Dirt Factory launches crowd fund campaign
20 January 2016 | By billy1979Dirt Factory is appealing to mountain bikers and investors to support a crowd fund campaign to raise the remaining start-up funds to open an the UK's first indoor bike park.
Founder Dan Makin with the Dirt Factory team.
Dirt Factory are launching their crowd-fund campaign on 1 February 2016 via crowd funding website, Crowdcube. Supporters can pledge anything from £10 and above to get a share of the business and unique investor rewards.
Dirt Factory will be the UK's first indoor bike park designed specifically for mountain bikes and BMXs. An existing warehouse or distribution centre will be filled with mountain-bike trails, jumps and pump tracks made out of recycled dirt and shipping containers.
Dan Makin, is one of the founders and Directors of Dirt Factory. Dan said: "We have a truly unique offer and one that will hopefully get more people enjoying cycling, more often. Getting kids off their phones and computers, having fun together on bikes is something we see a big priority."
"We are very excited to be launching the Dirt Factory crowd fund campaign. Our team has carried out extensive planning and research to develop the Dirt Factory business and get the venture to this stage. Now is the time for people to get behind the project and help get the Dirt Factory wheels in motion."
One of the proposed venues for Dirt Factory.
Dan and his fellow Dirt Factory team have already secured over £200k of start-up capital from private investors, industry supporters and their own savings. The team behind the project include a construction project manager, mountain-bike trail builders, marketing professionals and cycle coaches. They have spent the last three years researching, developing their business plan and growing a supporter network.
Mark McClure is a fellow Dirt Factory director and an International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) Trail Specialist. Mark has recently worked on bike park projects in China, Israel, Mexico, Norway, Switzerland and USA.
3D model of Dirt Factory.
Mark commented: "We've had great support from local riders, the wider cycle community and some big international bike brands. A facility that is dry, convenient and with high quality trails to practice your bike skills and have fun is something a lot of UK riders are crying out for. We are also confident that it will attract those who are new to cycling or have ridden bicycles but want to develop their off-road cycle skills."
"Indoor bike parks have proved successful in the USA and we're starting to see more emerge in Europe. Manchester is the perfect base for Dirt Factory in the UK and it will further enhance the cycle credentials of the city.
The Dirt Factory crowd fund campaign launches on 1 February 2016 is live for 30 days. To find out more and pledge your support visit http://dirtfactory.org/crowdfund-campaign/
