Bike park, they could have it. And that's exactly what happened.
Today, Burlish Bike Park stands proudly as the home of mountain biking in Worcestershire. Nestled in the stunning Burlish Woodland in Stourport-on-Severn, on the outskirts of Kidderminster, this park offers the perfect playground for a thrilling day of riding for the entire family. It's a place where young children can conquer their first trails, where teenagers can ride with their friends, and where adults can revel in the joys of an enclosed woodland space that allows for both invigorating rides and relaxing moments.
Managed and owned by the local charity Open Trail, Burlish Bike Park holds a special mission. They strive to empower young people from Worcestershire and the West Midlands, encouraging them to surpass their own expectations and strive for more, regardless of their personal circumstances. Bikes and the outdoors serve as their tools for nurturing confidence, resilience, and independence.
The park boasts an array of exciting features that cater to riders of all skill levels. The Rosie Route, named in memory of Rosie Young, a beloved local who had an immense passion for bikes and an unwavering dedication to helping others, offers a 500m family trail and trike trail. This trail, which is 2. 5m wide, provides a gentle adventure with minor ascents and descents.
It welcomes riders of all wheel sizes and even offers disability-adapted bikes and trikes. It's a green graded trail with small table jumps and skinny log balance beams as optional features.
For those seeking a head-to-head gravity-assisted thrill, Cooper's “Let's go racing” Dual Slalom track is the place to be. This two-lane track is blue graded and suitable for riders of most ages and abilities. All features can be rolled, and there are jump combinations and transfer lines for those seeking an extra challenge. The track is named in memory of Andrew Cooper, a remarkable 4X and downhill racer and commentator, whose infectious energy and love for riding left an indelible mark on the community.
For riders looking to take their skills to new heights, the park offers various trails such as The Drops, Project5, Moto, Tables, and Wishbone. Each trail presents its own set of challenges, with jumps, combinations, and gaps of varying difficulty levels. The trails provide riders with opportunities to test their limits and push their boundaries in a safe and controlled environment.
In addition to its exceptional bike trails, Burlish Bike Park also provides a range of facilities and services. Visitors can make use of the Club House and Snack Bar, offering a welcoming space to relax and refuel after an exhilarating ride. There are toilets conveniently located next to the clubhouse for added convenience.
The park is also home to an inclusive off-road Cycling Club, catering to cyclists of all backgrounds and abilities. They have a volunteer programme that invites both cyclists and non-cyclists to get involved and contribute to the park's vibrant community. Coaching sessions are available for all riders, including specialised coaching for disabled groups, individuals with educational needs, and disaffected youth. Burlish Bike Park aims to inspire and create new riders within Worcestershire, fostering a love and appreciation for the sport.
The history of Burlish Bike Park stretches back over three decades. Burlish Woodland has been the cherished home of Burlish Dirt Jumps, a labour of love constructed by local teens with their bikes, shovels, and wheelbarrows. Over the years, the jumps have evolved and grown, passed down from one generation to the next. However, in 2020, the jumps faced the threat of demolition.
The landowner presented the community with a choice: bulldoze the jumps or donate the land. Recognising the deep-seated love and value the community placed in the dirt jumps, Open Trail stepped forward. They obtained the necessary planning permissions and secured funding to transform the woodland into a professional-grade mountain bike park. And so, Burlish Bike Park was born.
Today, Burlish Bike Park stands tall as a testament to the community's passion, resilience, and determination. It serves as a hub for cycling enthusiasts, a place where riders of all ages and abilities can come together to share their love for the sport. With its stunning woodland setting, challenging trails, and commitment to inclusivity and personal growth, Burlish Bike Park is the ultimate destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable mountain biking experience in Stourport-on-Severn.