There’s never been a better time to get out on your bike and in Sheffield we’re really spoiled by having stunning scenery right on our doorstep. But whilst it’s great to marvel at all this fantastic countryside, it is not always accessible to those bikers who like to go off-road and do so safely. 

This is where The Trail Pot come in; it’s a dedicated to developing, supporting and improving grassroots mountain biking across the UK but has its roots right here in the Steel City.

Aiming to be a true game-changer, the organisation is building a sustainable, long-term funding model to support trails, grassroots projects, and the wider mountain bike (MTB) community.

The Trail Pot started in October 2024 and has already shown growth and impact. As the only national charity in the United Kingdom currently supporting the development of mountain biking at the foundational level, they emphasise the importance for community in making their mission work. Trail groups, volunteers, local organisations. These are the people who make the mountain biking community what it is, and The Trail Pot is here not only to work with them, but to give back to them. 

As SMEs (LBS, coaches, guides, cafes and similar) get behind The Trail Pot, the charity will record which region’s projects they’re supporting. The more support there is for the Trail Pot from a region, the more of a share of the pot that region will get. For instance, if eight per cent of their supporters are from Anglia, eight per cent of the overall pot each cycle will be allocated to Anglia. Everyone, however, benefits from a bigger pot. The pot is also filled by big businesses and general donations, which can be made via their website.

The regions are:

• North West

• North East

• Yorkshire and Humber

• West Midlands

• East Midlands

• Anglia 

• South West

• South East

• Wales

• Scotland

• Northern Ireland

The Trail Pot’s first official supporter was announced in December 2024 as Big On Bikes in Little Eaton, Derbyshire. Deeply rooted in the local cycling community, Big on Bikes have a team of experienced mechanics, all of whom are MTB riders themselves. The business, like Trail Pot, is passionate about their long-standing connection to the trails and broader MTB scene. 

“The Trail Pot is a great idea and can really help to advocate on behalf of the MTB community for better representation, access rights and also raise awareness of local initiatives and promote MTB activity for young and old,” said Dave Howard, owner of Big on Bikes. “We’re proud to support its work and look forward to working together to make a positive impact.

The support from Big on Bikes means the East Midlands will get a bigger share of the pot when it comes to redistribution further down the line, helping to fund more vital development. 

Besides having the knowledge that they are directly helping to develop grassroots mountain biking, there are a number of other advantages to supporting The Trail Pot. Involving your business in charitable work, you can build stronger relationships, attract new business, stand out from competitors, mark your ethics, and most importantly, make an impact. 

The trustees are hand-picked for their skills and experience, so the Trail Pot is in safe hands. Chris Maloney, founder and brains behind The Trail Pot, is an award-winning campaigner, fundraiser, mountain biking ambassador and leader from Fulwood, Sheffield. 

Being involved in mountain biking development for over 15 years, he set up Keeper of the Peak, and has been involved with Peak District MTB for the past decade, and as Chair for the last two he was instrumental in raising funds to protect Cut Gate path and is dedicated to opening greater access for riders. 

Chris brings a wealth of professional experience to The Trail Pot, with 20 years of working in communications in FTSE 100 companies. He continues to champion the mountain biking community passionately.

Chris Heseltine-James, the photographer and videographer responsible for The Trail Pot’s website and media, is also a UK Ambassador for Knolly Mountain Bikes. With a background in physical education and sport, Chris was the owner of Alliance MTB Coaching for over ten years and is a keen MTB rider and trail builder. 

Iain Thomson, managing director of Bellona Advisors and a strategic advisor to a number of the UK’s leading real estate and energy businesses, has played a crucial part, by chairing a Doncaster-based community interest company, Flying Futures, which delivered a number of key Government programmes to improve youth participation in sports and arts and reduce youth exclusion in education. 

The Trail Pot value community, teamwork, sustainability, and impact above all else. The only national charity in the country supporting this essential grassroots development at a foundational level, the organisation plays a vital role, making a real difference. 

Visit http://www.thetrailpot.com for more information