Todays News Letter headline: Call for study into Cycling tourism

[MTBrider]

Hot on the heels of MTBrider.com carry the full story yesterday and Bikebiz picking it up today, the local press are getting on the ball.

Whilst not directly related to the now much publicised stance taken by Forest Service on MTB trials in NI, it can not be a co-incidence that in todays edition lof the local news paper The News Letter (http://www.newsletter.co.uk/) carries an article in which West Tyrone Assembly member Derek Hussey (http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/members/biogs_03/hussey_d.htm) calls for a a serious feasibility study into developing off road cycling trials in NI.

Says UUP MLA Mr. Hussey "Enthusiasts believe the development of a mountain bike project could provide a recreational asset for local people, suitable for all ages and abilities. It also has the potential to bring increased economic revenue through both domestic and international tourism."

He finished by saying "Surely it is worthwhile for interested agencies to come together on the issue and take advice on it?"

Whilst MTBrider.com would in no way like to read more into this, one can only be drawn the conclusion that Mr. Hussey is well aware of the present situation and that this only the opening gambit in what is going to become a hot issue over the coming months.

It's worth noting that as yet no official response has been forthcoming from Forest Service officials on the matter.

[tankslapper]

Consider it done!

Ah! Gone is the facelessness of Civil Service Servitude!!! :D

Dear Derek,

I read with interest your article in the newsletter regarding a feasibility study for mountainbiking in Northern Ireland.

As the ex-forest manager for Gortin Glen Forest and the person responsible for setting up mounatin bike trails there I am dismayed by the Forest Services attitude to the mountain bike community. I live now in mid-Wales where the socio-economic benefits of mountain biking within the community are massive; bringing health and well being to the community as well as excellent income in diprived areas similar to Tyrone.

For more details please see http://www.pcgamesonline.com/mtbr/showthread.php?t=2273

As you can read the lengthy consultative process that CAAN/Sports Council has involved its self in for two years which would have brought world class mountain biking to Ulster has recieved the most disgraceful of snubs. Please read letter from Dawson Stellfox to Forest Service.

This is particularly disapointing since, with the securing of the London Olympic bid, the province could have been used as a training base, at the very least, for elite athletes from around the world!!

If you require more details please feel free to contact me

yours sincerely

Shane Logan
Welshpool
Wales.

[Steveb]

I've also just emailed him explaining that we have had several studies, all saying do it, yet still FS seem to think they can ignore it.

Hopefully we will have an MLA on our side.

On another note a very well connected fellow was on the phone to me today telling about a contact he has with a minister in westminsiter who has more than a passing interest in NI matter, they are meeting soon.

Wonder if Beatty and O'Boyle have a change of underwear in their desk bottom drawer?

[Rick]

Good to see lots of people now emailing writing letters about mtb development or lack of in NI.

A series of requests under freedom of informrtion act re all FS correspondence, internal memos emails etc on mtb development proposals might be in order?

[AndyB]

Good to see lots of people now emailing writing letters about mtb development or lack of in NI.

A series of requests under freedom of informrtion act re all FS correspondence, internal memos emails etc on mtb development proposals might be in order? Rick, I think our 'press officer' Famous Dave is on to that already
A.

[Rick]

Good to hear - everyone needs to be writing - the more they get the more notice they will take - get a letter in your local paper - to your councillors - MP, MLA's etc

Amnesty International has always had great letter writing campaigns re political prisoners because they know it works. - eventually!