If you have any questions that are not answered here then please email us, committee@blackcanoncollective.co.uk, and we’ll try to respond ASAP.

• What is the Black Canon Collective?

The Black Canon Collective (BCC) is a mountain bike club that is affiliated with the British Cycling and CTC.

• Why are you called the Black Canon Collective?

We’re named after the Black Canons (monks) who first settled on the site where the Longleat House was later built.

• Who owns the land (the allotment) ?

The Longleat estate owns the land operated by the BCC, the BCC licence the land from the Longleat estate.

• Why did the trails get closed down in the first place?

The trails were closed down by the Longleat estate because they had become far too popular for the estate to turn a blind eye and ignore their legal responsibilities as the land owner. The estate had also found many images and videos on the internet of people riding the trails – some with detailed maps explaining how to get there.

• Why did the Black Canon Collective get involved?

The BCC was formed by the riders who built the Longleat trails specifically to try and save them.

• Can I ride there without being a member of the BCC?

No, unfortunately our insurance and licence won’t allow this, the land is for BCC members only.

• I don’t really mind if I’m not insured / I have my own insurance, so can I ride anyway?

 No, our insurance does not actually include personal injury cover nor personal third party indemnity anyway, and so this is not the issue. The BCC must ensure the adequate management of the area (this is a stipulation of the land licence) and so must guarantee that everyone who uses the area abide by the terms of the licence, and the BCC site management plan: Club membership with exclusive site usage is the only way of achieving this. The BCC must also indemnify the Longleat estate, this is done by the British Cycling Third Party Insurance for Clubs & Teams but is only effective if the site is operated by the club, so if non-members are involved this becomes void.

In addition to this it is vital to understand that the costs involved in licensing the land and managing it are real and need to be funded some how. It seems only fair that the people who benefit from the site pay for it, and so we must charge a small membership fee (that everyone must pay) to cover costs.

Membership is a mandatory requirement and is non negotiable.

• So can I come riding with you and visit the site before becoming a member?

Yes, but you must be accompanied by a BCC member and so must be invited; just send us an e-mail and we’ll arrange this.

• Does the BCC make a profit?

No, the BCC is a non profit making organisation. All funds are used to support and stimulate local MTB activities.

• Is the BCC a charity?

No, but we are applying for CASC status, and are a completely voluntry organisation.

• How do I make a donation to the BCC?

Simply click here to be taken to our donations page.

• Is the BCC a DH only club?

No, far from it! We offer a range of rides from gentle pootle to XC marathon to DH timing days. We plan to cater for all disciplines and abilities. We are currently in talks with both longleat and a renowned trail builder regarding a permanent XC loop running through and around the site and extended area. We also run weekly XC rides, monthly trail centre visists and enter teams into XC enduro events.

• Are there any car parking facilities at the site?

YES! We’re thrilled to say that we now have a club carpark.

• Can anyone join the BCC?

Yes, in principle. So long as you abide by the Club Rules and Club Constitution, have completed the membership application form and paid your membership fee in full.

• Once I’m a member can I build my my own trails or alter existing ones?

All trails will be built and maintained by the BCC during organised ‘dig days’, with each design being first approved by the committee. This is to ensure that the courses meet the relevant standards necessary to be within our insurance criteria. It also means that no one person can dictate the type of trails being created nor undo the work of others. We are a collective and so the focus will be on ensuring that there is something for everyone. So if you have a course design in mind please let us know and we’ll see what we can do to get it built.

• Once I’m a member can I ride at the allotment whenever I like?

Yes. Well almost. so long as you have your valid membership card on you then you can ride during the hours of daylight. However, please note that riding alone is not permitted.

• Will there be litter bins on site?

No the BCC follow the ‘leave no trace’ ethos and so insist that people take any litter home with them.

• Why hasn’t my membership card arrived yet?

Because we have to individually produce each card – this takes time. If you haven’t received your membership a fortnight after paying please contact us at membership@blackcanoncolllective.co.uk

• Why do all memberships end on the 31st of March?

Because this is much easier for us to keep track on our members, it also makes chasing renewal fees much easier! The date also ties in with our financial year, and our Annual General Meeting (AGM) making it a logical end point.

• I don’t want to use PayPal to pay for my membership, how else can we pay?

Because of the speed and security of using PayPal we would prefer all members used this method, remember that you don’t need a PayPal accoundt as it allows Credit Card or Debit Cards to be used also. However if this is not possible for please contact us  at membership@blackcanoncolllective.co.uk and we will arrange an alternative.

• I think I’ve got a tick, what should I do?

Ticks are very common in the area so it is possible. Ticks should be removed and the area around the bite disinfected, but don’t remove the tick until you have read the advice here