22 Jan 2012 - Build day with 10 people

This build day saw us tackling the downhill section before the trail crosses the exit road for the first time. Once again We did this without a diversion, so as before the Kanga was used to rotavate one side of the trail before it was heavily brashed to allow it to settle and harden.

7 Jan 2012 - Build day with 11 people

We tackled one of the most worn out sections of the red route - the opening section. We did this without a diversion for the first time. The Kanga was used to rotavate one side of the trail before it was heavily brashed to allow it to settle and harden. The trencher was used to drain some of the large puddles. We managed to finish the whole section - quite an achievement as we start to see the productivity benefits of the Kanga. See the method statement for more details.

17 Dec 2011 - Build day with 10 people

This build day saw us tackle one more section of the red that badly needed attention near the end of the route. The Kanga Loader was used to rotavate the trail bed before sculpting using rakes. A diversion was put in place to allow the new trail bed to harden.

4 Dec 2011 - Build day with 5 people

We still needed to work on our organisation with the Kanga at the start of the day but we were a bit quicker this time. We started off by drilling holes for red route signs to improve the diversion signage we'd setup at the previous build day - which meant a bit of faffing. We then moved on to the section after Duck and Cover. The bit we'd done last time had been ridden despite the fence and clear diversion - so it all had to be re-raked and brashed some more. The rest of the section was rotovated and re-sculpted. We then got the trencher in to improve drainage. It was then well and truly blocked off to prevent idiots ruining it.

19 Nov 2011 - Build day with 14 people!

This build day was a milestone for TIMBER. Not only did we start work on fixing the remaining sections of the red route but it was the first day we were let loose with the Kanga Loader. We managed to rotovate a couple of sections on the red long loop simulating what happens on a Motorcross event (where most of the trail originate). Diversions were installed to allow these sections to compact and harden. See the method statement for more details.

6 Nov 2011 - Build day with 6 people

We'd now accelerated to one build day every 2 weeks and this was our first Sunday build day. The aim was to carry out vegetation management, removal/concealment of exposed roots and any necessary filling of pot holes on the proposed new green route. See the method statement for more details.

30 Oct 2011 - Kanga Training

A bit of a milestone as this Sunday saw us start training TIMBER volunteers to use the new Kanga Loader. More training is scheduled to allow us to train regular build day volunteers to make use of this useful bit of kit.

22 Oct 2011 - Build day with 11 people

This build day saw us back at the Tightrope section on the red route - the first section TIMBER ever worked on in the forest. We wanted to sort out the horrible tangle of roots at the start of the section and also all the rotten wood holding up the berms - that risked the section failing an FC inspection.

7-8 Oct 2011 - Dusk 'till Dawn Race

This weekend saw us putting up the TIMBER marquee again at High Lodge to try to encourage racers to join TIMBER, do a bit of fundraising and support TIMBER riders taking part in the race. Similar to the previous year, the weather was an appalling mud fest requiring dedication from riders and their supporters!

24 Sept 2011 - Build day with 8 people

The first build day for some months saw us starting some work on the Green route concentrating on vegetation management and root removal/pot hole filling duties. The idea was to bring the route up to standard and address other issues with it.

18-19 June 2011 - Bike Week

This weekend saw us invited to High Lodge to have a presence for Bike week. The weather didn't play ball for us - it was cold and wet which kept the crowds away. But we put up the TIMBER marquee and took delivery of the Kanga loader so celebrated with a few beers and a bar-b-que.

21 May 2011 - Build day with 5 people

We were asked by the FC to do some vegetation management on the blue/black routes. This would be our last build day until September for a number of reasons. The forest was so dry due to lack of rain that any work would have been undertaken in a dust bowl. Also we'd been promised some new kit which would make us more productive, so we wanted to get trained up on that before we broke our backs with spade work!

26 Mar 2011 - Build day with 12 people

We planned to fix the lead in section for the 39 steps section. The surface of this was loose and badly worn in places - not much fun at all. We installed a diversion around this section while we allowed the new trail surface to harden - we hadn't been able to compact it with Wacker plates due to the dry conditions. We re-opened the 39 steps section which had been closed for a couple of months.

24 Mar 2011 - TIMBER AGM

A uncontroversial meeting saw us set the priorities for the coming year and Graham Elliott stand for another year as chairman. We also changed our constitution to make way for CASC membership. You can read the minutes in the forum.

26 Feb 2011 - Build day with 6 people

We tried to finish off the maintenance work on the 39 steps section, which had been closed for a time to allow new trail surface repairs to harden. At the end it was as good as finished, except for the lead-in track for which we'd ran out of time. The  highlight was removing a tree stump on the following contractor build section that took 5 people nearly an hour to shift!

29 Jan 2011 - Build day with 10 people

Our first build day of 2011 saw us back at the 39 steps section on the red route removing rotten woodwork and re-aligning some of the berms as well as other general maintenance. This work was necessary to allow this section to pass an upcoming FC inspection. More details can be found in the method statement.

This page lists our current work priorities and projects. It's difficult to come up with a single prioritised list of work as much of it could be done in parallel if we had enough volunteers to take part and lead build days. For more details take a look at the forum.

1/ Bring the red route up to a basic standard

This work is currently under way. We have identified 8 sections on the red route that are worn out and muddy. We are renewing the existing trail surface to bring it up to a basic standard. Work like this will be required on an ongoing basis as part of a separate maintenance regime.

2/ Green route improvements

The current green route does not meet FC standards so a modified route has been proposed. The existing trail may be repaired to allow it to be used again in future.

3/ Install new trail signage

Again, to meet FC standards new trail signage needs to be installed.

4/ Bring the black route up to a basic standard

Similar to what is currently happening on the red route. The worst sections of the black will be identified and the trail surface and drainage improved.

5/ Pump track

This special project could be worked on separately. A location close to High Lodge has been agreed. We now just need stone to build it, as the sandy ground is unsuitable.

6/ Improve red and black routes

We want to add technical interest and difficulty to the red and black routes. There are a number of areas where the trails don't make full use of the landscape. These improvements could be treated as separate projects with work on going with other tasks such as general trail maintenance.

7/ Blue route improvements

Improve the blue route to make it more interesting for families and youngsters.

The honorary role of TIMBER MTB Vice President (VP) is awarded to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to TIMBER and the trails in Thetford Forest.

John Gould, Roger Powell, Adam Godwin

John Gould

	VP Since	2009
	Reason for award	John is a local who cares passionately about the Forest. He was TIMBER's first chairman and pivotal in setting up the organisation. He was chairman for a number of years when it wasn't much fun and led us though some rocky times. TIMBER wouldn't exist without him.
	Background	John started racing on the road and doing triathlons in 1986. Shortly afterwards he discovered mountain biking. Injury forced him out of triathlons and he moved full time to the muddy stuff, racing regularly in the Thetford series and then onto 24 and 12 hour races. He started soloing 12 hours a few years ago but fell lout of love with racing. Most of his time is spent blatting round the forest as quickly as possible with one or two mates.

Roger Powell

	VP Since	2011
	Reason for award	Roger has been a top contributor to TIMBER since the early days. He's held a number of posts on the committee and regularly attended build days where recently he's been busy badgering passer-bys into joining. Roger was made Vice President in recognition of his continuous support given to TIMBER.
	Background	A retired design engineer in plastics industry, his riding history is in cycle touring (he recently cycled from Lands End to his home in Mundford!) and a bit of time trialling - mostly off road now. He rides a Specialized Stumpjumper, Garry Fisher hard tail and a Claud Butler Rigid. In his spare time he does lots of hobby woodwork, anything from Rocking Horses to Solitaire Boards to keep busy.

Adam Godwin

	VP Since	2011
	Reason for award	Adam works for the Forestry Commission and was responsible for the cycle trails in Thetford Forest before his recent move to Glentress. His support was invaluable in helping us achieve more in recent years, allowing us to work independently and getting the Kanga Loader to work with. His award is in recognition of the belief and guidance we received from him and others in the Forestry Commission.
	Background	Adam's early days with TIMBER were difficult with the introduction of new rules and procedures forcing us to become a more professional outfit. Thanks to a lot of work by him and others we are in a much better and sustainable position to improve the trails now and in the future.

This article lists some frequently asked questions and some answers that we have given in the past.

1. The FC charge so much for parking at High Lodge - why don't they invest some of it to improve the trails?
2. Why aren't there more Technical Trail Features in the forest like there used to be?
3. Why's it taking TIMBER so long to improve the trails?
4. Why are there no maps of off-piste trails?
5. How are build days organised?
6. What tyres are best for Thetford?
7. Why is there no North Shore or woodwork at Thetford?

The FC charge so much for parking at High Lodge - why don't they invest some of it to improve the trails?

The fact is that the FC do not make money out of High Lodge, in fact they lose it. Most of the other centres that charge less do so because they are heavily subsidsed, often by European job creation schemes, and thus don't reflect anything like reality

At this point people usually point at Brandon Country Park - and the fact that they don't charge as much for parking. Well it might surprise you to find that BCP which belongs to Suffolk County Council has been up for sale for a long time ,and in fact would now be closed were it not for the simple fact that a lottery grant would have to be refunded if they closed it. Why? Probably because it loses money.

Add to that the fact that MTB contributes very little to the FC coffers in this forest, (most riders choosing to park elsewhere and ride in), whilst at the same time being amongst the most vociferous user group in moaning about the place and you'll understand why until recently that the prevailing sentiment at FC was to close trails rather than invest in them

That being the case you might then appreciate the monumental job we have done in turning that perception around, and in recent times getting the FC to invest well in excess of £60,000 into the trail network. Not only that they have also recently invested a further £20,000 in making TIMBER into the premier volunteer group in the UK doing what we do. In that vein we are now the only volunteers in the entire FC estate who are allowed to work with powered plant. This will increase our ability to restore and maintain trails exponentially.

Why aren't there more Technical Trail Features in the forest like there used to be?

This is known as the the Techncial Trail Features (TTF's) Myth.

The fact is the features we built were crap. They were poorly designed, poorly situated and dangerous. Finally several extremely serious incidents occurred on them. In the wake of that, we made a decision some time ago that our priorities were as follows:-

1. To turn the Red Route into a sustainable, and well maintained loop before it degenerated into the rut fest that the black had already become.
2. Once that was done to move onto the Black and do the same to that.
3. Then and only then to concern ourselves with the creation of TTF's on both trails.

We are close to completing the work on the Red, and we intend to start on the Black very shortly. Incidentally the black will soon be downgraded to a red grading. In this you should note that Thetford was the first forest in the UK to embrace MTB, and that fact is clearly reflected in some of the outdated trail definitions and so forth. However, that's about to change and here again you are looking at some £40,000 worth of investment just to bring that signing and way-marking into line with current expectations.

That aside we are also engaged actively in planning and delivering a Pump track, and we would also like to develop a Sudbourne Jumps style jump site in partnership with the local jumpy riders.

These are not pie in the sky ideas, they are all very much reality and they are also receiving very active support from the FC

Why's it taking TIMBER so long to improve the trails?

So whats holding us back? Contrary to common belief its not the FC. Far from it.

It's the lack of people who are prepared to roll their sleeves up. As riders we can make Thetford Forest Park into whatever we want it to be. There is absolutely nothing standing in our way other than our own imagination, and motivation. So rather than moan about the lack of facilities, we would always encourage people to come and see what we do and get involved. Its actually a lot of fun.

Why are there no maps of off-piste trails?

There are many miles of off-piste non-waymarked trails in the forest - more than there are waymarked trails. Most of them were created by motor cross races that took place in all areas of the forest and which are still held in the remoter places. We decided some time ago to not publicise these off-piste trails by not posting maps on the website. There are a number of reasons for this.

1. When maps of routes were published in the past this caused problems when riders annoyed the landowners causing riders to be banned from certain areas of the forest.
2. Maps encourage overuse of Off-piste trails which quickly become eroded. This tends to annoy the locals when people drive to the forest from elsewhere just to ride "their" trails.
3. If we published maps on the website and a rider following our directions had an accident - we could be held liable.
4. The FC have a duty of care for riders in the forest. If they were to become aware of trails that they considered dangerous they might be forced to sanitise them or close them down completely.

If you are interested in learning where these great trails are - the best thing to do is join TIMBER and go on some of our group rides which regularly use these trails.

How are build days organised?

Everyone is welcome to attend TIMBER MTB build days where we work to improve the trails. We always need more volunteers!

Build days are posted in advance on the forum. Each build day has a leader who has agreed a plan for the day (known as a method statement) with the forestry commission in advance. Please post a reply in the forum to say you intend coming so the leader has an idea of numbers turning up. We prefer you to be a TIMBER member so you contribute to the cost of our insurance (yearly membership is only £5), but it's fine if you want to just come along and see what it's like first.

It's best to bring your bike with you in case we don't have enough vehicles to get everyone to the site and back. Apart from that all you need to bring is your lunch. A hi-vis vest and tea/coffee will be provided on the day. You don't need to bring any tools - these will be provided. Wear suitable clothes - long trousers are probably better and sturdy foot wear is a good idea - safety boots if you have them. Warm stuff is needed if it's cold, wet weather stuff if it's wet etc. If you have your own work gloves please bring them as our supplies are short. Be prepared to do some digging.

Build days start between 9:00-9:30am and can finish anywhere between 12:00-16:00 depending on the amount of work. You can leave early if you want - just tell the build day leader so he knows you're not lost. The start point where everyone meets is the Gorilla car park - which is the first big car park on the left after entering the High Lodge site. The build day leader will register your details, run through the relevant risk assessments and explain the plan for the day before we drive or bike to the area of the forest where we're working.

TIMBER members are covered by third party liability if involved in an incident while on build day, club ride or at a volunteer event. Read more about our insurance coverage on the forum.

Work can vary but may include, digging drainage channels, building berms, barrowing, raking and compacting stone to protect trails, cutting branches, digging out tree roots and stumps, harrowing trail beds, digging borrow pits - and much more.

What tyres are best for Thetford?

There is no right answer! Thetford's trails are generally well draining sand with a bit of flint thrown in. Tyres should be quick rolling while still gripping on fast lose corners. Schwalbe Racing Ralphs and Kenda small block 8's are often praised. In wetter conditions consider Schwalbe Nobby Nic's.

Find out more about Tyres generally here

Why is there no North Shore or woodwork at Thetford?

Wooden trail features have gained popularity with riders and trail builders after being inspired by Canadian “North Shore” consisting of elevated  ramps and runs designed to test balance, bike control and add excitement to trails. So why is there none of this at Thetford?

It's because the acidity of the soil is extremely high and as a result wood that's on or in the ground rots down very quickly, in about 2 - 3 years. As a result timber structures are very maintenance heavy and require a very high standard of inspection and care once built. Theoretically we can build timber structures, but it is questionable whether its worth it for the amount of ongoing work involved. The work would include 1) annual civil engineer inspection and certificate of structural integrity, 2) weekly - or if particularly gnarly - daily on site inspections, 3) routine scrubbing down with sharp sand to prevent lichen and moss growth, 4) immediate closure in the event of rotting or damaged components, 5) rotting or damaged parts to be replaced and the structure to be reinspected by a civil engineer prior to being re-opened etc etc.

You might ask why Thetford is unique - after all everyone else manages to use woodwork on their trails? For example Chicksands is not far from the East of England and there's loads of wooden features there?

Well, no there isn't - it's all going to be removed as they have the same issues we have - more details here http://chicksandsbikepark.co.uk/trail_guide/freeride/ and its not just insurance, its the overall cost and amount of hassle involved that means wooden features are not generally feasible.