Our mountain biking activity takes place every Saturday and as long as you can ride a bike you will be able to take part. After the initial skills session we will quickly get an idea what type of rider you are, your current strengths and areas for focus.
After the skills we lead different groups for a ride out in the South Downs National Park. The 1st Saturday of the month we ride from Stanmer park and the others are from the Adur Recreation Ground in Shoreham. We also run other rides throughout the year including trips to Bedgebury Forest and the North Downs. We also run special rides in the summer, for example, night rides and longer challenges like riding the entire South Downs Way.
Our sessions are all run and supported by British Cycling Coaches but you also need to be ready and prepared for the session. You might miss out if something is not ready or right. Preparation for and participation in a typical Saturday ride look something like this:
2 Days Before – Check the Bike. It’s a good idea for you (or an adult) to check your bike over for any major problems. If something’s wrong that can’t be fixed by you it gives you time to buy something or get it fixed before the ride.
1 Day Before – Check your clothing & kit. The day before is the time to check all your clothes, helmet, gloves, drinks bottle and any other kit is ready.
On the morning – Fuel up, ready and leave early. Getting up in good time to get ready, some food and drink in you and be ready leave with good time to get there. Aim to arrive at 8:50 ready to start riding at 9:00
9:00am to 10:00 – Warm up & Skills. A few activities will then take place focusing on some skills, these will be geared to you as a rider. You can practise as much as you want and then we will usually finish with a game.
10:00 to 12:00(ish) – Ride. We will then split into groups and go for a ride, we could just cycle up to the Chalk Pits or the older riders might make it to Devils Dyke and back. During the ride we will stop if required for breaks and to fix any punctures.
12:00(ish) – End of Session. Expect to be back at the centre between 12:00, and 12:15. However, problems like punctures can occur, if this happens we inform the other coaches who will pass on a message to anyone waiting. After ride feedback could be a quick breakdown of the ride or just a quick ‘nice ride, see you next time’.