BikePark Wales - Photo Epic

Oct 24, 2013

BikePark Wales was born from an idea that formed in the minds of two of the founders 10 years ago. Whilst many ideas like this remain just a spark in the mind, BikePark Wales stuck. It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but in 2009 the project began to develop real momentum and nearly 5 years later in August 2013 BikePark Wales opened to the public. The entire BikePark has been built from the ground up specifically to meet the needs of the rider, this project was developed and is managed by a group of enthusiastic riders with an unwavering desire to create an amazing place to ride bikes.

The trails are of course the most important aspect of the park. Built by trail building company Back on Track with help from BikePark Wales' own full time trail crew and local volunteers, the trails at BikePark Wales have been designed to be enjoyed by riders from all walks of life. With 23 sections of trail there is plenty to keep you busy! This is just the start though, with a full time trail crew to maintain the trails and plans to continually re-invest and develop the park in years to come the future is bright.

Great views from the BikePark overlooking the city in the Welsh valleys.

Fog, mud and rain... Yes, we're in Wales.

However nobody here is a fair weather rider, so despite harsh conditions, Blake throws himself into first berm he spotted.

We hiked up to the top and saw... nothing! The fog was incredibly thick.

There are certainly plenty of trails to choose from at BikePark Wales. Blake Samson picks out 'Enter the Dragon' as his personal favourite.

Sending a table on the right hand hip on 'Enter the Dragon'.

Loved the Big Table on this trail. It's always good getting sideways and going fast.

My Saracen 'Myst' in the Mist.

On our first day we bumped into Martin Astley and Steve Jones of Dirt magazine out testing in the Welsh mist.

Popping out of this small berm into a power wheelie into the next fast and wet section.

Popping out of this small berm to do a power wheelie into the next fast and wet section.

Overwhelm by the heavy mist that swept in so fast. Visibility was under 50 on the trails which made it extra EPIC to ride.

Overwhelmed by the heavy mist that swept in so fast. Visibility was under 50% on the trails, which made it extra EPIC to ride.

Mid-section of 'Enter the Dragon' trail where there was a number of 'Berm to Berm' sections. So much fun to ride.

This section of pro line was amazing. It's called 'Trail X' and this was the first right hip on the trail.

Always a bummer when you get a flat half way up the mountain and you have to push ALL the way down because you didn't come prepared. I learned my lesson the hard way that day.

There are many hotels and B&B's in the area and we were lucky to settle in at the lovely and very old, 1920's hotel on High Street of Merthyr Tydfil town. As a half Englishman, I love a good cup of tea in the morning.

I thought I would help myself to a good pint of Guinness' in the hotel's pub.

It's Fishing Day!

Blake's slowly rolling to the BikePark Wales.

Mandatory updates on social media platforms.

This top quality beverage poured all colours back to our lives...

Chris Smith drops by for the day to session the rad new trails at BikePark Wales. Riding with Blake is always a fun time - says Chris - He's super keen and always up for it. After a cup of tea of course!

Perfect looking wood burner with a selection of biking magazines to flick through on those cold, wet winter days.

Inside, the Park House has got a good bike shop and a great bunch of mechanics in the there, that are very willing to help out with any problems you may have with your bike.

The Park House has a number of picnic benches outside with a view on Merthyr Tydfil valley.

She sits there waiting patiently for some work to do...

Ripping it up on one on one of the berms on the upper part of the park.

Training each other through the trails. The build quality of the trails is immense here - says Chris Smith

Chris and I riding this RAD trail full of berms.

This is the best sign in the park - 'Uplift pick-up'. It's so good to just bomb down your most favourite trail and then sit in a van which will take you right back up to the top. Perfect!

Uplift time. It's definitely the way forward here, especially, if you're on a downhill bike!

View from the top where all good fun begins.

There isn't a bad berm on the mountain at BikePark Wales. Here, I rail one on the upper trails.

'Personally, my most favourite trail in the park is 'Enter the Dragon'' - says Blake. Sounds EPIC!

The Amazing Blake Samson also known as... myself, scrubs in this hump step down.

Blake entering the Dragon's trail...

The first part of the trail on 'Enter the Dragon' is one of the most fun sections that I have ridden. Think Moto-X jumps for MTB and you get the idea!