Welcome Back to Dirt Factory

We are super excited to announce that Dirt Factory will reopen from 10am on Saturday 25 July, with our usual opening times. We’ve worked hard to ensure that we are COVID ready and have completed a thorough risk assessment for reopening. Please read the following update which details our safety measures, operational changes and precautions all visitors will need to take.

1. Riders must book online to ride the bike park.

2. All hire equipment must be booked online, open face helmets come with the bikes. If you are just wanting to hire a helmet, this can be done at the bike park. All equipment is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected each time it goes out on hire. We will review the use of hire equipment on a fortnightly basis in-line with the latest advice and guidance.

3. Track capacity will initially be reduced to 25 riders. This again will be reviewed on a fortnightly basis in line with the latest advice and guidance.

4. Our facility layout has been changed to encourage riders and spectators to disperse more. We have done this by changing the start area, removing the majority of seating and creating more open communal space. We also have a new outdoor riding area to help customers spread out around the facility.

5. There will be a one way in/out system along with directional and space markings in all our main areas to control movement of people. 

6. Perspex screens have been placed at all points of sale i.e. the reception, bike shop and café including several hand sanitising stations spread around the bike park.

7. All staff will be wearing face masks. All customers must where masks if/when not riding unless you are exempt. 

8. All riders must wear gloves if using the air bag. A box of disposable gloves will be placed at the bottom of the airbag steps just in case.

9. We have displayed NHS QR codes at the main entrance and in other prominent places around the bike park. Please scan this code by downloading and using the NHS COVID19 App and support the track and trace scheme. Clear COVID19 guidance and instructions signs are now in place throughout the Dirt Factory bike park.

10. Extra cleaning of equipment will be carried out during session times. We may have to temporarily close certain areas of the trails and facility for short periods of time in order for them to be cleaned.

To prepare for reopening, we have completed a thorough deep clean of the entire Dirt Factory facility. Other improvements include a new rider queue deck to help with physical distancing and ease queuing on busy days. In addition, we have built a raised spectator platform which is something a lot of customers have been asking us for.

I would like to thank all of the dedicated volunteers (including my Mum) for their time to help get Dirt Factory ready for reopening. It has been a lot of work which would have been impossible without the extra help.

Unfortunately, like many businesses, the COVID shutdown has caused a significant loss of income for Dirt Factory. With the added costs of getting COVID ready and planned reduced capacity, we know the next few months will also be financially challenging. We have therefore had to take the difficult decision to slightly increase our admission prices.

It goes without saying that the last few months have been a little strange. What has been good to see is a mass increase in sport and exercise participation. Recently bike sales have gone through the roof, which can only be a good thing for people's health and mental well-being. If you have recently picked up a bike, come and say hello and keep those wheels turning. Our ongoing aim is for Dirt Factory to help new and existing riders keep active, fit and mentally in a good place by providing fun and challenging riding experiences. 

Many thanks for taking the time to read our latest update and we do hope to welcome you back soon.

Stay safe and best wishes,

Dan and the Dirt Factory team