If you’re a mountain biker and have been riding in the Brechfa, Cwmcarn or Afan Valley lately, you may have seen the presence of Cognation in the hills. Whether it’s a sign on the wall, a trail crew or the brand new trail sections they have built, Cognation are developing and preserving the mountain bike infrastructure in the South Wales area.
Cognation is a group set up in partnership with Neath Port Talbot, Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil borough councils and also the Forestry Commission Wales and its main aim is to develop mountain biking in the South Wales area.
Cognation are playing a major role in the construction of the Gethin woods mountain bike center, due to be open in October 2013. Their other projects include: the creation of a new 6km competition mountain bike trail in Margam park to hold XC events (should have had the Olympics as well), they have extended the carpark in Cwmcarn as well as creating a small skills area coming May 2012, a new downhill trail by March 2013 and another trail by October 2013.
Cogantion are also behind the creation of the new blue/green graded trail in place of the Penhydd at Afan Valley, something we are quite highly anticipating after riding the blue, Verderers trail in Forest of Dean.
Cognation have loads going on and we really recommend you head over to their website for all the latest new and trail developments. The future of mountain biking in south Wales is looking bright.
