Planned Inaugural Event off road - Cowalfest
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Minutes:
The
Chair outlined the history of the proposed off-road route and noted that the
historic difficulties in getting such routes promoted should not occur in this
instance as it was Nigel Brooks of the LLNT who mapped the route. The Chair also noted that preliminary
discussions had taken place, and that Cowalfest may
be interested in supporting the proposed launch event in the summer.
Stewart McNee noted that since
having been asked to review the route, he had enjoyed cycling it and was of the
view that it should appeal to mountain bikers of many levels. Stuart noted that the route had five
hostelries located along it and that this was an additional bonus meaning that
riders could easily stop and take rest breaks.
Stewart noted that
the “Cycle Scotland” website is
the main source of information on all types of cycling in Scotland and that
every official race is on this site, it is therefore essential for success that
this new route be promoted via this avenue.
Stewart also noted that the Cycle Scotland Organisation also
does all the training and awards for Scottish cycling and so are in touch with
a ready-made client base.
Stewart is also of the view that there is a lot of potential
for mountain bike tracks in the hills behind
Dunoon particularly the downhill event. The major issues preventing this as a
development are the twin issues of land ownership and permission to use the
land for this purpose.
David Adams McGilp noted that the
proximity of Dunoon to the central belt could be a
major benefit in terms of ensuring that access to a high quality track was
affordable.
Sue Gledhill raised the question as to whether local
businesses would be likely to support this development noting that
historically, there has on occasion, been an issue with small businesses not
wishing to see development. A general
discussion ensued regarding the various types of business likely to benefit,
and it was noted that caravan sites are the perfect type of accommodation
for people wishing to participate in
outdoor sports events, since this type of accommodation gives good access to
drying facilities and does not impinge on other users.
Colin Moulson and the chair both
noted that there was a need for a coordinated approach to ensure that the best possible
outcomes were achieved, and Colin noted that the PA23 BID was willing to fund a
piece of work by the well known mountain biker Paul Masson, who also runs a
cycling events company. This piece of
work would address the question “Why come
to Dunoon” which is the first question which
needs to be answered if people are not to be blocked from coming to the
area. Paul is to be commissioned to
write a report on the initial feasibility of developing a mountain biking
infrastructure and how it may join with other related sports using the world
class raw facilities which are available in the Dunoon
area.
It is still hoped that the official Launch will take place
during the summer, but it was noted that work remained to be done regarding the
acceptability of unmanned trails and public liability Insurance. It was also highlighted that the need for an
outdoor centre to act as a central point could be met by any of the local
centres such as Benmore ,and the Ardentinny
Centre.
It was noted that Paul Masson’s initial work could lead to a more detailed feasibility study being done for the larger geographical area, but that it was a good first step even if this were not to occur. It was also noted that funders such as the Big Lottery might be approached eventually, but that this would have to be done by community vehicles such as the Coast and Countryside Fund rather than the Council which is not eligible.
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