I’m not one for sitting about doing nothing. Me and beach holidays are not a good mix. So, with a sliver of spare time, I figured I’d launch a national mountain bike charity. As you do.

The Trail Pot – National Mountain Biking Development Fund has started. This is a charity which has been set up purely to improve mountain biking at the grassroots: the simplest of levels – the individuals and groups who are trying to make a difference at their local, local level.

I’ve been in this world for over a decade. Fighting, arguing, stressing over the cash we know can make a difference.

The Trail Pot aims to change all that, by having the money in place first, and then finding the projects.

A nationwide collected pot of cash. Reinvested where the support comes from. Determined by local mountain biking communities.

We’ve drawn up a model which puts money back at the very base levels. We’re having conversations with people in the industry up and down the country (and wider) to get this thing working and make things better for mountain bikers nationwide.

But we need that money in.

It doesn’t need to come from you though – we’re not asking you to stump up. No. We’re asking you to ask your LBS, your local café, your online shop of choice, your favourite parts company, frame supplier, bike brand, mate(!) to support The Trail Pot, because if you do and they do, the future of mountain biking will be very bright. The great thing is that we’re not asking for big amounts either just micro-contributions. Their support is returned with a whole host of charitable supporting benefits but more importantly, a fertile and cultivated mountain biking community up and down the country.

I might be naïve, but the model is a win:win:win for everyone involved. Take a look at the website to find out how.

Yes I’m terrified! I’m a volunteer mountain biker who’s effectively set up something as time consuming and responsible as a start-up business to improve mountain biking nationwide down the line. I’ve got some great, experienced Trustees alongside me and a whole heap of belief that this can work, and work brilliantly.

Ultimately, I just want my kids’ mountain biking to be better. It’s a simple plan – just takes some cleverness to get there.

Take a look at thetrailpot.com for more info and give us a follow on Insta. Just look up thetrailpot.