Shimano commits long-term to trail advocacy | Trail Born Fund
In South Africa, Shimano has entered into a three year commitment with Helderberg Trails and TokaiMTB to support trails.
Last year Shimano released broad details on a new corporate responsibility initiative, the Trail Born Fund. It’s a global plan, to support trails and the initiative is sizeable, think $10 million over 10 years.
“It’s our corporate responsibility to give back to the sport that has inspired us in so many ways and given us so much both in business and as a global team of mountain bike enthusiasts. We want to help create more trails, in more places, for more people – those who love to ride, and those who will one day discover it.” – reads the statement from Shimano.
As part of this new initiative, Coolheat Agencies (aka Shimano South Africa) has jumped on this and already committed to supporting a new line in Helderberg Trails and to back a trail in the popular TokaiMTB. As we understand it, there’s two additional locations also earmarked for Shimano’s support.
In Somerset West, at The Helderberg Trails, work on the new trail actually began in the second half of 2024. Designed by former World Cup professional Andrew Neethling and built by Velosolutions, the new trail is named “Needles for Speed”. It is a flow line, graded as an Intermediate Trail – meaning it can be enjoyed on any style of bike – at any speed. The official opening is on Saturday 22nd February, starting at 8.30am from The Hanger Bike Co. It’s free and everyone is welcome. There’s a post-ride boerie roll and beer for anyone who RSVP’s to nicola@coolheat.co.za //
| IMAGES: Sven Martin |