Ok, after canceling our first event, I think we owe everyone an explanation and apology. We are truly gutted after putting around 6 months of work into the series, and personally i haven’t had a day off from this series all year!  Here’s the word from the FC….

“I refer to your requests to hold a licensed Downhill Mountain Bike Event on Forestry Commission Wales managed land this year.  Recent discussion between FC staff and organisers of Downhill Events (license holders) has highlighted the need for Forestry Commission Wales to be clear with event organisers on uplift arrangements.

Where you are proposing uplift of competitors by vehicle, your event license will require you to ensure that all vehicles used are mini-buses supplied by an operator who complies with the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency requirements for the running of a passenger fare paying service.  A private hire minibus driven by a volunteer will not be acceptable.  As a condition of your license, FC Staff will be asking for documentary proof that any vehicular uplift complies with these requirements. Your events will be monitored by FC Staff to ensure compliance.

If you are unable to procure the required vehicles and drivers then your event may still be able to proceed, but you may have to amend your plans.  For example shortening your course length and ensuring your competitors push their bikes or ride to the top of the course. 

Our concerns relate to the uplift of competitors as in law, uplift has to be considered a work activity because it is taking place “for hire or reward”. 

I do apologise if this issue has not been clearly communicated to you as organisers before this point. Our staff are willing to work with you to look at your event plans and see how these can be altered to avoid the need for uplift if you are unable to meet legal requirements for vehicular uplift of competitors. I have to confirm however that Forestry Commission Wales cannot negotiate on the subject of complying with legislation regarding passenger-carrying vehicles.”

So hope that explains why we aren’t able to run uplifts! We could go with the busses but we would need to find over £10 000 to get them on the road! 

We are working on other solutions and  are still going to be doing short course races! So watch this space for more info! 

JT