THE DIRECTORY

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHICKSANDS

BIKE PARK

GET THERE

By road:

The bike park is midway between the M1 and the A1, 30 miles north of the M25. Use postcode SG17 5QQ to navigate there by sat-nav.

By train:

Chicksands is 6-7 miles from Arlesey railway station (Great Northern line) or 8-9 miles from Flitwick station (Thameslink).

FACILITIES

Parking, toilets, coaching; snacks and first aid point in cabin; Thai takeaway van Weds-Sun.

NEARBY BIKE SHOPS

Basic spares available in the cabin on-site, otherwise BRINK (01462 600111, https://brink.uk) is 1.5 miles away. Plush Suspension is in the same building (01462 600801, https://plush suspension.uk).

CONTACT

Bike park:

www.chicksands bikepark.co.uk

Coaching: www.tomdowie.com

Chicksands’ Facebook page has news and updates with details of dig days: www. facebook.com/ChicksandsBike-Park-282730228702

OTHER RIDING

Woburn

Currently closed but due to reopen next year, this classic venue is the closest other bike park to Chicksands, about 18 miles away.

Phoenix Cycleworks Bike Park

About 50 miles away, near Newmarket, this has a variety of jump lines in a flat area.

VERDICT

While there’s not much here for fans of tech, anyone into jumps, berms or racing their mates will have a blast. Chicksands’ compact area and limited elevation mean no big pushes up and only short distances between its plentiful features, so you can get a lot of riding in. There are no set opening times so unless trails are closed for maintenance you can ride every day from sunup to sundown for a £10 fee, with memberships also available.