After two years of planning, designing, fundraising and digging the new 'Riks Red Route' is to be officially opened on Sunday the 20th of August in Mabie Forest just 4 miles from Dumfries.

Nine miles of top quality sustainable singletrack built with much local knowledge and plenty of reference to the IMBA trail construction book, Riks Red Route has been getting rave reviews from those who have already ridden it. Consisting of 80% singletrack with technical climbs, rocky descents, and miles of swooping singletrack its a route to challenge anybody to ride it 'complete'.

Funded with a £10,000 grant from the local Scottish Enterprise and all the budget from the FE's coffers plus a dose of free design and build time from Rik and many other local trail building mountain bikers, this is a real example of what can be acheived in a local partnership. Riks Bike Shed has committed to sponsor the route an annual £1700 to safety check and maintain the route to its existing high standard.

On Saturday we're also opening our official jump spot. Doubles, table tops, linked berms, an into orbit bomb hole all constructed by the same folk that brought you 1999's Ae forest RAV4 dual course, (remember the monster doubles, just dig out the video....).

Steve Wade the main man at Orange will also be opening the new Riks Bike Shed shop. So come along early and snap up the on the day specials.

Trade stands from Madison, Moore Large and Fishers will be in attendance so if you want a first look at the new Rock Shox, SRam, Troy Lee Designs, Haro & Odessy bits and peices, etc, etc be there.

Demo bikes will be available from Orange, Scott, Ritchey, Haro and Baracuda, including a first look at the new Orange 222 DH rig (before it even goes to the trade shows!!!)

On Saturday evening we'll be BBQing and local rock'n'roll legends Hunkpapa will be disturbing piece and quiet.

Call Rik on 01387 270275 or E-mail MTBrik@AOL.com for more info.