Cops on dirty weekend
Police officers, PCSOs, support
staff, and their friends and
families, joined in the fun and
games at the first Dirty Cops
Mountain Bike Festival at the
Coed Y Brenin trail centre
in Wales.
The three-day event saw
people travelling from all over
the UK to take part in training
events, guided rides, night rides
and much more. PC Rob Simpson of Cheshire,
the Dirty Cops Secretary & Development
Officer who thought
up and developed the idea, explained:“We wanted an event
that appealed to everyone with
an interest in mountain biking,
no matter their ability, and I
think we achieved that.”
On the Friday, riders hit the
trails before meeting up for the
welcome address that evening. The keen riders then strapped
high-powered lights to their
bikes and cycle helmets before
venturing off into the darkness
to get a few more miles under
their belt.
The Saturday started with a
group photo (pictured) before
the riders made their way to
the trail centre or joined the
instructors for some biking tuition
followed by a guided ride. It provided the opportunity to
those who wanted a chance
to develop their skills or
learn something new from qualified
staff.
“During an excellent barbeque
in the evening, including a fantastic
selection of homemade
cakes provided by Sarah, one
of our staff, there was a fun
Dual Slalom event to wow the
crowds,” continued Rob.
“Steve Charlesworth pulled
at unlucky peg 13, as he was
drawn against elite rider Harry
Heath, who rides for Team GB
and is a world cup downhill
rider, who had honoured us with
his presence at the festival.”
Steve rode admirably, but
wasn’t surprised to be beaten
by Harry. “At least I can say
that I’ve ridden against one of
the best riders in the world,” said Steve.
The qualified mechanics took
a complete mobile workshop to
the event to fix any breaks or
problems and they offered advice
on setting up bikes.
They also brought along a
large selection of demo bikes
from many of the leading mountain-bike manufacturers, which
people could take for a spin
on some of the best trails in
the country.
Rob said that it was important
that the event was open to
friends and families to create
a great environment and encourage
members of the Police
Service to get involved in the
sport. It was designed to be a professionally
delivered event that
showed the club’s commitment
to mountain biking and developing
the sport. As a result, the
mountain-bike festival attracted
people from Cheshire, North
Wales, Greater Manchester,
Merseyside, Norfolk, Bedfordshire
and Essex police.
“The feedback was brilliant on
all aspects of the event, people
were impressed with the organisation
and the fun factor all
weekend – it was clear that everyone
was having a great time
as the air was always filled with
laughter and music,” said Rob.
One person, who was new to
mountain biking, said: “I was
made to feel at home and the
instructors really looked after
me during the training.”
Rob added: “Thanks to everyone
who took the time to get
involved and to the staff team,
who made it such a success. Next year’s event promises to
be bigger and better with many
of this year’s attendees already
requesting tickets for the next
festival.”
Dirty Cops started in August
2008 and has been growing
ever since. As well as riding
events all over the UK, the club’s
members have a wealth of experience
from riding in places all
around the world, including Argentina,
Australia, New Zealand
and Chile.
Dirty Cops is always looking
for like-minded people to join
them on the trails; so check
out www.dirtycopsmtb.org.uk to
find out more.
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