Following a period of uncertainty regarding the future of Aston Hill, with the departure of Ian Warby to a new role with national cyclists' organisation CTC over a year ago, Aston Hill Mountain Bike Club are getting ready to reopen the doors to the popular venue.

Working alongside the CTC and Forestry Commission, the club is keen to reinstate Aston Hill as one South East England's premier DH/4X/XC venues. There's no definite date yet, though an opening in time for this summer is mooted.

There is however, a Bike Demo Day on 6 April, with a committee meeting on the following day, between the club and its partners the CTC and the Forestry Commission. A more definite date should hopefully come out of that meeting.

In the meantime, there's a new website, www.rideastonhill.co.uk, to enable you to keep track of future developments. Looking forward, they hope to deliver such information as trail maps, directions, weather forecasts, club news and events.

An Aston Hill Mountain Bike Club spokesperson added: "On the 6 April we're proud to be playing host to the next National Bike Demo Day event, which will allow riders to get back on the 'Hill' whilst trying out the latest offerings from many leading bike manufacturers. The following day a meeting with the CTC and Forestry Commission will hopefully see the clubs future secured. Anyone wishing to attend and offer support should visit the website for further details".

Until Aston Hill officially reopens, the club are keen to stress their requests for riders to avoid riding the area. "We would once again urge you to please stay of the tracks whilst we enter the final stages of negotiating the club's future." You've been warned...

www.rideastonhill.co.uk