Polaris Big Boss helps to build Bike Park Wales
BikePark Wales is the largest mountain bike gravity park in the UK and one of the largest in Europe so there is no wonder why they called in the Polaris Big Boss – the Sportsman 6×6 570 EPS – to lend a helping hand in the construction and management of the venue.
With over 45 trails ranging in style and grade – from green beginner lines through to purple pro lines – there is something for everyone’s experience and ability. Built by riders, for riders, BikePark Wales aims to make mountain biking accessible for all to try, whether it be for the first time, reigniting an old passion or continuing to enjoy and progress.
After purchasing the Polaris Big Boss from Paterson ATV back in 2012, the construction of the gravity park officially began and they opened their doors to the public a year later in 2013. . Having already had an experience with Polaris Off Road Vehicles, the team knew that the Big Boss was up for the task of building their very first trails.
But they didn’t stop there, after proving itself to be invaluable help across the park, the team purchased another Polaris Sportsman 6×6 in 2014.
“The stability, manoeuvrability and their capacity to carry two team members and extra kit or materials due to the size of the box on the back was just perfect. Also their narrow wheel base is ideal when accessing tight and difficult to reach areas.”
Now used primarily for transporting trail crew, tools and equipment around the hill to conduct maintenance and repairs, the team couldn’t be without the Sportsman.
“It’s a vehicle that just keeps on giving,” continued Brendan. “We originally bought them to build the trails, then to transport the team and equipment around, we still use them for that but they are now also utilised as first response and casualty extraction to take a rider from limited access locations to accessible ambulance pick up locations.”
Now, BikePark Wales have two Polaris Sportsman 6x6s as well as a full-sized RANGER which is used by the Trail Crew and Grounds Keepers.
“The side by side is much the same when it comes to stability and manoeuvrability. It is a very versatile machine but with its wider wheel base and height due to the cab, it is not able to access all of the same locations as the quad. However it has a larger loading capacity for tools and materials and we fitted a motorised tipper to reduce manual handling. The 3-seats are wonderful as it means we can transport two passengers at a time and they can stay dry in the wet. The RANGER and the Sportsmans compliment each other really well."
“We just can’t believe their versatility around the hill and over challenging terrain, which is all down to good grip, control and turning circle. Combined with the extra capacity in the Polaris Big Boss to carry a greater volume of material or equipment, plus the motorised tipper on the RANGER, they are simply excellent vehicles for our business and requirements.”
For more information about the Sportsman line-up click here <https://www.polarisbritain.com/>
For more information on BikePark Wales visit – <https://www.bikeparkwales.com/>
Images provided by Bike Park Wales.