Our opening, and Becoming a part of history
On the 10th June 2023, we officially opened the Rossendale Bike Hub! The day coincided with the 50th birthday of Ski Rossendale, our neighbours on what’s now called The Hill. It was a magnificent and very special day, and we were honoured to be a part of the event.
The Rossendale Bike Hub is located in the Chalet, that was built alongside the ski slope. During the celebrations we met some of the original creators of the slope and the chalet and we avidly listened to them share their stories about the history of The Hill.
A brief history of The Hill
Half a century ago a gang of passionate skiers grew increasingly frustrated with skiing on old, not very technical, and unfit for purpose kit on the slope. And they had nowhere to hide from the elements and the weather (remember this is Rossendale, not The Alps!). Armed with their passion and love of skiing they clubbed together and bought the Chalet, importing it from Finland no less! With a remarkable display of teamwork, a clear vision and a few broken bones along the way (true story, we’re told!) the chalet was built.
We met not only the original creators of the slope and the chalet, but also some of their children and grandchildren, who have grown up alongside the venue, building great friendships and community along the way. Suffice to say, this is not just a wooden structure; it’s so much more. It’s a time capsule of history, memories and a future yet to be realised.
Over the years, the chalet has been used as a ski hut, a Montissori school a yoga studio and a nursery. We are privileged to have the opportunity to be part of it’s story as it now becomes the home of the Rossendale Bike Hub.
A new lease of life
Over the years the chalet had become a little worse for wear, and so our team (mostly Dom and I!) spent the last few months renovating and restoring it to it’s former glory, and we were pleased to show it in it’s best light to the original creators on our opening day. Our passion for all things cycling is as strong as that of the original skiers, and we aim to use our passion and vision to make the hub central to the cycling community – just like the founders did 5 decades ago.
A delightful gentlemen who assisted on the original construction shared a poem that was about the build and the people involved, we were flattered that he gave it to us as the new custodians of the chalet. It meant a lot to him and now we feel proud to be a part of the story.
Ode to the Builders
There’s a place on the high slopes of Cribden
That’s noted for fresh air and fun
Where many a promising mountain man
Can be seen skiing down in the sun
Now there is many an fine weather skier
Who, when rain poured down cats and dogs
Said they need somewhere to shelter
And some food said build it wi’logs
It was talked over by t’committee
And then all was truly agreed
That a great big log cabin fro’ Finland
Now when I saw the big pile of timber
And read the instructions reyt though
I turned to Jim ‘atton, the Gaffer
‘n said “What the ell do we do?”
There were eighteen ton’ o timber
And no sign of a tube of glue
It were eld together wi’ woo pegs
Twelve ‘undred o’t buggers it’s true
We called for some help from the members
And assembled a reyt motley crew
That were lifters holders and hitters
And “gofers” a dozen or two
Most pf the crew weren’t quite experts
As cutting the tie rods did show
When a ten foot rod down a twelve foot hole
Caused Alex to say “I’ll be Blowed!”
Now in such massive construction
Accidents could happen’ that’s true
What wi’ bruises and cuts and legs broken
The air was a deep shade of blue
The door casings were somethin’ special
But the doors weren’t always just right
And when Adam picked up the jigsaw
He med sure the buggers didn’t fit tight,
Now I’m not one to tell tales about workmates
But there is one about Peter and Jim
The put I one of the windows and
And made it open out ‘n not in.
In case of fire it was crucial
That we made a big door in the wall,
Then a fire escape was provided
By our friends Jean and Peter Nuttal
Well we thought, What to do with the outside?
The finish we just couldn’t make
So we called in Steve Todd with his spray gun
Who sprayed up the hut and Jims car.
So I come to the end of my story
And say to my friends old and new
Thank you lifters and holders and hitters
Let’s have a really good do.
