Sport In Profile UK Issue 05 | Page 64

Hotdoggers 7stanes Surf Club mountain biking 7Stanes FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/SPORTINPROFILE MOUNTAIN BIKING T he 7stanes are seven mountain biking centres spanning the south of Scotland, from the heart of the Scottish Borders to Dumfries and Galloway. ‘Stane’ is the Scots word for stone, and at each of the 7stanes locations, you’ll find a stone sculpture reflecting a local myth or legend. Sport in Profile takes a look at the different Stanes and what they have to offer. Kirroughtree The Gem Stane Trails available: Skills Area, Green Route (Bargaly Wood), Blue Route (Larg Hill), Red Route (Twister), Black Route (Black Craig’s) As winner of the MBR Trail of the Year in 2010, Kirroughtree is home to some of the best technical singletrack in the country. Known as the 7stanes hidden gem, it is a family favourite venue with plenty of trails, a seasonal café and a great children’s play area. Dalbeattie The Heart Cleft Stane Trails available: Skills Area, Green Route (Ironhash), Blue Route (Moyle Hill), Red Route (Hardrock), 3 Black Routes (The Slab/Terrible Twins/Volunteer Ridge) 64 Issue 05 Dalbeattie is world famous for its granite and it is the rock that defines the riding here with a broad range of trails and fantastic views. The Stane Symbolises the fact that the Kirkcudbrightshire town was once at the heart of the industry in the South of Scotland.