With the help of Forestry Commission Wales, which manages the woodland, the group gained permission from Caerphilly County Borough Council to build a variety of jumps and loops suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders.

It marks a remarkable turn-around for the site, which had to be demolished over a year ago as it was operating without FC Wales permission and was deemed unsafe.

The group has signed a community management agreement with FC Wales to look after the site and ensure it meets industry safety standards.

FC Wales local area manager James Mak said, “The Van Road jumpspot is an exciting opportunity to create a unique recreation site in our woodlands.

“It will have a variety of trail gradings and so will be accessible for everyone, regardless of ability.”

The group is now seeking funding to build the site and hope to have it up and running again by the spring.

Steve Aicheler, owner of local cycle shop Castle Bikes and a member of the Van Road Trails Group, said, “We’re hopeful that the hard work and commitment we have shown so far will result in this great site being rebuilt.

“I’m constantly asked by local riders when the site will be reopened, and it will be great to finally be able to give them a definite answer. We’re in discussion with a number of bodies in regards to funding, but we are also seeking commercial funding or sponsorship.”

The 12 hour endurance event starts at 8pm September 4th and ends at 8am September 5th. The course is a 8km loop of cross-country, single track and road.

Entry for solo riders is £40, pairs are £35 per person whilst teams of 4 cost £30 per person. For further details and to download an entry form, visit www.hospiceofthevalleys.com.

Alternatively you can tackle the 32 km Red route which weaves its way around the foothills of the Black  Mountains easterly, hugging the mountain face and dipping down into the Welsh forests and streams. A challenging loop with technical inclines and descents, exploring the face of the Black Mountains towards Hay on Wye and returning to view the famous vista of Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons.

On the Sunday you can have a go at the 38 km red route which rivals the ‘killer’! With an ascent over mountain moorland towards Llangorse. Riding on top and skirting along the edge of the western section of the Black Mountains, the route soon opens up and fast descents are combined with technical single track. A circular mountain route of Llangorse Lake and a final ascent and descent of Mynydd Troed ensures a fast and exhausting finish in Talgarth!

If that sounds too much then the shorter 18 km green route might be your thing.  Ideal for mountain bike beginners, with two tricky off road sections to get stuck into. This figure of eight winds its way around country lanes and takes in the views of the face of the Black Mountains range, before returning to Talgarth with a descent to finish!

Entry for one day costs £25 whilst entry to both days costs £45.  You can enter online here:  http://www.adventurecyclingwales.co.uk/event&race.htm.  For further information call 07845 304467 or email events@adventurecyclingwales.co.uk.

Stalls promoting advice and devices to protect bikes, garages and sheds will be set up near the centre’s car park and letters have been sent to bike shops across North Wales, Cheshire and Merseyside encouraging cyclists to come along.

The event runs from 10am to 4pm on Sunday June 27 at Llandegla Forest Visitor Centre, Ruthin Road, Llandegla. For more information visit www.coedlandegla.com or www.oneplanetadventure.com

More details on BikeRadar: http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/afan-forests-mountain-bike-trails-at-risk-26659