It’s geared up for wheels of fortune in the Wolds!

Ever since he rode his first bike as a child, Kev Smith has had a dream - to build the biggest and best bike park in Lincolnshire.
On site: Kev Smith - determined to realise his dream,On site: Kev Smith - determined to realise his dream,
On site: Kev Smith - determined to realise his dream,

For the last two years, he’s literally shed blood, sweat and tears chasing that dream.

Now, it is about to come true.

The Wolds Bike Centre is set to open to the public, hopefully in a couple of months.

Andrew Nightingale gets to grips with the diggerAndrew Nightingale gets to grips with the digger
Andrew Nightingale gets to grips with the digger

Potentially, it is a £500,000 project which, at the moment, is based at a secret location.

Helped by friends on a voluntary basis, Kev is patiently and passionately turning a 50-acre agricultural site into an exciting sporting facility.

The park will include mountain bike trails of various grades, a cyclocross track, a BMX track, a Pump track and a skills area.

To attract extra revenue, the site will also feature a café, a bike shop and a fully equipped classroom which will enable Kev and his staff to offer courses, including bike maintenance.

A section of the bike park circuitA section of the bike park circuit
A section of the bike park circuit

The motto is there will be something for everyone.

Kev explained: “I think I was about eight when I started riding bikes seriously.

“To be honest, I was a bit of a tearaway as a kid and bikes were pretty much my entire life.”

Back then, biking was for fun.

It’s full speed aheadIt’s full speed ahead
It’s full speed ahead

Now, it is a different story. Top professionals earn thousands of pounds competing all over the world.

BMX is set to become an Olympic sport.

Bike parks have sprung up all over the UK.

It’s said that these days, there are almost as many bike parks in Wales as rugby grounds!

Dan tackles one of the many challengesDan tackles one of the many challenges
Dan tackles one of the many challenges

Lincolnshire, as it often seems, has been slow to latch onto the trend.

Kev, who lives in Louth, owns his own company, Focus Rides.

He’s one of the only coaches in the county and his company offers various courses and cycling holidays for riders of all ages and abilities.

Hopefully, from April or May, everything will be on offer at one site.

Kev admits: “When I first told people about my idea for a bike park, they thought I was mad.

“So many people who have never set foot in Lincolnshire think it’s all flat and boring.

Dan Gordon  gets ready to tackle the courseDan Gordon  gets ready to tackle the course
Dan Gordon gets ready to tackle the course

“Look at the scenery around here...the hills, the trees...the Wolds is a fantastic place for biking.”

Kev actually spotted the site by accident.

He knocked on the door of the landowner, told him what he had in mind and the result is, well, starting to take shape.

There is a long way to go but one thing Kev definitely does not lack is determination.

To test the waters, he has already staged some training sessions at the park.

Biking enthusiasts have travelled from all over Lincolnshire to see exactly what is on offer.

The response has been very positive.

Kev adds: “We’ve only had a few people on site.

“We haven’t really gone out and advertised that we are here just yet and that’s why we want to try and keep the exact location as quiet as we can.

“Everyone who has ridden here so far hasn’t wanted to leave.

“They’d come every day if they could!

“We’ve had complete beginners to some really skilled and experienced riders.

“There’s something for everyone and I am confident it will be a success.

“I think everyone knows there’s been a massive boom in all forms of cycling.

“Whether it’s the lockdown or not I’m not sure but loads of people are taking it up - men, women and kids.

“Given the level of interest, I think we’re launching at just the right time.

“Cycling is only going to get bigger and we’re offering something that nowhere else in Lincolnshire can.”

It’s been a tough battle raising funding and Kev has had to do most of the graft himself.

In the two-plus years he’s been on site, he’s moved thousands of tonnes of soil to create tracks and trails, featuring twists, turns and some really high adrenalin jumps.

While the park is still very much a work in progress, what exactly will it feature?

Kev explains The Pumptrack is a fun for all facility.

It’s a small, purpose built track with a tarmac surface which is circular.

It can be used by all kinds of bikes - and scooters.

The mountain bike trails will consist of blue and red routes - with some black run offs - catering for riders of varying ability.

The trails will have jumps, drops and ‘berms’ which are banked turns in the track.

In addition to the mountain bike trails, there will be a mountain bike cross-country course.

So much for being flat and boring....

There will also be special tracks for cyclo-cross, the fastest growing cycling sport.

Kev adds: “The bikes are road style bikes which are designed for off-road use.

“The tracks are more natural and the cyclo-cross season generally runs through the winter months.”

Coaching will be available for novices and more experienced bikers, utilising the various trails and circuits.

Initially, work has comncetrated on establishing the trails and tracks.

Future plans - depending on funding - include an entrance area that will feature a car park and beginner/family trails on established bridle ways.

There’d also the longer-term aim of providing a visitor centre - with a pond view - to include a cafe, a classroom, toilets, a bike shop/bike hire and a bike wash.

Already, one bike shop in the area has shown an interest in the project.

Kev admits securing financial backing has been difficult - hence why he and his small but dedicated team of volunteers have done most of the work.

He has had discussions with Lincolnshire County Council and East Lindsey District Council and says both authorities have been supportive.

Kev adds: “They have been offering help in terms of what we can and can’t do on the site although they haven’t actually dipped their hands into their pockets.

“It’s frustrating because we know we will be bringing a lot of visitors in from all over the country to the area.”

The volunteers include Andrew Nightingale and Dan Gordon who are currently on furlough from their jobs at the Lincolnshire Aqua Park at Tattershall Lakes.

And yes, Andrew and Dan ‘commute’ to the Wolds site by bike!

Dan (23) regularly tackles the completed sections of the various lay outs and admits it’s an amazing facility.

He said: “It’s got everything and Kev’s adding more features all the time.

“I’ve ridden quite a few locations but this will be up there with the best”.

Kev - and his helpers - are grateful to Lindum Plant Hire who have provided 
equipment, including a digger which has helped saved hundreds of man-hours.

Sam Shores, who runs a tree surgeon business in South Ormsby, has also supplied his experience and ‘muscle.’

Kev explains: “I couldn’t have got this far without people helping and I can’t thank them enough.

“We’ve been up here at all times of the day - and in all weathers.

“We didn’t stop, even in all the snow although it was a job trying to keep warm - even in the digger cab!”

The terrain means the site is fast draining so puddles are one of the few things riders won’t have to worry about!

As the site develops - and grows in popularity - Kev plans to take on more staff.

He added: “We’re probably looking at five people in the cafe and various other positions.

“It will all depend on how busy we are.”

Kev is keen that the park is seen to be open to everyone.

He adds: “Mountain biking is proven to be great for mental wellness.

“It’s also a very social activity – meet your mates, have a laugh and get fit in the process.

“Even if you choose to ride alone, it’s likely you’ll be part of an online cycling community.

“The mental and physical challenges of mountain biking provide a great focus, and 
getting out of your comfort zone to try something new can give you a great sense of achievement.

“We’ll cover everything, starting with the absolute basics .”

As for access from major towns like Horncastle, Kev is keen to hold further talks with local bus companies.

He added: “The potential is almost endless.

“I’m having to fund this myself so if anyone would like to get in touch to support the project that would be amazing.”

•Kev will be running courses at the site in the coming weeks.

Details at www.focusrides.co.uk and on the Wolds Bike Park’s Facebook page

Related topics: