Enjoying the fabulous Dales Bike Centre

What better way to spend a crisp, sunny October Monday than in the great outdoors, taking in the breath-taking views across Swaledale and Arkengarthdale whilst also keeping fit – with the bonus of revisiting a fabulous project that’s not only a resounding success bringing joy to thousands of people each year but is also boosting the local economy.

Jeremy Hutchinson, Ben Garlick and Michael Bond were delighted to entertain clients James Pritchard, from LSP Developments Ltd and Andrew Mayfield, from Vistry Group, at the Dales Bike Centre in Fremington and experience first-hand the additional facilities that were part of this exciting project. The design includes a new cakery café extension which provide 64 covers indoors and features a sky-garden roof, expansive glass wall with bi-fold doors and an air-source heating system. There’s also a new bike hire hub and paved courtyard area delivering a much-improved visitor experience, as well as increased parking with a weatherproof surface.

Before hiring their bikes from Stu and setting out on the ride, a bacon butty was the order of the day (unfortunately they had to pass on the delicious cakes but made sure some were brought back for staff!).

Swaledale is notorious for outstanding mountain bike trails and Jeremy took advantage of the glorious sunshine taking the group around Mount Calva revealing stunning scenery across the hills and valley towards Gunnerside. They stopped off at the Old Gang lead mine workings before dropping down to Low Row for a hearty lunch at the Punch Bowl Inn, before heading back to the Dales Bike Centre.

It was a fabulous day taking in some of the best mountain biking, breakfast and lunch in the country! Our thanks go to the the staff at the Dales Bike Centre and the Punch Bowl Inn for their excellent hospitality. To find out more about the Dales Bike Centre and Punch Bowl Inn please visit www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk and www.pbinn.co.uk