Back in February, we decided to set up shop in the wild, scenic, and sometimes Wi-Fi-challenged corner of Northumberland known as Kielder Forest. The aim? To create a proper cycling hub for the North, somewhere that’s not just about riding bikes but about making a full day (or even a weekend) of it. Six months on, we can safely say we’ve made a pretty decent dent in that goal.
So, what’s changed since we rocked up?
First off, we brought in an up-to-date fleet of Trek’s finest two-wheeled machinery. Whether you’re after the power-assisted joy of the Trek Rail or Powerfly, the gravel-slaying Checkpoint, the do-it-all Marlin, or a kids’ bike that’ll survive being left in a hedge mid-ride, we’ve got you covered. We’ve even got trailers and child seats so the whole family can join in (yes, even the ones who still think stabilisers are a good idea).
We didn’t stop at bikes though. We introduced the Kids Trail Booklet — a completely free way to keep the little ones entertained while secretly tiring them out. Just ask for one in store and set them off on a quest featuring the broken bridge, the giant head, and a maze that might test your patience more than theirs. Stickers included, because of course.
The workshop’s been busy too, taking in everything from “just a quick brake tweak” to “I don’t know what happened but it’s making a noise like a kettle.” You can book it online, meaning you can dodge awkward phone conversations entirely.
If you’ve been out on the trails and returned looking like you’ve been swimming in a puddle, we’ve got a bike wash station ready to go. And if you’ve worked up an appetite (or just want an excuse to sit down), our café corner has coffee, cold drinks, sandwiches, ice cream, dog treats, doggie ice cream, and enough snacks to fuel a decent lap of the lake. Honestly, the only thing missing is a fruit and veg stand and a lottery machine, and we’ll basically be Kielder’s corner shop.
Speaking of trails, Forestry England opened up the brand-new Deadwater Trail, and we were thrilled to be part of the launch. It’s a proper challenge with the kind of views that make you forget your legs are on fire.
Oh, and the big one. We took on our very first Dirty Reiver. It was muddy, it was brutal, and it was brilliant. We got to ride alongside some seriously hardy gravel riders, and it felt like a proper milestone for our little outpost in the forest.
Looking ahead, we’ve also got two British Cycling-accredited coach-led events coming up. An e-bike guided ride for those who like their climbs a little less… sweaty, and an Introduction to Mountain Biking course for anyone new to the sport (or looking to actually learn the skills instead of just sending it and hoping for the best).
Six months in, Kielder is starting to feel like home, and we’re just getting started.
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