News
New online resource for UK mountainbikers
Mark Sutton May 27 2008, 12:45pm
ukmountainbiker.com directory launched
ukmountainbiker.com is a brand new website that has been designed to be a genuine one-stop resource exclusively for mountainbikers and all things mountainbiking in the UK.
One of the two brains behind the project, Mike Storey told BikeBiz: "Myself and Adrian Daniels came to mountain biking about two years back, following stints in other sports. We gradually became frustrated at the lack of real documentation of routes and stops along the way. Our idea was born from this frustration and we said: 'why don't we do it ourselves.' Following some market research we found that the demand was there for downloadable maps."
One of the main differences between ukmountainbiker’s new site and similar sites is that all the routes are UK-wide and are all linked to a comprehensive database containing the details of bike shops, refreshments stops and accommodation, (including youth hostels), that are incorporated into the individual details of each ride.
Users can download routes that can be saved as PDFs (that can be printed and taken on the ride) or have the file downloaded for use with portable satellite navigation devices; all rides are based on official OS 1:50,000 mapping and and the routes are all colour-coded according to IMBA trail grading recommendations – green, blue, red and black.
Storey added: "The Forestry Commission maps on our site are free of charge, however we have obtained a license from Ordinance Survey to distribute their detailed maps to a cycle specific crowd."
Although the cost of downloading routes is usually £15 for 24 routes (saved either in PDF or GPX formats; additional routes charged at £3.50 per route), until the end of June anyone that registers on the site will be credited with five free downloads.
As well as routes the site encourages user-generated content to include reviews, an area where members can comment on routes and submit their own, as well as reviews generated by the team at ukmountainbiker.com on bike shops, bikes and kit.
Storey said: "At the end of June we will publish our first newsletter, complete with member survey. The site will be heavily user-orientated and we will take feedback to improve usability and content."
Comments
“Web site launch”
Posted by: philiphunt - May 27, 1:14pm
Does this duplicate British Cycling's efforts on Everyday cycling? I will have a look. It does sound interesting and hopefully moneymaking. Do you guys at BikeBiz think that riders (of all types - including social riders) have enough access to this type of information?
“Re: Web site launch”
Posted by: MarkSutton - May 27, 3:27pm
Online - they do now!
In print - yes
“Re: Web site launch”
Posted by: Steve - May 28, 10:27pm
Does every story have a broken link??
http://www.bikebiz...r.com
As for the site, a good site for off road routes would be handy, but paying to download a gpx file, thats instant fail.
“Re: Web site launch”
Posted by: Dutch - May 30, 2:57pm
But there seems to be nothing on the site that can't be found via Google (or whatever search engine you prefer). As far as I can tell, all the bike information is lifted straight from the manufacturers site. I wish them all the best but I'm really not seeing anything that isn't available in plenty of other places.
“Re: Web site launch”
Posted by: Mike Storey - Jun 2, 10:21am
Hi guys
Thanks for the comments - I inviteyou all to register if not already done so in order to be kept updated with how we develop the site - your views are important to us and I take on board the comments so far for review.
Mike
“Re: Re: Web site launch”
Posted by: Mike Storey - Jun 19, 3:45pm
Hi all
As a result of the above feedback, all GPS downloads on the site are now free of charge.
Enjoy the ride!
Mike