The 7stanes mountain bike project has donated £4,000 to the Dumfries based Stepping Stanes voluntary youth cycling club so that they can buy microchip race-timing equipment for events.
The cash boost was awarded to help the club encourage more mountain bikers, especially younger riders, to take part in race events throughout the region.
The equipment was used for the first time at “The Christmas Cracker” event on Saturday 12th December. The event was aimed at younger riders and was held in Heathhall Forest, managed by Forestry Commission Scotland.
7stanes project manager Colin Williamson said:
“We’re very pleased to be in a position to help out local mountain bikers in the Dumfries area. We are very keen to widen the sport out to new people and attract youngsters to take part, whether it’s for racing or just for fun.”
The electronic chip system uses similar technology used in security tags placed on items in shops and supermarkets. Each competitor has a unique number linked to a microchip and this records times at the start and finish line.
Duncan Maycroft from Stepping Stanes added:
“We chose to purchase the chip timing system in order to enable both local young riders, clubs and groups in the wider south of Scotland region to experience what it is like to have a professional timing system present at club level races.
“We felt that it would encourage new riders and hopefully increase club membership, as well as produce and income stream in the future as the system is very portable and we will be able to hire it out to other clubs and interested groups.
“We have received a huge amount of support from 7Stanes both in purchasing the equipment and on-going collaboration in the setting up of Heathhall forest trails.”
The total cost of the equipment is put at £14,500. The balance of the funding was provided by the Scottish Government for the GoSmart Dumfries Project which is being taken forward by Swestrans, Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Holywood Trust.
Anyone looking to find out more about Stepping Stanes or hire the equipment can contact the club at www.steppingstanes.co.uk .
Notes to news editor
1. The 7stanes project is being managed by Forestry Commission Scotland with partners Scottish Enterprise, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Borders Council, Solway Heritage and VisitScotland. For more information on the project and where to ride, log on to www.7stanes.gov.uk
3. Media enquiries to Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6508.