and new course builder Martin inside...
Hi Martin, Llangollen has really appeared from nowhere on the downhill scene - how did it all start for you?
It did literally appear from nothing, when Steve Parr and Matt Symonds turned up at the farm with a ridiculous idea of holding a mountain bike race through the steepest woodland on earth. Since then I think it is fair to say that I have caught the bug. Since the NPS last year I have had the idea of building an open track down the mountain burning inside. After meeting Alan, Tom and Leo Houseman in the strangest sort of way, a meeting of minds turned into a deadly combination of dedication skill and determination.
Llangollen's perfect bike trailer for uplifts
Who has been building this NEW track and what key features does it have to challenge riders?
A group marked out the track while I was away at a meeting with my other job. I was really miffed I couldn’t be there but with hindsight it was a good thing because the lads did their own thing and it seems to have worked. Since then I have dug the vast majority of the track on my own. It has been really hard work and may sound a rough deal, but to be honest I have enjoyed every bit of it. I am not a rider so can’t have any technical input, I have focused on what I can do to make it happen. I have relied on the input from the gang testing the track being frank and honest with me on how the track is shaping up.
As for key features, it is more varied than the other Llangollen track. There are long, fast sections joined together with some super steep technical turns with big berms and catchment areas. Towards the end of the track there is a series of three jumps, the first being the largest into a deep ravine where the landing area is short before launching off a smaller less technical jump. The last jump is off a ramshackle retaining wall into the same finishing field as last year’s NPS race.
John Lee attempting to battle with the steep hill of Llangollen
When do you wish to open and how much will the uplift cost and how many do you hope to have riding on the day?
Many people are keen to know when we are ready to start uplifts. Whilst my uplift trailer is working well, it is very much a prototype and not really big enough. With the Welsh Champs being at the beginning of May, I have a fair bit to do before then. I would really like to do an uplift event to preview the track for the Welsh Champs, but will be very busy with my sheep lambing for March. If I do manage the uplift before the Welsh Champs it will be the only one, my target launch date is sometime after that and more details will follow.
Elliot Machin pinning the shale part of the track
Are you hoping that the track serves locals as well as traveling riders?
It would be nice to keep the locals happy, although I am not allowing people to simply help themselves as it is unfair to all the guys who have put in so much effort, in addition to that there is the public liability issue. Currently the track is hard and inaccessible to many riders. I am planning on building an easier track for training purposes and to give the fun element of riding, which will allow more riders to take part. Many of the locals are really keen on what is happening here and it would be great to enjoy support and success from local riders.
Katy Curd demonstrating great handling control on a tough course
How can people contact you and hear more about the launch of onegiantleap uplifts?
The best way to keep in touch is through my web site www.onegiantleap.llangollen.co.uk or by e-mailing me direct on martin@onegiantleap.llangollen.co.uk
Are there plans for more tracks, 4x etc?
As mentioned before, there are plans for a longer and easier track. There are also plans for the steepest, most technical track on a different part of the mountain. This is an ambitious project, but will be the most spectacular track at Llangollen. As for 4x, there are possibilities, but I need a 4x expert to discuss it with.
What are you most looking forward to this year at LLangollen?
I am trying to take things one step at a time. Initially the Welsh Champs on a track that I have dug will be amazing. I was awestruck at Steve’s race last year, but I had very little input on track digging, this time it's personal and I will need a few quiet moments the first time I see bikes running my track in anger. After that the BDS will once again be spectacular. It will be great to meet all the dedicated riders and followers that left such an impact on me last year.
Liam Little tackling the track
People you would like to thank?
Firstly Steve Parr for starting the whole mad experience off. The two of us went through the roller coaster ride of setting up the race together and celebrated together when it worked so well. Since then Si Paton has been a wealth of patience, advice and support. Mike Marsden was there right at the start of designing this track and has great faith in us ever since. The Houseman family have contributed in so many ways with unquestionable loyalty and integrity. Alex Bond has demonstrated his ability as a first class track designer, rider and gentleman of the highest caliber. Also all of the other guys who have helped with testing and reshaping the track and all the support I have received on e-mail.
Matt Simmonds coming through the spooky horror scene finish
Rider Quotes from the Pinkbike Private Uplift:
What can I say, I'm still speechless! Martin, the Farmer from Llangollen from someone who has been involved in the sport for less than a year certainly knows his onions. The uplift trailer he has personally built is awesome, 15 bikes on there with no problems and not one scratch. Easy loading and unloading, even for the girls! Picked up directly from the finish field and dropped off a stone's throw from the start, could this be the fastest uplift in the U.K? Straight up the public and tarmac road, you will travel in style in a nice mini bus, no getting wet or your hair messed up here.
What about the course? I don't want to scare you, but this is steep, think Moelfre on "Crack Cocaine", not a tree insight, well only a big one at the bottom. The course carves naturally down the open Welsh hillside with views to die for. Loose and fresh, no roots but plenty of ruts, Llangollen will take you to a new level of riding never seen before in the U.K. Want more? Then lookout for the big step down at the finish into two kickers that will float you into the field.
Lunch break is a casual affair as everyone congregates in the cabin for some hot soup and a sliver of cake, supplied courtesy of Martin.
How many uplifts in a day? More than your arms and legs can handle.
-Si Paton
The uplift service at Llangollen is great. I'm impressed with the trailer they have, so I don't need to worry about the uplift damaging my bike. The turn around is really quick as well, so I'm not waiting long to get the runs in. The new track itself reminds me of a steep version of Meolfre as it's all open! I enjoyed riding the new track once I got over the initial fear of the steepness!
-Jess stone
Steep and muddy - pretty tough. Don't actually think I managed one run without crashing somewhere - that's not a good sign, is it!? Lol...Some parts were real tricky as you just couldn't slow down and then a bizarrely out-of-character (but super fun!) jump would greet you at the bottom of the hill! My general feeling after each run was of elation (as it was actually wicked when you got it right) with just a hint of dread at having to go up and survive it again! (Kind of what it's all about, I s'pose...) -Emma Wareham
Simply, Llangollen is bloody steep and bloody fun!
-Andy Hughes
I thought the uplift at Llangollen was awesome, Martin has put some serious work in with the help of some rapid local riders which has resulted in two awesome tracks and an efficient uplift with plenty of craic and even a cuppa coffee in the porta cabin. Good job!
- Liam Little
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now seriously I'd love to visit Britian with my bike and just have a road trip thorugh all those marvelous locations
BTW: please post some more bizarre names of cities below
- Pszczyna, Miedzyrzecze zywieckie, Chrzerzasczyce nad rzeka Podrzyna
even if it looks wierd its said even weirder
welsh = pronounced
ll = chl
dd = th
f = v
ff = f
Just hope I get my bike built in time 4 the welsh champs.
Bring on the crashing. Oh an there will be plenty of em.
Big up Martin!!!
Wales
Course looks mint carnt wait for the welsh champs
£25 is a lot
theyve upped the price for a day pass now too
and you can only ride on weekends
the whole thing is getting worse