User:Wideboydave

About TIMBER
TIMBER is a not for profit organisation dedicated to improving mountain biking in the Thetford Forest area for riders of all levels. TIMBER members and volunteers build and maintain trails with the cooperation and support of the Forestry Commission

History
TIMBER started in 2006 with a small group of enthusiasts who wished to improve the cycling trails within the area of Thetford Forest around High Lodge. The trails had become over used and eroded over a few years of neglect.

Strategy
TIMBER aims to improve the cycling trails in Thetford Forest by several methods:

Vegetation Management
Cutting back the bracken and other foliage that encroaches on the trails during summer months and pruning the larger shrubs and trees to allow better sight-lines through the forest. Pruning the branches up to 15ft helps to let more light onto the trail and more air flow to keep the area dry. There's also nothing more annoying than riding through stinging nettles!

Trail Maintainence
Everything from patching puddles in the trail to recutting the trail with mechanical help. TIMBER is working on methods to use in the unique terrain and soil conditions of Thetford. Some of these methods are similar to that used on the Highways.

Trail Construction
The next stage from maintainence is to create virgin trail through the forest. Rather than simply following the existing trail, this is where we mark out a new section and sculpt a new trail bed. Cheap and easy methods to do this are being worked on currently.

Community
TIMBER is all about enjoyment factor and getting the most of riding your bike.

Social
Riding together is always more fun than riding on your own. One of TIMBER's aims is to get more people on their bikes and enjoying the forest. Regular rides is one way of achieving this goal.

Skills Training
A few of the TIMBER members are qualified Instructors and can help riders get better at riding any terrain and whatever thei skill level.

Racing
TIMBER has a presence at a few of the local races (Marin Dusk 'til Dawn, Winter Series, etc)

Links
http://www.timbermtb.org

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/highlodge