GAWTON - Wed 8th Feb 2012
Posted: February 08th 2012
EGYPT IS CLOSED! There are trees down across Egypt, below the second-to-last fire road. Red marker poles have been placed across the track at the fire road crossing to stop people going any further (don't worry, you've got plenty of time to see them and stop!).

GAWTON CLOSURE: 3rd - 6th February
Posted: February 01st 2012
GAWTON CLOSURE: As most of you know we have the walking digger on site between Friday 3rd - Monday 6th of February to finish the new track. It may be necessary over these four days to close some or all of the tracks at certain times because of safety issues. If the tracks are closed, there will be a sign at the top of the track, DON'T RIDE DOWN IT! A 3 tonne rock hitting you at 30mph will give you a serious headache. Tavi Woods will be open as normal, but if you have any conscience at all you won't go and have fun riding your bike while we're busting our balls building a new track, you'll be helping us out!!!!!!

Walking Digger Dig Days!!! Feb 3rd - 6th...
Posted: January 29th 2012
We have finally managed to secure the walking digger to complete the sections of track 4. It will start work on Friday at 8am and work, Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday until 5pm or until the light has gone. We need at least 3 people on site each day to act as a groundsman for the digger and to do any manual digging and shaping and using a compactor. We are spending a lot of your money on this machine, but there is no other way for the work to get done, we want to make the most of it, so please, if you can attend on any day please do. If you are attending, please go to Facebook or message us which day(s) and what time you can attend so we can draw up a list to ensure we are covered. Obviously the more the merrier, so if we get 20+ people on each day that's fine!!!! Please spread the word...

Trail Debris
Posted: December 11th 2011
With the current high winds and heavy rain it is important that you take care on your initial runs down the tracks for fallen debris and land slips...please report any serious problems such as fallen trees through the contact form on this website...

Track 4 Dig Day - 27 Nov 2011
Posted: November 14th 2011
The main goal of this dig day is to fully complete the section of track between fire road 1 and 2. This is going to entail moving significant amounts of material to form the berms and track bed and so is going to require many hands. For more details see the Facebook Event. https://www.facebook.com/groups/89270107614/#!/event.php?eid=277271155644708

Gawton track work - 31/10/11 to 04/11/11
Posted: October 31st 2011
Please be aware that track work, including the use of plant, will be taking place at gawton all this week. The tracks will remain open unless it becomes clear that the work requires them to be temporarily closed. Please exercise caution. Tavistock Woodlands site is open as normal. If you are able to help with work, please contact Rob Orchard.

Extraordinary General Meeting - 17/11/11
Posted: October 25th 2011
Extraordinary General Meeting to dissolve Woodland Riders Downhill Mountain Bike Club and transfer the assets to Woodland Riders Downhill Mountain Bike Club CIC - As part of our on-going expansion, including the development of more tracks, the trail centre hut, the new uplift service and increased training, racing and community events, the Committee has been working hard to transform the Voluntary Association into a Community Interest Company. This will have no practical impact on members, there will be no change in membership fees. It just allows the Committee to put the running of the club on a more professional basis, employ staff & access a wider range of funding. You will need a current Woodland Riders membership card to vote. There will be a fuller explanation of the process and a chance to find out about the forthcoming developments...if you are not a friend of our Facebook page please RSVP using the contact form as we need to book an appropriate venue if numbers increase...VENUE: The Harvest Home Pub, Gulworthy, PL19 8HY http://www.harvesthomedevon.co.uk/

Gawton Uplift
Posted: October 11th 2011
Please note that for technical reasons the Gawton Uplift is currently not in operation. We will be getting it back in to full service as soon as possible. Gawton DH is still fully open, just operating as a push-up only site. Our apologies for any inconvenience caused

South West Championships
Posted: August 18th 2011
Please note that Gawton DH will be closed on Saturday and Sunday 20th & 21st August 2011 for the South West Championships. Only entrants to the championships will be allowed to ride either day and only the race line on Super-Tavi will be available to ride

Tavi Woodlands - 13th August
Posted: August 09th 2011
There will be a 10k run using the multi-purpose trails which run through Tavi Woodland on Saturday 13th August, starting at 6.00pm. Please take care when crossing the multi-purpose trails during this time

Club Chairman
Posted: July 09th 2011
We would just like to let everyone know that at July's committee meeting Derek Heelis offered his resignation as club Chairman due to other commitments. I am sure that everyone who knows Derek and the work he has put into making Woodland Riders the most successful downhill mountain bike club in the country would like to thank him for all the time and effort he has devoted to the club. We are pleased to be able to say that the role has been passed into the capable hands of Nick Cleaver, who has been closely involved with the development of the club in the past. We would like to thank all the members of the committee who commit a lot of their time in keeping this growing club running and would ask anyone who feels they have the time to offer the club to let us know, as there is plenty to do!

Gawton access lane closed 1st-5th July...
Posted: June 17th 2011
The access route to Gawton will be closed 1st - 5th of July for work to be undertaken to install the water supply for the new building. The tracks may remain open, but some felling work is required so this may be the best time for it to be arranged, so keep an eye on FaceBook or our website for details. There may be some further disruption as the building works progress over the next two months, but we will try our best to keep it to a minimum. Stick with it, it will be worth it...no more taking a leak in the woods!!!

Gawton Building Contracts signed!!!
Posted: June 17th 2011
Contracts have been awarded for the building at Gawton and work will start shortly. We are trying hard to get the major building work completed in time for the the South West Champs on the 21st of August...keep it here for updates!

Gawton Uplift expressions of interest...
Posted: June 13th 2011
Woodland Riders site at Gawton, that hosts the Dirt Magazine 1:04, is looking for a new uplift provider. The club are looking at a range of options, but if you or your company would be interested in providing a regular & reliable service similar to that available at Cwm Carn or the Forest of Dean please get in touch with me, Brett Nicolle, club secretary, in the first instance for more details of what we are looking for and how to register an expression of interest. brett.nicolle@primesite.net

Gawton DH Open
Posted: May 16th 2011
The digger work has been successfully completed and all tracks are open

GAWTON WORKS CLOSURE
Posted: May 09th 2011
GAWTON IS CLOSED: Debris on the track due to digger work has meant that GAWTON is closed for today, Friday 6th of May. It will be open over the weekend if the debris can be cleared and then closed again on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (09-11/05/11) for safety reasons whilst the digger is operating on the site. Apologi...es for the short notice, we thought we would be able to operate safely and keep the tracks open but this is not the case, so for your own safety please do not ride the tracks during closures. All tracks at the Tavistock Woodlands site remain open.

WARNNG: Track Building Work
Posted: May 05th 2011
WARNING: Track building work in progress on the Gawton site, 05/05/11 - 12/05/11. HEAVY PLANT IN USE. For your safety, please use only the designated tracks and push up route. Tracks may be temporarily closed during this period. Please near with us while we make improvements to the facilities!

AGM Minutes
Posted: March 15th 2011
On the 3rd of March our annual AGM was held. New committee members were elected and upcoming activities discussed. This year will see significant changes to the facilities and the way the club will be structured. You can read the details in the minutes of the meeting..click below: Download AGM minutes

AGM - March 3rd 2011
Posted: February 18th 2011
The Woodland Riders AGM will be held on Thursday 3rd March 2011 at 19:30 in the Union Inn, King St, Tavistock, it is open to all club members. . If any club members are interested in serving on the committee for the next year please contact the club secretary or chairman

Happy New Year to all our members
Posted: January 01st 2011
Here’s hoping that 2011 will be a great riding year. We got a lot done in 2010 and we hope to do even more in 2011. Don’t forget the AGM is on the 3rd March and we’re hoping for a decent turnout this year. Also remember that you can renew your membership on-line or by post or at Dartmoor Cycles so there is no excuse not to renew. Best wishes to you all from the Committee

Bye Bye Snow and Ice
Posted: December 29th 2010
Temperatures have risen and the snow and ice has pretty much gone. The road down to Tavi-Woodlands car park is now clear. At Tavi-Woodlands please remember to use the access track behind the chimney and not the gate at the bottom of the car park. The path after the style has been re-stoned and is now much less muddy than it used to be.

Snow and Ice
Posted: December 21st 2010
The road down to Tavi Woodlands is pretty difficult unless you have 4WD and winter tyres. It looks like it will stay that way for a while yet. You have been warned

Gawton DH News
Posted: December 20th 2010
Gawton DH has reopened (assuming you can get there through the snow). Tree felling is complete and the tracks are clear to ride. Timber is lying trackside on the lower parts of HSD and the push-up. It will be removed over the next couple of weeks

Purchase your Day Passes On-line
Posted: November 29th 2010
This is a reminder to those who are riding at Gawton DH or Tavi Woodlands without either membership or a valid day pass. You should be aware that we now have the facility to buy both online so truthfully you have no excuse. Does this mean you can still take the mickey and ride with neither? NO it does not as if a member of the committee approaches you and asks if you are a member or have a valid day pass and you can’t prove either then you get to leave!

Purchase your Day Passes On-line
Posted: October 30th 2010
The Day Pass system is now operational. day passes may be purchased on-line in the Membership and Day Passes section

Tavistock Woodlands
Posted: October 25th 2010
The Bagberm has received some TLC and is now as good as new

Tavistock Woodlands
Posted: October 23rd 2010
The tracks below Gorse Jumps and Pararie are currently closed. Tree felling is taking place and the tracks are blocked with felled trees and branches. These 2 tracks will be re-opened as soon as felling is complete and we can clear them. The tree felling does not affect any other tracks

Forestry Work at Gawton Downhill
Posted: October 11th 2010
Our Landlords will be undertaking some week day forestry work at Gawton Downhill during this winter. On the weekdays when the work is being undertaken Gawton Downhill will be completely closed for riding. As soon as we have the dates, they will be posted up here.

Super-Tavi practice day – Saturday 11th September
Posted: August 25th 2010
Please note that Saturday 11th September is open practice day for the third round of the Gawton DH summer series. The tracks at Gawton DH will be open to all members as usual, however please be sure to bring your membership card or sticker. Memberships will be being checked all day and if you can’t prove your membership you will be required to buy a day pass!

Super-Tavi closed on Sunday 22nd August
Posted: August 18th 2010
There will be a dig day at Gawton Downhill on Sunday 22nd August. Super-Tavi will be closed all day, however the two jumps will remain open for sessioning. HSD & Egypt will be open as usual

Dirt 1:04 Let Loose
Posted: July 27th 2010
The 1:04 league tables are now officially open. Check them out in the 1:04 let loose section on the website

HSD Practice Day - Saturday 14th August
Posted: July 12th 2010
Please note that Saturday 14th August is open practice day for the second round of the Gawton DH summer series. The tracks at Gawton DH will be open to all members as usual, however please be sure to bring your membership card or sticker. Memberships will be being checked all day and if you can’t prove your membership you will be required to buy a day pass!

Practice Day - Saturday 10th July
Posted: June 27th 2010
Please note that Saturday 10th July is open practice day for the first round of the Gawton DH summer series. The tracks at Gawton DH will be open to all members as usual, however please be sure to bring your membership card or sticker. Memberships will be being checked all day and if you can’t prove your membership you will be required to buy a day pass!

Gawton Downhill - Dash for CASH
Posted: June 12th 2010
Dash for CASH at the Gawton Downhill Summer Series, starts Sunday 11th July 2010. For more details see the racing website

Unauthorised Track modifications
Posted: May 20th 2010
It has come to the committee’s attention that somebody has been making unauthorised modifications to tracks at Gawton DH. Can I remind members that club rules state that making unauthorised modifications is not allowed. Anybody found making unauthorised track modifications at either Gawton DH or Tavi Woodlands will be banned for life from the club. They may also be prosecuted for criminal damage. You know who you are, so remember, you have now been warned.

Please slow down (driving not riding)
Posted: May 07th 2010
Please be considerate to the local residents and drive SLOWLY down the access road to Tavi Woodlands. We have received complaints that some of you are driving way too fast. Thank you for you co-operation

Gawton Downhill Dig Day - Sunday 16th May 2010
Posted: April 26th 2010
Please note that Gawton Downhill will be closed for riding on Sunday 16th May 2010. We apologise for any inconvenience, but we have essential netting maintenance and track drainage work to undertake which, for safety reasons, cannot be undertaken with riders using the tracks. Tavi Woodlands will be open as normal. If you are interested in helping out please see the WoodlandRiders DIRTDOGS facebook page for more information

HSD closed on sunday 25th April
Posted: April 16th 2010
There will be a Dig Day at Gawton DH on Sunday 25th April. HSD will be closed for the entire day, Super-Tavi & Egypt will be open as usual

Tavi-Woodlands Dig Day
Posted: February 22nd 2010
There will be a Dig Day at Tavi-Woodlands on Sunday 28th February 2010. If you are willing to help meet at the Bench for 10.00am and bring tools if you have them. If you haven't there will be a limited supply of other people’s tools available. NOTE TO NON HELPERS: Tavi-Woodlands will be open for riding BUT various tracks and/or sections of track will be closed throughout the day whilst work is undertaken on them. Gawton Downhill will be fully open as normal.

Woodland Riders Annual General Meeting
Posted: January 31st 2010
The Woodland Riders AGM will be held on Thursday 4th March 2010 at 7:00pm in the Royal British Legion club, 2 King Street, Tavistock, PL19 0DS. All full members are invited to attend.

Gawton Downhill Dig Day
Posted: January 16th 2010
Please note that Gawton Downhill will be closed for riding on Sunday 31st Jan 2010. We apologise for any inconvenience, but we have some essential netting maintenance and track drainage work to undertake which, for safety reasons, cannot be undertaken with riders using the tracks. Tavi Woodlands will be open as normal

Gawton Downhill Dig Days
Posted: January 07th 2010
The dig day scheduled for the 10th Jan has been cancelled because of the bad weather forecast for the day. The dig day scheduled for 31st Jan will currently still go ahead and Gawton DH will be shut for riding that day. Currently access to the Gawton DH car park is difficult and the car park itself is pretty much snow bound. Turning round is pretty difficult too! Attempting access to the Tavi Woodlands car park is not recommended (unless you have a 4WD and/or winter tyres!)

Gawton Downhill Dig Days
Posted: December 14th 2009
Please note that Gawton Downhill will be closed for riding on Sunday 10th Jan & Sunday 31st Jan 2010. We apologise for any inconvenience, but we have some essential netting maintenance and track drainage work to undertake which, for safety reasons, cannot be undertaken with riders using the tracks. Tavi Woodlands will be open as normal on both these days

Woodlands Winter Race Series
Posted: December 04th 2009
*** STOP PRESS *** Our first ever short course Winter Race Series is now set to take place at Tavi Woodlands, starting in February. See our racing website www.woodlandriders-racing.co.uk for full details and booking

Timed Sessions
Posted: December 02nd 2009
Well that's it for the Timed Sessions for 2009. We hope that those of you who braved the rain and cold enjoyed the November session!. We will now be taking a Christmas and January break and we'll post details of the first of the 2010 sessions in the new year.

29th November 2009 - Timed Session, Tavi Woodlands
Posted: October 25th 2009
10:00 - 11:30 - Track Maintenance (please bring tools) 11:30 - 13:030 - Practise 13:00 - 15:00 - Timed runs 15:10 - Cake!! The times may change slightly if the weather is bad! Track choice will be made on the day (so no sneaky practice). Standard format: multiple runs down a single track, best time counts The event is open to FULL members of Woodland Riders Downhill Mountain Bike club only, day tickets are not accepted for this event.

25th October 2009 - Timed Session aka 'Cake Race'
Posted: October 21st 2009
You know the drill... 10:00 - 12:00 - Track Maintenance (please bring tools) 12:00 - 14:00 - Practise 14:00 - 16:00 - Timed runs 16:10 - Cake!! The times may change slightly if the weather is bad! Track choice will be made on the day (so no sneaky practice). Standard format: multiple runs down a single track, best time counts The event is open to FULL members of Woodland Riders Downhill Mountain Bike club only, day tickets are not accepted for this event. Spectators welcome

Gawton Uplift re-commencing
Posted: October 13th 2009
The uplift at Gawton will re-commence running each Weekend from Saturday 17th October. The uplift requires a minimum of 5 people pre-booked to operate. Contact Dartmoor Cycles on 01822 618178 to book

Gawton Uplift suspended
Posted: September 04th 2009
Unfortunately due to serious water erosion damage to sections of the up-lift track we have has to suspend our week-end up-lift service for the time being. We are working as quickly as we can to organise and make repairs to the uplift track and we will re-instate the up-lift as soon as possible. We are sorry for any disappointment and inconvenience that this suspension causes