BIKERS should soon be flying high over Filham once more thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group working to rebuild the BMX track.

Closed for several years, the bike track immediately next to the allotments is undergoing a revamp thanks to the re-formed ’Rampless Riders’.

Led by local firefighters Lee Julyan and Jack Charles, who is also an Ivybridge town councillor, along with a committee of fellow riders, the group has transformed the area with several sets of jumps ranging from the huge and terrifying to those suitable for young children.

The crew is hoping things will be more or less ready in time for a grand reopening on Saturday, July 2. The Rampless Riders have dedicated countless hours over the last few months to constructing brand new jumps, bringing in tonnes of soil and getting professional riders on board to help with the design and layout. While not complete, what is taking shape is a superb facility suitable for the most expert riders but also ready to inspire the next generation of bikers from the area.

Lee and Jack explained the track was originally built four or five years ago, but fell into disrepair as it was not being regularly maintained and had to be closed for health and safety reasons. They have organised work parties, and enlisted the help of local contractors and tool hire companies. An engine from Ivybridge Fire Station even turned out to give the jumps, which were suffering from the weeks of hot sun and dry weather, a good soaking.

Now though, the group is running low on funds, with its goal in sight. The main cost of the project is hiring the machines needed to excavate and move the large volumes of earth, and with just a couple of weekends work left to do the group is desperate to finish the job.

Lee said: ’There’s a good community of BMX riders in Ivybridge, and the mountain bikers are involved as well. There’s been a lot of local interest.

’It’s an active sport, really good for mental and physical wellbeing, and we’re very keen to see it continue. There’s a good social scene as well.

’The long term vision would be to maybe get a permanent barbecue, rebuild the shelter, and get a water supply down here.

’We’ve had a lot of support from the local community, the allotments people have been really good, and we’d like to thank Ivybridge Town Council, and county councillor Roger Croad for their support.’

For more information or to contact the group, visit their Facebook page: Filham Jumps rebuild project.