FAQs

+ Can I purchase a voucher for a present?

  • Yes, I regularly provide electronic vouchers for birthdays, Christmas or special occasions. The vouchers can be for a Guided Ride, with or without hire bikes, and will be valid for 6 months from date of issue. Just call or email me with your requirements and we'll go from there.

+ Can I just hire a bike from you?

  • My bikes are only available for hire as part of a guided ride booking. If hire bikes are required they are charged in addition to the guided ride. All hire bikes are supplied with a helmet and riding gloves.

+ What do I need to bring?

  • Your mountain bike although, if this isn't possible, I have mountain bikes for hire - see PRICING page for info.

  • Wear general sports clothing that is appropriate for the activity and the weather. Please try to avoid loose/baggy clothing. Padded cycling shorts and high viz clothing are useful but not essential. In terms of footwear, all my hire bikes have 'flat' mountain bike pedals so sturdy outdoor trainers are fine.

  • Bike helmet (essential - a helmet is supplied with a hire bike), gloves (recommended - gloves are supplied with a hire bike), protective glasses (recommended), light backpack, light waterproof jacket and other protective wear as preferred.

  • Water or energy drinks, snacks, some spare dry clothes, sun cream (depending on weather) & mobile phone

  • I will carry a basic first aid kit, tools and spares for the most common trail side repairs.

  • Personal medication (Inhaler, EpiPen, Insulin etc).

+ How many can I have in my group and do you take children?

  • The min group size is 1 rider and my preferred max group size 5 riders. If your group is larger than 5 riders, please contact me and I will aim to fix something up to suit. Please note that rides are for adults and/or teenage children (age 14 years or above).

+ How long are the rides?

  • Half-Day mountain bike rides are typically 25-30 km long with around 500-600m ascent although I will flex these up or down according to rider experience and fitness. Full-Day mountain bike rides add approx 50% more distance and ascent and also include a lunch break (food not provided). If 100% MTB isn't your thing then do ask about my Gravel Bike rides as these include a mix of on/off-road, canal towpaths and less climbing.

+ What level of difficulty are the rides?

  • The mountain bike rides include some challenging climbs so moderate/strenuous activity should be expected however, I’ll adjust the route for the weather, the trail conditions, your riding experience and fitness to ensure that everyone in the group enjoys their time out as well as getting a sense of achievement. As a guide, unless you are a regular MTB rider, used to hills, then I strongly recommend you consider hiring an electric mountain bike.

+ Where are the rides located?

  • The mountain biking routes are located on the Cotswold escarpment in an area roughly bounded by the towns and villages of Stroud, Coaley, Wotton-under-Edge and Nailsworth. The gravel bike routes include trails in The Berkeley Vale and The Stroud Valleys.

+ What are the arrival and parking arrangements?

  • There's secure off-road car parking at my house which is at the start/finish of all rides. Toilet and bike wash facilities available.

+ Do I need to complete a booking form?

  • A pre-ride Consent Form covering essential medical details, next of kin, biking experience etc will be required. This will be available via a link on the booking confirmation email. A completed form, for each rider, is required before the day of the ride. The form will only take a few minutes to fill-in.

+ What experience do I need as a cyclist?

  • It is essential that all riders have good basic cycling skills and that they are, at least, competent and confident riding bikes on roads. Being mountain biking beginners however, isn’t a problem and I regularly guide riders who are new to mountain biking and they have great fun!

+ Are there any accessibility considerations?

  • Sorry, currently no special access facilities are provided.

+ Can you recommend a good pub for after the ride?

  • The Old Fox is a traditional pub in Coaley village. It is just 1 mile away and is highly recommended for real ale and good food - advance booking advised.